Archives
March 9, 2010A Desert Rodent with Unusual Looks
What is this unusual creature? Though it may look like something out of a video game, this odd-looking animal actually does exist. It is a long-eared jerboa, just one of many types of jerboa found in desert habitats in northern Africa, eastern Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. The long-eared jerboa shown here is native to portions of Mongolia, China, and Tadjikistan.
FeatureFebruary 24, 2010Using Geographic Profiling to Track Great White Shark Predation
Geographic profiling is a method typically used by criminal investigators to track the movements of serial killers by tracing a connection between crime scenes. Researchers from the University of Miami, University of British Columbia, and Texas State University recently used this method to study the hunting habits of the great white shark off the coast of South Africa.
Strange BiologyFebruary 12, 2010Scientists Find Friction is Key to Snake Movement
Researchers studying the mechanics of snake movement have discovered that snakes move with the help of friction at the microscopic level. Scientists previously thought that snakes moved by pushing their bodies against objects, David Hu and his colleagues confirmed this idea, but determined that the movement occurs with the help of the snake’s belly scales.
FeatureJanuary 13, 2010Bark Beetles Wreak Havoc in Western U.S. and Canadian Forests
If you live, travel, or ski in the American West, you may have noticed a large number of standing dead trees among the region’s pine forests. What is causing so many trees to die? The answer may be surprising—it lies in a tiny insect . . . and a natural process.
FeatureDecember 22, 2009Tree With an Ancient Past
Talk about tenacity—not only are bristlecone pines among the oldest organisms alive, but they also survive in rather harsh conditions. These long-lived organisms have a number of interesting adaptations that allow them to survive over long periods of time in what many other organisms would consider to be rather hostile conditions.
Strange BiologyDecember 4, 2009Outdoor Cats Significantly Impact Local Wildlife
The predator crouches in the grass, lying in wait. Tail gently swaying side to side, concentration remains on its prey, foraging unsuspectingly nearby. When the moment is right, the predator pounces and catches the prey by surprise, and with one lethal bite, struggle ceases.
FeatureNovember 12, 2009Hummingbird's Flight Speed Beats a Fighter Jet
Male Anna’s hummingbirds (Calypte anna) have quite an impressive courtship display to impress the ladies. When the male spies a female during the breeding season, it proceeds to soar 30 meters up into the sky and then dives down toward the female, reaching speeds up to 27.3 meters per second (61 mph) at the peak of its dive.
Strange BiologyNovember 2, 2009Heritage Turkeys Begin To Make a Comeback
This Thanksgiving, Americans are expected to consume 46 million broad-breasted white turkeys—the standard turkey found in your local supermarket. However, a growing number of small-scale poultry producers across the United States are raising unique and rare breeds of turkeys, some of which have been around since the very first Thanksgiving feast in 1621.
FeatureOctober 16, 2009Rock Snot is Nothing to Sneeze At
Though endemic to some waterways in North America and northern Europe, the algae Didymosphenia geminata is starting to become a problem in lakes, streams, and other waterways where it has inadvertently been introduced.
FeatureOctober 2, 2009Tracking Tigers By Their Scat
Given a tiger’s large territorial range, solitary behavior, and mainly nocturnal activities, tracking the animals is a difficult endeavor. Wildlife researchers in India have determined that collecting fecal samples (also known as scat) is a reliable method that can be used to determine the population size of tigers in the wild.
Strange BiologySeptember 16, 2009University of Colorado-Boulder Study Finds Some Showers Deliver a Blast of Pathogens
Research led by Dr. Norman Pace, a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology at the University of Colorado at Boulder, indicates that showerheads are home to a soupy mix (also called a "bio-film") of pathogenic... Weekly News Update
September 10, 2009Researchers Find H1N1 Flu Virus Able To Infect Lung Cells
Researchers at Imperial College London have determined that, unlike the seasonal flu, the H1N1 flu virus is able to infect cells deep within the lungs, which potentially can lead to serious lung infections. The scientists believe this is one reason... Weekly News Update
September 8, 2009Scientists Develop Iron-Rich Rice Plant
Iron deficiency can be a problem for those who do not eat a well-balanced diet, and it can be an especially insidious problem for populations in developing countries. Women and children are particularly vulnerable to iron deficiency. Symptoms of iron... UNIT 7: Plants
September 1, 2009City Roofs Go Green
Green roofs have their roots in ancient history. Many people point to the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, as an example of one of the first green roofs. Unlike those gardens, modern-day green roofs provide much more than just a pleasant view. Feature
September 1, 2009Dragon With A Deadly Bite
The Komodo dragon, like its name suggests, is a ferocious animal. It is the largest lizard in the world—as an adult it may grow to a length of ten feet and weigh over 150 pounds. In addition to its menacing size, the Komodo dragon also features super-sharp teeth and claws. If the teeth and claws don't kill its prey, blood poisoning caused by one of the 50 bacteria species in its saliva will. Strange Biology
August 31, 2009Pandemics — Is the Next One on the Way?
