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Effects of a supplemented diet containing 7 probiotic strains (Honeybeeotic) on honeybee physiology and immune response: analysis of hemolymph cytology, phenoloxidase activity, and gut microbiome

In this study, a probiotic mixture (Honeybeeotic) consisting of seven bacterial strains isolated from a unique population of honeybees ( Apis mellifera ligustica ) was used. That honeybee population was located in ...

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Uncovering the role of the subcommissural organ in early brain development through transcriptomic analysis

The significant role of embryonic cerebrospinal fluid (eCSF) in the initial stages of brain development has been thoroughly studied. This fluid contains crucial molecules for proper brain development such as m...

A preclinical mice model of multiple sclerosis based on the toxin-induced double-site demyelination of callosal and cerebellar fibers

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an irreversible progressive CNS pathology characterized by the loss of myelin (i.e. demyelination). The lack of myelin is followed by a progressive neurodegeneration triggering sympt...

Renoprotective effect of a novel combination of 6-gingerol and metformin in high-fat diet/streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephropathy in rats via targeting miRNA-146a, miRNA-223, TLR4/TRAF6/NLRP3 inflammasome pathway and HIF-1α

MiRNA-146a and miRNA-223 are key epigenetic regulators of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/tumor necrosis factor-receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6)/NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) infla...

Unveiling a novel memory center in human brain: neurochemical identification of the nucleus incertus , a key pontine locus implicated in stress and neuropathology

The nucleus incertus (NI) was originally described by Streeter in 1903, as a midline region in the floor of the fourth ventricle of the human brain with an ‘unknown’ function. More than a century later, the neuro...

Chrysin-loaded PEGylated liposomes protect against alloxan-induced diabetic neuropathy in rats: the interplay between endoplasmic reticulum stress and autophagy

Diabetic neuropathy (DN) is recognized as a significant complication arising from diabetes mellitus (DM). Pathogenesis of DN is accelerated by endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, which inhibits autophagy and co...

Lead and calcium crosstalk tempted acrosome damage and hyperpolarization of spermatozoa: signaling and ultra-structural evidences

Exposure of humans and animals to heavy metals is increasing day-by-day; thus, lead even today remains of significant public health concern. According to CDC, blood lead reference value (BLRV) ranges from 3.5 ...

Molecular hydrogen promotes retinal vascular regeneration and attenuates neovascularization and neuroglial dysfunction in oxygen-induced retinopathy mice

Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) is a proliferative retinal vascular disease occurring in the retina of premature infants and is the main cause of childhood blindness. Nowadays anti-VEGF and retinal photocoagu...

Retraction Note: Tridax procumbens flavonoids promote osteoblast differentiation and bone formation

Exercise reduces physical alterations in a rat model of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.

Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) has serious physical consequences for children such as behavioral disabilities, growth disorders, neuromuscular problems, impaired motor coordination, and decreased muscle tone....

Loss of protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor delta PTPRD increases the number of cortical neurons, impairs synaptic function and induces autistic-like behaviors in adult mice

The brain cortex is responsible for many higher-level cognitive functions. Disruptions during cortical development have long-lasting consequences on brain function and are associated with the etiology of brain...

Inhibition of astroglial hemichannels prevents synaptic transmission decline during spreading depression

Spreading depression (SD) is an intriguing phenomenon characterized by massive slow brain depolarizations that affect neurons and glial cells. This phenomenon is repetitive and produces a metabolic overload th...

Correction: Conformational characterization of the mammalian-expressed SARS-CoV-2 recombinant receptor binding domain, a COVID-19 vaccine

The original article was published in Biological Research 2023 56 :22

The current insights of mitochondrial hormesis in the occurrence and treatment of bone and cartilage degeneration

It is widely acknowledged that aging, mitochondrial dysfunction, and cellular phenotypic abnormalities are intricately associated with the degeneration of bone and cartilage. Consequently, gaining a comprehens...

The crucial role of HFM1 in regulating FUS ubiquitination and localization for oocyte meiosis prophase I progression in mice

Helicase for meiosis 1 (HFM1), a putative DNA helicase expressed in germ-line cells, has been reported to be closely associated with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). However, the underlying molecular mec...

Distinct properties of putative trophoblast stem cells established from somatic cell nuclear-transferred pig blastocysts

Genetically modified pigs are considered ideal models for studying human diseases and potential sources for xenotransplantation research. However, the somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) technique utilized to...

Electroacupuncture attenuates neuropathic pain via suppressing BIP-IRE-1α-mediated endoplasmic reticulum stress in the anterior cingulate cortex

Studies have suggested that endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) is involved in neurological dysfunction and that electroacupuncture (EA) attenuates neuropathic pain (NP) via undefined pathways. However, the rol...

Effect of Cannabis sativa L. extracts, phytocannabinoids and their acetylated derivates on the SHSY-5Y neuroblastoma cells’ viability and caspases 3/7 activation

There is a need for novel treatments for neuroblastoma, despite the emergence of new biological and immune treatments, since refractory pediatric neuroblastoma is still a medical challenge. Phyto cannabinoids ...

The hepatoprotective effect of 4-phenyltetrahydroquinolines on carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity in rats through autophagy inhibition

The liver serves as a metabolic hub within the human body, playing a crucial role in various essential functions, such as detoxification, nutrient metabolism, and hormone regulation. Therefore, protecting the ...

Connexin channels and hemichannels are modulated differently by charge reversal at residues forming the intracellular pocket

Members of the β-subfamily of connexins contain an intracellular pocket surrounded by amino acid residues from the four transmembrane helices. The presence of this pocket has not previously been investigated i...

IDH1 mutation produces R-2-hydroxyglutarate (R-2HG) and induces mir-182-5p expression to regulate cell cycle and tumor formation in glioma

Mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 and 2 ( IDH1 and IDH2 ), are present in most gliomas. IDH1 mutation is an important prognostic marker in glioma. However, its regulatory mechanism in glioma remains incomplet...

Therapeutic potential of oleic acid supplementation in myotonic dystrophy muscle cell models

We recently reported that upregulation of Musashi 2 (MSI2) protein in the rare neuromuscular disease myotonic dystrophy type 1 contributes to the hyperactivation of the muscle catabolic processes autophagy and...

Dorsal root ganglion-derived exosomes deteriorate neuropathic pain by activating microglia via the microRNA-16-5p/HECTD1/HSP90 axis

The activated microglia have been reported as pillar factors in neuropathic pain (NP) pathology, but the molecules driving pain-inducible microglial activation require further exploration. In this study, we in...

MicroRNA-721 regulates gluconeogenesis via KDM2A-mediated epigenetic modulation in diet-induced insulin resistance in C57BL/6J mice

Aberrant gluconeogenesis is considered among primary drivers of hyperglycemia under insulin resistant conditions, with multiple studies pointing towards epigenetic dysregulation. Here we examine the role of mi...

Combined transcriptomics and proteomics unveil the impact of vitamin C in modulating specific protein abundance in the mouse liver

Vitamin C (ascorbate) is a water-soluble antioxidant and an important cofactor for various biosynthetic and regulatory enzymes. Mice can synthesize vitamin C thanks to the key enzyme gulonolactone oxidase (Gul...

Novel role of LLGL2 silencing in autophagy: reversing epithelial-mesenchymal transition in prostate cancer

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a major urological disease that is associated with significant morbidity and mortality in men. LLGL2 is the mammalian homolog of Lgl. It acts as a tumor suppressor in breast and hepati...

Rapid development and mass production of SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing chicken egg yolk antibodies with protective efficacy in hamsters

Despite the record speed of developing vaccines and therapeutics against the SARS-CoV-2 virus, it is not a given that such success can be secured in future pandemics. In addition, COVID-19 vaccination and appl...

High-fat diet, microbiome-gut-brain axis signaling, and anxiety-like behavior in male rats

Obesity, associated with the intake of a high-fat diet (HFD), and anxiety are common among those living in modern urban societies. Recent studies suggest a role of microbiome-gut-brain axis signaling, includin...

General regulatory factors exert differential effects on nucleosome sliding activity of the ISW1a complex

Chromatin dynamics is deeply involved in processes that require access to DNA, such as transcriptional regulation. Among the factors involved in chromatin dynamics at gene regulatory regions are general regula...

Establishment of primary prostate epithelial and tumorigenic cell lines using a non-viral immortalization approach

Research on prostate cancer is mostly performed using cell lines derived from metastatic disease, not reflecting stages of tumor initiation or early progression. Establishment of cancer cell lines derived from...

The effect of diabetes mellitus on differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into insulin-producing cells

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a global epidemic with increasing incidences. DM is a metabolic disease associated with chronic hyperglycemia. Aside from conventional treatments, there is no clinically approved cure...

Control of astrocytic Ca 2+ signaling by nitric oxide-dependent S-nitrosylation of Ca 2+ homeostasis modulator 1 channels

Astrocytes Ca 2+ signaling play a central role in the modulation of neuronal function. Activation of metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR) by glutamate released during an increase in synaptic activity triggers ...

Increased levels and activation of the IL-17 receptor in microglia contribute to enhanced neuroinflammation in cerebellum of hyperammonemic rats

Patients with liver cirrhosis may show minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) with mild cognitive impairment and motor incoordination. Rats with chronic hyperammonemia reproduce these alterations. Motor incoordi...

Identification and expression analysis of two steamer-like retrotransposons in the Chilean blue mussel ( Mytilus chilensis )

Disseminated neoplasia (DN) is a proliferative cell disorder of the circulatory system of bivalve mollusks. The disease is transmitted between individuals and can also be induced by external chemical agents su...

Noncoding RNAs in skeletal development and disorders

Protein-encoding genes only constitute less than 2% of total human genomic sequences, and 98% of genetic information was previously referred to as “junk DNA”. Meanwhile, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) consist of app...

Cx43 hemichannels and panx1 channels contribute to ethanol-induced astrocyte dysfunction and damage

Alcohol, a widely abused drug, significantly diminishes life quality, causing chronic diseases and psychiatric issues, with severe health, societal, and economic repercussions. Previously, we demonstrated that...

Galectins in epithelial-mesenchymal transition: roles and mechanisms contributing to tissue repair, fibrosis and cancer metastasis

Galectins are soluble glycan-binding proteins that interact with a wide range of glycoproteins and glycolipids and modulate a broad spectrum of physiological and pathological processes. The expression and subc...

Glutaminolysis regulates endometrial fibrosis in intrauterine adhesion via modulating mitochondrial function

Endometrial fibrosis, a significant characteristic of intrauterine adhesion (IUA), is caused by the excessive differentiation and activation of endometrial stromal cells (ESCs). Glutaminolysis is the metabolic...

The long-chain flavodoxin FldX1 improves the biodegradation of 4-hydroxyphenylacetate and 3-hydroxyphenylacetate and counteracts the oxidative stress associated to aromatic catabolism in Paraburkholderia xenovorans

Bacterial aromatic degradation may cause oxidative stress. The long-chain flavodoxin FldX1 of Paraburkholderia xenovorans LB400 counteracts reactive oxygen species (ROS). The aim of this study was to evaluate the...

MicroRNA-148b secreted by bovine oviductal extracellular vesicles enhance embryo quality through BPM/TGF-beta pathway

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) and their cargoes, including MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a crucial role in cell-to-cell communication. We previously demonstrated the upregulation of bta-mir-148b in EVs from oviductal...

YME1L-mediated mitophagy protects renal tubular cells against cellular senescence under diabetic conditions

The senescence of renal tubular epithelial cells (RTECs) is crucial in the progression of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Accumulating evidence suggests a close association between insufficient mitophagy and RT...

Effects of latroeggtoxin-VI on dopamine and α-synuclein in PC12 cells and the implications for Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized by death of dopaminergic neurons leading to dopamine deficiency, excessive α-synuclein facilitating Lewy body formation, etc. Latroeggtoxin-VI (LETX-VI), a proteinaceo...

Glial-restricted progenitor cells: a cure for diseased brain?

The central nervous system (CNS) is home to neuronal and glial cells. Traditionally, glia was disregarded as just the structural support across the brain and spinal cord, in striking contrast to neurons, alway...

