Natural Sciences - latest news

New genetic research highlights influences on children’s development

May 17, 2012 in Natural Sciences

Two normally occurring variants in hitherto unknown genes influence the size of children’s heads. International research has set new standards for studies in genes’ importance for children’s development.

Animals and bacteria evolve together

May 16, 2012 in Natural Sciences

Scientists have discovered that bacteria evolve in a similar way to the animals they inhabit. This finding will make it easier to study animal evolution.

Stars in globular clusters form communities

May 15, 2012 in Natural Sciences

The stars in a globular cluster rarely communicate on a one-to-one basis. Instead, they follow the rules of communities.

Happy hens get hot

May 12, 2012 in Natural Sciences

When a hen anticipates eating a juicy larva her temperature increases. Thermal imaging shows that happiness has a warming effect on chickens, just as it does with us.

Neutrinos’ mass found with help of galaxies

May 9, 2012 in Natural Sciences

The mass of the neutrino, the lightest particle in the universe, has now been computed more precisely than before.

Carnivorous killer algae found in Danish waters

May 8, 2012 in Natural Sciences

We know that fish eat plankton and plankton eat algae. Think again, says researcher, who has spotted a form of algae so ferocious that can they overpower animals 10,000 times their own size.

Mapping marine life before oil drilling starts

May 2, 2012 in Natural Sciences

Foul-smelling bubbles rise from the floor of the Barents Sea. Living organisms in these depths are being studied before the oil and gas industry starts drilling operations.

Wet research two hundred metres below a glacier

April 23, 2012 in Natural Sciences

A group of scientists is currently working in what is called the world's most claustrophobic laboratory. They are studying glaciers, while blogging for ScienceNordic.

Your guide to sex in the wild

April 15, 2012 in Natural Sciences

Oysters do it, humans do it and fish do it – even plants do it. We all have sex to ensure the survival of our species. Here's a look at the evolution of this blissful activity.

Tiny polar creature must deal with competition

March 30, 2012 in Natural Sciences

Calinoid copepods are tiny creatures of vital importance to the northern polar marine ecosystem. If temperatures in the Arctic Ocean rise, the balance between the species may change.

Personality crucial for endangered species

March 27, 2012 in Natural Sciences

Endangered animal species need to have their personalities analysed – a prerequisite for scientists to adapt their preservation work to the needs of the individual species.

Letting Latin go at last

March 25, 2012 in Natural Sciences

Until recently it wasn’t enough just discovering a new species of flora. A scientist would have to know a sufficient amount of Latin to describe the plant. Now the rules have finally been changed.