Imagine that a new virus emerges and people have no immunity. There is no vaccine. If this were to happen, there could be mandatory travel restrictions, quarantines, and social distancing—including staying out of all crowded places. In the United States alone, such an outbreak could kill up to 2 million people. But how can such a virus emerge, and how can we prepare for it? UNIT 6: Classification and Diversity
August 31, 2009Genetically Modified Foods — Do Potential Problems Outweigh Benefits?
There is a food fight going on, and you may need to choose a side. Genetically modified (GM) foods have been on the market since the early 1990s, and today most foods in U.S. grocery stores have GM ingredients. But the wide availability of GM food also raises concerns on topics ranging from health to the environment. Should you be worried about eating GM foods? UNIT 7: Plants
August 31, 2009Global Warming — Changing the Planet
Polar bears are beginning to drown. In the summer, the area of arctic sea ice on which these carnivores hunt seals has declined 10 to 15 percent as worldwide temperatures rise. As this ice is lost, polar bears must swim as far as 100 kilometers (about 60 mi) to find their prey. Some of these polar bears do not make it. If global warming is changing the shape of one of Earth’s coldest regions, how will it affect the rest of our planet? UNIT 5: Ecology
August 27, 2009Researchers Find Promising Target for Antibacterial Agents
Infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria, such as MRSA, are incredibly difficult to treat. Researchers from the Burnham Institute for Medical Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, and University of Maryland have discovered that an enzyme found in many types... Weekly News Update
August 21, 2009Making Pesticides from the Spice Rack
Spices such as rosemary, thyme, clove, and peppermint are most often used to flavor a variety of foods, including pasta dishes, meat dishes, and desserts. But did you know that these spices can also be used as natural pesticides in... Weekly News Update
August 14, 2009Maintaining Youth and Preventing Disease All in a Cup of Tea
Many scientific studies have touted the healthful benefits of drinking various kinds of tea. Extracts found in green tea, for example, have been implicated in the improvement of one's cardiovascular health and the prevention of various types of cancer. Green... Weekly News Update
August 7, 2009Driven to the Edge by a Parasite
Imagine what it would feel like if you were infected by a parasite that was able to control everything you do. Turns out, this sort of situation isn’t just the product of some Hollywood director’s imagination. Some parasites can and do take over their host’s bodies. Strange Biology
August 7, 2009Bats Dying Off in Huge Numbers
Bats often bring to mind images of blood-sucking vampires, rabies infections, and other nightmarish scenarios. However, bats are actually a very important part of the ecosystem in which they live. Insect-eating species eat huge numbers of insects at night. They save you from bug bites and also save farmers millions of dollars. Recently, huge numbers of bats have been dying off in northeastern U.S. caves. Scientists are in a rush to discover what is causing their deaths. Feature
August 6, 2009When Knowledge and Ethics Collide
Our ability to change living things grows as we learn more about life. But sometimes biotechnology makes us question whether we should change organisms just because we can. Maybe the technology is dangerous or maybe it challenges our values. Consider the greenish pig in the photo. A gene from a fluorescent jellyfish was added to its genome by genetic engineering. Genetic engineering holds great promise for medicine. But how and when should we alter an organism’s genes? UNIT 1: Introducing Biology
August 6, 2009An Experiment Straight Out of Aesop's Fables
Researchers in England have found that at least one of Aesop's fables is not far from fact. In their experiments, Christopher Bird of the University of Cambridge and Nathan Emery of Queen Mary University of London set out to determine... Weekly News Update
August 6, 2009Drug-Resistant Bacteria — A Global Health Issue
A bicyclist falls, scrapes his knees, and within a few days is unable to walk. Soccer players with turf burns suddenly find themselves in the hospital with skin infections that require intravenous antibiotics. Why are these young, healthy athletes developing such serious infections? UNIT 4: Evolution
July 30, 2009Blue Dye May Prove Useful in Treatment of Spinal Cord Injuries
Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) have found that a substance similar to the common food dye that gives M&Ms their bright blue color has been shown to help reduce the effects of spinal cord injuries if... Weekly News Update
July 23, 2009The Loss of Biodiversity
Extinction is occurring at a rate that is 1000 times faster than any time in the past 100,000 years. Wide swathes of rain forest are being destroyed as humans develop the land for agriculture and other human needs. Because rain forests are areas with high biodiversity, each time an acre of land is lost, species that once lived there may be lost as well. Why is biodiversity important? How does its loss affect you? UNIT 8: Animals
July 23, 2009Bird Communities Affected by Noise Pollution
Researchers in Colorado have found that noise pollution adversely affects communities of woodland birds. The three-year study was led by Clinton Francis, a doctoral student in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Colorado-Boulder. Two other... Weekly News Update
July 16, 2009Calorie-Restricted Diet Prolongs Life of Rhesus Monkeys
Research conducted with rhesus monkeys and reported in the July 10 edition of the journal Science indicates that consistently consuming a reduced-calorie diet may lead to a prolonged life and better health. The continuing study, begun in 1989, follows two... Weekly News Update
July 13, 2009Fish Flatulence — How Certain Fish Communicate in School
Most animals do not pass gas for any purpose other than necessity. In the oceans, however, there is an animal that may use flatulence as a means of communication. Strange Biology
July 13, 2009Expedition — Costa Rica
Check out an ecotourist's adventure in the Corcovado National Park in Costa Rica, one of the world’s most diverse tropical rain forests. Read about the animals and plants she found on her trip. UNIT 5: Ecology
July 10, 2009Scientists Report More Concerns Over Use of BPA
You may want to check out what materials your water bottle is made out of before taking your next big swig. Research indicates that using hard plastic water bottles made with bisphenol A (or BPA) may lead to reproductive and... Weekly News Update
July 1, 2009Whitening Products Safer for Teeth than Orange Juice
Researchers at the University of Rochester's Eastman Institute for Oral Health have determined that tooth whitening agents typically used in dentist offices and at home are safer for teeth than drinking fruit juices, soda, and sports or energy drinks. Such... Weekly News Update
June 25, 2009Brain Science — We Are Wired to Learn!
