Biosentients - Science Biology… etc

The giant panda is not at an evolutionary dead end and could have a long term viable future, as per new research involving researchers from Cardiff University. Prior studies have observed that the giant pandas isolation, unusual dietary requirements and slow reproductive rates have led to a lack of genetic diversity that will inevitably lead the species to extinction……..

CORVALLIS, Ore. The traditional emphasis on dense, fast-growing, conifer-dominated forests in the Pacific Northwest raises questions about the health of dozens of animal species that depend on shrubs, herbs and broad-leaf trees, a new analysis by Oregon State University and the U.S. Geological Survey suggests……..

The quality of giant bluefin tuna caught in the Gulf of Maine has declined significantly since the early part of 1990s, scientists at the University of New Hampshire have found by analyzing detailed logbooks from a commercial tuna grader at the Yankee Fishermans Co-op. The findings, published this week in Fishery Bulletin, indicate potential changes in food sources, shifts in reproductive or migratory patterns, or the impact of fishing may be the cause of this decline……..

Clemson University chemists have developed a method to dramatically improve the longevity of fluorescent nanoparticles that may someday help researchers track the motion of a single molecule as it travels through a living cell. The chemists are exploiting a process called resonance energy transfer, which occurs when fluorescent dye molecules are added to the nanoparticles. Their findings will be reported at the 234th annual national American Chemical Society meeting Aug.19-24 in Boston……..

Originating in Central Africa, Peters’ elephantnose fish (Gnathonemus petersii), finds its bearings by means of weak electrical fields. Researchers from the University of Bonn have now been able to show how well this works. In complete darkness the animals can even distinguish the material of objects at a distance or dead organisms from living ones. The results have now been reported in the Journal of Experimental Biology……..

The routine use of antibiotics in swine production can have unintended consequences, with antibiotic resistance genes sometimes leaking from waste lagoons into groundwater. In a new study, scientists at the University of Illinois report that some genes found in hog waste lagoons are transferred - “like batons” - from one bacterial species to another. The scientists observed that this migration across species and into new environments sometimes dilutes - and sometimes amplifies - genes conferring antibiotic resistance……..

When a cat steps over an obstacle with its front legs, how do its hind legs know what to do” A new study in the August 21st issue of Current Biology, a publication of Cell Press, reveals that it is the foreleg stepping movement itself that leaves a lasting impression. By comparison, feline memories of having just seen an obstacle proved rather fleeting……..

I couldn’t resist highlighting a photograph (original via BPotD Flickr Group Pool) from the recent additions to Eric in SF@Flickr’s From the Earth photo set – if you’re a fan of colour and patterns, the photographs are a must-see. Thanks once again, ………

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has issued a suite of Standard Reference Materials (SRMs) for ginkgo biloba, one of the most popular dietary supplements in the marketplace, with annual worldwide sales estimated at $1 billion. The NIST reference materials are designed to help scientists validate the accuracy of analytical methods for flavonoids and terpene lactones (plant constituents that may be linked to the perceived effectiveness of ginkgo) as well as toxic elements in ginkgo*. In addition to supporting measurements linked to clinical trials or verifying product label claims, the reference materials also can be used by dietary supplement manufacturers to improve product consistency……..

The first all-African genetically modified crop plant with resistance to the severe maize streak virus (MSV), which seriously reduces the continents maize yield, has been developed by researchers from the University of Cape Town and PANNAR PTY Ltd, a South African seed company. The research, published in Plant Biotechnology Journal represents a significant advance in African agricultural biotechnology, and will play an important role in alleviating Africas food shortages and famine……..