Catherine Griffin : Science World Report

Jan 13, 2014 10:58 AM EST

Lions are Critically Endangered in West Africa: 250 Adults Face Extinction

The African lion is one of the most iconic species from the savanna. With their hunting tactics and impressive size, lions are some of the largest big cats in the world. Now, researchers have found that the African lion is facing extinction across the entire West African region.

Jan 13, 2014 09:57 AM EST

Dolphin Species Created by Natural Hybridization: New Insight into Evolution

It turns out that a small, sleek marine mammal may be the result of two closely-related dolphin species. Scientists have discovered that natural hybridization is to blame for the clymene dolphin, a species that makes its home in the Atlantic Ocean.

Jan 13, 2014 08:50 AM EST

Sleep is the Price We Pay for Learning: New SHY Hypothesis

Why do we need sleep? Scientists have wondered just that for years. Now, researchers have found that their synaptic homeostasis hypothesis of sleep, or "SHY", challenges the theory that sleep strengthens brain connections.

Jan 13, 2014 08:15 AM EST

Europe May Face Devastating Drought from Climate Change

Europe may be experiencing high precipitation and storms today, but they may be suffering from the opposite end of the spectrum by the end of this century. Scientists have discovered that droughts in Europe will be more intense and frequent due to climate change and increased water use.

Jan 13, 2014 07:28 AM EST

Scientists Shed Light on Rich World of Fish Biofluorescence

Biofluorescence can result in a dazzling display of colors. Now, scientists have identified more than 180 species of fish that glow in a wide range of colors and patterns, unveiling the widespread phenomenon in the tree of life of fishes.

Jan 11, 2014 07:21 AM EST

Looking Young: Scientists Uncover Antioxidant That Protects Skin from Aging

Want to stay looking young? Researchers may have found a way to do so--at least as far as your skin is concerned. They've discovered that the antioxidant Tiron can offer total protection against some types of sun damage and may ultimately help skin stay looking younger for longer.

Jan 11, 2014 07:21 AM EST

Winning Athlete's First Reaction to Victory is to Display Dominance

What's your first reaction when you win something? For an athlete, it's not very sportsmanlike. Scientists have shown that an athlete's first, instinctive reaction is to display dominance over his opponent.

Jan 11, 2014 07:20 AM EST

Island Living Makes Animals More Tame: Lizards Refuse to Flee

What makes animals "tame" and what makes them wild? You may have seen videos of the "tame" animals on the Galapagos Islands. Now, though, researchers have found evidence of this island tameness and have revealed that species that live on islands are more likely to demonstrate these attributes.

Jan 10, 2014 11:43 AM EST

Decline of Carnivores in Nature Threatens Ecosystems

What would a world without carnivores be like? It'd be pretty terrifying. Scientists have taken a closer look at the current status of large carnivores and the ecological roles they play in regulating ecosystems worldwide.

Jan 10, 2014 10:40 AM EST

Astronomers Discover New, Massive Planet in Pisces Star System

Astronomers have discovered a new giant planet in a star system within the Pisces constellation. About twice the mass of Jupiter, the new planet could help researchers learn a bit more about how extrasolar planets are formed.

Jan 10, 2014 10:00 AM EST

Hubble Captures Stunning New Image of Tarantula Nebula

The Hubble Space Telescope has captured a stunning new image of deep inside the Tarantula Nebula. The picture reveals hundreds of thousands of stars and protostars embedded inside the nebula and gives scientists a better view of the star factory.

Jan 10, 2014 09:21 AM EST

Male Chromosome is Not Dying Out: Y's Demise Not Inevitable

Is the Y chromosome doomed to disappear? That's not the case, according to a new study. Scientists have found that the common notion that the Y's genes are mostly unimportant and that the chromosome is destined to dwindle and disappear is actually untrue.