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Biology
Research shows that half of the remaining habitats of Australia’s most at-risk species are unprotected
Numbat Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Australia needs to urgently prioritize state and national protection policies, according to a new study. The findings warn that more than 220 endangered species are at risk of being lost due to small distribution, coupled with uneven protection. “Half of Australia’s highly at-risk narrow-range species habitats are outside of protected areas,” the study has been…
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Biology
Unlocking the G-protein subunit GS3: How redox regulation forms grain size in rice
Credit: EMBO Journal (2025). doi:10.1038/s44318-025-00462-9 A research team led by Professor Li Yunhai of the Institute for Genetics and Developmental Biology (IGDB) at the Chinese Academy of Sciences revealed the previous hidden mechanisms of regulating rice grain size, a key determinant of crop yield and quality. Findings published in the EMBO Journal reveal how redox-dependent molecular interactions act as “switches”…
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Biology
Studying the team’s home on the genetics behind BlackBerry Thorns
A spinless gene often indicates a potential need for crossing with unwanted plants. Credit: Agriculture Systems Division Researchers have discovered a genetic region that causes the development of a type of pointy self-protection of blackberries: thorns. Thorns can scratch pickers and damage fruits, making spinless blackberry varieties a preferred option in the US market. Now, a team of researchers are…
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Biology
The humpback whales gave birth while traveling and continue traveling, research reveals
Mother and baby whales swim in Kiama, New South Wales, Australia. Credit: Vanessa Risku -Instagram: droning_my_sorrows The spectacular movement of humpback whales into tropical waters is not as important as previously thought to give birth. Researchers say these results reverse longstanding beliefs about humpback whales and that awareness of expanded labour areas needs to be improved in order to protect…
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Biology
Tunisia’s “Revolutionary Oasis” Palm Gloves thrive on their own rules
Tahar Ettahri: “We came together with the goal of improving the well-being of our community.” Residents of Gemna in southern Tunisia say their lives have improved radically since they fought over control of the 100-year-old palm groves from the province during the 2011 revolution. The desert town (where the palm produces some of the best dates of North African countries)…
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Biology
Scientists rediscover the diversity of orange trees that can withstand greening disease
Donaldson orange tree. Credit: Giancarlo Buzzi, ARS ARS scientists have made “sweet” discoveries that may be important to solve major problems within the citrus industry. Huanglongbing (HLB), also known as the greening disease of citrus, poses a serious threat to Florida’s citrus industry. HLB is associated with tree infection by the putative causative factor Candidatus liberibacter asiaticus and is spread…
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Biology
Reefwaters Microbial Monitoring Provides an Accessible Tool for Ecosystem Management
Water collection for analyzing leaf water microorganisms is routinely carried out in St. John, USVI, using a Niskin bottle that can be closed underwater at the sampling site. Credit: Amy Apprill, Marine Science Institute, Woods Hole Corals live in harmony with microscopic organisms everywhere on the planet. Many corals live inside the coral tissue and get vibrant colours from microscopic…
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Biology
Advanced Gene Editor enables the insertion of complete genes more accurately
Multiple components of the Evocast Gene Editor grab a strand of DNA (red). Credit: George Lampe (Columbia University Irving Medical Center) When scientists ask which gene editing tools are most needed to advance gene therapy, they will likely explain the Verjos College of Physicians and Surgeons and David Liu MIT and Harvard’s David Liu, a system that is approaching realisation…
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Biology
Low viscosity oil enhances microfluidic devices, allowing for safer cell research and gradient generation
This graph shows the maximum pneumatic pressure (KPA burst pressure) that a PDMS slip chip device can withstand. The device was cured at various temperatures (50°C to 120°C) and lubricated with 120 MPa.S silicone oil. This test shows that cure temperature (for example, 50°C) results in significantly higher sealing strength using rhodamine solutions. Credit: Toyohashi Institute of Technology Researchers from…
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Biology
Paleontologists discover predators from 506 million years ago
Reconstruction of Mothra Fentoni’s life. Credit: Art by Daniel Dufour and Rome Paleontologists at the Manitoba Museum and Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) have discovered an astounding new 506 million-year-old predator in Burgess Cher, Canada. The results were published in a paper in the Journal Royal Society Open Science. The Mosura Fentoni was the size of an index finger, with three…
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