Showing 20 articles starting at article 721
< Previous 20 articles Next 20 articles >
Categories: Biology: Genetics, Computer Science: Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Published How marine bristle worms use a special protein to distinguish between sunlight and moonlight
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A research team has presented its findings on the functioning of an atypical cryptochrome protein (Cry). These proteins are found in a variety of organisms, and they are often involved in light-controlled biological processes. The marine bristle worm Platynereis dumerilii, for example, employs a special Cry protein designated L-Cry to distinguish between sunlight and moonlight as well as between different moon phases. This is essential for the worms to synchronize their reproduction to the full moon phase via an inner monthly calendar, also called circalunar clock.
Published New drug-like molecule extends lifespan, ameliorates pathology in worms and boosts function in mammalian muscle cells
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Having healthy mitochondria, the organelles that produce energy in all our cells, usually portends a long healthy life whether in humans or in C. elegans, a tiny, short-lived nematode worm often used to study the aging process. Researchers have identified a new drug-like molecule that keeps mitochondria healthy via mitophagy, a process that removes and recycles damaged mitochondria in multicellular organisms. The compound, dubbed MIC, is a natural compound that extended lifespan in C. elegans, ameliorated pathology in neurodegenerative disease models of C. elegans, and improved mitochondrial function in mouse muscle cells.
Published Yeast cells can produce drugs for treatment of psychotic disorders
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source An international team of researchers has demonstrated that genetically engineered yeast cells can produce the natural plant product alstonine, which has shown positive effects in treating schizophrenia.
Published Team creates synthetic enzymes to unravel molecular mysteries
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A bioengineer has developed synthetic enzymes that can control the behavior of the signaling protein Vg1, which plays a key role in the development of muscle, bone and blood in vertebrate embryos. The team of researchers is using a new approach, called the Synthetic Processing (SynPro) system, in zebrafish to study how Vg1 is formed. By learning the molecular rules of signal formation in a developing animal, researchers aim to engineer mechanisms -- such as giving cells new instructions -- that could play a role in treating or preventing disease.
Published Scientists use quantum biology, AI to sharpen genome editing tool
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Scientists used their expertise in quantum biology, artificial intelligence and bioengineering to improve how CRISPR Cas9 genome editing tools work on organisms like microbes that can be modified to produce renewable fuels and chemicals.
Published Engineers are on a failure-finding mission
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Engineers developed a technique to quickly identify a range of potential failures in a system before they are deployed in the real world.
Published How human faces can teach androids to smile
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A research team used 125 physical markers to understand the detailed mechanics of 44 different human facial motions. The aim was to better understand how to convey emotions with artificial faces. Beyond helping with the design of robots and androids, this research can also benefit computer graphics, facial recognition, and medical diagnoses.
Published First live birth of a chimeric monkey using embryonic stem cell lines
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A team of researchers has reported for the first time the live birth of a monkey that contains a high proportion of cells derived from a monkey stem cell line. This 'chimeric' monkey is composed of cells that originate from two genetically distinct embryos of the same species of monkey. This has previously been demonstrated in rats and mice but, until now, has not been possible in other species, including non-human primates.
Published Zen and the art of mitochondrial maintenance: The machinery of death makes a healthier life
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source While we all aspire for a long lifespan, what is most coveted is a long period of vigor and health, or 'healthspan,' that precedes the inevitable decline of advancing age. Researchers have discovered that instruments of death that cells use to commit suicide when things go wrong contribute to making a longer and healthier life by revitalizing the specialized cellular compartments called mitochondria.
Published Temperature increase triggers viral infection
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers have mapped on an atomic level what happens in a virus particle when the temperature is raised.
Published Identifying a silicon transporter to improve the yield of rice
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers identify a membrane transporter in rice that regulates the accumulation and localization of silicon in the leaves.
Published Yeast with an over half synthetic genome is created in the lab
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers have combined over seven synthetic chromosomes that were made in the lab into a single yeast cell, resulting in a strain with more than 50% synthetic DNA that survives and replicates similarly to wild yeast strains. A global consortium is working to develop the first synthetic eukaryote genome from scratch. The team has now synthesized and debugged all sixteen yeast chromosomes.
Published Scientists one step closer to re-writing world's first synthetic yeast genome, unravelling the fundamental building blocks of life
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Scientists have engineered a chromosome entirely from scratch that will contribute to the production of the world's first synthetic yeast.
Published Scientists take major step towards completing the world's first synthetic yeast
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A team of Scientists has completed construction of a synthetic chromosome as part of a major international project to build the world's first synthetic yeast genome. The work represents completion of one of the 16 chromosomes of the yeast genome, which is part of the biggest project ever in synthetic biology; the international synthetic yeast genome collaboration. The collaboration, known as 'Sc2.0' has been a 15-year project involving teams from around the world (UK, US, China, Singapore, UK, France and Australia), working together to make synthetic versions of all of yeast's chromosomes. Alongside this paper, another 9 publications are also released today from other teams describing their synthetic chromosomes. The final completion of the genome project -- the largest synthetic genome ever -- is expected next year.
Published Machine learning gives users 'superhuman' ability to open and control tools in virtual reality
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers have developed a virtual reality application where a range of 3D modelling tools can be opened and controlled using just the movement of a user's hand.
Published Cracking the code: Genome sequencing reveals why songbirds are larger in colder climates
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Scientists have unlocked the genetic basis underlying the remarkable variation in body size observed in song sparrows, one of North America's most familiar and beloved songbirds. This discovery also provides insights into this species' capacity to adapt to the challenges of climate change. The study used genomic sequencing to successfully pinpoint eight genetic variants, or DNA mutations, largely responsible for the nearly threefold difference in body size observed across the song sparrow range from Mexico to Alaska.
Published Neuromorphic computing will be great... if hardware can handle the workload
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Scientists believe they may have discovered a way to rework the hardware of AI. By mimicking the synapses of the human brain.
Published 450-million-year-old organism finds new life in Softbotics
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers have used fossil evidence to engineer a soft robotic replica of pleurocystitids, a marine organism that existed nearly 450 million years ago and is believed to be one of the first echinoderms capable of movement using a muscular stem.
Published Plants' ingenious defense against mutational damage
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source How do plants deal with mutations in their 'power stations'? By exploiting randomness to create diversity, say researchers.
Published New secrets about cat evolution revealed
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source By comparing genomes of several cat species, the project has helped researchers understand why cat genomes tend to have fewer complex genetic variations (such as rearrangements of DNA segments) than other mammal groups, like primates. It also revealed new insights into which parts of cat DNA are most likely to evolve rapidly and how they play a role in species differentiation.