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RIVERSIDE, Calif. -- Polybrominated diphenyl ethers, or PBDEs, are a class of fire-retardant chemicals that are ubiquitous. They are found on upholstery, carpets, curtains, electronics, and...

Secondary forests restore fresh water sources in degraded landscapes

New research, published in Scientific Reports by Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) postdoctoral fellow Karina Chavarria and colleagues, shows that bacterial communities in streams adjacent...

Microscopy of a nucleus: Transcription factories are colored orange, activated genes light blue. The nucleus has about one tenth of the thickness of a human hair. (Figure: Working groups Nienhaus and Hilbert, KIT)

How cells correctly choose active genes

It is essential for cells to control precisely which of the many genes of their genetic material they use. This is done in so-called transcription...

Highly abundant virus in humans could be a biomarker for COVID-19

Torquetenovirus (TTV) is one of the viruses most frequently found in the human organism. It is also common in monkeys and domestic animals. Its presence...

Researchers detect a diffusion barrier inside fly brain

The neurons, located in the brain are interconnected in a complex pattern and establish special communication points, the synapses. All neurons require a constant environment...

Through the eyes of underwater creatures

The horseshoe crab is often referred to as a “living fossil” because its evolution has been virtually stagnant for millions of years. Despite its lack...

New insights into kidney disease with tropical frog models

Frogs’ anatomy and organ function are strikingly similar to those of humans. An international team led by Soeren Lienkamp, professor at the Institute of Anatomy...

Polymer-coated nanoparticles to promote drug delivery to the brain

Treating diseases such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s is a challenge because drugs have to be able to cross the blood–brain barrier. As a result, the...

SARS-CoV-2 variant detected in dogs and cats with suspected myocarditis

A new study in the Veterinary Record reveals that pets can be infected with the alpha variant of SARS-CoV-2, which was first detected in southeast England and is...

Nerves may be key to blocking abnormal bone growth in tissue

Blocking a molecule that draws sensory nerves into musculoskeletal injuries prevents heterotopic ossification (HO), a process in which bone abnormally grows in soft tissue during...

Growth of mountaintop removal mines in study area between 1985-2015

Mountaintop removal worse for endangered species than initially thought

A new study published today by journal PloS One, has revealed that mountaintop removal mining poses a more serious and widespread threat to endangered species...

Study finds fish rubbing up against their predators — sharks

MIAMI—While rubbing up against a shark sounds like a risky move if you’re a fish, a collaborative research team led by the University of Miami...

Female finches are picky but pragmatic when choosing a mate

Female zebra finches are choosy but flexible when it comes to finding a mate, allowing them to avoid the fitness costs of being too selective...

Hunting for human obesity genes in fat fruit flies