Life
- Humans
Bat killer is still spreading
Since 2006, some 6 million to 7 million North American bats have succumbed to white-nose syndrome, a virulent fungal disease. That figure, issued in January by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, at least sextupled the former estimate that biologists had been touting. But the sharp jump in the cumulative death toll isn’t the only disturbing new development. On April 2, scientists confirmed that white-nose fungus has apparently struck bats hibernating in two small Missouri caves. The first signs of clinical disease have also just emerged in Europe.
- Humans
Yet another study links insecticide to bee losses
Since 2006, honeybee populations across North America have been hammered by catastrophic losses. Although this pandemic has a name — colony collapse disorder, or CCD — its cause has remained open to speculation. New experiments now strengthen the case for pesticide poisoning as a likely contributor.
- Life
Stem cell treatment spurs cartilage growth
A small molecule called kartogenin prompts the manufacture of lost connective tissue in mice.
- Paleontology
T. rex has another fine, feathered cousin
A trio of fossils from China may tip the scales on dinosaurs’ public image.
- Life
Fruit fly biorhythms differ indoors and out
Response to daily cues of real life suggest lab findings may need a second look.
- Life
Genes are no crystal ball for disease risk
For most conditions, knowing a person’s entire genetic makeup won’t help predict his or her medical history.
- Life
Virus proves protective against lupus in mice
A mouse version of Epstein-Barr seems to prevent, not trigger, symptoms of the autoimmune disease.
- Life
Old cancer drugs offer new tricks
Drugs that reboot genetic programming make tumor cells more susceptible to cancer-killing therapy.
- Chemistry
For truffle aroma, it’s not all about location
Genes, not environment, play a key role in the prized fungus’s scent.
- Life
Pesticide-dosed bees lose future royalty, way home
Unusual field tests reveal how common insecticides, even at nonfatal doses, can erode colonies and threaten the future of bumblebees and honeybees.
- Life
Fossils show signs of earliest burrowing
Worms’ seafloor tunneling more than a half-billion years ago could have stirred up evolutionary forces.
- Life
The farther the better for corals after oil spill
Deepwater organisms may be slow to recover from Gulf accident.
