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Biology

Updates every hour. Last Updated: 5-Jun-2026 17:16 ET (5-Jun-2026 21:16 GMT/UTC)

From ancient fins to human hands

University of Konstanz
Peer-Reviewed Publication

To distinguish between the top and the bottom side of our limbs, nature “redeployed” ancient genes from the midline fins of fish. This is the conclusion of an international research team led by Konstanz-based biologist Joost Woltering.

Journal: Molecular Biology and Evolution

Climate change advances the start of the reproductive cycle of the Mediterranean gorgonian

University of Barcelona
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Climate change is accelerating the arrival of warmer spring temperatures, and this phenomenon is affecting the conservation of many species. Now, a study published in the journal Global Change Biology reveals how a two-degree Celsius increase in temperature advances the reproductive process of the Mediterranean gorgonian, a species found in temperate waters that plays an important ecological role, providing structure and shelter and thus promoting biodiversity on the seabed.

Journal: Global Change Biology

Two accomplices in the spotlight: When the interaction between fungi and bacteria becomes a dangerous alliance

Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute -
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Rivals or allies – how do bacteria and fungi interact in our bodies? Until now, bacteria on our mucous membranes were primarily considered to be antagonists of fungi, as they can inhibit their growth. However, an international research team led by the Leibniz-Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (Leibniz-HKI) in Jena has now been able to show that the yeast Candida albicans and the bacterium Enterococcus faecalis form a dangerous alliance under certain conditions: Instead of fighting each other, they can amplify their impact and cause significantly more severe cell damage together than alone. In the study now published in the journal PNAS, the researchers reveal the mechanisms behind this – and the crucial role of the bacterial toxin cytolysin.

Journal: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Funder: Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung (BMBF), BMFTR, Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft

The North American wild mountain sheep could face extinction unless we act to protect their habitat

Taylor & Francis Group
Book Announcement

The charismatic, robust and impressive North American mountain sheep is losing its habitat to industrial mining, the changing climate and human activity. And unless action is taken to protect this popular and inherently American species, it could face extinction.

Strength training delivers the best and healthiest dieting results for both sexes

Tel-Aviv University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A new study reveals a clear conclusion: strength (resistance) training is the most effective tool for achieving “high-quality” weight loss, reducing body fat while preserving, and even increasing, muscle mass.

Journal: Frontiers in Endocrinology

AI & big data: IPK research team improves predictions for ‘tailor-made’ wheat

Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Climate change and evolving growing conditions present new challenges for breeding. It is important to take local environmental conditions into account. An international team led by the IPK Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research has used AI and big data to develop a method of determining which winter wheat varieties are best suited to specific locations. The study’s results have been published in the journal Genome Biology.

Journal: Genome Biology

Chronic alcohol use reshapes gene expression in key human brain regions linked to relapse vulnerability and neural damage

Universidad Miguel Hernandez de Elche
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Analyzing post-mortem brain tissue from individuals with alcohol use disorder, researchers identified significant changes in genes of the endocannabinoid system within the prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens. Published in Addiction, the study helps explain impaired impulse control and relapse vulnerability in alcoholism. It also highlights new molecular targets for more effective, personalized treatments.

Journal: Addiction
Funder: Ministerio de Ciencia

Fusarium cugenangense as a novel causal agent of wilt disease on Pyrus pyrifolia in China

KeAi Communications Co., Ltd.
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Researchers in China identified Fusarium cugenangense as a novel causal agent of pear wilt in China. Systemic infection is demonstrated via GFP-labeling and ultrastructural analysis. This is the first report of F. cugenangense causing pear wilt disease in China.

Journal: Journal of Integrative Agriculture
Funder: Jiangsu Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Fund, China, Earmarked Fund for China Agriculture Research System, National Natural Science Foundation of China, China Postdoctoral Science Foundation, Basal Research Fund for the Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China, Yafu Technology Service Project, China

New mechanism of immune damage in marine medaka induced by pentachlorophenol exposure

KeAi Communications Co., Ltd.
Peer-Reviewed Publication

PCP binds to TLR5, activating the TLR signaling pathway, which triggers inflammation, oxidative stress, disrupted amino acid metabolism, and liver damage, ultimately compromising immune function.

Journal: Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology
Funder: National Natural Science Foundation of China, Shandong Province Young Taishan Scholar, China, Shandong Provincial Natural Science Foundation, China, Shandong Province Young Taishan Scholar, China