Very little is known about virgin births or parthenogensis in insects, but these new findings provide genetic clues that could help in pest management.
Understanding collective decision making in ants
When deciding whether or not to build bridges out of their chained bodies, weaver ants take prior collective investment into account.
Novel lung model to test drugs and understand infections
New lung model raises hopes for more realistic modeling of new drugs and therapies.
Meteorite that struck a driveway in small UK town holds key ingredients for life
A meteorite that lit up the sky of Gloucestershire contains amino acids, the building blocks of life.
Visualizing cell membranes using a plasma membrane-on-a-chip
Compared to other platforms, this new “on-a-chip” system allows membrane proteins to be studied in their natural state.
A switch to turn off genes: RNA interference
Understanding the mechanisms by which genes can be “turned off” could be a powerful means of pest control.
Circadian rhythm in cognitive and physical health
The growing field of circadian biology is advancing our understanding of rhythms and represents a model of balance to help inform medicine.
Smooth or with a snap? The mechanics of the Venus flytrap
The reopening of the Venus flytrap may not always be smooth, and new research challenges our previous assumptions about its mechanics.
Bleeding controlled with snake venom
Heavy bleeding could be stopped using a new formula based on proteins found in snake venom.
Plant immunity to fungal pathogens developed millions of years ago
As plants evolved to live on land, so too did their immune systems, offering protection against dangerous fungi.