ScienceDaily: Plants & Animals News

The biomolecule diphthamide is essential for the proper formation of proteins in cells. When humans are infected with diphtheria, diphthamide is altered by the diphtheria toxin so that life-threatening complications can arise as a consequence of an impaired formation of proteins. Up to now, diphthamide was only known to occur in animals and fungi. A research team has now demonstrated that the biomolecule also occurs in plants.

Some copepods, diminutive crustaceans with an outsized place in the aquatic food web, can evolve fast enough to survive in the face of rapid climate change, according to new research that addresses a longstanding question in the field of genetics.

Cats injured in California wildfires are at risk of forming deadly blood clots, according to new research.

Scientists have discovered only a handful of genes responsible for stem cell self-renewal, a property that allows stem cells to continue giving rise to a variety of cell types during an organism's lifespan. Now, a team has identified a new stem cell self-renewal factor, one essential for mice to produce sperm throughout their adult lives.

Neuroengineers have created wireless technology to remotely activate brain circuits. Researchers showed they could control the behavior of freely moving fruit flies using magnetic signals that activated genetically engineered neurons causing the flies to perform specific behaviors.

Livestock diseases will be better managed by incorporating the behaviors of individual farmers into national infection control policies, according to new research.