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Categories: Biology: Biochemistry, Geoscience: Environmental Issues
Published New bioengineered protein design shows promise in fighting COVID-19
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A recent scientific breakthrough has emerged from the work of researchers aiming to combat SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. The study focuses on the design and development of a novel protein capable of binding to the spike proteins found on the surface of the coronavirus. The goal behind this innovative approach is twofold: first, to identify and recognize the virus for diagnostic purposes, and second, to hinder its ability to infect human cells.
Published Sleep-wake rhythm: Fish change our understanding of sleep regulation
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers have discovered that some fish -- unlike humans -- do not need orexin to stay awake. This molecule was thought to be necessary for normal wake and sleep rhythms in vertebrates. Humans without orexin suffer from narcolepsy.
Published New discovery reveals how the egg controls sperm entry
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source After the egg has been fertilized by a sperm, the surrounding egg coat tightens, mechanically preventing the entry of additional sperm and the ensuing death of the embryo, a new study finds. The work also explains how mutations in egg coat proteins can cause female infertility and may eventually lead to new contraceptive methods.
Published Chimp moms play with their offspring through good times and bad
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A recent study observing wild chimpanzees over a period of more than 10 years revealed that when food gets scarcer, the adults put play aside and focus on survival, while mother chimps continue to be their children's primary playmate -- suggesting their indispensable role to foster their young's physical and social development.
Published Even cells know the importance of recycling
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers uncovered the mechanistic details behind how several proteins interact to help cells recognize and remove damaged mitochondria. Optineurin (OPTN) and its interactions are needed to provide a contact site for another protein, Tank-binding kinase 1 (TBK1), during this process. The OPTN-TBK1 relationship is necessary for these mitochondria to be recognized and eliminated from the cell. This mechanism may have relevance for developing drugs to treat Parkinson's disease.
Published New simpler and cost-effective forensics test helps identify touch DNA
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Research has found a less expensive and easier to use test to learn more about forensic touch DNA. This research has important implications for forensic investigations and being able to identify DNA from a primary contact -- someone who may have committed the crime -- as well as secondary DNA that was inadvertently and indirectly transferred through touch.
Published Sulfur and the origin of life
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A new study shines a spotlight on sulfur, a chemical element that, while all familiar, has proved surprisingly resistant to scientific efforts in probing its role in the origin of life.
Published Asian aerosols' impact on Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A new study identifies the role aerosols over Asia is having on the AMOC, a complex system of currents in the Atlantic Ocean.
Published Tryptophan in diet, gut bacteria protect against E. coli infection
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Gut bacteria and a diet rich in the amino acid tryptophan can play a protective role against pathogenic E. coli, which can cause severe stomach upset, cramps, fever, intestinal bleeding and renal failure.
Published Interactions with dogs can increase brainwaves associated with stress relief and heightened concentration
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Spending quality time with dogs reduces stress and increases the power of brain waves associated with relaxation and concentration, according to a new study.
Published Menopause explains why some female whales live so long
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Females of some whale species have evolved to live drastically longer lives so they can care for their families, new research shows.
Published Study shows important role gut microbes play in airway health in persons with cystic fibrosis
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Findings from a new study reflect the important role that the gut microbiome (communities of bacteria) plays in the airway health of persons with cystic fibrosis.
Published With discovery of roundworms, Great Salt Lake's imperiled ecosystem gets more interesting
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Biologists announce the discovery of numerous species of roundworm in the highly saline waters of Great Salt Lake, the vast terminal lake in northwestern Utah that supports millions of migratory birds. Previously, brine shrimp and brine flies were the only known multicellular animals living in the water column. The scientists found nematodes, belonging to a family known for inhabiting extreme environments, in the lake's microbialites, reef-like structures covering about a fifth of the lakebed.
Published Marine heat waves disrupt the ocean food web in the northeast Pacific Ocean
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Marine heat waves in the northeast Pacific Ocean create ongoing and complex disruptions of the ocean food web that may benefit some species but threaten the future of many others, a new study has shown.
Published Drought, soil desiccation cracking, and carbon dioxide emissions: an overlooked feedback loop exacerbating climate change
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Soil stores 80 percent of carbon on earth, yet with increasing cycles of drought, that crucial reservoir is cracking and breaking down, releasing even more greenhouse gases creating an amplified feedback loop that could accelerate climate change.
Published 'Find pearls in the soil' unveiling the magic of hydrogen production from municipal sewage
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Scientists have developed a catalyst for the urea oxidation reaction, enhancing hydrogen generation efficiency.
Published Steroid drugs used for HRT can combat E. coli and MRSA
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers have combined computational and microbiology laboratory approaches to identify existing drugs that can be repurposed to combat antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections. This research has revealed that a class of steroid drugs currently used in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can also stop the growth of antibiotic-resistant E. coli and effectively kill MRSA.
Published Multiple air pollutants linked to asthma symptoms in children
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Exposure to several combinations of toxic atmospheric pollutants may be triggering asthma symptoms among children, a recent analysis suggests. The study showed that 25 different combinations of air pollutants were associated with asthma symptoms among 269 elementary school children diagnosed with asthma.
Published New computational strategy boosts the ability of drug designers to target proteins inside the membrane
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Hitting targets embedded within the cell membrane has long been difficult for drug developers due to the membrane's challenging biochemical properties. Now, chemists have demonstrated new custom-designed proteins that can efficiently reach these 'intramembrane' targets.
Published Sustainable plastics from agricultural waste
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Scientists have developed a sustainable method to make high-performance plastics from agricultural leftovers, turning them into valuable materials.