ScienceDaily: Plants & Animals News |
| Coast redwood and sequoia genome sequences completed Posted: 17 Dec 2021 07:28 AM PST Scientists have completed the sequences for the coast redwood and giant sequoia genomes. The research helps better explain the genetic basis for these species' ability to adapt to their changing environments. The findings indicate that the coast redwood genome evolved from a single ancestral species. |
| Map of transparent butterflies highlights biodiversity hotspot in the Andes Mountains Posted: 16 Dec 2021 12:02 PM PST In a new study, researchers created the most detailed distribution map to date of butterflies in the American tropics, showing that areas of highest diversity coincide with regions most threatened by deforestation and development. The study specifically focused on Ithomiini, or glasswing butterflies, a large group with nearly 400 species that occur throughout much of Central and South America. Their ubiquity may make them a good indicator for the fate of other insects in the region. |
| Cannabis may contain heavy metals and affect consumer health, study finds Posted: 16 Dec 2021 12:00 PM PST A new meta-analysis examines the ability of cannabis plants to absorb heavy metals and discusses the resulting health impacts on consumers. |
| Robots use fear to fight invasive fish Posted: 16 Dec 2021 11:59 AM PST The invasive mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki) chews off the tails of freshwater fishes and tadpoles, leaving the native animals to perish while dining on other fishes' and amphibians' eggs. Researchers engineered a robot to scare mosquitofish away, revealing how fear alters its behavior, physiology, fertility -- and may help turn the tide against invasive species. |
| Study shows how HIV copies itself in the body Posted: 15 Dec 2021 05:41 PM PST HIV replication in the human body requires that specific viral RNAs be packaged into progeny virus particles. A new study has found how a small difference in the RNA sequence can allow the viral RNA to be packaged for replication, creating potential targets for future HIV treatments. |
| How diet influences taste sensitivity and preference Posted: 15 Dec 2021 05:41 PM PST What you eat influences your taste for what you might want to eat next. So claims a University of California, Riverside, study performed on fruit flies. The study offers a better understanding of neurophysiological plasticity of the taste system in flies. |
| Prenatal exposure to phthalates damages reproductive tissue in female mice Posted: 15 Dec 2021 05:41 PM PST Phthalates are a ubiquitous family of chemicals that are used every day. In a new study, researchers have investigated how these compounds affect tissue development in the reproductive systems of female mice offspring. |
| A robotic hand with a gecko-inspired grip Posted: 15 Dec 2021 05:40 PM PST Aiming to create a robotic gripper that can grasp with delicate strength, researchers combine adhesives based on gecko toes with a customized robotic hand. |
| Nitrogen’s impact on soil carbon sequestration Posted: 15 Dec 2021 11:22 AM PST Soil organic carbon is a cornerstone of soil health. It improves soil structure while enhancing water- and nutrient-holding capacity, key factors for any agricultural production system. To build it up, farmers incorporate crop residues into soils. So why, despite decades of residue inputs, is soil organic carbon diminishing in corn production systems? Short answer: it's the nitrogen. |
| The heat is on: RIPE researchers show ability to future-proof crops for changing climate Posted: 15 Dec 2021 10:26 AM PST Research shows that bypassing a photosynthetic glitch common to crops like soybean, rice, and wheat, can confer thermal protection under heat stress in the field. |
| Gas-passing plankton illumine another piece of the carbon cycle puzzle Posted: 15 Dec 2021 08:33 AM PST A recently discovered species of bacteria consumes an organic compound commonly found in solvents like paint remover, according to a new study. Finding that SAR11 bacteria use acetone adds to evidence suggesting that aspects of the marine carbon cycle, which pulls atmospheric carbon into the sea, are not being considered in the study of the cycle and its ability to buffer climate change, scientists say. |
| Automatic, non-invasive identification of Holstein cows by their coat pattern Posted: 15 Dec 2021 08:33 AM PST Computer scientists have devised a methodology that can recognize Holstein cows in the milking station by the pattern of their coat using artificial intelligence. The long-term vision is to develop a system that can monitor Holstein cows continuously and anywhere on a farm. |
| Using strategy to preserve biodiversity while saving space Posted: 15 Dec 2021 08:32 AM PST The breathtaking variety of life on Earth is in danger; biodiversity is declining rapidly. As many as one million species are at risk; many could become extinct in the next few decades. Accordingly, protected areas are urgently needed, but are often poorly chosen from a strategic perspective. But how can the biological diversity of a given region best be measured? With the aid of an innovative new approach, a team of researchers have now identified the most valuable areas in Latin America. |
| New study reveals how epithelial cells in the body naturally eliminate 'precancerous' ones Posted: 15 Dec 2021 08:32 AM PST Normal epithelial cells show the ability to push out precancerous ones present in the epithelium, by means of 'cell competition.' But the exact molecular mechanism of this recognition by normal epithelial cells was unknown. Now, researchers have unraveled the interactions and cellular pathways leading to this extrusion, allowing them to identify a candidate for a therapeutic target for future cancer prevention research. |
| Darwin’s finches forced to 'evolve' Posted: 14 Dec 2021 05:05 PM PST Spending time with offspring is beneficial to development, but it's proving lifesaving to Galápagos Islands Darwin's finches. A new study has found evidence Darwin's finch females that spend longer inside the nest can ward off deadly larvae of the introduced avian vampire fly, which otherwise enter and consume the growing chicks. |
| Extinct megafauna prone to ancient 'hunger games' Posted: 14 Dec 2021 12:21 PM PST Different combinations of human hunting and climate change caused Australia's famed 'giant' species to go extinct, and now it turns out that for some species, changing food availability made things worse. |
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