Showing 20 articles starting at article 1021
< Previous 20 articles Next 20 articles >
Categories: Biology: Biotechnology, Energy: Alternative Fuels
Published Researchers show mobile elements monkeying around the genome
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Whole-genomic sequencing has revolutionized the amount and detail of genetic diversity now available to researchers to study. While the researchers previously had looked at a few hundred mobile elements or 'jumping genes,' primarily of the Alu and L1 types, they were now able to analyze over 200,000 elements computationally, confirming and expanding on previous studies. Their findings provide more evidence of the fluidity of species and continuous spread of mobile and transposable genetic elements.
Published Phenomenal phytoplankton: Scientists uncover cellular process behind oxygen production
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source According to new research, the amount of oxygen in one of 10 breaths was made possible thanks to a newly identified cellular mechanism that promotes photosynthesis in marine phytoplankton. The new study identifies how a proton pumping enzyme (known as VHA) aids in global oxygen production and carbon fixation from phytoplankton.
Published How the flu virus hacks our cells
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Influenza epidemics, caused by influenza A or B viruses, result in acute respiratory infection. They kill half a million people worldwide every year. These viruses can also wreak havoc on animals, as in the case of avian flu. A team has now identified how the influenza A virus manages to penetrate cells to infect them. By attaching itself to a receptor on the cell surface, it hijacks the iron transport mechanism to start its infection cycle. By blocking the receptor involved, the researchers were also able to significantly reduce its ability to invade cells. These results highlight a vulnerability that could be exploited to combat the virus.
Published Researchers use 'natural' system to identify proteins most useful for developing an effective HIV vaccine
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Scientists have spent years trying to develop an effective HIV vaccine, but none have proven successful. Based on findings from a recently published study, a research team may have put science one step closer to that goal.
Published New catalyst lowers cost for producing environmentally sustainable hydrogen from water
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A team has developed a new catalyst composed of elements abundant in the Earth. It could make possible the low-cost and energy-efficient production of hydrogen for use in transportation and industrial applications.
Published New DNA testing technology shows majority of wild dingoes are pure, not hybrids
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Genetic analysis shows dingo populations have significantly less dog ancestry than previously thought.
Published Scientists unveil RNA-guided mechanisms driving cell fate
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source The early stages of embryonic development contain many of life's mysteries. Unlocking these mysteries can help us better understand early development and birth defects, and help develop new regenerative medicine treatments. Researchers have now characterized a critical time in mammalian embryonic development using powerful and innovative imaging techniques.
Published The next generation of solar energy collectors could be rocks
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source The next generation of sustainable energy technology might be built from some low-tech materials: rocks and the sun. Using a new approach known as concentrated solar power, heat from the sun is stored then used to dry foods or create electricity. A team has found that certain soapstone and granite samples from Tanzania are well suited for storing this solar heat, featuring high energy densities and stability even at high temperatures.
Published Groundbreaking images of root chemicals offer new insights on plant growth
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Applying imaging technology to plant roots, researchers have developed a new understanding of chemicals that are responsible for plant growth. The chemical 'roadmap' identifies where key molecules are distributed along corn roots and how their placement factors into the plant's maturation.
Published Protein-based nano-'computer' evolves in ability to influence cell behavior
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source The first protein-based nano-computing agent that functions as a circuit has been created. The milestone puts them one step closer to developing next-generation cell-based therapies to treat diseases like diabetes and cancer.
Published Hydrogen battery: Storing hydrogen in coal may help power clean energy economy
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source The quest to develop hydrogen as a clean energy source that could curb our dependence on fossil fuels may lead to an unexpected place -- coal. Scientists have found that coal may represent a potential way to store hydrogen gas, much like batteries store energy for future use, addressing a major hurdle in developing a clean energy supply chain.
Published Research offers clues for potential widespread HIV cure in people
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source New animal research is helping explain why at least five people have become HIV-free after receiving a stem cell transplant, and may bring scientists closer to developing what they hope will be a widespread cure for the virus that causes AIDS. A new study describes how two nonhuman primates were cured of the monkey form of HIV after receiving a stem cell transplant. It also reveals that two circumstances must co-exist for a cure to occur and documents the order in which HIV is cleared from the body.
Published How sweet it is: The fruit fly gut influences reproduction by 'tasting' fructose
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A research group has found that in fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster), circulating fructose derived from dietary sugar is needed for enhanced egg production after mating. In this species, circulating fructose is required for an increase in germline stem cells, which divide into reproductive cells. This increase leads to enhanced post-mating egg production. These findings may help to determine whether fructose influences the reproduction of mammals, including humans.
Published Researchers successfully induce primate oocytes in the lab
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source The many types of cells in the human body are produced through the process of differentiation, in which stem cells are converted to more specialized types. Currently, it is challenging for researchers to control the differentiation of stem cells in the lab (in vitro). Of particular interest are oocytes, which are female germ cells that develop into eggs. Understanding their development could have far-ranging impacts, from infertility treatment to conservation of endangered species. A new study has successfully induced meiotic (dividing) oocytes from the embryonic stem cells of cynomolgus monkeys, which share many physiological traits with humans. By establishing a culture method for inducing the differentiation of meiotic oocytes, the researchers aimed to shed light on germ cell development in both humans and other primates.
Published Gene editing tool could help reduce spread of antimicrobial resistance
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A new tool which could help reduce the spread of antimicrobial resistance is showing early promise, through exploiting a bacterial immune system as a gene editing tool.
Published How tasty is the food?
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A hormone and specialized brain cells regulate feeding behavior in mice.
Published Where do our limbs come from?
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Scientists have uncovered new clues about the origin of paired appendages -- a major evolutionary step that remains unresolved and highly debated.
Published A look into the heart of cellular waste disposal
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers reveal how a nanomachine takes care of cleaning up inside the cell.
Published Engineers create bacteria that can synthesize an unnatural amino acid
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers have engineered bacteria to synthesize an amino acid that contains a rare functional group that others have shown to have implications in the regulation of our immune system. The researchers also taught a single bacterial strain to create the amino acid and place it at specific sites within target proteins. These findings provide a foundation for developing unique vaccines and immunotherapies in the future.
Published Researchers find new mechanism for sodium salt detoxification in plants
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A team of researchers has found a mechanism in thale cress (Arabidopsis thaliana) which enables plants to provide protection against salt stress for their sensitive stem cells in the meristem at the root tip.