Biologie

Scientists have discovered that snow flies, small wingless insects, produce antifreeze proteins and generate their own body heat to remain active in subfreezing temperatures as low as -6 degrees Celsius. Researchers at Northwestern University sequenced the insects' genome for the first time, revealing unusual genes and reduced sensitivity to cold pain. The findings, published March 24 in Current Biology, offer insights into adaptations for extreme cold.

25. März 2026 Von KI berichtet

Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley have found ethanol in the nectar of most plant species examined, meaning pollinators like bees and hummingbirds consume alcohol daily. An Anna's hummingbird drinks an amount equivalent to one human alcoholic beverage per day, yet shows no intoxication. The findings, published March 25 in Royal Society Open Science, suggest evolutionary tolerance to low-level ethanol.

Researchers have used a synchrotron particle accelerator, robotics, and AI to create high-resolution 3D models of ants from 800 species. The project scanned 2,000 specimens in just one week, far faster than traditional methods. This effort, called Antscan, aims to build a digital library of insect biodiversity.

9. März 2026 Von KI berichtet

A new study has revealed over 200 metabolic enzymes attached directly to human DNA inside the cell nucleus, challenging traditional views of cellular processes. These enzymes form unique patterns in different tissues and cancers, described as a 'nuclear metabolic fingerprint.' The discovery suggests links between metabolism and gene regulation that may influence cancer development and treatment.

Researchers analyzing a Utah family tree dating back to the 1700s have identified a potential selfish Y chromosome that skews sex ratios toward males. The finding, drawn from the Utah Population Database, shows 60 boys and 29 girls among 89 children over seven generations. Experts caution that the sample size is small and other factors like chance or infidelity could play a role.

3. März 2026 Von KI berichtet

Ein einäugiges Wesen, das vor 600 Millionen Jahren lebte, zählt zu den ältesten Vorfahren der Menschheit und ist der Ursprung unserer modernen Augen, laut einer Studie der Universität Lund. Forscher analysierten lichtempfindliche Zellen in verschiedenen Tiergruppen, um zu erklären, warum die Augen der Wirbeltiere sich von denen anderer unterscheiden. Die Studie wurde in der Zeitschrift Current Biology veröffentlicht.