Your brain has more than 100 billion cells, called neurons. Together, the neurons in your brain are so powerful that they can process more information than the most powerful existing computer can in the same amount of time. Your brain can accomplish so much because you’ve spent years— every second of your life—learning from and interpreting the world around you. UNIT 9: Human Biology
June 25, 2009Brain Function Differs for Morning People and Night Owls
Researchers at the University of Alberta in Canada have discovered that there really is a difference between those who describe themselves as "morning people" and those who consider themselves "night owls." Those self-described as "morning people" tend to wake up... Weekly News Update
June 19, 2009Stem Cell Research — Potential Solutions, Practical Challenges
A news program asks viewers to vote online: "Should stem cell research be banned? Yes or no?" Some people claim that stem cell therapy will revolutionize medicine. Others believe that some types of stem cell research violate ethical standards and are not justified by the potential benefits. Between these two positions exists a wide range of ideas about what is or is not acceptable. Would you know how to vote? UNIT 2: Cells
June 19, 2009Stem Cells Derived from Tissues Normally Discarded After Surgery
Researchers at the University of São Paulo in Brazil have determined that discarded fallopian tubes, removed during hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) or female sterilization procedures, may be an excellent source of stem cells. In their study of discarded fallopian... Weekly News Update
June 15, 2009Working Out Relieves Depression and Boosts Brain Cells
In experimental studies conducted on rats, both exercise and antidepressants increased the formation of new cells in an area of the brain that is important to memory and learning. Feature
June 14, 2009Femme Fatales Fireflies
What he perceives as the light of his life might be his fatal attraction! Strange Biology
June 12, 2009WHO Declares H1N1 Flu Virus Outbreak a Pandemic
On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization raised the alert level to phase 6—meaning that the occurrence of swine flu can be categorized as a pandemic. Since the virus was first identified, over 30,000 cases of swine flu have... Weekly News Update
June 4, 2009Is it a Boy or a Girl? For Some Reptiles, It May Depend on Egg Size
Whether an animal develops into a male or female is in most cases determined by specialized sex chromosomes. In most mammals, for example, males have an X chromosome and a Y chromosome, and females have two X chromosomes. Because they... Weekly News Update
May 29, 2009Scientists Surprised by Diversity of Skin Bacteria
This illustration shows the 20 sites on the human body that were targeted for microbial genome sequencing analysis. (Credit: Jane Ades/NHGRI) Researchers recently discovered that the diversity of bacteria on human skin is much greater than previously thought. The... Weekly News Update
May 22, 2009Scientists Unveil Interesting Fossil Specimen
Fossil remains of Darwinius masillae. (Credit: PLoS ONE/Jørn Hurum, Jens Franzen, Philip Gingerich, Jörg Habersetzer, Wighart von Koenigswald, and B. Holly Smith) Scientists have determined that a 47-million-year-old fossil discovered in Germany may be an extremely early primate that... Weekly News Update
May 22, 2009Some Birds Get Their Groove On, Too
Until recently, the ability to keep time to music was considered to be a characteristic unique to humans. However, research now indicates that several species of parrots, such as the cockatoo shown above, are also able to move rhythmically to a musical beat. Perhaps the next season of Dancing with the Stars should consider adding a few avian contestants? (Photo credit: GlobalP/ istockphoto.com)
Strange BiologyMay 15, 2009Flower Surface Lets Bees Get a Grip
Special cells on the surface of flower petals helps bees and other insect pollinators get a grip. (Photo credit: Jack Dykinga/USDA) Scientists have long wondered why the surface of many insect-pollinated flowers are covered with cone-shaped cells. Researchers at... Weekly News Update
May 15, 2009'Hobbit'-sized Hominin May Be New Species
In 2003, the skull and remains of a purported 'Hobbit'-sized human was found in Liang Bua, a limestone cave located on the Indonesian island of Flores. Controversy has surrounded the classification of the remains ever since. Recent research published in several scientific journals by anthropologists and other scientists is helping to determine where exactly the species, named Homo floresiensis, belongs in the web of life.
FeatureApril 24, 2009Does Being Overweight Hurt the Environment?
We all know that being obese is bad for your health. But did you know that being overweight may also be bad for the environment? Recent research indicates that obese populations expend more energy and produce more greenhouse gases than... Weekly News Update
April 22, 2009Putting Worms to Work
Making a composting bin is an easy way to turn the organic waste you create each day—such as vegetable and fruit peels, egg shells, and newsprint— into nutrient-rich soil. All you need to get started are a few simple materials such as a plastic bin, newspaper, and some red worms.
