Category Archives: Biology

Blood Vessel Growth Inhibitors Mediate Negative Side Effects of Chemotherapy

Posted on February 22, 2011 by Sharon Neufeldt

Doctors and researchers have observed an improvement in the survival rate of cancer patients when they are given a combination of a chemotherapeutic drug (cancer-killing drug) and an antiangiogenic drug (a drug that inhibits the growth of new blood vessels). … Continue reading →

Posted in Biology, Medicine | 5 Comments

A Scientific Limit to (Male) Sexiness

Posted on February 16, 2011 by Sharon Neufeldt

For most animal species, males must compete with one another to win the attention of a female. This competition can involve active sparring – for example, bighorn sheep will sometimes clash heads over a lady sheep. For other animals, such … Continue reading →

Posted in Biology, Genetics | 8 Comments

Organic Chemistry Lessons, Courtesy of Hippo et al.

Posted on February 4, 2011 by Sharon Neufeldt

Animal secretions (gross) often contain molecules that perform clever functions.  Here are a few examples, accompanied by morsels of chemistry facts.

Posted in Biology, Chemistry, Chemistry Basics | Comments Off on Organic Chemistry Lessons, Courtesy of Hippo et al.

An Amoeba Is More Fiscally Responsible than Most Americans

Posted on January 21, 2011 by Sharon Neufeldt

A new study reveals that even – those squishy little single-celled organisms – know how to save up for a rainy day. Scientists at Rice University have discovered that some members of a like to save up food for when … Continue reading →

Posted in Biology | 3 Comments

Sleepy Bees Waggle Sloppy

Posted on December 15, 2010 by Sharon Neufeldt

For humans, sleep deprivation has a negative impact on performance in many areas, such as motor and communication skills.

Posted in Biology, Brain Stuff, Communication | 8 Comments

Mini-Drama of a Fungus: Cooperation and Sacrifice

Posted on September 28, 2010 by Sharon Neufeldt

Certain types of mushroom-looking fungi reproduce by shooting thousands of spores out into the air all at once.  If they are lucky, the spores find an air current to ride far away to a new habitat, to start lives of … Continue reading →

Posted in Biology | Comments Off on Mini-Drama of a Fungus: Cooperation and Sacrifice