https://phys.org/biology-news/ en-us Read the latest science news from Phys.org on biology, evolution, microbiology, biotechnology Northern muriquis, which live in the Atlantic forest of Brazil, are one of the most endangered species of monkey in the world. Choosing good mates and rearing thriving offspring are key to the species' long-term survival. https://phys.org/news/2023-08-monkey-poop-endangered-species.html Plants & Animals Thu, 03 Aug 2023 03:54:13 EDT news610253635 Canadian vertebrate paleontologist Aaron Kilmury and a team of researchers from the University of Manitoba have published new research in PeerJ Life and Environment, unveiling the first-ever formal description of microvertebrate fossil assemblages from the late Cenomanian to middle Turonian periods in Manitoba, Canada. https://phys.org/news/2023-08-canadian-paleontologists-microvertebrate-faunal-assemblages.html Paleontology & Fossils Thu, 03 Aug 2023 00:10:01 EDT news610211530 When you are driving through a rain storm, traction is key. If your tires lack sufficient tread, your vehicle will slip and slide, and you won't have the grip needed to maneuver safely. When torrential rains hit near-shore, shallow water ecosystems, sea urchins experience a similar challenge. Heavy precipitation can alter the concentration of salt in the ocean waters, causing lower salinity levels. Even a slight change in salinity can affect the ability of sea urchins to securely attach their tube feet to their surroundings—like tires gripping the road. This becomes a matter of life and death for the small spiny creatures, as they rely on their adhesive structures to move in the wave-battered rocky area near the seashore. https://phys.org/news/2023-08-sea-urchins-struggling-climate-ecosystems.html Plants & Animals Ecology Wed, 02 Aug 2023 16:09:13 EDT news610211348 Previous studies in humans and animals have shown that hosts in a social condition (sharing the same space) harbor a more similar microbiota composition. Microbial transmission between hosts, which is increased when living in the same household, leads to similar species inhabiting the gut. However, whether bacterial evolution in the gut is affected by microbiota transmission has remained unknown. https://phys.org/news/2023-08-power-host-social-interactions-bacterial.html Evolution Cell & Microbiology Wed, 02 Aug 2023 14:55:53 EDT news610206950 Many cereal crops, such as wheat and barley, are prey to devastating fungal diseases caused by infection with so-called grass powdery mildews. A key battleground between the plants and the powdery mildews is the interaction between plant immune receptors and pathogen effectors, molecules which are delivered into host cells by pathogens to establish infection. https://phys.org/news/2023-08-insights-illuminate-arms-crop-fungal.html Molecular & Computational biology Agriculture Wed, 02 Aug 2023 12:33:58 EDT news610198430 New research published today in Nature has revealed the importance of mineral forms of iron in regulating the cycling of this bio-essential nutrient in the ocean. https://phys.org/news/2023-08-highlights-importance-mineral-iron-ocean.html Ecology Molecular & Computational biology Wed, 02 Aug 2023 12:31:48 EDT news610198302 Contributing to the pursuit of sustainable farming, especially sugarcane growing, Brazilian researchers have shown that water bodies such as ponds and even puddles can maintain ecosystem services, provided there are tolerant animals in the vicinity to replace those most sensitive to agricultural practices. https://phys.org/news/2023-08-substitution-tolerant-sensitive-species-ecosystems.html Plants & Animals Ecology Wed, 02 Aug 2023 11:23:07 EDT news610194183 There could be a new contender for heaviest animal to ever live. While today's blue whale has long held the title, scientists have dug up fossils from an ancient giant that could tip the scales. https://phys.org/news/2023-08-heaviest-animal-ancient-whale-peruvian.html Plants & Animals Paleontology & Fossils Wed, 02 Aug 2023 11:12:55 EDT news610193569 Building on the Middle East's reputation as one of the historical birthplaces of cereal crop domestication, a KAUST-led team has compiled the first complete genome map of an ancient grain known as einkorn. https://phys.org/news/2023-08-ancient-grain-genetic-secrets-bread.html Molecular & Computational biology Agriculture Wed, 02 Aug 2023 11:00:02 EDT news610128139 In a compost