Carbapenem-resistant hypervirulent ST23 Klebsiella pneumoniae with a highly transmissible dual-carbapenemase plasmid in Chile

The convergence of hypervirulence and carbapenem resistance in the bacterial pathogen Klebsiella pneumoniae represents a critical global health concern. Hypervirulent K. pneumoniae (hvKp) strains, frequently from...

Endometrial mesenchymal stromal/stem cells improve regeneration of injured endometrium in mice

The monthly regeneration of human endometrial tissue is maintained by the presence of human endometrial mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (eMSC), a cell population co-expressing the perivascular markers CD140b an...

Embryo development is impaired by sperm mitochondrial-derived ROS

Basal energetic metabolism in sperm, particularly oxidative phosphorylation, is known to condition not only their oocyte fertilising ability, but also the subsequent embryo development. While the molecular pat...

Fibroblasts inhibit osteogenesis by regulating nuclear-cytoplasmic shuttling of YAP in mesenchymal stem cells and secreting DKK1

Fibrous scars frequently form at the sites of bone nonunion when attempts to repair bone fractures have failed. However, the detailed mechanism by which fibroblasts, which are the main components of fibrous sc...

MSC-derived exosomes protect auditory hair cells from neomycin-induced damage via autophagy regulation

Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) poses a major threat to both physical and mental health; however, there is still a lack of effective drugs to treat the disease. Recently, novel biological therapies, such as ...

Alpha-synuclein dynamics bridge Type-I Interferon response and SARS-CoV-2 replication in peripheral cells

Increasing evidence suggests a double-faceted role of alpha-synuclein (α-syn) following infection by a variety of viruses, including SARS-CoV-2. Although α-syn accumulation is known to contribute to cell toxic...

Lactadherin immunoblockade in small extracellular vesicles inhibits sEV-mediated increase of pro-metastatic capacities

Tumor-derived small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) can promote tumorigenic and metastatic capacities in less aggressive recipient cells mainly through the biomolecules in their cargo. However, despite recent ad...

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Biological Research

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Writing an Introduction for a Scientific Paper

Dr. michelle harris, dr. janet batzli, biocore.

This section provides guidelines on how to construct a solid introduction to a scientific paper including background information, study question , biological rationale, hypothesis , and general approach . If the Introduction is done well, there should be no question in the reader’s mind why and on what basis you have posed a specific hypothesis.

Broad Question : based on an initial observation (e.g., “I see a lot of guppies close to the shore. Do guppies like living in shallow water?”). This observation of the natural world may inspire you to investigate background literature or your observation could be based on previous research by others or your own pilot study. Broad questions are not always included in your written text, but are essential for establishing the direction of your research.

Background Information : key issues, concepts, terminology, and definitions needed to understand the biological rationale for the experiment. It often includes a summary of findings from previous, relevant studies. Remember to cite references, be concise, and only include relevant information given your audience and your experimental design. Concisely summarized background information leads to the identification of specific scientific knowledge gaps that still exist. (e.g., “No studies to date have examined whether guppies do indeed spend more time in shallow water.”)

Testable Question : these questions are much more focused than the initial broad question, are specific to the knowledge gap identified, and can be addressed with data. (e.g., “Do guppies spend different amounts of time in water <1 meter deep as compared to their time in water that is >1 meter deep?”)

Biological Rationale : describes the purpose of your experiment distilling what is known and what is not known that defines the knowledge gap that you are addressing. The “BR” provides the logic for your hypothesis and experimental approach, describing the biological mechanism and assumptions that explain why your hypothesis should be true.

The biological rationale is based on your interpretation of the scientific literature, your personal observations, and the underlying assumptions you are making about how you think the system works. If you have written your biological rationale, your reader should see your hypothesis in your introduction section and say to themselves, “Of course, this hypothesis seems very logical based on the rationale presented.”

• A thorough rationale defines your assumptions about the system that have not been revealed in scientific literature or from previous systematic observation. These assumptions drive the direction of your specific hypothesis or general predictions.
• Defining the rationale is probably the most critical task for a writer, as it tells your reader why your research is biologically meaningful. It may help to think about the rationale as an answer to the questions— how is this investigation related to what we know, what assumptions am I making about what we don’t yet know, AND how will this experiment add to our knowledge? *There may or may not be broader implications for your study; be careful not to overstate these (see note on social justifications below).
• Expect to spend time and mental effort on this. You may have to do considerable digging into the scientific literature to define how your experiment fits into what is already known and why it is relevant to pursue.
• Be open to the possibility that as you work with and think about your data, you may develop a deeper, more accurate understanding of the experimental system. You may find the original rationale needs to be revised to reflect your new, more sophisticated understanding.
• As you progress through Biocore and upper level biology courses, your rationale should become more focused and matched with the level of study e ., cellular, biochemical, or physiological mechanisms that underlie the rationale. Achieving this type of understanding takes effort, but it will lead to better communication of your science.

***Special note on avoiding social justifications: You should not overemphasize the relevance of your experiment and the possible connections to large-scale processes. Be realistic and logical —do not overgeneralize or state grand implications that are not sensible given the structure of your experimental system. Not all science is easily applied to improving the human condition. Performing an investigation just for the sake of adding to our scientific knowledge (“pure or basic science”) is just as important as applied science. In fact, basic science often provides the foundation for applied studies.

Hypothesis / Predictions : specific prediction(s) that you will test during your experiment. For manipulative experiments, the hypothesis should include the independent variable (what you manipulate), the dependent variable(s) (what you measure), the organism or system , the direction of your results, and comparison to be made.

If you are doing a systematic observation , your hypothesis presents a variable or set of variables that you predict are important for helping you characterize the system as a whole, or predict differences between components/areas of the system that help you explain how the system functions or changes over time.

Experimental Approach : Briefly gives the reader a general sense of the experiment, the type of data it will yield, and the kind of conclusions you expect to obtain from the data. Do not confuse the experimental approach with the experimental protocol . The experimental protocol consists of the detailed step-by-step procedures and techniques used during the experiment that are to be reported in the Methods and Materials section.

Some Final Tips on Writing an Introduction

• As you progress through the Biocore sequence, for instance, from organismal level of Biocore 301/302 to the cellular level in Biocore 303/304, we expect the contents of your “Introduction” paragraphs to reflect the level of your coursework and previous writing experience. For example, in Biocore 304 (Cell Biology Lab) biological rationale should draw upon assumptions we are making about cellular and biochemical processes.
• Be Concise yet Specific: Remember to be concise and only include relevant information given your audience and your experimental design. As you write, keep asking, “Is this necessary information or is this irrelevant detail?” For example, if you are writing a paper claiming that a certain compound is a competitive inhibitor to the enzyme alkaline phosphatase and acts by binding to the active site, you need to explain (briefly) Michaelis-Menton kinetics and the meaning and significance of Km and Vmax. This explanation is not necessary if you are reporting the dependence of enzyme activity on pH because you do not need to measure Km and Vmax to get an estimate of enzyme activity.
• Another example: if you are writing a paper reporting an increase in Daphnia magna heart rate upon exposure to caffeine you need not describe the reproductive cycle of magna unless it is germane to your results and discussion. Be specific and concrete, especially when making introductory or summary statements.

Where Do You Discuss Pilot Studies? Many times it is important to do pilot studies to help you get familiar with your experimental system or to improve your experimental design. If your pilot study influences your biological rationale or hypothesis, you need to describe it in your Introduction. If your pilot study simply informs the logistics or techniques, but does not influence your rationale, then the description of your pilot study belongs in the Materials and Methods section.  

How will introductions be evaluated? The following is part of the rubric we will be using to evaluate your papers.

WRITING A SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH ARTICLE | Format for the paper | Edit your paper! | Useful books | FORMAT FOR THE PAPER Scientific research articles provide a method for scientists to communicate with other scientists about the results of their research. A standard format is used for these articles, in which the author presents the research in an orderly, logical manner. This doesn't necessarily reflect the order in which you did or thought about the work.  This format is: | Title | Authors | Introduction | Materials and Methods | Results (with Tables and Figures ) | Discussion | Acknowledgments | Literature Cited | TITLE Make your title specific enough to describe the contents of the paper, but not so technical that only specialists will understand. The title should be appropriate for the intended audience. The title usually describes the subject matter of the article: Effect of Smoking on Academic Performance" Sometimes a title that summarizes the results is more effective: Students Who Smoke Get Lower Grades" AUTHORS 1. The person who did the work and wrote the paper is generally listed as the first author of a research paper. 2. For published articles, other people who made substantial contributions to the work are also listed as authors. Ask your mentor's permission before including his/her name as co-author. ABSTRACT 1. An abstract, or summary, is published together with a research article, giving the reader a "preview" of what's to come. Such abstracts may also be published separately in bibliographical sources, such as Biologic al Abstracts. They allow other scientists to quickly scan the large scientific literature, and decide which articles they want to read in depth. The abstract should be a little less technical than the article itself; you don't want to dissuade your potent ial audience from reading your paper. 2. Your abstract should be one paragraph, of 100-250 words, which summarizes the purpose, methods, results and conclusions of the paper. 3. It is not easy to include all this information in just a few words. Start by writing a summary that includes whatever you think is important, and then gradually prune it down to size by removing unnecessary words, while still retaini ng the necessary concepts. 3. Don't use abbreviations or citations in the abstract. It should be able to stand alone without any footnotes. INTRODUCTION What question did you ask in your experiment? Why is it interesting? The introduction summarizes the relevant literature so that the reader will understand why you were interested in the question you asked. One to fo ur paragraphs should be enough. End with a sentence explaining the specific question you asked in this experiment. MATERIALS AND METHODS 1. How did you answer this question? There should be enough information here to allow another scientist to repeat your experiment. Look at other papers that have been published in your field to get some idea of what is included in this section. 2. If you had a complicated protocol, it may helpful to include a diagram, table or flowchart to explain the methods you used. 3. Do not put results in this section. You may, however, include preliminary results that were used to design the main experiment that you are reporting on. ("In a preliminary study, I observed the owls for one week, and found that 73 % of their locomotor activity occurred during the night, and so I conducted all subsequent experiments between 11 pm and 6 am.") 4. Mention relevant ethical considerations. If you used human subjects, did they consent to participate. If you used animals, what measures did you take to minimize pain? RESULTS 1. This is where you present the results you've gotten. Use graphs and tables if appropriate, but also summarize your main findings in the text. Do NOT discuss the results or speculate as to why something happened; t hat goes in th e Discussion. 2. You don't necessarily have to include all the data you've gotten during the semester. This isn't a diary. 3. Use appropriate methods of showing data. Don't try to manipulate the data to make it look like you did more than you actually did. "The drug cured 1/3 of the infected mice, another 1/3 were not affected, and the third mouse got away." TABLES AND GRAPHS 1. If you present your data in a table or graph, include a title describing what's in the table ("Enzyme activity at various temperatures", not "My results".) For graphs, you should also label the x and y axes. 2. Don't use a table or graph just to be "fancy". If you can summarize the information in one sentence, then a table or graph is not necessary. DISCUSSION 1. Highlight the most significant results, but don't just repeat what you've written in the Results section. How do these results relate to the original question? Do the data support your hypothesis? Are your results consistent with what other investigators have reported? If your results were unexpected, try to explain why. Is there another way to interpret your results? What further research would be necessary to answer the questions raised by your results? How do y our results fit into the big picture? 2. End with a one-sentence summary of your conclusion, emphasizing why it is relevant. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS This section is optional. You can thank those who either helped with the experiments, or made other important contributions, such as discussing the protocol, commenting on the manuscript, or buying you pizza. REFERENCES (LITERATURE CITED) There are several possible ways to organize this section. Here is one commonly used way: 1. In the text, cite the literature in the appropriate places: Scarlet (1990) thought that the gene was present only in yeast, but it has since been identified in the platypus (Indigo and Mauve, 1994) and wombat (Magenta, et al., 1995). 2. In the References section list citations in alphabetical order. Indigo, A. C., and Mauve, B. E. 1994. Queer place for qwerty: gene isolation from the platypus. Science 275, 1213-1214. Magenta, S. T., Sepia, X., and Turquoise, U. 1995. Wombat genetics. In: Widiculous Wombats, Violet, Q., ed. New York: Columbia University Press. p 123-145. Scarlet, S.L. 1990. Isolation of qwerty gene from S. cerevisae. Journal of Unusual Results 36, 26-31.   EDIT YOUR PAPER!!! "In my writing, I average about ten pages a day. Unfortunately, they're all the same page." Michael Alley, The Craft of Scientific Writing A major part of any writing assignment consists of re-writing. Write accurately Scientific writing must be accurate. Although writing instructors may tell you not to use the same word twice in a sentence, it's okay for scientific writing, which must be accurate. (A student who tried not to repeat the word "hamster" produced this confusing sentence: "When I put the hamster in a cage with the other animals, the little mammals began to play.") Make sure you say what you mean. Instead of: The rats were injected with the drug. (sounds like a syringe was filled with drug and ground-up rats and both were injected together) Write: I injected the drug into the rat.

