biology
24 stories related to this topic, newest first.
news-medical.netAI Tool Releases Database of One Billion Predicted Protein Structures
Researchers at the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative Biohub released the ESM Atlas, which contains more than one billion predicted protein structures. The database was generated using the ESMFold2 model and is described in a preprint posted today.
dailyexcelsior.comBook Argues Symbiosis Key to Understanding Life's Origins
Rowan Hooper's new book states that symbiosis has been overlooked in explanations of biology. The work links symbiosis to the emergence of complex life and current research on life's beginnings at hydrothermal vents.
interestingengineering.comStanford Researcher Builds Robotic Tadpole to Study Frog Vibrations
A Stanford University doctoral student who is hard of hearing developed a robotic tadpole to examine how poison frog offspring signal hunger through body vibrations. The device replicates the wriggling movements tadpoles use to communicate with parents.
ForbesPeregrine Falcons Reach 240 MPH in Hunting Dives
Peregrine falcons perform controlled high-speed dives known as stoops to capture agile prey. The birds use specialized anatomy to manage airflow, stability, and impact forces during these maneuvers.
ForbesHuman Eyes Block Ultraviolet Light Through Lens Absorption
Humans detect less than 1 percent of the electromagnetic spectrum because the eye's lens absorbs ultraviolet wavelengths. A 2011 study linked UV exposure to lens damage and cataract risk. Individuals without a natural lens can sometimes perceive near-UV light.
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewScience Magazine Publishes Cover on Immune System Origins
A cover image in Science Magazine illustrates early evolutionary roots of the immune system. The artwork was created with assistance from visual specialists.
Science NewsDamaged DNA Travels Between Human Cells via Nanotubes
Researchers observed DNA fragments moving from one human cell to another through tunneling nanotubes after genome damage. The study, published May 19 in Cell, shows the transferred DNA can carry functional genes.
forbes.comChronotype Variation Linked to Evolutionary Sentinel Role in Human Groups
Research on hunter-gatherer populations and genetic studies shows that morning and evening sleep preferences trace to ancient survival advantages. Chronotype diversity kept early human groups from sleeping simultaneously, reducing vulnerability to predators and threats.
theconversation.comReaders Identify Organisms That Provide Unrecognized Benefits
Readers of a long-running series responded to a question about organisms that benefit humans without most people realizing it. Replies highlighted several species and their roles in daily life and ecosystems.
nbcnews.comStudy Links Grey Hair in Mice to Cellular Process
A new mouse study examined how melanocyte stem cells respond to DNA damage. Researchers found that certain damage types trigger a process leading to grey hair while removing potentially cancerous cells.
earther.gizmodo.comTardigrades Withstand Heat After Dehydration
Researchers found that tardigrades can survive temperatures of 85 degrees Celsius after first undergoing dehydration. The miniature animals, also known as water bears, are known for tolerating extreme conditions. The findings were reported in a study published on 13 May 2026.
finance.yahoo.comAI Used to Replace Isoleucine in Dozens of Ribosomal Proteins in E. coli
Researchers used artificial intelligence to propose alternatives to the amino acid isoleucine in dozens of bacterial ribosome proteins. The work brings scientists closer to creating an organism that functions with fewer than 20 amino acids. Hundreds of amino acid types exist on E…
indiatoday.intoday.inResearchers Identify Body Fat as Communicative Organ Affecting Multiple Body Systems
Scientific understanding of body fat has shifted from viewing it as inert storage to recognizing it as a complex organ. Fat tissue releases hormones, communicates via nerves and immune cells, and influences appetite, metabolism, mood, fertility and immunity. The reassessment is c…
Science NewsFetuses Yawn in Response to Mothers' Yawns, Study Finds
Researchers in Italy showed yawning videos to 38 pregnant women in their third trimester and monitored fetal responses via ultrasound. Just over half the fetuses yawned about 90 seconds after their mothers, with the response far more likely to follow a maternal yawn than occur sp…
discovermagazine.comStudy Finds Coelacanth Lacks 11 Jaw Muscles Previously Thought Present
A 2025 study published in Science Advances determined that the coelacanth, an ancient fish species, does not possess 11 jaw muscles that researchers had previously believed it had. The finding alters prior understanding of the fish's anatomy. The coelacanth is frequently referred…
newatlas.comSundew Plants Detect Trapped Prey Using Glutathione
Carnivorous sundew plants use the chemical glutathione to sense when prey has been captured. A new study details the mechanism that allows the plants to distinguish between live insects and other stimuli. The findings appear in a peer-reviewed journal.
news.sky.comScientists Identify Muscle Responsible for Penguins’ Waddling Gait
Scientists have identified an enigmatic tissue that forces penguins' lower limbs close to the body near the knees. @ScienceMagazine reported that this adaptation produces the birds' distinctive waddle while also streamlining their bodies underwater. The finding explains efficient…
EuronewsZuckerberg and Chan Launch Biohub Initiative for AI Models of Human Cells
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan have initiated a five-year project through Biohub to develop AI models of human cells. The effort aims to generate vast datasets for biological research, with $500 million in total funding. Data will be freely available to global resear…
lesswrong.comMitochondria Shed Outer Layers to Form Trash-Digesting Organelles During Parasite Invasions
Researchers have found that mitochondria, known as cells' power plants, also contribute to immune responses. When parasites invade cells, mitochondria shed their outer layers to create new organelles that digest molecular trash. This discovery highlights mitochondria's role beyon…
insidermonkey.comSouth American Lungfish Species Has Largest Sequenced Genome Among Animals
A lungfish species native to South America now holds the record for the largest genome sequenced in any animal. This finding comes from recent sequencing efforts. The species is specifically found in South American habitats.
Gwénaël M. D. J.-M. Gaussand, Qi Jia, Eric van der Graaff, Gerda E. M. Lamers, Paul F. Fransz, Paul J. J. Hooykaas, Sylvia de Pater / Wikimedia (CC BY 3.0)Study Details Caspase 5 Function in Promoting Wnt Signaling in Human Intestinal Epithelium
Researchers have published findings on Caspase 5, revealing its role in intestinal epithelial processes. The study identifies three isoforms and highlights how one promotes Wnt signaling through specific mechanisms. Data from the research are publicly available in designated repo…
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewStudy Finds Epigenetic Changes from Inflammation Persist in Animals' Lifetime
A new study published in Science reports that certain DNA regions undergo epigenetic modifications during inflammation, enabling gene expression. These changes remain throughout the animal's lifetime. The findings suggest potential long-term effects of inflammation on genetic act…
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewUnique Choreography Between Two Ant Species Involves Carwash Partnership
A unique choreography exists between two ant species, suggesting a distinctive partnership. In this partnership, one ant species provides a carwash service to the other. The New York Times reported on this observed behavior.
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewMantis Shrimp Possess 12 Color Receptors, Biologist Explains Visual Capabilities
Mantis shrimp have 12 color receptors in their visual system, compared to three in humans. A biologist notes that this feature has led to perceptions of superior vision in the species. However, recent studies indicate that their color perception may not be as advanced as earlier…