FeatureApril 22, 2009Fuel from Algae
Could pond scum be the next miracle fuel? If research scientists are successful, you may one day fuel your car with biofuel made from algae. In fact, commercial airlines have already started flight testing the new fuel using blends of standard fuel and algae-based biofuel.
Strange BiologyApril 16, 2009Microrobots to the Rescue
It is almost impossible for human hands to maneuver in a microscale environment. But now a very small robot, developed by scientists at the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada, may be available to accomplish these tasks. The MicroElectroMechanical Systems... Weekly News Update
April 9, 2009A Possible Solution to a Sticky Situation
Would you believe that 660 million tons of chewing gum are made every year? Chewing gum is a $19.5 billion per year industry worldwide. Over $2 billion worth of chewing gum is sold annually in the U.S. alone. And Americans... Weekly News Update
April 3, 2009Sponges Descended from Unique Ancestor
Researchers have discovered that sponges evolved from a separate ancestor than all other animals. This finding is contrary to popular thought that places a sponge-like creature as the ancient ancestor of all other animals. Research indicates that sponges evolved... Weekly News Update
March 31, 2009The Curious Case of the Platypus
The platypus is a curious animal. It has a bill like a duck, it produces milk and has fur like a mammal, and it lays eggs like a reptile. Scientists recently sequenced the entire genome of a platypus and discovered that its odd appearance is in fact a testament to its bird, reptile, and mammal ancestors.
Strange BiologyMarch 26, 2009Scientist Discovers New Spider Species
Dozens of new species of jumping spiders were found during a recent expedition in Papua New Guinea. (Photo credit: Wayne Maddison) An expedition into one of the largest undeveloped areas on Papua New Guinea resulted in the discovery of... Weekly News Update
March 19, 2009Medical Technology — The Genetic Forefront
A college student comes down with the flu. Worried about missing class, he goes to an emergency clinic and is given a prescription for an antiviral flu drug. Thirty minutes after taking the first pill, he is gasping for breath and his heart is racing. He is rushed to the hospital, where doctors tell him he has had an adverse reaction to his antiviral medication. UNIT 3: Genetics
March 19, 2009Vaccines Delivered By A Smoothie
Scientists have developed a method to deliver an oral vaccine using probiotics. The term probiotics refers to so-called "good" bacteria, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus casei, that prevent the growth of dangerous bacteria, aid in digestion, increase immune system... Weekly News Update
March 17, 2009The Impact of Artificial Lights on Wildlife
As shown by this world map, the night sky is obscured by artificial lights in many parts of the world. These lights are used to light up buildings, roadways, stadiums, fields, and other structures. While these lights help humans navigate around their surroundings, they can wreak havoc with the natural movements and functions of other animals.
FeatureMarch 13, 2009President Obama Removes Limitations on Stem Cell Research
On Tuesday, President Obama signed Executive Order 13505. This executive order, entitled "Removing Barriers to Responsible Scientific Research Involving Human Stem Cells," revoked both the presidential statement of August 9, 2001 and Executive Order 13435. Executive Order 13435, signed by... Weekly News Update
March 6, 2009Scientists Suggest Short-Term Solution for Afflicted Bats
This little brown bat shows symptoms of white-nose syndrome. (Photo credit:Greg Turner/Pennsylvania Game Commission) Scientists are still struggling to determine the cause behind white-nose syndrome, a disease which has a mortality rate of 75 - 100 percent among affected... Weekly News Update
February 27, 2009Scientists Analyze Mouth Bacteria
Did you know that your body is home to 10 times as many bacterial cells as body cells? And did you know that your mouth alone is home to over 600 species of bacteria? While some oral bacteria can lead... Weekly News Update
February 25, 2009A Shark That Lives Among the Ice
The word "shark" probably conjures up images of the iconic grey dorsal fin wending its way toward a populated beach à la the movie Jaws. However, not all sharks inhabit coastal or tropical waters. In fact, one shark lives quite far from the nearest beach. This shark is the Greenland shark—and it lives in the polar latitudes of the northern Atlantic Ocean.
Strange BiologyFebruary 19, 2009Tropical Forests Are An Important Carbon Sink
Researchers at the University of Leeds in England working along with scientists from other research institutions have found that tropical forests are an important reservoir of carbon dioxide. This type of reservoir, which absorbs and holds carbon dioxide for long... Weekly News Update
February 13, 2009British Celebrate Darwin's Birthday
February 12th marked the beginning of a nearly year-long celebration in Great Britain to commemorate both the 200th anniversary of Charles Darwin's birth as well as the 150th anniversary of the publication of On the Origin of Species. Among the... Weekly News Update
February 12, 2009Happy Birthday, Charles Darwin!
February 12 marks the 200th anniversary of Charles Darwin's birth. You probably learned about Charles Darwin in biology class when discussing the theory of evolution. But do you know anything else about the man who revolutionized scientific thought 150 years ago? Here's your chance to get a closer look into the life of Charles Darwin.