• Be careful with commonly confused words:

Temperature has an effect on the reaction. Temperature affects the reaction.

I used solutions in various concentrations. (The solutions were 5 mg/ml, 10 mg/ml, and 15 mg/ml) I used solutions in varying concentrations. (The concentrations I used changed; sometimes they were 5 mg/ml, other times they were 15 mg/ml.)

 Less food (can't count numbers of food) Fewer animals (can count numbers of animals)

A large amount of food (can't count them) A large number of animals (can count them)

The erythrocytes, which are in the blood, contain hemoglobin. The erythrocytes that are in the blood contain hemoglobin. (Wrong. This sentence implies that there are erythrocytes elsewhere that don't contain hemoglobin.)

Write clearly

1. Write at a level that's appropriate for your audience.

"Like a pigeon, something to admire as long as it isn't over your head." Anonymous

 2. Use the active voice. It's clearer and more concise than the passive voice.

 Instead of: An increased appetite was manifested by the rats and an increase in body weight was measured. Write: The rats ate more and gained weight.

 3. Use the first person.

 Instead of: It is thought Write: I think

 Instead of: The samples were analyzed Write: I analyzed the samples

 4. Avoid dangling participles.

 "After incubating at 30 degrees C, we examined the petri plates." (You must've been pretty warm in there.)

  Write succinctly

 1. Use verbs instead of abstract nouns

 Instead of: take into consideration Write: consider

 2. Use strong verbs instead of "to be"

 Instead of: The enzyme was found to be the active agent in catalyzing... Write: The enzyme catalyzed...

 3. Use short words.

Instead of: Write: possess have sufficient enough utilize use demonstrate show assistance help terminate end

4. Use concise terms.

 Instead of: Write: prior to before due to the fact that because in a considerable number of cases often the vast majority of most during the time that when in close proximity to near it has long been known that I'm too lazy to look up the reference

5. Use short sentences. A sentence made of more than 40 words should probably be rewritten as two sentences.

 "The conjunction 'and' commonly serves to indicate that the writer's mind still functions even when no signs of the phenomenon are noticeable." Rudolf Virchow, 1928

Check your grammar, spelling and punctuation

1. Use a spellchecker, but be aware that they don't catch all mistakes.

 "When we consider the animal as a hole,..." Student's paper

 2. Your spellchecker may not recognize scientific terms. For the correct spelling, try Biotech's Life Science Dictionary or one of the technical dictionaries on the reference shelf in the Biology or Health Sciences libraries.

 3. Don't, use, unnecessary, commas.

 4. Proofread carefully to see if you any words out.

USEFUL BOOKS

Victoria E. McMillan, Writing Papers in the Biological Sciences , Bedford Books, Boston, 1997 The best. On sale for about $18 at Labyrinth Books, 112th Street. On reserve in Biology Library

Jan A. Pechenik, A Short Guide to Writing About Biology , Boston: Little, Brown, 1987

Harrison W. Ambrose, III & Katharine Peckham Ambrose, A Handbook of Biological Investigation , 4th edition, Hunter Textbooks Inc, Winston-Salem, 1987 Particularly useful if you need to use statistics to analyze your data. Copy on Reference shelf in Biology Library.

Robert S. Day, How to Write and Publish a Scientific Paper , 4th edition, Oryx Press, Phoenix, 1994. Earlier editions also good. A bit more advanced, intended for those writing papers for publication. Fun to read. Several copies available in Columbia libraries.

William Strunk, Jr. and E. B. White, The Elements of Style , 3rd ed. Macmillan, New York, 1987. Several copies available in Columbia libraries.  Strunk's first edition is available on-line.

Research Paper Writing Guides

Biology Research Paper

Last updated on: May 13, 2024

Understanding the Basics of Biology Research Papers

By: Barbara P.

12 min read

Reviewed By:

Published on: Mar 27, 2024

From structuring to finding suitable topics, many research students struggle with understanding biology research papers. The lack of guidance can lead to confusion and frustration, which hinders academic progress and makes it difficult to craft quality research papers .

Whether you're a high school student or a college researcher, this blog has all the essentials you need to craft a stellar biology research paper. We'll walk you through the basics of structure, formatting, examples, and topics.

Let's explore biology papers together in order to enrich your academic experience.

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What is a Biology Research Paper? 

A biology research paper explores living organisms, their habitat, structure, and more. These papers contribute to the collective knowledge of biology and are typically written by scientists, researchers, or scholars.

Biology research papers cover a wide range of topics, including molecular biology, genetics, ecology, evolution, physiology, and more.

Just like other types of research papers , the content is based on empirical evidence obtained through experiments, observations, or analyses. 

In these research papers, you analyze specific issues, support claims with evidence, and discuss unique findings. Their primary goal is to broaden the understanding of the biological sciences and contribute to the ongoing development of the field.

How to Structure Your Biology Research Paper?

Similar to structuring other types of research papers, your biology paper requires careful organization to communicate your findings effectively. Here is the standard biology research paper outline you should follow:

• Title of the paper: Be concise and descriptive.
• Author(s) name(s): List all contributors.
• Affiliation(s): Include academic institutions.
• Date: When the paper was completed or submitted.
• For the abstract section , summarize your research question, methods, results, and conclusions in 150–250 words.
• Highlight the significance of your findings within the field of biology.

Introduction

• In the research paper introduction , provide background information on the topic, including relevant biological concepts and previous research.
• Clearly state your research question or hypothesis.
• Explain the importance of your research within the broader context of biology.

Literature Review

• Review existing literature related to your research topic when writing the literature review .
• Discuss key findings, controversies, and gaps in knowledge.
• Justify the need for your research based on previous studies.
• In the method section , describe the experimental design or data collection technique in detail.
• Explain how you manipulated variables or conducted observations.
• Provide sufficient information for others to replicate your study.

Results 

• Present your findings objectively and concisely in the results section . 
• Use tables, graphs, or figures to illustrate data effectively.
• Include statistical analyses if applicable.
• To write the discussion section , interpret your results in relation to your research question or hypothesis.
• Discuss any unexpected findings and potential sources of error.
• Compare your results with previous studies and theories.
• Explore the broader implications of your findings within the field of biology.
• Summarize the main findings of your research in the conclusion section .
• Restate your research question or hypothesis and whether it was supported.
• Suggest directions for future research based on your findings.
• At the end, you should list all sources cited in your paper, using a consistent citation style throughout.

Formatting Your Biology Research Paper

For writing a biology paper, there are no specific formatting rules. Having said that, the APA style is commonly used for scientific research papers. You can get guidance from our APA research paper format guide to write down your biology research paper effectively.

Biology Research Paper Examples

To understand biological research papers better, you should take a look at some examples. Here are some: 

Biology Research Paper Introduction Example

If you are interested in the above paper, you can read the complete biology research paper example here . 

If you're looking for valuable resources and guidance on biology research papers, consider exploring the resources available through the Penn Foster Biology Research Paper Library.

Biology Research Paper Example High School PDF

Biology Research Paper Example PDF

Interesting Biology Research Paper Topics 

Here are some good topics to write a biology research paper on.

Biology Research Paper Topics for College Students

• Investigate the Impact of Biodiversity Loss on Ecosystem Stability.
• Explore the Evolutionary Adaptations of Plants to Environmental Stress.
• Examine the Role of Microorganisms in Soil Fertility and Nutrient Cycling.
• Analyze the Genetic Diversity of Endangered Species and Its Conservation Implications.
• Study the Ecological Effects of Invasive Species on Native Ecosystems.
• Investigate the Relationship Between Climate Change and Species Distribution Patterns.
• Explore the Ecological Significance of Keystone Species in Natural Communities.
• Examine the Effects of Pollution on Aquatic Ecosystems and Biodiversity.
• Analyze the Impact of Habitat Fragmentation on Wildlife Populations.
• Investigate the Role of Ecological Restoration in Ecosystem Rehabilitation and Conservation.

Marine Biology Research Paper Topics

• Explore the Effects of Ocean Acidification on Marine Invertebrates.
• Examine the Relationship Between Marine Microorganisms and Climate Change.
• Investigate the Impact of Oil Spills on Coastal Marine Ecosystems.
• Analyze the Adaptation Strategies of Deep-Sea Creatures to Extreme Environments.
• Study the Effects of Noise Pollution on Marine Mammals.
• Explore the Role of Seagrass Beds in Coastal Carbon Sequestration.
• Examine the Genetic Diversity of Coral Reefs and Its Implications for Conservation.
• Investigate the Ecological Importance of Polar Marine Ecosystems in a Warming Climate.
• Analyze the Behavioral Ecology of Marine Predators in Different Oceanic Regions.
• Explore the Dynamics of Harmful Algal Blooms and Their Impact on Marine Life.

Cancer Biology Research Paper Topics

• Explore the Role of Tumor Microenvironment in Cancer Progression.
• Examine the Molecular Mechanisms of Drug Resistance in Cancer Cells.
• Investigate the Potential of Immunotherapy in Treating Solid Tumors.
• Analyze the Epigenetic Regulation of Gene Expression in Cancer Development.
• Study the Tumor Heterogeneity and Its Implications for Personalized Medicine.
• Explore the Crosstalk Between Cancer Cells and the Immune System.
• Examine the Role of Cancer Stem Cells in Tumor Initiation and Progression.
• Investigate the Impact of Metabolic Reprogramming on Cancer Cell Growth.
• Analyze the Role of Non-Coding RNAs in Cancer Pathogenesis.
• Explore the Development of Targeted Therapies Against Specific Cancer Signaling Pathways.

Molecular Biology Research Paper Topics

• Explore the Mechanisms of DNA Replication and Repair in Eukaryotic Cells.
• Examine the Role of Non-Coding RNAs in Gene Regulation and Genome Stability.
• Investigate the Molecular Basis of Cellular Senescence and Aging.
• Analyze the Regulation of Apoptosis and Its Implications in Disease States.
• Study the Molecular Mechanisms of Chromatin Remodeling and Epigenetic Regulation.
• Explore the Dynamics of Protein Folding and Misfolding in Neurodegenerative Diseases.
• Examine the Role of Autophagy in Cellular Homeostasis and Disease Pathogenesis.
• Investigate the Molecular Basis of Signal Transduction Pathways in Cellular Signaling.
• Analyze the Role of MicroRNAs in Post-Transcriptional Gene Regulation.
• Explore the Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Cancer Metastasis and Invasion.

Cell Biology Research Paper Topics

• Explore the Role of Organelle Dynamics in Cellular Function and Homeostasis.
• Examine the Molecular Mechanisms of Cell Division and Mitotic Regulation.
• Investigate the Role of Endocytic Pathways in Cellular Trafficking and Signaling.
• Analyze the Molecular Basis of Cell-Cell Adhesion and Intercellular Communication.
• Study the Regulation of Cell Cycle Progression and Checkpoints in Response to DNA Damage.
• Explore the Dynamics of Cytoskeletal Elements in Cell Morphology and Motility.
• Examine the Role of Cellular Membrane Dynamics in Vesicle Trafficking and Fusion.
• Investigate the Molecular Mechanisms of Cell Fate Determination and Differentiation.
• Analyze the Role of Autophagy in Cellular Homeostasis and Stress Response.
• Explore the Molecular Basis of Cellular Senescence and Aging.

