EurekAlert! News by Subject: Biology - News by Subject: Biology

Biology

Updates every hour. Last Updated: 23-Dec-2025 02:11 ET (23-Dec-2025 07:11 GMT/UTC)

3D bioprinted mini placentas could transform pregnancy research

University of Technology Sydney
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Scientists have achieved a major breakthrough by 3D bioprinting miniature placentas, providing a new way to study pregnancy complications.

Journal: Nature Communications

Hidden diversity: Scientists now recognize nearly 6,800 living mammal species, a 25% increase since 2005

Arizona State University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Despite centuries of work, scientists are discovering that we still have not found or properly named a large portion of the world’s mammals. A new study led by researchers at Arizona State University (ASU) and the American Society of Mammalogists shows that the number of recognized living and recently extinct mammal species has increased to 6,759, almost a 25% rise since the last major global taxonomy in 2005.

Journal: Journal of Mammalogy

Hidden diversity: Scientists now recognize nearly 6,800 living mammal species, a 25% increase since 2005

Arizona State University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Scientists are discovering that we still have not found or properly named a large portion of the world’s mammals. A new study in the Journal of Mammalogy led by researchers at Arizona State University (ASU) and the American Society of Mammalogists shows that the number of recognized living and recently extinct mammal species has increased to 6,759, almost a 25% rise since the last major global taxonomy in 2005.

Journal: Journal of Mammalogy

Bovine colostrum emerges as a natural booster for immunity, disease resistance, and healthy aging

Maximum Academic Press

A research team has reviewed the immunomodulatory potential of bovine colostrum (BC), highlighting its rich composition of bioactive compounds such as immunoglobulins, lactoferrin, and growth factors that enhance immune defense, reduce inflammation, and support tissue repair.

Journal: Animal Advances

Cells usually viewed as menders may harm the heart

University of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Fibroblasts, cells that repair heart damage, might end up causing a vicious cycle of stiffening and scarring in certain heart conditions. Mechanical cues might be driving the problem. As the heart weakens and expands, the fibroblasts might be trying to prevent overexpansion. Researcher found that shutting down a signaling pathway in the rogue fibroblasts restored heart functioning in laboratory animal models. The finding could have therapeutic implications for developing new treatments.

Journal: Science
Funder: German Research Foundation, U.S. National Science Foundation, U.S. National Science Foundation

Scientists trace origins of now extinct plant population from volcanically active Nishinoshima

Tokyo Metropolitan University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Tokyo, Japan – Scientists from Tokyo Metropolitan University have determined the genetic lineage of a now extinct plant population from Nishinoshima, a volcanic island whose frequent eruptions periodically “reset” the vegetation. While they traced the lineage to a nearby island, they discovered distinct genetic quirks due to the rarity of seeds making it there, including a “founder’s effect”. Their findings offer a rare glimpse into the very earliest stages of ecosystem development in an isolated environment.

Journal: Plant Systematics and Evolution

Kelp forests are connected to local beach ecosystems

University of California - Santa Barbara
Peer-Reviewed Publication

The kelp forest is ephemeral, yet foundational. Fronds of this fast-growing giant seaweed come and go with the seasons, storms and waves, supporting communities of fish, invertebrates and even mammals wherever they emerge. As dynamic as they are in the ocean, kelp forests are also essential for its nearby shoreline communities, as fronds of this seaweed wash up on the beach, providing sustenance for invertebrates and serving as the foundation of beach food webs.

Journal: Communications Biology