A new study in mice showed that an unhealthy vaginal microbiome in pregnant mothers in combination with an unhealthy diet contributed to increased pup deaths and altered development in the surviving babies. The findings suggest that changes in a mother's diet, such as more fruits and vegetables, may counteract unhealthy...
New research on famous ‘supertramp’ birds in Southeast Asia offers fresh insights into the evolution of wide-ranging animals
Beautiful 'supertramp' birds in Southeast Asia are providing unique insights into how evolution is linked to flight ability and competition. New research testing decades-old theories has confirmed that the isolating effects of islands impact the evolution of even the species most accomplished at colonizing them -- and in some surprising...
Fossil snail shells offer new tool for analyzing ancient ocean chemistry
A collection of fossil shells from marine snails and clams is challenging a theory that says the world's deadliest mass extinction was accompanied by severe ocean acidification. The study is the first to use shells from fossilized mollusks to investigate ocean chemistry, demonstrating a new tool that scientists can use...
Ground-breaking study reveals dynamics of DNA replication ‘licensing’
A new study has illuminated an important process that occurs during cell division and is a likely source of DNA damage under some circumstances, including cancer.
Athletes warned against potential dangers of natural supplements
Nutritional supplements taken to boost athletic performance can pose risks to the heart, according to a recent statement.
Ancient ice reveals mysterious solar storm
Through analysis of ice cores from Greenland and Antarctica, a research team has found evidence of an extreme solar storm that occurred about 9,200 years ago. What puzzles the researchers is that the storm took place during one of the sun's more quiet phases -- during which it is generally...
Song sparrows shuffle and repeat to keep their audience listening
Biologists have found an animal for the first time that communicates with the complexity of human language: song sparrows. According to a new study, male song sparrows memorize a 30-minute long playlist of their recently belted tunes and use that information to curate both their current playlist and the next...
Scientists regrow frog’s lost leg
Scientists have triggered long-term growth of legs in adult frogs, which are naturally unable to regenerate limbs. The frogs regrew a lost leg over months, triggered by just 24 hour exposure to a five-drug cocktail held under a bioreactor. The new legs were functional enough to enable sensation and locomotion.
Urban greening ‘not a panacea’ for dealing with extreme weather
Urban greening is unlikely to provide a single fix for tackling extreme weather events brought on by climate change, scientists have suggested.
‘Smart saddle’ could help equestrians hit their stride
Researchers have developed a prototype 'smart saddle' that could help equestrians improve their biomechanics. Moreover, the self-powered saddle can alert others when a rider takes a fall.