Do’s and Don'ts of Biology Research Papers

When writing biology research papers, there are some important do's and don'ts that you should always take care of. Let’s explore them.

Do Use Clear Language: Use simple and straightforward language to explain your ideas and findings. Avoid jargon and technical terms unless necessary.

Do Provide Clear Definitions: Define any specialized terms or concepts that might be unfamiliar to your readers. This helps ensure that your paper is accessible to a wider audience.

Do Organize Your Paper Clearly: Structure your paper with clear headings and subheadings to help readers navigate through your research easily. A well-organized paper improves readability and comprehension.

Do Support Your Claims with Evidence: Back up your arguments and findings with evidence from reliable sources, such as peer-reviewed journals and reputable textbooks. This strengthens the credibility of your research.

Do Incorporate Articles Published Across Time: Include both recent articles published in scientific journals and classic works from the past. This provides a comprehensive understanding of your research topic's historical context and development.

Do Proofread Your Paper: Before submitting your paper, carefully proofread it for grammatical errors, typos, and inconsistencies. A well-written paper demonstrates professionalism and enhances the clarity of your message.

Don'ts 

Don't Plagiarize: Avoid copying text or ideas from other sources without proper attribution. Plagiarism is unethical and can have serious consequences for your academic or professional reputation.

Don't Overuse Technical Jargon: While some technical terms are necessary for biology papers, avoid overloading your paper with too much specialized language. This can confuse readers who are not familiar with the terminology.

Don't Make Unsupported Claims: Make sure that all statements and conclusions in your paper are supported by evidence. Avoid making unsubstantiated claims or drawing conclusions that are not backed by your research findings.

Don't Use Ambiguous Language: Be precise and specific in your writing to avoid ambiguity. Clearly define terms and concepts to prevent misinterpretation by your readers.

Don't Ignore Contradictory Evidence: Acknowledge and address contradictory evidence or alternative interpretations that may challenge your hypotheses or conclusions. Ignoring conflicting data can undermine the credibility of your research.

Don't Wait Until the Last Minute: Start working on your paper well in advance of the deadline to allow ample time for research, writing, and revisions. Procrastination can lead to rushed work and lower-quality output.

By following these dos and don'ts, you can write a biology research paper that effectively communicates your ideas and findings in a clear and accessible manner.

To sum up, in this blog, we discussed the essentials of biology research papers, including their structure and what they cover. Our blog also discussed various topics in biology like marine, cancer, molecular, and cell biology, which can interest college students.

For those in need of additional support with their biology research papers, SharkPapers.com is a paper writing service online that is always ready to provide writing assistance. Our team of professionals can help navigate the complexities of biology research paper writing. 

Remember, with the right resources and assistance, tackling biology research papers can be a rewarding and enlightening experience. Don't hesitate to reach out to our service, we can help write your research papers with ease! 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good topic for a biology research paper.

A compelling topic for a biology research paper could be “The Impact of CRISPR-Cas9 Gene Editing on Genetic Diseases.” This topic allows exploration into the revolutionary gene-editing technology and its potential to treat or prevent genetic disorders, offering insights into the ethical considerations and future implications of genomic interventions.

A compelling topic for a biology research paper could be “The Impact of CRISPR-Cas9 Gene Editing on Genetic Diseases.” This topic allows exploration into the revolutionary gene-editing technology and its potential to treat or prevent genetic disorders, offering insights into the ethical considerations and future implications of genomic interventions. How long should a biology research paper should be?

Medical and biology research papers and dissertations are typically around 10,000 to 15,000 words long. They cover in-depth studies on important topics, providing valuable information to the scientific community.

What can I research in biology?

• Genetics: Study of genes and heredity.
• Ecology: Interactions between organisms and their environment.
• Cell Biology: Structure and function of cells.
• Evolution: Mechanisms and patterns of species change.
• Physiology: Functions and processes of living organisms.
• Microbiology: Study of microscopic organisms.
• Biotechnology: Application of biological principles in various fields.
• Developmental Biology: Growth and development of organisms.
• Neuroscience: Study of the nervous system.
• Molecular Biology: Study of biological molecules.

Barbara has a Ph.D. in public health from an Ivy League university and extensive experience working in the medical field. With her practical experience conducting research on various health issues, she is skilled in writing innovative papers on healthcare. Her many works have been published in multiple publications.

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BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES MAJOR

Senior thesis examples.

Graduating seniors in Biological Sciences have the option of submitting a senior thesis for consideration for Honors and Research Prizes .  Below are some examples of particularly outstanding theses from recent years (pdf):

Sledd Thesis

• Langson Library
• Science Library
• Grunigen Medical Library
• Law Library
• Connect From Off-Campus
• Accessibility
• Gateway Study Center

Email this link

Writing a scientific paper.

• Writing a lab report
• INTRODUCTION

Writing a "good" results section

Figures and Captions in Lab Reports

"Results Checklist" from: How to Write a Good Scientific Paper. Chris A. Mack. SPIE. 2018.

Additional tips for results sections.

• LITERATURE CITED
• Bibliography of guides to scientific writing and presenting
• Peer Review
• Presentations
• Lab Report Writing Guides on the Web

This is the core of the paper. Don't start the results sections with methods you left out of the Materials and Methods section. You need to give an overall description of the experiments and present the data you found.

• Factual statements supported by evidence. Short and sweet without excess words
• Present representative data rather than endlessly repetitive data
• Discuss variables only if they had an effect (positive or negative)
• Use meaningful statistics
• Avoid redundancy. If it is in the tables or captions you may not need to repeat it

A short article by Dr. Brett Couch and Dr. Deena Wassenberg, Biology Program, University of Minnesota

• Present the results of the paper, in logical order, using tables and graphs as necessary.
• Explain the results and show how they help to answer the research questions posed in the Introduction. Evidence does not explain itself; the results must be presented and then explained. 
• Avoid: presenting results that are never discussed;  presenting results in chronological order rather than logical order; ignoring results that do not support the conclusions; 
• Number tables and figures separately beginning with 1 (i.e. Table 1, Table 2, Figure 1, etc.).
• Do not attempt to evaluate the results in this section. Report only what you found; hold all discussion of the significance of the results for the Discussion section.
• It is not necessary to describe every step of your statistical analyses. Scientists understand all about null hypotheses, rejection rules, and so forth and do not need to be reminded of them. Just say something like, "Honeybees did not use the flowers in proportion to their availability (X2 = 7.9, p<0.05, d.f.= 4, chi-square test)." Likewise, cite tables and figures without describing in detail how the data were manipulated. Explanations of this sort should appear in a legend or caption written on the same page as the figure or table.
• You must refer in the text to each figure or table you include in your paper.
• Tables generally should report summary-level data, such as means ± standard deviations, rather than all your raw data.  A long list of all your individual observations will mean much less than a few concise, easy-to-read tables or figures that bring out the main findings of your study.  
• Only use a figure (graph) when the data lend themselves to a good visual representation.  Avoid using figures that show too many variables or trends at once, because they can be hard to understand.

From:  https://writingcenter.gmu.edu/guides/imrad-results-discussion

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150 Actual Biology Research Paper Topics

Table of contents

• 1 What Is Biology? What Topics Might Biologists Study?
• 2 How to Choose a Topic for Biology Research Paper?
• 3.1 15 Developmental Biology Topics For Research
• 3.2 15 Immune System Biology Research Topics
• 3.3 15 Cell Biology Research Topics
• 3.4 15 DNA Research Topics
• 3.5 15 Molecular Biology Research Topics
• 3.6 15 Neurobiology Research Topics
• 3.7 15 Abortion, Human cloning, and Genetic Researches Topics
• 3.8 15 Environmental and Ecology Topics for Your Research
• 3.9 15 Plant Pathology Biology Research Topics
• 3.10 15 Animals Biology Research Topics
• 3.11 15 Marine Biology Research Topics
• 3.12 15 Zoology Research Topics
• 3.13 15 Genetics Research Topics
• 3.14 15 Biotechnology Research Topics
• 3.15 15 Evolutionary Biology Research Topics

Biology is one of the most magnetic fields of study these days. If you want to be a biologist or scientist in the future, there is no better time to start than right now. Biology research topics covered in this article will keep you busy and interested. Writing a research paper is one of the best ways to dip your toes into the field. Before doing that, you need to know some good topics for the research paper . They should be suitable for biology students rather than cutting-edge researchers. On Papersowl.com , we provide as many biology research paper examples as possible so that you have a huge choice.

What Is Biology? What Topics Might Biologists Study?

Biology is simply the study of everything that has a form of life. It includes investigations on plants, animals, and everything found in the environment. It is about studying how life forms grow, develop, and interact with each other. Biology essay topics for research encompass all these and more.

This science uncovers many fields where various life forms are studied. It makes sense to look through these fields to help you decide which suits you the best.

Plant Biology research topics are about studying the plants around us. They disclose information about their existence as a part of the ecosystem, their life cycle, resources they can give us, their ability to preserve them from climate changes, and so on. There are many ideas to choose from, but you must focus on a specific one.

Human Biology research topics are all about us. These topics focus on different body parts, such as the human brain, the human immunological system, the nervous system, etc. In addition, you can discuss DNA modifications in humans and explain why genetic disorders occur in your research projects. Various cell research is also common today.

Biology research topics on the environment are in great demand too. For example, climate change is becoming a more significant threat every day. By studying environmental topics in biology for projects and research, we can come up with ways to combat them and preserve ecosystems.

Microbiology research topics delve into things we can’t see. There are trillions of microbes and bacteria all around us. Knowing about them is essential to understanding what makes us sick and how to fight against them. All microbiology research paper topics are pretty complicated yet very engaging to include in your paper research.

Molecular biology topics dive even deeper into the level of atoms and molecules. The various medicines and drugs we take were all created through molecular-biology research. It is one of the areas full of ideas, but there is yet to be much evidence. Science is advancing in this realm but still needs a lot of time. Topics of molecular biology will need days for research only.

Keep in mind that there are more ideas and variations of this science. We offer more examples in further sections of the article about developmental biology, marine biology, evolutionary biology, etc. Explore them and make your writing appealing and meaningful in the eyes of a professor.

How to Choose a Topic for Biology Research Paper?

When choosing a biology project topic, you must be aware of one or more fields of science. Biology research is critical to the present world. By doing research, we can learn more about genetic disorders, immune disorders, mental health, natural disease resistance, etc. Knowing about each of these could save lives in the future.

For those who may not have the time or resources to do their own research, there are research paper writing services that can provide assistance with the project. And we are always here to help you find your own topic among interesting biology research topics. Here we prepared some useful tips to follow.

• Tip 1: The level of interest matters Pay attention to one that interests you, and you might have ideas on how to develop the topic. Passion is fundamental in research, after all.
• Tip 2: Explore the topic Try to narrow things down a bit. If the topic is too broad, you may not be able to cover all aspects of it in one research paper. If it is too narrow, the paper could end up too short. Analyze the topic and the ways to approach it. By doing so, you can strike a balance between the two.
• Tip 3: Discover the recent developments To make your research paper touchable with the present day, you must explore the latest developments in the field. You can find out what kind of research has been done recently by looking at journals. Check out research papers, topics, research articles, and other sources.
• Tip 4: Ensure to get enough resources When choosing a topic, make sure it has plenty of resources available. For example, a research paper on xenobiology or cutting-edge nanobiology might sound attractive. Still, you might have difficulties getting data and resources for those unless you are a researcher at a government lab. Data, resources, complex numbers, and statistics are all invaluable to writing a paper about these topics.

That is why we have selected a range of biological topics. The topics on this list are all hopefully exciting topics for research you could write an excellent paper on. We should also add that easy biology topics to research are rare, and a writer usually needs days to prepare and start writing. Yes, biology research topics for high school students are a bit easier, but still, they need time to explore them.