FeatureJanuary 30, 2009B Memory Cells Still Remember 1918 Flu Virus
How long do the immune system’s B memory cells remember? Recent studies focused on the 1918 H1N1 influenza virus have finally given researchers a clue. In late 2008, lab tests revealed that survivors of the 1918 influenza pandemic could still... UNIT 6: Classification and Diversity
January 29, 2009Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Peanut Processing Plant
As of January 29, 2009, there have been more than 500 people infected and 8 possible deaths from Salmonella poisoning. The outbreak began in August 2008 and reached its peak in December. Since then, the number of reported cases has... Weekly News Update
January 27, 2009Invasive Species Spreads Through Europe’s Iberian Peninsula
Spanish researchers are reporting that an invasive fish, the dojo loach, is spreading through the rivers and wetlands of Spain, Portugal, and other countries of the Iberian peninsula. Invasive species are a major threat to the biodiversity of an area.... UNIT 8: Animals
January 27, 2009Deep-Sea Fish Uses Unusual Method to See
The brownsnout spookfish (Dolichopteryx longipes) is a fish like no other. It is the first vertebrate discovered to use mirrors, and not lenses, to focus its eyes. Why would such an unusual trait arise? One answer lies in the habitat where the spookfish lives.
Strange BiologyJanuary 26, 2009Are Antibiotics For Everything?
Do you think all kinds of sicknesses can be treated with antibiotics? Some patients do – and they’re wrong! Sicknesses such as the common cold and the flu are both viral diseases. Antibiotics do not kill viruses or treat the... UNIT 4: Evolution
January 26, 2009Genetically-Modified Fuel
Researchers at Pennsylvania State University have grown poplar trees that contain a gene from a very different plant: a green bean! The green bean gene causes changes in the makeup of the poplar tree’s lignin. Lignin is a material that... UNIT 7: Plants
January 26, 2009“Astronaut Food Approach” to Medical Testing
What comes to your mind when you think of astronaut food? You might think of food that is dried-out and nonperishable. These same descriptions might soon be applied to new malaria tests that do not require refrigeration and are small... UNIT 3: Genetics
January 26, 2009Novel Brain Region for Mammalian Neurogenesis
Adult neurogenesis is a mysterious phenomenon. Previously, scientists thought that adult neurogenesis, or the birth of new neurons, occurred most often in lower vertebrates such as frogs or fish. In mammals such as mice and rats, adult neurogenesis was thought... UNIT 9: Human Biology
January 23, 2009Can You Tell A Bully By His Genes?
Do you know some people who react more aggressively than others when they are bothered by something? Recent studies have identified a gene that may lead people to be more aggressive. The real name of this gene is monoamine oxidase... UNIT 1: Introducing Biology
January 23, 2009Adult Stem Cells from Organism's Own Bone Marrow
Researchers at Imperial College London have found a way to stimulate the release of adult stem cells from the organism’s own bone marrow. Not only have the scientists found they can cause the release of the stem cells, they also... UNIT 2: Cells
January 23, 2009Tree Mortality in West Caused by Warming Climate
Research published today in the journal Science indicates that the major contributing factors to tree mortality in the West is regional warming and drought stress. There has been a rapid increase in the number of dead trees found in old-growth... Weekly News Update
January 22, 2009Charging to Pollute
Carbon dioxide is the primary gas that causes the greenhouse effect which traps heat in our atmosphere and is part of global warming. Carbon dioxide is a product of many chemical reactions, such as the combustion of gasoline, coal, and... UNIT 5: Ecology
January 16, 2009US Senate Designates Over 2 Million Acres as Protected Wilderness
On Thursday, January 15, the U.S. Senate voted to protect more than two million acres in nine states by designating the areas as wilderness. This legislation marks one of the largest expansions of wilderness protection in 25 years. Among the... Weekly News Update
January 4, 2009Grazing Animals Help Spread Plant Disease
Research conducted by scientists from Oregon State University, Cornell University, and the University of North Carolina have implicated grazing animals in the spread of plant disease. The scientists studied the relationship between plant-eating animals, including mule deer, rabbits, and feral... Weekly News Update
January 4, 2009Mussels Wreaking Havoc in American Waterways
Move over, zebra mussels. There's a new invasive mollusk species in town. While biologists have been trying to quell the spread of the zebra mussels, quagga mussels, bivalves native to Ukraine, have quietly been taking over waterways from the Great Lakes to the Colorado River.
FeatureDecember 18, 2008A Sea Slug Powered by the Sun
Imagine that after eating a big salad, you were able to use the photosynthetic pigments in the lettuce to your advantage. Such is the case with Elysia chlorotica, and a few other unusual species of sea slugs.
Strange BiologyDecember 16, 2008A Parasite's Secrets are Revealed
This is a scanning electron micrograph (SEM) image of the flagellated protozoan parasite Giardia lamblia. (Photo Credit: CDC/Janice Carr) If you've ever gone hiking or camped in the backcountry, there's a good chance that at some point you had... Weekly News Update
December 2, 2008Scientists Begin to Unravel Mystery of Marine Animals' Migration
Scientists at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill are working to unravel the mystery of how (and why) some marine animals return to where they were born to reproduce. For example, some salmon migrate over 1000 miles from the ocean... Weekly News Update
November 25, 2008Raising Turkeys from Thanksgivings Past
This Thanksgiving, Americans are expected to consume 46 million broad-breasted white turkeys—the standard turkey found in your local supermarket. However, a growing number of small-scale poultry producers across the United States are raising unique and rare breeds of turkeys, some of which have been around since the very first Thanksgiving feast in 1621.
