Monarch butterflies and their mysterious and marvelous annual migration have long awed scientists. A recent study reports that the Monarch’s circadian clock – which guides their migration – uses a novel molecular mechanism that is not known to exist in other insects or mammals.
Healthy 'Restaurant' Boosts Rare Vultures in Nepal
Populations of rare White-rumped and Slender-billed Vultures in Nepal’s Nawalparasi conservation district have nearly doubled as a result of a feeding program that offers carcasses untainted with the anti-inflammatory drug Diclofenac given to cattle in the region.
Insect Attack May Have Been Death Knell for Dinosaurs
A new book authored by George and Roberta Poinar presents the hypothesis that the death knell of the mighty dinosaurs was the introduction of disease-carrying insects, as opposed to the sudden impact theories so prevalent today.
Navy, Environmentalists Await Sonar Ruling
A federal judge in California is scheduled to release a decision this week that will outline what the Navy must do to protect marine mammals from the loud blasts of its sonar equipment.
Humans 'Drive Out Large Mammals'
A report released by US researchers shows that human activities seriously impede the survival and well-being of large mammals, which in turn threatens the ecological fabric of their former habitats.
Sea Cucumber 'New Malaria Weapon'
An international team of scientists have found a method that could allow sea cucumbers’ ability to produce the protein lectin be used in the battle against Malaria.
As Earth Warms Up, Tropical Virus Moves to Italy
A small Italian village is experiencing an outbreak of the tropical disease chikungunya – a relative of dengue fever normally found in the Indian Ocean region – the range of which is spreading further north as a result of global warming.
Under Pressure, Japan Delays Plan to Hunt the Humpback
Bowing to pressure from the United States and Australia, Japan has delayed its proposed hunting of 50 humpback whales – although it still plans to hunt 935 minke whales and 50 endangered fin whales.
Technology From Sticky Mussels, Biomedical Engineer Inspired Again
Northwestern University scientist Philip Messersmith and his team – inspired by mussels – have developed a unique coating application method that mimicks the mollusks’ uncanny ability to stick to virtually anything. Potential uses include medical devices, biosensors, as well as culture and expansion of stem cells.
Whale "Missing Link" Discovered
Scientists say the remains of an extinct fox-sized animal found in India is probably the land-based relative of whales, dolphins and porpoises.