On the other hand, biology research topics for college students are far more complex and detailed. Some people prefer evolutionary biology research paper topics, and we can agree with this claim. These research areas do have a lot of potential and a lot of data to support the claims. Others prefer cell biology research topics that are a bit specific and fun. Anyway, with this article’s list of easy biology research topics, you will surely find the one matching your interest.

For those who may not have the time or resources to do their own research, there are provide assistance with the project.

Top Research Biology Paper Topics

This section contains a large selection of research biology paper topics. You will be able to find one that will suit you the best. The only thing left is to decide what variation of science you prefer. Whether you’re interested in microbiology, genetics, or any other type of science, you’ll find a topic to get you started. If you’re ever stuck or need some extra help, you can always pay someone to write your paper for you. So, take a look, and choose the perfect topic for your project!

15 Developmental Biology Topics For Research

Exploring the processes of how cells grow and develop is exciting. The human body contains millions of cells, and it’s interesting to research their behavior under different conditions. If you feel like writing about it, you can find some interesting biology topics below.

• How do stem cells form different tissues?
• How are tumors formed?
• Duplication of genomes
• Plasticity of development
• Different birth defects
• Interactions between genes and the environment
• Anticancer drugs mixtures
• Developmental diseases: Origin
• Drosophila Oogenesis
• Most deadly viruses
• Most deadly bacteria in the world
• How do germs affect cells?
• How does leukemia start?
• Development of the cardiovascular system in children
• How do autoimmune diseases start and affect the human body?

15 Immune System Biology Research Topics

For decades, many scientists and immunologists have studied the human immune system and tried to explain its reaction to various pathogens. This area allows you to deepen into it and reveal how a body protects itself from harmful impact. Look over the biology research questions below and find your match-up.

• How does the human body’s immune system work?
• The human immune system: How to strengthen it?
• What makes the immunological system weaker?
• The notion of auto-immune diseases and their effect on the body’s immune system
• The global HIV/aids epidemic
• What methods are used to prevent the spread of hives?
• Living with auto-immune diseases
• Genetics and the immune system: effects and consequences
• How do immune disorders affect the body, and what causes them?
• Are allergies signs of worrying about an immune disorder?
• DNA modification in solving immune disorders
• Stress as the biggest ruiner of the immunological system
• Vaccines as strong supporters of the immunological system
• The perception of vaccines in society
• Why do some people refuse vaccines and put others around them in danger?

15 Cell Biology Research Topics

Cell study might seem challenging yet very engaging. It will be a good idea to compare various types of cells and compare them in animals and plants. Make your choice from the list of cell biology research topics below.

• The structure of an animal cell
• Mitochondria and its meaning in cell development
• Cells classification and their functions
• Red blood cells and their function in transporting oxygen
• White blood cells and their responsibility to fight diseases
• How are plant cells different from animal cells?
• What would it be if animals had a function to photosynthesize?
• Single-celled organisms: What is it, and how do they work?
• What processes do cells go through in division?
• Invasion of bacteria into the body
• Viruses – alive or not?
• Fungi: their reproduction and distribution
• Cancer cells: Why are they so dangerous?
• What methods are used to kill cancer cells?
• The role of stem cells and their potential in a body

15 DNA Research Topics

The variety of biology research topics for college students might impress you a lot. This is a science with a large field of investigation, disclosing much scientific information to use in your project. The notion of DNA and its gist are also excellent options to write about.

• The structure of the human DNA
• The main components of a DNA chain
• Why does DNA have a double-helix spiral structure?
• The purpose of chromosomes
• MRNA and its relation to DNA
• Do single-celled organisms have DNA?
• Do viruses have DNA?
• What happens if you have too many or too few chromosomes?
• Analyzing the structure of DNA using computers
• Uses for the DNA of extinct organisms like mammoths and dinosaurs
• Storing non-genetic information in DNA
• Can you write a computer program into human DNA?
• How does radiation affect DNA?
• Modifying DNA to treat aids
• Can we fight cancer through DNA modification?

15 Molecular Biology Research Topics

Do you prefer to research molecules’ chemical and physical composition? We gathered some molecular biology research topics to make your choice easier.

• The structure and components of a gene
• How do molecules move in and out of a cell?
• The basic building blocks of life
• How are drugs designed for humans?
• How is a vaccine designed to target a specific disease?
• Dominant genes vs. recessive genes
• Prion disease – why is it so dangerous?
• Hormones and their function in the body
• Developing artificial hormones from other animals
• How to carry out a western blot?
• Testing and analyzing DNA using PCR
• The three-dimensional structure of a molecule
• What is DNA transcription, and how is it used?
• The structure of a prion
• What is the central dogma of molecular biology?

15 Neurobiology Research Topics

The more you dive into science, the more exciting things you find. That’s about biology. Here, you can choose biology research topics for high school and try to reveal more simply.

• Nervous system: its structure and function
• Neurons as unique cells playing a central role in the nervous system
• What is the maximum reaction speed in a human?
• Reaction speed: how to improve it?
• Research on Organic Farming
• What are the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease?
• Why do we feel happy or sad?
• Headaches in terms of Neurobiology
• What are the reasons for neurobiological degeneration?
• Myths and reality of Amnesia
• What causes Alzheimer’s Disease, and what are the consequences of the disease?
• What is the treatment for Spinal Cord Injury?
• Studies on Narcolepsy and Insomnia: What are the causes?
• Is there a connection between Mental Health and Neurobiology?
• Emotions in terms of their reflection in the brain

15 Abortion, Human cloning, and Genetic Researches Topics

There are so many scientific researches and theories that society accepts or neglects. You can operate different notions and try to explain them, reflecting their advantages and downsides for a human being. We gathered some enticing life science research topics for high school students that might interest you.

• The controversy around abortion: legal or not?
• Can abortion be safe?
• Human cloning – reality vs. science-fiction
• The goals of cloning humans
• Are human cloning and transplantation ethical?
• Having a “perfect child” through gene therapy: Is it a myth?
• How far has gene therapy gone in genetic research?
• Advantages and disadvantages of gene therapy
• How gene therapy can help beat cancer
• How gene therapy can eliminate diabetes
• The opportunity to edit genes by CRISPR
• DNA modifications in humans to enhance our abilities – an ethical dilemma
• Will expensive gene therapy widen the gap between the rich and the poor?
• Cloning: the good and the Bad for a Generation
• The disadvantages of cloning
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15 Environmental and Ecology Topics for Your Research

The nature around us is so enormous and includes many branches to investigate. If you are keen on the environment and how ecology affects it, the list of follow-up biology paper topics might be helpful to you.

• The theory of evolution
• How does natural selection work?
• How do living organisms adapt to their environment?
• The concept of divergent and convergent evolution
• Building a sustainable environment
• Development of environment-friendly cities
• How to control population growth?
• Why have recycling resources become so essential in the modern world?
• The effect of plastic on the environment
• What are the global consequences of deforestation?
• What can we expect when losing biodiversity?
• Ecological damage: How to prevent it?
• How can GMO products affect ecology?
• Cloning endangered or extinct species: Is it a good idea?
• Is climate change the main reason for disrupting ecology?

15 Plant Pathology Biology Research Topics

Many factors impact human health and the quality of food products matters. These easy biology research topics will be useful if you want to describe the connection between those two concepts.

• How do plants protect themselves from diseases?
• How to increase the plant’s resistance to diseases?
• Diseases distribution among plants
• The banana pandemic
• How do herbicides influence plants?
• Corn blight
• Can any plant diseases affect humans?
• The issue of stem rust and its impact on wheat
• What approaches are used to struggle against invasive plants and affected weeds?
• Fertilizers: their pros and cons on plants
• Plant disease genetics: its system and structure
• What is the connection between ecological changes and plant diseases?
• Modifications on food production because of plant diseases
• How do fungal and viral diseases appear in plants?
• The sweet potato virus

15 Animals Biology Research Topics

It’s hard to find someone who doesn’t like animals. If you are curious about animals scientifically, here you are with biology research paper topics in this field.

• Classification of animals
• Land-based life: its evolution history
• Controversies about keeping animals as pets
• Is it ethical to test drugs and products on animals?
• Why do nature reserves against zoos?
• Evidence on prehistoric aquatic animals growing giant
• What species of animals are vegan?
• Animals and their social behavior
• Primate behavior
• How intelligent can other primates be?
• Are wolves and dogs intelligent?
• Domesticating animals
• Hibernation in animals
• Why animals migrate
• Should we bring back extinct animals?

15 Marine Biology Research Topics

The marine theme is engaging as it reveals so many interesting facts about life forms dwelling under the water. You can make your paper look captivating using biology topics in marine below.

• How acidification affects aquatic environments
• Evolution in the deep sea
• What’s the meaning of camouflage mechanism in sea life?
• Consequences of oil spills on marine life
• Oldest marine species
• How do whales communicate with each other?
• How blind fish navigate
• Are marine shows and aquariums ethical?
• The biology and life cycle of seabirds
• How jellyfish are immortal
• Plankton ecology
• Difference between freshwater and seawater marine life
• Coral reefs: their importance and evolution
• Saving and restoring coral reefs
• Life in the deep-sea ocean trenches

15 Zoology Research Topics

Zoology can be an excellent choice to write about if you are close to animal studies. Look at biology topics to research and choose the one that fits your interest most.

• Asian elephants and human speech patterns
• Oyster genomes and adaptation
• Darwin’s work in the Galápagos Islands
• Asian carp: Invasive species analysis
• Giant squids: Fact vs. fiction
• Coyote and wolf hybrid species in the United States
• Parasites and disease
• Migration patterns of killer bees
• The treatment of species in Melville’s Moby Dick
• Biodiversity and plankton
• The role of camels and the development of Africa and the Middle East
• Muskellunge and adaptive creek mechanisms to small water
• Ants and cooperative behavior among species
• Animal communication and the origin of language
• Speech in African Gray Parrots

15 Genetics Research Topics

Writing about modifications caused on the gene level is pretty challenging but very fascinating. You can select one among the biological questions for research and bring up a meaningful paper.

• Genetics and its role in cancer studies
• Can genetic code be confidential?
• Is it possible to choose the sex of a person before birth?
• Genetics as a ray of hope for children with an intellectual disability
• What factors in human genetics affect behavior?
• Is it somehow possible to improve human personality through genetics?
• Are there any living cells in the gene?
• Fighting HIV with gene mutations
• Genetic mutations
• How addictive substances affect genes
• Genetic testing: is it necessary?
• Cloning: positive or negative outcome for future generations
• Pros and cons of genetic engineering
• Is the world ready for the bioethics revolution?
• The linkage between genetics and obesity

15 Biotechnology Research Topics

The way scientists conduct research today is magnificent. Implementing high-tech innovations in biology research brings new opportunities to study the world. What are these opportunities? Explore biotechnology research topics for college students and disclose the best options for you.

• Biotechnology used in plant research
• What is the contribution of biotechnology to food?
• Pharmacogenetics: What is it, and how it works?
• How are anti-cancer drugs produced to be effective?
• Nanotechnology in DNA: How to isolate it?
• Recent nanotechnology used in HIV treatment
• What biotech apps are used to detect foodborne pathogens in food systems?
• Genotypes research: Why are they tolerant and sensitive to heavy metal?
• High-tech solutions in diagnosing cancer
• Forensic DNA and its latest developments
• Metabolic changes at the level of cells
• Nanotechnology in improving treatments for respiratory viruses
• The latest biotech discoveries
• Digital evolution: bioresearch and its transformation
• The concept of vaccine development

15 Evolutionary Biology Research Topics

Knowing how life forms started their existence is fundamental. And more interesting is to look through the evolution of many processes. If you find this trend of research more engaging, we outlined evolutionary biology research paper topics to diversify your choice.