FeatureNovember 12, 2008Nematode-Resistant Bell Peppers Provide Alternative to Pesticide Use
Root-knot nematodes are common plant parasites that are found throughout the southern United States and across the world. These microscopic roundworms are found in the soil and on plant roots. They damage plants by feeding on root cells. The... Weekly News Update
November 5, 2008Scientists Shed Light on How Superbugs Spread
Researchers at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation (OMRF) have captured the first visual evidence of how deadly pathogens called "superbugs" spread. According to the researchers, these superbugs have become more and more common as the use of antibiotics has... Weekly News Update
October 31, 2008Cold Symptoms Linked to Immune Response, Not Cold Virus
Currently, there is not a cure for the common cold. When you catch a cold, doctors often advise that you drink a lot of fluids and maybe even have a bowl or two of chicken soup. You could take... Weekly News Update
October 29, 2008Researchers Link Circadian Rhythms to Learning and Memory
The daily pattern of sleep and activity that an animal exhibits is called a circadian rhythm. Scientists at Stanford University studying circadian system functions in Siberian hamsters recently discovered that an animal's circadian system is linked to learning and memory.
FeatureOctober 29, 2008Chameleon Spends Most of Its Life in Its Egg
"Life is short" isn't just a witty saying for a certain species of chameleons that live in southwestern Madagascar. For the Labord's chameleon, life really is short. And, to make it even more interesting, the majority of its shortened life is spent within the confines of an egg. Strange Biology
October 22, 2008Bird Species Takes "Non-Stop Flight" to a Whole New Level
During their south-bound migration, bar-tailed godwits travel non-stop from their breeding grounds in Alaska to their winter grounds in New Zealand. (Illustration credit: USGS) Bar-tailed godwits, a type of shorebird, have knocked the eastern curlew off its pedestal and... Weekly News Update
October 17, 2008Climate Change May Threaten Australia's Kangaroo Populations
"Kangaroos" and "Australia" go together like peanut butter and jelly. Recent research released this week indicates that kangaroos might not fare so well in the future due to climate change. Researchers at Australia's James Cook University have determined that... Weekly News Update
October 9, 2008Discovery and Use of Glowing Protein Leads to Nobel Prize for Three Scientists
Do you have your biology textbook handy? Check out the glowing mouse on the Chapter 8 opener. Pretty cool, huh? This week, three scientists were awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for their work related to the discovery and subsequent... Weekly News Update
October 2, 2008Black Rhinos Released Into the Wild
Conservationists hope the recent release of endangered black rhinos into the wild will put the species on the path to recovery. (Photo credit: Gary M. Stolz/US FWS) Captive-bred black rhinos were released this week into their natural habitat in... Weekly News Update
September 25, 2008Scientists Discover Formula for Longer Plant Life
A researcher takes leaf samples in preparation for biomolecular analyses. (Photo credit: Bernd Schuller/Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology) In a study published in the peer-reviewed journal PLoS Biology this week, scientists in Dr. Detlef Weigel’s lab at the... Weekly News Update
September 24, 2008Great Migrations: A Thing of the Past?
The American bison population once numbered in the millions before dwindling to just over 1000 animals in the late 1880s. Today the bison population has rebounded to 500,000. The largest population is confined to Yellowstone National Park and no longer free to migrate across the Great Plains as they once did. Are the days of great migrations over? Feature
September 24, 2008African Frogs Hide A Secret Weapon
Claws that break through the skin—that’s something that only occurs in the comic books, right? Well, move over, Wolverine, as you've got some real world competition. Scientists recently found a frog in Cameroon that breaks its own bones in order to produce claws.
Strange BiologySeptember 18, 2008Sardines in Your OJ?
Some food products, such as certain brands of orange juice, may contain more than just oranges. (Photo Credit: Scott Bauer/USDA) Many of the food products you eat today may be fortified with more than just vitamins and minerals. For... Weekly News Update
September 12, 2008North American Freshwater Fish Imperiled
The endangered holiday darter, native to the southeastern United States, is just one of the many species of imperiled freshwater fish found in North America. (Photo Credit: Noel Burkhead/USGS. A study conducted by scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey... Weekly News Update
September 3, 2008Substance Found in Fruits and Vegetables May Reduce Chance of Flu
In a recent study published by The American Physiological Society, researchers found that mice given quercetin had a smaller chance of catching the flu. The researchers also found that stressful exercise increased the likelihood of contracting flu in the mice.... Weekly News Update
August 26, 2008Sometimes Even Algae Gets Sunburned
The pale color and white tips of this red algae is the result of too much ultraviolet radiation. (Photo Credit: Max Schwanitz, Alfred Wegener Institute) Plants and photosynthetic algae rely on the Sun as a source of energy to... Weekly News Update
August 19, 2008Teens' Poor Sleep Habits May Lead to Elevated Blood Pressure
Research recently published in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association indicates that teenagers who have a low sleep efficiency or don't get enough sleep may have a higher risk of elevated blood pressure, which could lead to cardiovascular... Weekly News Update
August 13, 2008Fuel from E. coli Poo?
