Biology

Fire Ants May Hold the Secret to Future Search-and-Rescue Robots

Fire ants may finally have something besides their nasty bite to contribute to this world, according to researchers at Georgia Tech who believe their discoveries regarding the creature’s tunneling behaviors may one day be applied to tunneling robotics.

Zach Hambrick, Michigan State University

May 20, 2013 05:46 PM EDT

Practice Makes Perfect? Not So Much

Turns out, that old "practice makes perfect" adage may be overblown.

May 18, 2013 03:38 PM EDT

Closer Look at the Structure of Frog Embryo Yields New Insights into Development of Genetic Diseases

A closer look at the internal structure and cell movement inside a living frog embryo yielded insights scientists believe could help in the fight against genetic diseases.

May 14, 2013 06:25 PM EDT

Europe's First Advanced Civilization, The Minoans, Were In Fact European: A Study

The origins of the ancient Minoans who inhabited the the island of Crete have long been shrouded in history with speculations varying anywhere from North Africa to the Balkans. However, through analyzing the mitochondrial DNA taken from skeletal materials from a cave dating between 4,400 and 3,700 years old, scientists discovered they were in fact most closely related to Neolithic and modern European populations as well as the modern inhabitants of the region where the remains were found.

Martin Murray of Britain reacts to fans during an official weigh-in with WBC middleweight champion Sergio Martinez of Argentina (not pictured) in Buenos Aires, Nevada April 26, 2013

May 14, 2013 04:52 PM EDT

Testosterone Rises In Men Competing With Rivals, But Not Among Friends

Rivalry and aggression are common at sporting events, but a new study shows that the relationship between the players will determine the testosterone levels present in men. The team of anthropologists report that levels of male testosterone will increase when in competition against rivals but not when competing against friends.

Tiny Ear Bones (From Left) the Incus, Stapes, and Malleus Could Provide Big Clues to Human Evolution

May 14, 2013 11:07 AM EDT

Rare Fossil Discovery Reveals New Insight Into The Evolution Of Human Hearing

Early hominins’ middle ear structure may have looked a lot like that found in humans today, according to a new study led by Binghamton University anthropologist Rolf Quam.

May 13, 2013 10:45 PM EDT

Prehistoric Ear Bones Could Lead To Evolutionary Answers

The tiniest bones in the human body – the bones of the middle ear – could provide huge clues about our evolution and the development of modern-day humans, according to a study by a team of researchers that include a Texas A&M University anthropologist.

May 14, 2013 01:10 PM EDT

World's First Test Tube Hamburger Cost Scientists $325,000, Tastes "Reasonably Good"

Could cows be out of business?

May 11, 2013 07:19 AM EDT

Researchers Sequence Genome of Sacred Lotus

Researchers have now sequenced the genome of the sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera).

May 10, 2013 03:32 PM EDT

Plants Use Underground Fungal Networks To Warn Of Aphid Attacks, Study Says

Plants can communicate through an underground network of fungus to sound alarm of an attack from aphids, according to a new study.

Staphylococcus aureus biofilm on an indwelling catheter

May 09, 2013 05:27 PM EDT

Bacteria Colonies Arrange Themselves Like Human Economies: The Rich Get Richer

A new study on bacteria formation reveals that surface bacteria communities called biofilms tend to organize themselves in a way similar to many modern human economies, in a rich-get-richer pattern. The find could help researchers better understand how to battle infections without the use of powerful drugs.

May 09, 2013 02:10 PM EDT

System to Make Plants Generate Usable Electricity Developed at University of Georgia

Great progress in solar energy technology over the years has made the process more efficient and affordable, but still only a fraction of the solar radiation on Earth is converted to useful energy. In an attempt to close the gap, University of Georgia scientists in search of a novel solution have turned to nature's most efficient consumer of solar energy: plants.

May 09, 2013 08:49 AM EDT

Scarlet Macaw's Genome Sequenced

Researchers have now sequenced the entire genome of a Scarlet macaw, which will provide unique insight into the birds' evolution.

The face of an unfortunate Budgett's frog tadpole that is being digested inside the stomach of its larger sibling

May 08, 2013 03:12 PM EDT

Cannibal Tadpoles Aid in Understanding Digestive Evolution

A genetic study of two types of frog tadpoles - a cannibalistic carnivore and a humble algae eater - may play a role in furthering our understanding of the evolution and development of digestive organs, according to researchers at North Carolina State University.