• Darwin’s concept’s impact on science
• The evolution concept by Lamarck
• Origins of the evolutionary theory
• Evolution acceptance: a belief vs. a theory?
• Evolutionary in microbiology
• Development of robotics
• Revealing differences: human brain & animal brain
• Preservation of biological resources
• Transformations in aging
• Adaptive genetic system
• Morphometrics’ history
• Developmental theory and population genomics
• Bacteria ecology’s evolution
• Biological changes: impact and evolution
• Infectious diseases and their profession

The world of science and biology is vast, making research tedious. Use our list of interesting biology research topics to choose the best issue to write your own paper.

However, it is still hard to prepare a high-quality biology research paper, even with a brilliant topic. Not all college students can do it. Do you feel like you need some help? Then buy biology paper from our professional writers! Our experts will choose the best biology experimental research topics for you and can bring up top-level papers within the shortest time. Additionally, if you need help with a statistics project related to biology, our team of experienced professionals is equipped to provide you with the utmost quality of research and analysis.

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BIOLOGY JUNCTION

Test And Quizzes for Biology, Pre-AP, Or AP Biology For Teachers And Students

How to Write an Excellent Biology Research Paper

A good example of a biology research paper is not hard to find. The trick, however, is not to find it, but to understand how it was created. Writing such an assignment requires precision, dedication, and an understanding of the rules and expectations of such a paper. And many students are forced to seek biology homework help from various homework help websites like writance.com/pay-for-essay and many others. So, here is a quick guide on how to write a biology research paper. Read, learn, apply, and enjoy the results!

Choose a Topic

Before considering other questions, such as what methods are best to use, asking for paper writing helpfrom an essay helper, or how to format a biology research paper, you need to choose a topic.A title or a thesis statement are not the same as a topic. You choose a general theme for your paper by selecting a topic. It ought to be limited enough to maintain a focused objective. But it shouldn’t be overly constrained. If not, it will be difficult for you to do research and locate the needed sources. Our recommendation applies to selecting a topic for research papers on human resources, technology, or history as well. Pick something you are already familiar with to investigate it more thoroughly.

Thesis Statement Definition

The thesis statement is what you can write once you have your topic selected. A thesis statement encapsulates your work’s definition and main goal. Here, you describe the goal of your research—what you hope to learn, demonstrate, or test. You present reasons for why your research is important and what results you want to achieve from the assigned assignment.

You will never find a biology research paper example without a clear thesis statement in the work’s introduction. You must follow these examples and briefly state your work’s goal in the final paragraph of your introduction. The two key components of any introduction are the thesis statement and the overarching theme of your work.

The logical next step for you is to conduct research on your subject. It’s best to finish this step before beginning the outlining process. Make sure your study has application in your field throughout this phase. In other words, you should check to determine if other researchers have conducted similar studies and if you have any original research to offer. If you can’t, you should probably switch topics.

Additionally, you should try to locate all the resources you’ll need to do your assignment during your study. You might not have adequate evidence to support your argument if you talk about very recent issues or discoveries. Therefore, make sure you have just the right amount of knowledge and scholarly references to produce a solid biology research paper.

An outline for a biology research paper is essentially a road map for your future work. All of the primary points that you attempt to communicate in each body paragraph must be included in your outline. Consequently, you want to start by outlining your thesis. Then move on to the body of the essay and briefly summarize each paragraph. Each of them ought to contain the main notion and substantiating arguments. Finish with a summary of all the main points and how they relate to the thesis statement.

Look for a biology research paper sample online whenever you get stuck on your plan. They will all have the same format. You’ll have a strong understanding of the optimum format for a biology paper after reading around a dozen of these samples.

Methods and Results in the Body

Your work’s primary body should be composed of components like a technique, a result, and an analysis. This is the main body of your writing, in my opinion. For your thesis statement, you must select the approach that is most pertinent to the situation. These approaches in biology are:

• historical technique; 
• bibliographical method; 
• experiment; 
• observation; 

You must proceed to the outcomes once you have finished conducting your experiments or compiling your scientific proof. List the conclusions you’ve reached. Make sure they are pertinent to your work’s goal.

Discussion and Verdict

The discussion and conclusion should come after the main body of your paper is finished. Here, you must succinctly summarize the evidence and conclusions you have drawn. Compare the outcomes to the goals you stated in the introduction. Indicate whether the results support the point that your thesis sought to make. Describe any additional research that is required, if any.

Last but not least, remember to revise and proofread your work. If you are not prepared to make your biology paper stand out in the end, there is no point in learning how to write one. You can step back and evaluate your work as a reader via proofreading. Check to see if you have any weak points. Ensure that your transitions are seamless and simple to understand. Verify your work for typos and grammatical faults.

Even though doing all that work may take some time, your paper will appear fantastic in the end. Impressions are important. Even if you put all the materials together and conduct a successful study, how you present it will affect how people will react to it.

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July 30, 2024

Fungal fingers for food

Fungi depend on their nutrient-seeking behavior for survival, but how they find nutrients is not well understood. Using a microfluidic device, Riho Yamamoto, Hinata Miki, Ayaka Itani and Norio Takeshita show that hyphae of the fungus Aspergillus nidulans exhibit chemotropism towards nutrients, adjusting growth direction towards carbon sources and away from certain nitrogen sources and acidic pH.

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Cholesterol and cholecystokinin receptors

A previous PLOS Biology study used the cryo-EM structure of the cholecystokinin type 1 receptor (CCK1R) to reveal insights into G protein selectivity. This Update Article by Kaleeckal Harikumar, Peishen Zhao, Brian Cary, Denise Wootten, Patrick Sexton, Laurence Miller and co-workers provides a structural and biophysical characterization of the effects of cholesterol on ligand binding and G protein coupling at the receptor.

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FURNA: functional annotations of RNA structures

There is an increasing number of experimentally determined 3D RNA structures, but the majority lack functional annotation. To address this gap, Chengxin Zhang and Lydia Freddolino provide a database of 3D RNA structures with comprehensive, high-quality functional annotations to enable discovery of RNA functions from structural and sequence information

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Alternative start sites in Cryptococcus

Alternative transcription start site (altTSS) usage is one of the major means of gene regulation in animals but is unknown in non-yeast fungi. Thi Tuong Vi Dang, Guilhem Janbon and co-workers reveal widespread altTSS in Cryptococcus that alters gene expression and protein targeting, regulated by a single transcription factor, Tur1, in response to environmental cues.

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Wnt signaling modulates the DNA damage response via EGFR

The Wnt pathway promotes resistance to DNA damage induced by ionizing radiation in several human cancers, but how? Ben Ewen-Campen and Norbert Perrimon show that Wnt signaling in the Drosophila wing imaginal disc modulates the DNA damage response through EGFR, protecting cells from apoptosis induced by DNA double-strand breaks..

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Amyloid beta from oligodendrocytes

Neurons are thought to be the primary source of pathogenic amyloid beta (Aβ) in Alzheimer's disease. Rikesh Rajani, Marc Aurel Busche and co-authors identify oligodendrocytes as significant contributors to Aβ production and show that suppressing Aβ in oligodendrocytes rescues early neuronal dysfunction in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease.

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Meta-Research Article

“Best Paper” awards: not great for Open Science?

Research awards are an integral part of the universal “prestige economy” in science. Malgorzata Lagisz, Shinichi Nakagawa and colleagues use cross-disciplinary data to explore the level of transparency of publicly available award descriptions and assessment criteria, asking whether such awards contribute to or propagate existing reproducibility crises and inequities in science.

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Ancestral immunity

Aude Bernheim, Jean Cury and Enzo Poirier introduce the concept of ancestral immunity; the set of immune modules conserved between prokaryotes and eukaryotes, discussing the topology of ancestral immunity and an evolutionary scenario for its existence.

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The new science of sleep

Omer Sharon, Eti Ben Simon, Matthew Walker and co-authors highlight eight of the most exciting new discoveries within sleep science, discussing how these have expanded our understanding of sleep's function at the cellular, organismal, and societal levels.

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Unsolved Mystery

The mysteries of mitochondrial shape

Mitochondria come in many shapes and sizes. Noga Preminger and Maya Schuldiner explore the diverse processes that influence mitochondrial shape and network formation, highlighting gaps in our understanding of mitochondrial architecture.

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Aligning data with decisions

The planetary outlook for biodiversity is dire. Leah Gerber and Gwenllian Iacona introduce a new Collection of articles that discuss the data we have and the data we need for more effective conservation policies.

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Decision making for conservation and biodiversity

Translating conservation and biodiversity research from the field into the real world is a complex problem. This collection discusses issues around economics, policy, and how to do research that answers questions that decision makers have.

Symbiosis across the tree of life

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Collection  15 July 2019

Top 50: Life and Biological Sciences

We are pleased to share with you the 50 most read  Nature Communications life and biological sciences articles* published in 2018. Featuring authors from around the world, these papers highlight valuable research from an international community.

Browse all Top 50 subject area collections here .

*Based on data from  altmetric.com , covering January-December 2018

Embryos and embryonic stem cells from the white rhinoceros

The Southern (SWR) and Northern (NWR) are two subspecies of the White Rhinoceros with the NWR being almost extinct. Here, using assisted reproduction technology, the authors produce and cryopreserve SWR purebred and NWR-SWR hybrid embryos developed to the blastocyst stage, and also generate embryonic stem cell lines, in an attempt to save genes of the NWR.

• Thomas B. Hildebrandt
• Robert Hermes
• Cesare Galli

Scutoids are a geometrical solution to three-dimensional packing of epithelia

Cell arrangement in the plane of epithelia is well studied, but its three-dimensional packing is largely unknown. Here the authors model curved epithelia and predict that cells adopt a geometrical shape they call “scutoid”, resulting in different apical and basal neighbours, and confirm the presence of scutoids in curved tissues.

• Pedro Gómez-Gálvez
• Pablo Vicente-Munuera
• Luis M. Escudero

Similar neural responses predict friendship

Though we are often friends with people similar to ourselves, it is unclear if neural responses to perceptual stimuli are also similar. Here, authors show that the similarity of neural responses evoked by a range of videos was highest for close friends and decreased with increasing social distance.

• Carolyn Parkinson
• Adam M. Kleinbaum
• Thalia Wheatley

Study of 300,486 individuals identifies 148 independent genetic loci influencing general cognitive function

Cognitive function is associated with health and important life outcomes. Here, the authors perform a genome-wide association study for general cognitive function in 300,486 individuals and identify genetic loci that implicate neural and cell developmental pathways in this trait.

• Gail Davies
• Ian J. Deary

Wing bone geometry reveals active flight in Archaeopteryx

Archaeopteryx had a mix of traits seen in non-flying dinosaurs and flying birds, leading to debate on whether it had powered flight. Here, Voeten et al. compare wing bone architecture from Archaeopteryx and both flying and non-flying archosaurs, supporting that Archaeopteryx had powered flight but with a different stroke than that of modern birds.

• Dennis F. A. E. Voeten
• Sophie Sanchez

Hunting regulation favors slow life histories in a large carnivore

Hunting and harvesting are generally expected to select for faster life histories in the exploited species. Here, the authors analyse data from a hunted population of brown bears in Sweden and show that regulations protecting females with dependent young lead hunting to favor prolonged maternal care.

• Joanie Van de Walle
• Gabriel Pigeon
• Fanie Pelletier

Closed-loop stimulation of temporal cortex rescues functional networks and improves memory

Memory lapses can occur due to ineffective encoding, but it is unclear if targeted brain stimulation can improve memory performance. Here, authors use a closed-loop system to decode and stimulate periods of ineffective encoding, showing that stimulation of lateral temporal cortex can enhance memory.

• Youssef Ezzyat
• Paul A. Wanda
• Michael J. Kahana

Genome-wide study of hair colour in UK Biobank explains most of the SNP heritability

Natural hair colour in Europeans is a complex genetic trait. Here, the authors carry out a genome-wide association study using UK BioBank data, suggesting that in combination with pigmentation genes, variants with roles in hair texture and growth can affect hair colouration or our perception of it.

• Michael D. Morgan
• Erola Pairo-Castineira
• Ian J. Jackson

Diffusion markers of dendritic density and arborization in gray matter predict differences in intelligence

Previous studies suggest that individual differences in intelligence correlate with circuit complexity and dendritic arborization in the brain. Here the authors use NODDI, a diffusion MRI technique, to confirm that neurite density and arborization are inversely related to measures of intelligence.

