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Biology

Updates every hour. Last Updated: 18-Jul-2025 14:11 ET (18-Jul-2025 18:11 GMT/UTC)

A “roadmap” of the fruit fly brain

Universität Leipzig
Peer-Reviewed Publication

For the first time, researchers at Leipzig University and other institutions have gained comprehensive insights into the entire nervous system of the fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster). The findings were recently published in Nature, marking the first study to describe in detail the neurons that span the entire nervous system of the adult fruit fly. The researchers also, for the first time, compared the complete set of neural connections (the connectome) in a female and a male specimen – and identified differences.

Journal: Nature

Scientists identify a mechanism that controls tomato ripening

Wiley
Peer-Reviewed Publication

In research published in New Phytologist, investigators reveal that tomato ripening is regulated by the same mechanism that contributes to humans' and animals' life- and health-span.

Journal: New Phytologist

Could conserving tigers in forests be an integral part of climate change solutions?

Wiley
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Research published in Global Change Biology provides new insights into how large carnivore conservation represents an understudied component in nature-based solutions to climate change as it promotes “top-down” vegetation recovery much like forest protection and restoration support predator recovery from the “bottom-up."

Journal: Global Change Biology

A healthy diet in childhood is linked to starting menstrual periods later, regardless of BMI or height

European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Eating a healthy diet as a child is linked to girls having their first menstrual period at an older age than those who consumed a less healthy diet, according to a new study published in Human Reproduction. The findings remained unaltered by the girls’ body mass index or height, both of which have been associated with the earlier onset of periods. The study has implications for health in later life as it is well known that women who started their periods at an early age may be at higher risk for diabetes, obesity, breast cancer and diseases of the heart and blood vessels.

Journal: Human Reproduction
Funder: Breast Cancer Research Foundation, National Institutes of Health

The ISSCR announces Montréal as the location for its 2026 Annual Meeting 8-11 July 2026

International Society for Stem Cell Research
Meeting Announcement

Stem cell scientists from around the world will gather in Montréal, Canada, from 8–11 July 2026 for the International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) 2026 Annual Meeting. This global event will unite experts who are leading progress in stem cell research and regenerative medicine. The meeting will center around five key scientific themes curated by the 2026 Annual Meeting Program Committee.

Researchers identify two new crocodile species

McGill University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

McGill University researchers, in collaboration with Mexican scientists, have discovered two previously unknown species of crocodiles, one living on the island of Cozumel and the other on the atoll of Banco Chinchorro, both off the Yucatán Peninsula. The findings challenge long-held assumptions about the American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) and highlight the urgent need for conservation efforts, the researchers say.

Journal: Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution

New drone-assisted 3D model offers a more accurate way to date dinosaur fossils

McGill University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A new study from McGill University is reshaping how scientists date dinosaur fossils in Alberta’s Dinosaur Provincial Park (DPP). Using advanced drone-assisted 3D mapping, researchers have uncovered significant variations in a key geological marker, challenging long-standing methods of determining the ages of dinosaur fossils.

Journal: Palaeontologia Electronica