Science News - Biology
No joke: Ancient eggshells good source of DNA
Scientists have found that fossilized eggs, some thousands of years old, are excellent sources of DNA. The ancient eggs from the extinct emus of Australia, moas of New Zealand, and elephant birds of Madagascar are prime examples of how this new technique is able to retrieve DNA from the shells.
People don't know if they had sex
According to a 2010 U.S. study performed in Indiana, people are not really sure about the definition of sex. The researchers concluded that there is a lot of confusion as to whether we are having sex or not depending on the type of sexual activities being performed.
Will your brain like a new commercial?
Two U.S. researchers are speculating on the popularity of the new field of neuromarketing, which is a high-tech way for marketers to find out what consumers like or dislike. A brain scan may show one day that you have an unconscious attraction for a recently introduced beer or for an up-and-coming presidential candidate.
NaYF4 nanocrystals used for 3D displays
According to recent studies in 3D-display technology, Singapore researchers have developed a simple method to control the growth of NaYF4 nanocrystals.
Abydosaurus mcintoshi is new dino species
A new dinosaur species has been discovered at Dinosaur National Monument near Jensen, Utah, U.S.A. The 105 million-year-old discovery is of a plant-eating dinosaur that is part of the sauropod family.
Cheap biodegradable plastic wrap developed
A team of scientists from the United Kingdom has developed an inexpensive way to produce plastic wrap material that is also biorenewable and biodegradable. You can feel better at tossing this plastic wrap into a compost pile or landfill; that is, if you can ever get it torn off the product.
Science to Inspire Australia
The "Inspiring Australia" report was released by the Australian government for the purpose of bringing science to the national forefront. Many projects are planned, such as National Science Week, to inspire Australians about the importance of science.
Betting on Super Bowl may addict you
According to a Gallup Lifestyle Poll, you have a small chance of becoming addicted to gambling if you keep on placing your bets on such games as the Super Bowl, online poker, and the other legalized gambling venues available in the United States and throughout the world. So, who wins: Colts or Saints?
Artificial silk could be the bee's knees
Australian scientists are striving to make artificial honeybee silk. And, if they accomplish it, human-made insect silk would be made into tough and lightweight products such as textiles, aircraft composites, and artificial tendons.
Obese boys may remain boys longer
According to a U.S. study, boys who are obese reach puberty later than normal-weight boys. However, the researchers behind the study are uncertain about the exact cause for the relationship because girls have the opposite result.
Genetically modified forests coming to U.S.
Two paper manufacturing companies are hoping to introduce genetically modified eucalyptus trees into the southeastern parts of the United States. The trees can produce more wood per acre, but the question is: Can humans control them?
Mouse skin cells converted into brain cells, without stem cells
U.S. researchers have turned skin cells in mice into functioning nerve cells with the use of only three genes and without the need of the stem cell phase. These nerve cells function similar to neurons in the brain and could be used in the future to replace damaged tissues in humans.
Math: Dread of female teachers becomes Fear for female students
According to a U.S. study, early elementary female teachers, who are anxious and fearful about teaching mathematics to their students, were found to pass on that dread to their female students—but not to their male students.
Clear your clogged arteries with nanoburrs
U.S. lead researchers from MIT and Harvard University have developed nanoparticles called nanoburrs that attach to damaged arteries and release medicine to open clogged arteries and repair injured ones. The new nanoparticles could vastly improve the repair and treatment of such cardiovascular problems in humans.
Humans can run 65 km/hr (40 mph)!
In a recently authored study on how fast humans could physically run at their maximum, U.S. researchers from Texas and Wyoming have found evidence to show that humans could achieve top running speeds of up to 65 kilometers per hour (40 miles per hour).
Kaiser report: Kids are entertainment media superusers
The Kaiser Family Foundation announced its report “Generation M2: Media in the Lives of 8- to 18-Year-Olds” has shown that children in the United States use entertainment media devices for 53 hours in an average week, and compress nearly 11 hours of multimedia use in a 7.5-hour period each day.
Don't have your wits about you: More dementia risk
According to new research from the Washington University School of Medicine, cognitive fluctuations (ups and downs in alertness) within older people may point to increased risk for dementia.
Handwritten account of Newton’s apple goes online
The memoirs of William Stukeley’s firsthand, handwritten account of the apple falling on Sir Isaac Newton’s head is now available on the Web. Gravity rules! Or, an apple a day doesn't keep gravity away!
Winning more online poker hands causes loss of more money
Although it sounds crazy, a Cornell University study found that the more hands a poker player wins while playing online Texas Hold'em, the more money the player loses in the long run. Before you place your bets, read this story.
Just discovered spider species found in Israel. It's already endangered!
Israeli biologists have discovered for the first time a large species of spider that lives in the Middle East, specifically, in the dune in the Sands of Samar, a kibbutz (collective community) in the southern region of the Arava desert within Israel. The bad news is its habitat is being destroyed by human encroachment!
Waves from cell phones may help you remember better
Alzheimer's disease researchers from the University of South Florida have concluded that exposure to a lot of electromagnetic waves over a long period of time from cell phones may protect people from getting dementia and even may help to reverse Alzheimer’s in people who already have the memory disease.
More Articles...
- Study finds powerful people often don't possess morality they publicly profess
- Let's look back on color television for New Year's Day
- Top 10 Science stories of 2009 by Scientific American
- More insect breeding found due to warming temperatures
- Naughty or nice technology makes Santa's job easier
- You look marvelous! And you'll live longer, too!
- Octopus seen carrying coconut shells like motorhome
- Missing chunks of DNA may lead to obese children
- Study finds angry men and happy women easy to identify
- See live brain dissection on Web
Page 1 of 15