Researchers at a California biotechnology company have developed bacteria that excrete diesel fuel as a waste product. The scientists' research is based on the same principle behind the formation of fossil fuels. As you may recall, fossil fuels form... Weekly News Update
August 8, 2008Huge Population of Gorillas Discovered in the Congo Republic
A previously-unknown population of endangered western lowland gorillas was recently discovered in the northern forests of the Congo Republic. Scientists from the Wildlife Conservation Society, working alongside local researchers, found the population of gorillas living across two tracts of land... Weekly News Update
July 30, 2008Joint and Muscle Impact Reduced by Low-Gravity Training Machine
Research conducted by Dr. Rodger Kram of the University of Colorado at Boulder indicates that a space-age, low-gravity training machine reduces the impact on runners' muscles and joints by 50 percent. Kram, an associate professor of integrative physiology, coauthored... Weekly News Update
July 25, 2008Scientists Produce Synthetic "Antifreeze Protein"
Scientists based at the University of Chicago and the University of Pennsylvania have developed a method of making a synthetic version of an "antifreeze protein" found in Canadian snow fleas. This protein allows snow fleas to survive sub-zero wintertime... Weekly News Update
July 15, 2008Black-Footed Ferret Recovery Faces Major Set-Backs
Black-footed ferrets, in the best of times, are elusive creatures. In addition to maintaining low populations and leading quiet lives, ferrets are most active at night, making studying them that much more difficult. Though native to the Great Plains, an... Weekly News Update
June 5, 2008Caterpillar Parasites Not Hurt by Genetically Modified Plants
For many years, proteins from the Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) bacterium have been used as an insecticide, primarily against moth and butterfly larvae. Since 1996, the Bt gene itself has been put into plants as a way to fight these pests.... UNIT 7: Plants
June 5, 2008Fungus May Help Explain What Separates the Women from the Men
Fungi don’t present as females and males. They do, however, have different mating types. These mating types are not determined by entire sex chromosomes; rather, they are determined by sequences of DNA. A group of researchers from Duke University Medical... UNIT 6: Classification and Diversity
June 4, 2008Researchers Use Stem Cells to Grow Bone
Researchers at the University of Twente in the Netherlands have found an effective way to stimulate human stem cells to make bone. This breakthrough is important because it allows for the development of new methods to repair bone tissue... UNIT 2: Cells
June 3, 2008Researchers Learn How Brain Represents Meaning
In the past, scientists who study brain function have used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to determine which areas of the brain are activated when an individual is instructed to think about a certain word. Now, researchers at Carnegie Mellon... UNIT 9: Human Biology
June 2, 2008Gene Mutations Linked to Spontaneous Cases of Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia continues to affect about 1 percent of the population worldwide despite low birth rates among people who have the disease. About 40 percent of people with schizophrenia have a family history of disease, but it arises sporadically in the... UNIT 3: Genetics
June 2, 2008The Ethics of Sequencing an Individual’s Genome
On May 21, 2008, President George W. Bush signed H.R. 493, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008. The purpose of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) is to protect Americans against discrimination when applying for health insurance or... UNIT 1: Introducing Biology
May 23, 2008Biofuels of the Future
One alternative to fossil fuels that has received a lot of press lately is ethanol, a combustible "biofuel" made by the fermentation of plant matter. While corn has been touted as the key to solving the energy crisis, research has shown that it may not be the environmentally-friendly cure-all it was once thought to be. Feature
May 22, 2008Simple Model Cell Made from Scratch
A team of scientists at Penn State University is using a new approach to understand cells. They are starting from scratch. Many scientists start with something complex, such as an entire cell, and then delete genes one at a time... UNIT 2: Cells
March 6, 2008So Clean, It May Cause Allergies
You see examples everywhere: sanitizing gel at the playground, hand-wipes at the grocery store, and windows that act as impermeable barriers between the inside and the outside. We are making a super-clean world—a world that might be responsible for the rise in children’s allergies. Feature
January 8, 2008States Enact Regulations to Cut Greenhouse Emissions
The call to cut greenhouse gas emissions has not fallen on deaf ears at the state level. Due to a lack of initiative on the part of the federal government, states are dealing with regulating greenhouse gas emissions on their... UNIT 5: Ecology
December 21, 2007Will Europe Open Its Doors to Genetically-Modified Crops?
For the last decade, much of the corn grown in the United States has been Bt corn, a genetically modified type of corn that is resistant to pests. Bt corn carries a gene from a bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis, to produce... UNIT 7: Plants
December 18, 2007Rise of the Superbug
On October 15, 2007, a 17-year-old senior at Staunton River High School in Virginia lost his brief battle with the “superbug” bacterium known as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Ashton Bonds was admitted to the hospital a week earlier after first... UNIT 4: Evolution
November 28, 2007An Alien Among Us!
