Browsing Tag
biologists
6 posts
Biologists Observe Highly Unusual Reproductive Behavior in Endangered Freshwater Mussels
In spring, female thick-shelled river mussels (Unio crassus) were seen moving to the water’s edge and anchoring into the riverbed, with their back ends raised above the waterline; then they squirted out regular water jets, which landed in the water up to a meter away; squirting cycles lasted 3-6 hours. The jets disturb the river
Biologists Create a New Type of Human Cells
Fluorescent microscopy image of the new cells (extraembryonic mesoderm cells) and placenta progenitor stem cells. The new cells are marked in red, and cells corresponding to placental stem cells are shown in green. The DNA (nucleus) of each cell is shown in blue. Credit: Amitesh Panda (KU Leuven)The new model cells aid in the study of
Biologists discovered new information about the tiny propellers on earth
Like bacteria, Archaea are ubiquitous microorganisms that successfully colonize diverse environments. They are found in a vast range of habitats. But there is a slight difference between bacteria and archaea: Archaea don’t cause disease. Archea propels themselves to incredible speeds by rotating a spiral-shaped filament called an archaellum. Scientists at the Unversity of Exeter used…
Biologists name new species of branching worm after legendary King Ghidorah
Godzilla's nemesis — Only two other species of these rare, curious beasts have been discovered to date. Jennifer Ouellette - Jan 28, 2022 1:48 am UTC Enlarge / (left) Biologists have named a newly discovered species of branching worm, Ramisyllis kingghidorahi, after Godzilla's nemesis. (right) Fragment of one specimen of the branching worm.M.T. AguadoIn the…
Biologists pinpoint key factor in immune system response to viral infection
The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the urgency for science to continue unraveling how viruses infect and how immune systems respond to such threats. University of California San Diego researchers studying how small worms defend themselves against pathogens have discovered a gene that acts as a cell's first-line response against infection. Division of Biological Sciences Postdoctoral…
Airborne animal DNA could help biologists track endangered species
When you leave a zoo, you physically carry traces of the animals home with you. A pair of new studies, published together in the journal Current Biology, found that by simply filtering air around zoos, researchers could recover genetic material from surrounding animals. They didn’t just detect the captive animals, though—the teams captured environmental DNA‚…