Infected cells bounce away incoming viruses to accelerate spread

Scientists have discovered a trick used by some viruses to speed up the rate at which they spread - infected cells bounce incoming viruses away towards new cells. Using video recordings, Imperial-based virologist Geoff Smith and his colleagues were able to watch as vaccinia virus, a member of the ...

Crafty plants pick and choose their pollinators

Plants get up to all sorts of clever tricks to persuade animals to pay a visit and pollinate their flowers. Many animals are tempted by delicious smells and a reward of sugary, energy-rich nectar. But what if those visiting animals don’t just take away their nectar reward - pollinating the plant i...

Human spatial memory based on a grid system

Scientists have discovered that, at least when it comes to finding our way around, humans use the same neurological mapping system as rats and mice! Studies on human volunteers carried out by UCL scientist Christian Doeller and his colleagues have shown that a brain region called the entorhinal co...

Mysteries of Madagascar's wildlife solved

Over 80% of the plants and over 90% of animals that live in Madagascar are found nowhere else on the planet. The big Malagasy mystery is how did all these species get there? Now, a new study published in the journal Nature has provided strong evidence backing a theory that the ancient anc...