An analysis of H5N1 influenza samples in Southeast Asia shows not only how the two strains that have caused human disease are related but also that they belong to two different, distinct genetic subgroups. Researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report their findings today at the International Conference on Emerging Infectious Diseases.

A research team at Uppsala University, Sweden has shown in a new study, published in the journal Acta Zoologica, that the size of the spot on a male collared flycatcher's forehead reflects how well the immune defence system combats viruses such as avian influenza. The white spot is also attractive to female birds searching for a mate.

While petting zoos pose a risk for gastrointestinal illness, most visitors aren't aware that simple prevention measures could prevent infection. In addition, some engage in behaviors that might increase their risk of infection according to several studies being presented this week at the International Conference on Emerging Infectious Diseases.

Rutgers researchers have identified a gene – and the molecular function of its protein product – that provides an important clue to further understanding obesity and may point the way to new drugs to control fat metabolism.

Fruit lovers worldwide may soon enjoy new, healthier, tastier apples, following the release this week of crucial genetic data which fruit breeders say will help revolutionise the produce industry.

The glow emitted by a variety of sea coral helped Russian scientists harness the protein that generates the light to create a tiny fluorescent tag that responds to visible light. The two-color tag should help researchers follow individual proteins as they dart around inside living cells.

I promised a biology-specific news aggregator a while ago, and its finally done! It checks several science related sites for biology related news (using a bayesian filter) every hour; be sure to check it out! If you think of some more websites I missed, just contact me and I'll add them. A single rule: no paid content. That's the reason the NY Times, The Scientist and New Scientist aren't there. Sites that only display Associated Press news are excluded too, because AP:Health and Science already are in the list. I may add them in the future if there's enough request for them however.

Tell me what you think about this new feature. Any suggestions are welcome (this is true for the rest of the website, too!) And be sure to contact me if you notice any bugs! I know that there's lots of ads on the page; they're tests and some may or may not stay there.