Truth is often at least as strange as fiction. The moray eel uses a secret weapon to eat its prey, one that seems straight out of the movie Alien. Strange Biology
November 25, 2007Fear and Recovery in Yellowstone
Aspen trees are in severe decline throughout Yellowstone National Park and other areas of the Rocky Mountains. However, in a strange twist, the fate of the aspen trees in Yellowstone seems to be tied to the presence of the much-maligned gray wolf. After gray wolves were reintroduced to Yellowstone, the aspen trees started to make a comeback. Feature
October 4, 2007Adult Brains Can Rewire after a Stroke
A child’s brain has an amazing ability to adapt and change to new experiences — it is very plastic. A case study of a stroke patient adds to evidence proving that adult brains are capable of creating new neural pathways too. UNIT 9: Human Biology
October 4, 2007Intelligence Is in the Network
When it comes to intelligence, it is all about the connections. UNIT 9: Human Biology
September 24, 2007Pharm-Fresh Medicine
If one British researcher has his way, tobacco would be grown to save lives. UNIT 7: Plants
September 24, 2007Will There Be Another Flu Pandemic Soon?
The last flu pandemic ended in 1968; it was the third flu pandemic of the 20th century. Experts at the World Health Organization (WHO) believe that we are closer to another flu pandemic than any time since then. UNIT 6: Classification and Diversity
September 24, 2007Avian Flu: The Current Situation
You haven’t heard about the bird flu infecting any people in North America — yet. H5N1 avian influenza A virus, commonly knows as bird flu, was reported originally in poultry and some wild migrating birds from Southeast Asia. Now, H5N1 virus strains are getting stronger than earlier strains and have been found in Asia, Europe, and Africa. UNIT 6: Classification and Diversity
September 24, 2007Researchers Work to Combat Climate Change
Rising levels of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere are a major cause of global climate change. Many scientists are tackling the problem from different angles. Here are a few examples of current research into lowering greenhouse gas emissions. UNIT 5: Ecology
September 24, 2007Global Warming Research: Understanding the Situation
The evidence for global climate change is undeniable. Many researchers are trying to understand climate change: its change over time, its impact on ecosystems and economies, and how to limit its effects. Here are a few examples of current research into the state of climate change. UNIT 5: Ecology
September 24, 2007Could a Dog Bite Lead to an Antibiotic-Resistant Infection?
Antibiotic-resistant infections are no longer just found in hospital patients. These infections are increasing in the general population. Environmental factors seem to contribute to the increase in infections and pets may be to blame. UNIT 4: Evolution
September 17, 2007The Male Praying Mantis — Dying to Mate?
If you're a female mantis, especially a hungry one, why choose a mate who's going to put up a fuss when you try to bite his head off? Strange Biology
September 17, 2007The Spoils of War — How T Cells Refuel to Wage War on Pathogens
In humans, T cells fight viruses and other invaders. Scientists have long thought T cells simply killed an enemy and then moved on to fight others, but new research suggests that some T cells use the spoils of their battles to win the larger war. Feature
August 16, 2007Frankenfoods or Good Nutrition? GMOs Created but Not Well Regulated
Genetically modified (GM) products include medicines and vaccines, foods and food ingredients, and animal feeds. Since 1996, GM corn and soy have been used in our foods. However, a political scientist specializing in global regulation for technology and trade worries that regulations haven’t kept pace with the rate at which genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have come to market. UNIT 3: Genetics
August 16, 2007Controlling Parkinson’s with Gene Therapy
Genes control the production of proteins. However, if a gene is mutated, the protein it codes for may not form or function properly, causing a genetic disorder. Gene therapy is one way researchers are trying to correct mutations that cause genetic disorders, such Parkinson’s disease. UNIT 3: Genetics
August 16, 2007Mature Skin Cells Yield Stem Cells
With all the controversy surrounding embryonic stem cells, a new method of reprogramming adult cells could be one answer to the stem cell issue. And it couldn’t be more convenient. One day, you may look no farther than your own skin as a source of embryonic stem cells. UNIT 2: Cells
August 16, 2007A New Meaning to “Smart Dresser”
Garment-integrated electronic technology —that is, smart tools in your clothes —is much more appealing than implanting a computer chip under your skin. But how confidential can your health record be when your garments are smart enough to monitor and report your vital statistics and activity? UNIT 1: Introducing Biology
August 16, 2007Extra Embryos: Destroy or Donate to Research?
One of the hottest debates in bioethics has been the use of human embryos in stem cell research. Infertility patients find themselves in the middle of this debate — they must decide what to do with their embryos once they are done having children. UNIT 1: Introducing Biology
February 9, 2007Scandal over Falsified Results Roils the Stem Cell Research Community
In May of 2005, a paper by Dr. Woo Suk Hwang published in the prestigious journal Science reported that he and his team of South Korean scientists had successfully created eleven patient-specific stem cell lines cloned from the patients’ skin cells. His research suggested that science was one major step closer to tailor-made stem cells for any human. But all was not well. UNIT 2: Cells
February 7, 2007Controversy and Confusion over the Word Cloning
Stem cell researchers are hard at work trying to make somatic cell nuclear transfer a reliable way to produce stem cell lines that can be used in medical research and treatment. However, some scientists think that the word cloning is giving people the false impression that the object of the research is to clone human beings. UNIT 2: Cells