Resurrecting the Genes of Extinct Plants
Scientists at Gingko Bioworks have resurrected the smell of an extinct flower by putting together the pieces of its DNA.
Biology9845 articles archived since 1845
Bitter Reality: Most Wild Coffee Species Risk Extinction Worldwide
Researchers surveyed the world’s 124 coffee species and found more than half are threatened
Ants Stick to Cliques to Dodge Disease
Ants infected with fungal pathogens steer clear of other cliques within the colony—avoiding wider infection, and allowing for a sort of immunity. Lucy Huang reports.
Wildfires Spark Population Booms in Fungi and Bacteria
Understanding how microbial communities change after a fire can help researchers to predict how an ecosystem will recover
Mistimed Migration Means Bird Death Battles
Climate change is shifting population numbers and nest building by resident and migratory birds in Europe—sometimes leading to deadly conflict. Christopher Intagliata reports.
Monogamy May Be Written in Our Genes
In animal studies, a set of 24 genes involved in neural development, learning and memory, and cognition, seem to be associated with monogamy. Karen Hopkin reports.
The Race to Relearn Hemp Farming
Researchers have a lot to learn about the previously banned crop before it flourishes on U.S. farms
A Biologist Reconstructs the Grotesque Efficiency of the Nazis' Killing Machine
Lewi Stone used his statistical prowess to reveal the furious intensity of the Holocaust’s industrial-scale genocide during three months of 1942
Inhaled RNA Might Help Heal Cystic Fibrosis
Scientists are working to correct a genetic defect in cystic fibrosis patients by having them inhale RNA. Christopher Intagliata reports.
Fishy Smarts: Archerfish Can Recognize Human Faces in 3-D
The finding suggests this visual ability may be more “primitive” than scientists thought
Invisible Killers Hitchhike on Native Plant Seedlings
More than a quarter of the seedlings sampled at native plant nurseries were infected with pathogens—which could hamper restoration work. Christopher Intagliata reports.
Ravenmaster Christopher Skaife Tells of His Relationships with the Tower of London's Resident Birds
His job is for the avians
A Blood Test for the Body's Clock
A new way to measure internal time could yield insight into sleep deprivation and disease
What a Newfound Kingdom Means for the Tree of Life
Neither animal, plant, fungus nor familiar protozoan, a strange microbe foretells incredible biodiversity yet to be discovered
Simple Sugars Wipe Out Beneficial Gut Bugs
Fructose and sucrose can make it all the way to the colon, where they spell a sugary death sentence for beneficial bacteria. Karen Hopkin reports.
What Can Baboon Relationships Tell Us about Human Health?
Strong relationships seem to help baboons overcome early life adversity, and that could have big implications for human health
China's Home-Grown Surge in Plant Biology
Studies to improve the productivity, resistance and taste of rice crops are central to China’s commanding position
"Hunger Hormone" Ghrelin Aids Overindulgence
Ghrelin, the hormone that makes you hungry, also makes food, and food smells, irresistibly appealing. Karen Hopkin reports.
Colorful Peacocks Impress Females with Good Vibes
Peafowls' head crests are specifically tuned to the vibrations produced by feather-rattling male peacocks, thus acting as a sort of antenna. Jason G. Goldman reports.
Bone Building Needs Bit of Breakdown First
The hormone irisin encourages bone remodeling, in part by first triggering another substance that encourages some bone breakdown.
