A novel species of bacteria, Brachybacterium strain Mn32A, isolated from Pacific Ocean sediments, could provide a powerful clean-up tool for heavy metal pollution. Scientists report that the bacterium was highly effective in oxidizing manganese and other heavy metals.

Even while their blood pressures are still normal, overweight male teens may have elevated levels of a hormone known to increase pressures as well as early signs of heart damage, researchers say.

A new report provides compelling evidence that paying to conserve billions of tons of carbon stored in tropical forests could also protect orangutans, pygmy elephants, and other wildlife at risk of extinction. The study is one of the first to offer quantitative evidence linking the drive to reduce carbon emissions from forests with the push to preserve threatened mammal biodiversity.

An autoimmune mechanism, compounded by genetic predisposition in COPD, can explain the progression of the disease in some smokers and the evasion in others.

New research shows that when two species of stickleback fish evolved and lost their pelvises and body armor, the changes were caused by different genes in each species. That surprised researchers, who expected the same genes would control the same changes in both related fish. The findings shed new light on how evolution produces diversity in nature, and on the evolution of limb loss.

Informing men that a new vaccine to prevent human papillomavirus (HPV) would also help protect their female partners against developing cervical cancer from the sexually transmitted infection did not increase their interest in getting the vaccine, according to a new study.

Mushrooms can be delicious, beautiful and even, well, "magical". But if tough times send you out to forage for food--beyond the nearest fast-food restaurant--be wary of some of nature's more toxic temptations. [More]

Mushrooms can be delicious, beautiful and even, well, "magical". But if tough times send you out to forage for food--beyond the nearest fast-food restaurant--be wary of some of nature's more toxic temptations. [More]

This summer, how would you like to lean back in your lawn chair and toss back a brew made from what may be the world’s oldest recipe for beer? Called Chateau Jiahu, this blend of rice, honey and fruit was intoxicating Chinese villagers 9,000 years ago--long before grape wine had its start in Mesopotamia. [More]

A recent surge in immigration rates has led psychologists to study how these families are coping and thriving in their adopted countries. Researchers report that close family ties are crucial for immigrants' successful transition to their new country.