Paleobiologist Geerat Vermeij is enthralled with mollusks. Their shells line the surfaces and fill the cabinets and drawers in his office on the second floor of the Earth and Planetary Sciences Building at UC Davis. But Vermeij’s deep study of…
Category: 5. Biology
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Evolution of new physical traits in mollusks has declined and grown more predictable over time
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Understanding how cells take up and use isolated mitochondria to restore energy function
Mitochondria are essential for cell survival, repair, and adaptation. Not only do they generate most of the energy needed during a cell’s life, but they also regulate cell death, calcium balance, and responses to stress. When mitochondria fail,…
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Six years of field data show how climate and light shape early growth of abarco, informing reforestation in Colombia
A new study shows how climate and light conditions interaction affect the early growth in abarco, a highly valued tropical timber species, offering critical guidance for reforestation and sustainable forest management in the face of climate…
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How adult hygienic honey bees show unique advantages in fighting infectious pathogens
For the first time, research shows that a key social trait in honey bees is linked to measurable physiological advantages that can improve colony survival. A study published on the bioRxiv preprint server uncovers how hygienic honey bee colonies…
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A new face for 'Little Foot,' the most complete Australopithecus skeleton to date
What did the face of our ancestors look like three million years ago? Our international team has answered this question by virtually reconstructing the facial fragments of Little Foot, the most complete Australopithecus skeleton yet discovered….
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One-of-a-kind microscope reveals living cells in unprecedented detail
Stanford researchers have combined two microscopy techniques to create a one-of-a-kind instrument that can show cell structures interacting in real time at an unprecedented 120-nanometer resolution—the highest achieved without the use of…
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A Tiny Brain Molecule May Trigger a Chain Reaction Linked to Autism
A hidden molecular chain reaction in the brain may push key cellular systems into overdrive in autism—and scientists just found a way to switch it off. The brain relies on a constant flow of chemical messages to keep its networks working…
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Why are cats prone to kidney disease? A study points to unusual fats
Researchers from the University of Nottingham have uncovered a surprising biological quirk in domestic cats that may help explain why they are so prone to chronic kidney disease. Unlike dogs and most other mammals, cats appear to accumulate…
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Light in the forest: Computer simulations show increased tree diversity from competition for canopy light
If a tree falls in the forest, it can create an opening for more incoming light, and that makes a significant impact on the surrounding environment, according to new research. An international science team has used supercomputer simulations to…
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The forest is our pantry: Alaska national forests support abundant wild foods
Rural communities bordering the Tongass National Forest harvest more than 4.5 million pounds of wild food per year, including 100 different species that our public lands help support. Just how much food is this? An average quarter-pound…
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