heap, the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans finds a richly laid table: at a length of just one millimeter, the worm feeds on bacteria that decompose organic material. It is essential that the animal avoids sunlight—and not just to ensure its body remains at an optimal temperature and does not dry out. https://phys.org/news/2023-08-nematode-artificial-intelligence-elucidate-sensor.html Biotechnology Molecular & Computational biology Wed, 02 Aug 2023 10:40:54 EDT news610191648 Multidrug-resistant bacterial infections are one of the most pressing issues in medicine, a situation that is only expected to worsen in the coming decades. The problem is being addressed not only by developing new antibiotics but also by studying antibiotic alternatives, such as phages. Among them is the Microbial Molecular Evolution Research Group at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology in Plön. https://phys.org/news/2023-08-evolving-viruses-bacterial-infections.html Molecular & Computational biology Wed, 02 Aug 2023 10:21:12 EDT news610190469 Known as the power plant of the cell, mitochondria are essential to human metabolism. Human mitochondria consist of 1,300 different proteins and two fatty biomembranes. The vast majority of mitochondrial proteins are produced with a cleavable transport signal and have to be actively transported into the mitochondria. https://phys.org/news/2023-08-signal-dependent-formation-mitochondria.html Cell & Microbiology Molecular & Computational biology Wed, 02 Aug 2023 08:39:56 EDT news610184393 For some years now, biochar has been studied extensively as an alternative to phosphate fertilizer. Biochar is a recyclate produced by biomass pyrolysis, i.e., organic feedstocks are incinerated without oxygen at temperatures ranging from 400°C to 700°C. The biochar bases may differ considerably. Waste wood, chicken manure, or leaves can be processed to fertilizers. https://phys.org/news/2023-08-alternative-phosphate-fertilizer-biochar-basis.html Molecular & Computational biology Agriculture Wed, 02 Aug 2023 08:39:32 EDT news610184369 A study led by The University of Western Australia has revealed a tool used by prey to conceal 3D body shapes in nature, providing a different perspective on how camouflage works. The findings have been detailed in, " Camouflage using three-dimensional surface disruption," and published in Biology Letters. https://phys.org/news/2023-08-depth-camouflage.html Plants & Animals Ecology Wed, 02 Aug 2023 07:51:35 EDT news610181489 The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) announces the oldest swimming jellyfish in the fossil record with the newly named Burgessomedusa phasmiformis. These findings are announced in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B. https://phys.org/news/2023-08-oldest-species-jellyfish.html Evolution Paleontology & Fossils Tue, 01 Aug 2023 19:00:01 EDT news610100880 In the peak heat of summer, beachgoers don't want their plans thwarted by harmful algal blooms (HABs). But current methods to remove or kill toxin-producing algae and cyanobacteria aren't efficient or practical for direct applications in waterways. https://phys.org/news/2023-08-sponge-algal-blooms.html Ecology Biotechnology Tue, 01 Aug 2023 17:00:07 EDT news610128005 With mighty jaws and plate-like teeth, the whitespotted eagle ray (Aetobatus narinari) can pretty much crunch on anything. In fact, hard clam farmers in Florida's Indian River Lagoon have considered this species a threat to their production efforts and profit margin. This assumption, however, is mostly anecdotal. https://phys.org/news/2023-08-dna-decodes-dining-shell-shucking-whitespotted.html Plants & Animals Ecology Tue, 01 Aug 2023 15:10:12 EDT news610121401 Biofilms are highly resistant communities of bacteria that pose a major challenge in the treatment of infections. While studying biofilm formation in laboratory conditions has been extensively conducted, understanding their development in the complex environment of the human respiratory tract has remained elusive. https://phys.org/news/2023-08-organoids-revolutionize-respiratory-infections.html Cell & Microbiology Biotechnology Tue, 01 Aug 2023 14:00:01 EDT news610098560 Human cells are protecting their proteins from unfolding and aggregating. That's what biophysicist Alireza Mashaghi and his team discovered after seven years of in-depth research into the folding mechanisms of proteins. With an unprecedented