EurekAlert! News by Subject: Biology - News by Subject: Biology

Biology

Updates every hour. Last Updated: 11-Sep-2025 13:11 ET (11-Sep-2025 17:11 GMT/UTC)

High blood pressure? Eat more bananas

University of Waterloo
Peer-Reviewed Publication

New research from the University of Waterloo suggests increasing the ratio of dietary potassium to sodium intake may be more effective for lowering blood pressure than simply reducing sodium intake.

How a new drone system may transform next-gen ecology research

Ohio State University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A new autonomous drone system could provide ecologists with deeper insights into animal behavior in the wild, a study suggests.

Journal: Methods in Ecology and Evolution

Threatened sea stars are finding refuge in bc fjords

Hakai Institute
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A new study suggests that cold-water fjords on British Columbia’s Central Coast could be a marine refuge for threatened sunflower sea stars, which have been hit hard by sea star wasting disease. But recovery may require more than just cold seawater.

Journal: Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences

Brain-like AI promises game-changing advances in small drones

Texas A&M University

Researchers plan to develop flexible, neuron-like nano-devices to add energy-efficient artificial intelligence to energy-hungry applications such as battery-powered miniature drones.

Journal: Science Advances
Funder: Air Force Office of Scientific Research

Phytobiomes Journal publishes landmark focus issue on the phytovirome

American Phytopathological Society
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Phytobiomes Journal, published by The American Phytopathological Society, is pleased to announce the publication of its special Focus Issue on the Phytovirome, a critical exploration of the diversity, interactions, and impact of plant-associated viruses within phytobiomes.

Journal: Phytobiomes Journal

Low-dose opioids could help promote social behaviors for people with autism spectrum disorder

Hiroshima University

The same chemicals and receptors that control the sensation of pain in the opioid system also play a role in regulating social behavior. The body produces natural opioid substances which are drawn to receptors throughout the nervous system, sending signals through neurons that induce pain relief, pleasure, and more. Low-dose morphine and buprenorphine that attach to the mu (μ) opioid receptors (MORs) could help promote social interactions, which could help people with neuropsychiatric disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) that affect social interactions.

Journal: JCI Insight
Funder: Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Nakatomi Foundation, Astellas Foundation for Research on Metabolic Disorders, Mochida Memorial Foundation for Medical and Pharmaceutical Research, Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development

Preserving and using the deep sea: scientists call for more knowledge to enable sustainable management

Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)
Reports and Proceedings

11 April 2025 / Brussels / Kiel. Led by Professor Dr Sylvia Sander of the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, a group of internationally renowned marine scientists has published a Future Science Brief on deep-sea research. The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the current state of knowledge and offers recommendations for how both the exploration and management of the deep sea can be made more sustainable. The scientists issue a clear warning: without a thorough understanding of ecosystem processes and biodiversity, informed decisions on the sustainable use and protection of the deep sea are not possible. They are now calling for targeted research to close these knowledge gaps and ensure long-term preservation of the deep sea. The report is aimed at policymakers, researchers and international organisations and is being launched today [11. April, 2 PM (14:00) CET] in a dedicated online webinar.