• Christoph Fraenz
• Rex E. Jung

Industrial brewing yeast engineered for the production of primary flavor determinants in hopped beer

Production of aromatic monoterpene molecules in hop flowers is affected by genetic, environmental, and processing factors. Here, the authors engineer brewer’s yeast for the production of linalool and geraniol, and show pilot-scale beer produced by engineered strains reconstitutes some qualities of hop flavor.

• Charles M. Denby
• Rachel A. Li
• Jay D. Keasling

A bony-crested Jurassic dinosaur with evidence of iridescent plumage highlights complexity in early paravian evolution

A number of paravian dinosaurs have been described from the Jurassic Yanliao biota, but these have tended to be morphologically similar to Archaeopteryx . Here, Hu. describe the new paravian dinosaur, Caihong juji gen. et sp. nov., which possesses a suite of unusual skeletal and feather characteristics.

• Julia A. Clarke

Single-dose testosterone administration increases men’s preference for status goods

Testosterone is believed to be involved in social rank-related behavior. Here, the authors show that one dose of testosterone increases men’s preference for “high status” goods and brands, suggesting a role for testosterone in modern consumer behavior in men.

• H. Plassmann

Development of an oral once-weekly drug delivery system for HIV antiretroviral therapy

Poor adherence to daily antiretrovirals can significantly affect treatment efficacy, but oral long-acting antiretrovirals are currently lacking. Here, the authors develop a once-weekly oral dosage form for anti-HIV drugs, assess its pharmacokinetics in pigs, and model its impact on viral resistance and disease epidemics.

• Ameya R. Kirtane
• Omar Abouzid
• Giovanni Traverso

Smartphone app for non-invasive detection of anemia using only patient-sourced photos

Anemia has a global prevalence of over 2 billion people and is diagnosed via blood-based laboratory test. Here the authors describe a smartphone app that can estimate hemoglobin levels and detect anemia by analyzing pictures of fingernail beds taken with a smartphone and without the need of any external equipment.

• Robert G. Mannino
• David R. Myers
• Wilbur A. Lam

Sleep loss causes social withdrawal and loneliness

Loneliness markedly increases mortality and morbidity, yet the factors triggering loneliness remain largely unknown. This study shows that sleep loss leads to a neurobehavioral phenotype of human social separation and loneliness, one that is transmittable to non-sleep-deprived individuals.

• Eti Ben Simon
• Matthew P. Walker

Gender differences in individual variation in academic grades fail to fit expected patterns for STEM

Men are over-represented in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) workforce even though girls outperform boys in these subjects at school. Here, the authors cast doubt on one leading explanation for this paradox, the ‘variability hypothesis’.

• R. E. O’Dea
• S. Nakagawa

The spread of low-credibility content by social bots

Online misinformation is a threat to a well-informed electorate and undermines democracy. Here, the authors analyse the spread of articles on Twitter, find that bots play a major role in the spread of low-credibility content and suggest control measures for limiting the spread of misinformation.

• Chengcheng Shao
• Giovanni Luca Ciampaglia
• Filippo Menczer

Tailed giant Tupanvirus possesses the most complete translational apparatus of the known virosphere

Giant viruses are the largest viruses of the known virosphere and their genetic analysis can provide insights into virus evolution. Here, the authors discover Tupanvirus, a unique giant virus that has an unusually long tail and contains the largest translational apparatus of the known virosphere.

• Jônatas Abrahão
• Lorena Silva
• Bernard La Scola

Genome-wide meta-analysis implicates mediators of hair follicle development and morphogenesis in risk for severe acne

Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammation of the skin, the genetic basis of which is incompletely understood. Here, Petridis et al. perform GWAS and meta-analysis for acne in 26,722 individuals and identify 12 novel risk loci that implicate structure and maintenance of the skin in severe acne risk.

• Christos Petridis
• Alexander A. Navarini
• Michael A. Simpson

Patterns of island change and persistence offer alternate adaptation pathways for atoll nations

Inundation and erosion could make many atoll islands uninhabitable over the next century. Here the authors present an analysis of change in the atoll nation of Tuvalu that shows a 2.9% increase in land area over the past four decades, with 74% of islands increasing in size, despite rising sea levels.

• Paul S. Kench
• Murray R. Ford
• Susan D. Owen

Blood–brain barrier opening in Alzheimer’s disease using MR-guided focused ultrasound

Magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound with injected microbubbles has been used to temporarily open the blood–brain barrier (BBB) in animal models of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Here, the authors use this technology to non-invasively open the BBB in 5 patients with mild-to-moderate AD in a phase I trial, and show that the procedure is safe.

• Nir Lipsman
• Sandra E. Black

Cultural hitchhiking and competition between patrilineal kin groups explain the post-Neolithic Y-chromosome bottleneck

A population bottleneck 5000-7000 years ago in human males, but not females, has been inferred across several African, European and Asian populations. Here, Zeng and colleagues synthesize theory and data to suggest that competition among patrilineal kin groups produced the bottleneck pattern.

• Tian Chen Zeng
• Marcus W. Feldman

Caffeine-inducible gene switches controlling experimental diabetes

Control of transgene expression should ideally be easy and with minimal side effects. Here the authors present a synthetic biology-based approach in which the caffeine in coffee regulates a genetic circuit controlling glucagon-like peptide 1 expression in diabetic mice.

• Daniel Bojar
• Leo Scheller
• Martin Fussenegger

Assembly of 913 microbial genomes from metagenomic sequencing of the cow rumen

Microbes in the cow rumen are crucial for the breakdown of plant material. Here, Stewart et al. assemble over 900 bacterial and archaeal genomes from the cow rumen microbiome, revealing new species and genes encoding enzymes with potential roles in carbohydrate metabolism.

• Robert D. Stewart
• Marc D. Auffret
• Mick Watson

Genome-wide association study of depression phenotypes in UK Biobank identifies variants in excitatory synaptic pathways

The UK Biobank provides data for three depression-related phenotypes. Here, Howard et al. perform a genome-association study for broad depression, probable major depressive disorder (MDD) and hospital record-coded MDD in up to 322,580 UK Biobank participants which highlights excitatory synaptic pathways.

• David M. Howard
• Mark J. Adams
• Andrew M. McIntosh

Fungal networks shape dynamics of bacterial dispersal and community assembly in cheese rind microbiomes

Interactions with other microbes may inhibit or facilitate the dispersal of bacteria. Here, Zhang et al. use cheese rind microbiomes as a model to show that physical networks created by filamentous fungi can affect the dispersal of motile bacteria and thus shape the diversity of microbial communities.

• Yuanchen Zhang
• Erik K. Kastman
• Benjamin E. Wolfe

Epidemiology is a science of high importance

Epidemiology dates back to the Age of Pericles in 5th Century B.C., but its standing as a ‘true’ science in 21st century is often questioned. This is unexpected, given that epidemiology directly impacts lives and our reliance on it will only increase in a changing world.

A low-gluten diet induces changes in the intestinal microbiome of healthy Danish adults

Gluten-free diets are increasingly common in the general population. Here, the authors report the results of a randomised cross-over trial involving middle-aged, healthy Danish adults, showing evidence that a low-gluten diet leads to gut microbiome changes, possibly due to variations in dietary fibres.

• Lea B. S. Hansen
• Henrik M. Roager
• Oluf Pedersen

In utero nanoparticle delivery for site-specific genome editing

The correction of genetic defects in utero could allow for improved outcomes of gene therapy. Here, the authors demonstrate safe delivery of nanoparticles to fetal mouse tissues, and show that nanoparticles containing peptide nucleic acids to edit the beta-globin gene are effective in a mouse model of beta-thalassemia.

• Adele S. Ricciardi
• Raman Bahal
• W. Mark Saltzman

The effects of death and post-mortem cold ischemia on human tissue transcriptomes

RNA levels in post-mortem tissue can differ greatly from those before death. Studying the effect of post-mortem interval on the transcriptome in 36 human tissues, Ferreira et al. find that the response to death is largely tissue-specific and develop a model to predict time since death based on RNA data.

• Pedro G. Ferreira
• Manuel Muñoz-Aguirre
• Roderic Guigó

Gimap5-dependent inactivation of GSK3β is required for CD4 + T cell homeostasis and prevention of immune pathology

Loss of function GIMAP5 mutation is associated with lymphopenia, but how it mediates T cell homeostasis is unclear. Here the authors study Gimap5 −/− mice and a patient with GIMAP5 deficiency to show how this GTPAse negatively regulates GSK3β activity to prevent DNA damage and cell death.

• Andrew R. Patterson
• Mehari Endale
• Kasper Hoebe

3D virtual reconstruction of the Kebara 2 Neandertal thorax

How different Neandertal morphology was from that of modern humans has been a subject of long debate. Here, the authors develop a 3D virtual reconstruction of the thorax of an adult male Neandertal, showing similar size to modern humans, yet with greater respiratory capacity due to its different shape.

• Asier Gómez-Olivencia
• Alon Barash

Exercise induces new cardiomyocyte generation in the adult mammalian heart

The adult mammalian heart has a limited cardiomyogenic capacity. Here the authors show that intensive exercise leads to a 4.6-fold increase in murine cardiomyocyte proliferation requiring the expression of miR-222, and that exercise induces an extended cardiomyogenic response in the murine heart after infarction.

• Carolin Lerchenmüller
• Anthony Rosenzweig

Double-layered protein nanoparticles induce broad protection against divergent influenza A viruses

Relatively well conserved domains of influenza A virus (IAV) proteins are potential candidates for the development of a universal IAV vaccine. Here, Deng et al . combine two such conserved antigens (M2e and HA stalk) in a double-layered protein nanoparticle and show that it protects against divergent IAVs in mice.

• Teena Mohan
• Bao-Zhong Wang

Intellectual synthesis in mentorship determines success in academic careers

While successful mentors tend to train successful students in academic career, it’s unclear how mentorship determines chances of a success in a trainee. Here, Liénard and colleagues analyze approximately 20 K mentor/trainee relationships in life sciences, and find that success of trainees is associated with an intellectual synthesis between their mentors’ research.

• Jean F. Liénard
• Titipat Achakulvisut
• Stephen V. David

Effective weight control via an implanted self-powered vagus nerve stimulation device

Developing new technologies for the neuromodulation of the vagus nerve can enable therapeutic strategies for body weight control in obese patients. Here, the authors present a battery-free self-powered implantable vagus nerve stimulation system that electrically responds to stomach movement.

• Xudong Wang

Olfactory receptor OR2AT4 regulates human hair growth

Increasing evidence suggest that olfactory receptors can carry additional functions besides olfaction. Here, Chéret et al. show that stimulation of the olfactory receptor ORT2A4 by the odorant Sandalore ® stimulates growth of human scalp hair follicles ex vivo, suggesting the use of ORT2A4-targeting odorants as hair growth-promoting agents.

• Jérémy Chéret
• Marta Bertolini

A diminutive perinate European Enantiornithes reveals an asynchronous ossification pattern in early birds

Fossil juvenile Mesozoic birds are exceedingly rare and can provide important insight into the early evolution of avian development. Here, Knoll et al. describe one of the smallest known Mesozoic avians, which indicates a clade-wide asynchronous pattern of osteogenesis and great variation in basal bird hatchling size and skeletal maturation tempo.

• Fabien Knoll
• Luis M. Chiappe
• Jose Luis Sanz

A diverse suite of pharmaceuticals contaminates stream and riparian food webs

Pharmaceuticals are widespread contaminants in surface waters. Here, Richmond and colleagues show that dozens of pharmaceuticals accumulate in  food chains of streams, including in predators in adjacent terrestrial ecosystems.

• Erinn K. Richmond
• Emma J. Rosi
• Michael R. Grace

An intrinsic association between olfactory identification and spatial memory in humans

Olfaction, the sense of smell, may have originally evolved to aid navigation in space, but there is no direct evidence of a link between olfaction and navigation in humans. Here the authors show that olfaction and spatial memory abilities are correlated and rely on similar brain regions in humans.