approach, the team was able to study the folding of a single protein molecule. https://phys.org/news/2023-08-biological-origami-molecular-cytosolic-interactome.html Molecular & Computational biology Tue, 01 Aug 2023 12:33:43 EDT news610112020 Ion channels play a crucial role in many cellular processes, including neuronal communication, muscle contraction or cell proliferation. https://phys.org/news/2023-08-gating-mechanism-ion-channels.html Cell & Microbiology Molecular & Computational biology Tue, 01 Aug 2023 11:19:02 EDT news610107541 Birds can be electrocuted if they come into contact with two energized parts of a power line at once—which can happen when they spread their wings to take off from or land on a power pole. Because of this, energy companies invest substantial time and money into making sure power lines are avian safe, installing safe perches and insulating energized elements. https://phys.org/news/2023-08-illegal-responsible-birds-dead-power.html Plants & Animals Ecology Tue, 01 Aug 2023 11:00:01 EDT news610100853 North Carolina State University researchers have identified the specific blend of pheromone chemicals—including a newly revealed aphrodisiac—used by male moths during courtship as they attempt to entice females to mate. https://phys.org/news/2023-08-male-moth-aphrodisiac-revealed.html Ecology Molecular & Computational biology Tue, 01 Aug 2023 11:00:01 EDT news610098586 Researchers often think how and when their results will be published. However, many research projects don't see the light until decades (or even centuries) later, if at all. https://phys.org/news/2023-08-year-old-tassie-tiger-brain-sample.html Evolution Ecology Tue, 01 Aug 2023 10:35:33 EDT news610104929 Discovering and developing drugs can be slow, costly and high-risk, but harnessing advances in artificial intelligence (AI) can help with these processes, say Brock University researchers. https://phys.org/news/2023-08-explore-ai-covid-drug.html Molecular & Computational biology Tue, 01 Aug 2023 10:31:04 EDT news610104662 Researchers have revealed the unique 'cheating' strategy a New Zealand insect has developed to avoid being eaten—mimicking a highly toxic species. https://phys.org/news/2023-08-pays-survival-strategy-insect-uncovered.html Ecology Molecular & Computational biology Tue, 01 Aug 2023 10:17:03 EDT news610103821 A new type of analysis of a spectacular 120-million-year-old fossil skeleton of the extinct early bird Jeholornis from northeastern China has revealed the oldest evidence for birds eating leaves, marking the earliest known evolution of arboreal plant-eating among birds. https://phys.org/news/2023-08-fossil-reveals-leaf-eating-earliest-birds.html Evolution Paleontology & Fossils Tue, 01 Aug 2023 10:06:03 EDT news610103161 Sperm play a critical role in the creation of new life, delivering essentially half of the genetic material required. https://phys.org/news/2023-07-modifications-amino-acids-sperm-infertility.html Cell & Microbiology Molecular & Computational biology Mon, 31 Jul 2023 16:53:28 EDT news610041204 Declawing house cats to keep them from scratching people and furniture is controversial—and even banned in some countries and areas in the U.S.—but the practice is not limited to house cats. In a new study, researchers looked at the effects of declawing on larger cat species and found that declawing disproportionately impacts their muscular capabilities as compared to their smaller brethren. https://phys.org/news/2023-07-shouldnt-declaw-tigers-big-cats.html Plants & Animals Veterinary medicine Mon, 31 Jul 2023 16:51:27 EDT news610041083 Scientists at the Children's Nutrition Research Center of the USDA's Agricultural Research Service (ARS) helped develop healthier sorghum varieties containing significant concentrations of provitamin A carotenoids while also increasing mineral absorption to meet the nutritional needs of mothers and children in sub-Saharan Africa. https://phys.org/news/2023-07-scientists-healthy-sorghum-crop-healthier.html Molecular & Computational biology Agriculture Mon, 31 Jul 2023 15:11:04 EDT news610035062 New York University researchers have discovered new cell types in the visual system of flies, made possible by their creation of a tool that finds and labels neurons during development. https://phys.org/news/2023-07-flies-sight-scientists-single-cell-sequencing.html Cell & Microbiology Biotechnology Mon, 31 Jul 2023 15:00:01 EDT news610015035