• Louisa Dahmani
• Raihaan M. Patel
• Véronique D. Bohbot

Systematic generation of biophysically detailed models for diverse cortical neuron types

Neocortical circuits exhibit diverse cell types that can be difficult to build into computational models. Here the authors employ a genetic algorithm-based parameter optimization to generate multi-compartment Hodgkin-Huxley models for diverse cell types in the Allen Cell Types Database.

• Nathan W. Gouwens
• Anton Arkhipov

Brain and psychological determinants of placebo pill response in chronic pain patients

People vary in the extent to which they feel better after taking an inert, placebo, treatment, but the basis for individual placebo response is unclear. Here, the authors show how brain structural and functional variables, as well as personality traits, predict placebo response in those with chronic back pain.

• Etienne Vachon-Presseau
• Sara E. Berger
• A. Vania Apkarian

Generalized leaky integrate-and-fire models classify multiple neuron types

Simplified neuron models, such as generalized leaky integrate-and-fire (GLIF) models, are extensively used in network modeling. Here the authors systematically generate and compare GLIF models of varying complexity for their ability to classify cell types in the Allen Cell Types Database and faithfully reproduce spike trains.

• Corinne Teeter
• Ramakrishnan Iyer
• Stefan Mihalas

Dietary stearic acid regulates mitochondria in vivo in humans

Dietary fatty acids have different effects on human health. Here, the authors show that ingestion of the fatty acid C18:0, but not of C16:0, rapidly leads to fusion of mitochondria and fatty acid oxidation in humans, possibly explaining the health benefits of C18:0.

• Deniz Senyilmaz-Tiebe
• Daniel H. Pfaff
• Aurelio A. Teleman

Engineering human pluripotent stem cells into a functional skeletal muscle tissue

The generation of functional skeletal muscle tissue from human pluripotent stem cells has not been reported. Here, the authors describe engineering of contractile skeletal muscle bundles in culture, which become vascularized and maintain functionality when transplanted into mice.

• Lingjun Rao
• Nenad Bursac

Topical ferumoxytol nanoparticles disrupt biofilms and prevent tooth decay in vivo via intrinsic catalytic activity

Ferumoxytol is a nanoparticle formulation approved for systemic use to treat iron deficiency. Liu et al. show that topical use of ferumoxytol, in combination with low concentrations of H 2 O 2 , disrupts intractable oral biofilms and prevents tooth decay in vitro and in an animal model.

• Pratap C. Naha

Honey bee Royalactin unlocks conserved pluripotency pathway in mammals

Royal jelly is the queen-maker for the honey bee that also has effects on longevity, fertility, and regeneration in mammals. Here the authors provide evidence that its major protein component Royalactin, and the mammalian structural analog Regina, maintain pluripotency in mouse ESCs by activating a ground-state pluripotency-like gene network.

• Derrick C. Wan
• Stefanie L. Morgan
• Kevin C. Wang

Deoxyribose and deoxysugar derivatives from photoprocessed astrophysical ice analogues and comparison to meteorites

Sugars are known to form from the UV photoprocessing of ices under astrophysical conditions. Here, the authors report the detection of deoxyribose, the sugar of DNA, and other deoxysugars from the UV photoprocessing of H 2 O:CH 3 OH ice mixtures, which are compared with materials from carbonaceous meteorites.

• Michel Nuevo
• George Cooper
• Scott A. Sandford

Genomic evidence of speciation reversal in ravens

Speciation reversal is known mainly from recently diverged lineages that have come into secondary contact following anthropogenic disturbance. Here, Kearns et al. use genomic and phylogenomic analyses to show that the Common Raven ( Corvus corax ) was formed by the ancient fusion of two non-sister lineages of ravens.

• Anna M. Kearns
• Marco Restani
• Kevin E. Omland

Analysis of 3800-year-old Yersinia pestis genomes suggests Bronze Age origin for bubonic plague

Yersinia pestis has caused infections (plague) in humans since the Early Bronze Age (5000 years ago). Here, Spyrou et al. reconstruct Y. pestis genomes from Late Bronze Age individuals, and find genomic evidence compatible with flea-mediated transmission causing bubonic plague.

• Maria A. Spyrou
• Rezeda I. Tukhbatova
• Johannes Krause

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Published by Robert Bruce at August 29th, 2023 , Revised On September 5, 2023

Biology Research Topics

Are you in need of captivating and achievable research topics within the field of biology? Your quest for the best biology topics ends right here as this article furnishes you with 100 distinctive and original concepts for biology research, laying the groundwork for your research endeavor.

Table of Contents

Our proficient researchers have thoughtfully curated these biology research themes, considering the substantial body of literature accessible and the prevailing gaps in research.

Should none of these topics elicit enthusiasm, our specialists are equally capable of proposing tailor-made research ideas in biology, finely tuned to cater to your requirements. 

Thus, without further delay, we present our compilation of biology research topics crafted to accommodate students and researchers.

Research Topics in Marine Biology

• Impact of climate change on coral reef ecosystems.
• Biodiversity and adaptation of deep-sea organisms.
• Effects of pollution on marine life and ecosystems.
• Role of marine protected areas in conserving biodiversity.
• Microplastics in marine environments: sources, impacts, and mitigation.

Biological Anthropology Research Topics

• Evolutionary implications of early human migration patterns.
• Genetic and environmental factors influencing human height variation.
• Cultural evolution and its impact on human societies.
• Paleoanthropological insights into human dietary adaptations.
• Genetic diversity and population history of indigenous communities.

Biological Psychology Research Topics 

• Neurobiological basis of addiction and its treatment.
• Impact of stress on brain structure and function.
• Genetic and environmental influences on mental health disorders.
• Neural mechanisms underlying emotions and emotional regulation.
• Role of the gut-brain axis in psychological well-being.

Cancer Biology Research Topics 

• Targeted therapies in precision cancer medicine.
• Tumor microenvironment and its influence on cancer progression.
• Epigenetic modifications in cancer development and therapy.
• Immune checkpoint inhibitors and their role in cancer immunotherapy.
• Early detection and diagnosis strategies for various types of cancer.

Also read: Cancer research topics

Cell Biology Research Topics

• Mechanisms of autophagy and its implications in health and disease.
• Intracellular transport and organelle dynamics in cell function.
• Role of cell signaling pathways in cellular response to external stimuli.
• Cell cycle regulation and its relevance to cancer development.
• Cellular mechanisms of apoptosis and programmed cell death.

Developmental Biology Research Topics 

• Genetic and molecular basis of limb development in vertebrates.
• Evolution of embryonic development and its impact on morphological diversity.
• Stem cell therapy and regenerative medicine approaches.
• Mechanisms of organogenesis and tissue regeneration in animals.
• Role of non-coding RNAs in developmental processes.

Also read: Education research topics

Human Biology Research Topics

• Genetic factors influencing susceptibility to infectious diseases.
• Human microbiome and its impact on health and disease.
• Genetic basis of rare and common human diseases.
• Genetic and environmental factors contributing to aging.
• Impact of lifestyle and diet on human health and longevity.

Molecular Biology Research Topics 

• CRISPR-Cas gene editing technology and its applications.
• Non-coding RNAs as regulators of gene expression.
• Role of epigenetics in gene regulation and disease.
• Mechanisms of DNA repair and genome stability.
• Molecular basis of cellular metabolism and energy production.

Research Topics in Biology for Undergraduates

• 41. Investigating the effects of pollutants on local plant species.
• Microbial diversity and ecosystem functioning in a specific habitat.
• Understanding the genetics of antibiotic resistance in bacteria.
• Impact of urbanization on bird populations and biodiversity.
• Investigating the role of pheromones in insect communication.

Synthetic Biology Research Topics 

• Design and construction of synthetic biological circuits.
• Synthetic biology applications in biofuel production.
• Ethical considerations in synthetic biology research and applications.
• Synthetic biology approaches to engineering novel enzymes.
• Creating synthetic organisms with modified functions and capabilities.

Animal Biology Research Topics 

• Evolution of mating behaviors in animal species.
• Genetic basis of color variation in butterfly wings.
• Impact of habitat fragmentation on amphibian populations.
• Behavior and communication in social insect colonies.
• Adaptations of marine mammals to aquatic environments.

Also read: Nursing research topics

Best Biology Research Topics 

• Unraveling the mysteries of circadian rhythms in organisms.
• Investigating the ecological significance of cryptic coloration.
• Evolution of venomous animals and their prey.
• The role of endosymbiosis in the evolution of eukaryotic cells.
• Exploring the potential of extremophiles in biotechnology.

Biological Psychology Research Paper Topics

• Neurobiological mechanisms underlying memory formation.
• Impact of sleep disorders on cognitive function and mental health.
• Biological basis of personality traits and behavior.
• Neural correlates of emotions and emotional disorders.
• Role of neuroplasticity in brain recovery after injury.

Biological Science Research Topics: 

• Role of gut microbiota in immune system development.
• Molecular mechanisms of gene regulation during development.
• Impact of climate change on insect population dynamics.
• Genetic basis of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
• Evolutionary relationships among vertebrate species based on DNA analysis.

Biology Education Research Topics 

• Effectiveness of inquiry-based learning in biology classrooms.
• Assessing the impact of virtual labs on student understanding of biology concepts.
• Gender disparities in science education and strategies for closing the gap.
• Role of outdoor education in enhancing students’ ecological awareness.
• Integrating technology in biology education: challenges and opportunities.

Biology-Related Research Topics

• The intersection of ecology and economics in conservation planning.
• Molecular basis of antibiotic resistance in pathogenic bacteria.
• Implications of genetic modification of crops for food security.
• Evolutionary perspectives on cooperation and altruism in animal behavior.
• Environmental impacts of genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

Biology Research Proposal Topics

• Investigating the role of microRNAs in cancer progression.
• Exploring the effects of pollution on aquatic biodiversity.
• Developing a gene therapy approach for a genetic disorder.
• Assessing the potential of natural compounds as anti-inflammatory agents.
• Studying the molecular basis of cellular senescence and aging.

Biology Research Topic Ideas

• Role of pheromones in insect mate selection and behavior.
• Investigating the molecular basis of neurodevelopmental disorders.
• Impact of climate change on plant-pollinator interactions.
• Genetic diversity and conservation of endangered species.
• Evolutionary patterns in mimicry and camouflage in organisms.

Biology Research Topics for Undergraduates 

• Effects of different fertilizers on plant growth and soil health.
• Investigating the biodiversity of a local freshwater ecosystem.
• Evolutionary origins of a specific animal adaptation.
• Genetic diversity and disease susceptibility in human populations.
• Role of specific genes in regulating the immune response.

Cell and Molecular Biology Research Topics 

• Molecular mechanisms of DNA replication and repair.
• Role of microRNAs in post-transcriptional gene regulation.
• Investigating the cell cycle and its control mechanisms.
• Molecular basis of mitochondrial diseases and therapies.
• Cellular responses to oxidative stress and their implications in ageing.

These topics cover a broad range of subjects within biology, offering plenty of options for research projects. Remember that you can further refine these topics based on your specific interests and research goals.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What are some good research topics in biology?

A good research topic in biology will address a specific problem in any of the several areas of biology, such as marine biology, molecular biology, cellular biology, animal biology, or cancer biology.

A topic that enables you to investigate a problem in any area of biology will help you make a meaningful contribution. 

How to choose a research topic in biology?

Choosing a research topic in biology is simple. 

Follow the steps:

• Generate potential topics. 
• Consider your areas of knowledge and personal passions. 
• Conduct a thorough review of existing literature.
•  Evaluate the practicality and viability. 
• Narrow down and refine your research query. 
• Remain receptive to new ideas and suggestions.

Who Are We?

For several years, Research Prospect has been offering students around the globe complimentary research topic suggestions. We aim to assist students in choosing a research topic that is both suitable and feasible for their project, leading to the attainment of their desired grades. Explore how our services, including research proposal writing , dissertation outline creation, and comprehensive thesis writing , can contribute to your college’s success.

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