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Categories: Biology: Genetics, Environmental: Biodiversity
Published Researchers reveal an ancient mechanism for wound repair



The study is the first to identify a damage response pathway that is distinct from but parallel to the classical pathway triggered by pathogens.
Published Neuroptera: Greater insect diversity in the Cretaceous period



An LMU team has studied the biodiversity of larvae from the insect order neuroptera over the past 100 million years.
Published Newly sequenced hornet genomes could help explain invasion success



The genomes of two hornet species, the European hornet and the Asian hornet (or yellow-legged hornet) have been sequenced.
Published Researchers reveal a map to study novel form of cell-to-cell communication



An international team of researchers lays the foundation to examine how extracellular RNA and its carrier proteins found in bodily fluids function in a healthy as well as a diseased setting, potentially providing a means to accurately implement early detection and monitor disease processes.
Published Reinforcement learning: From board games to protein design



An AI strategy proven adept at board games like Chess and Go, reinforcement learning, has now been adapted for a powerful protein design program. The results show that reinforcement learning can do more than master board games. When trained to solve long-standing puzzles in protein science, the software excelled at creating useful molecules. In one experiment, proteins made with the new approach were found to be more effective at generating useful antibodies in mice than were previous methods. If this method is applied to the right research problems, it likely could accelerate progress in a variety of scientific fields.
Published Evolution of two contagious cancers affecting Tasmanian devils underlines unpredictability of disease threat



Evolution of two contagious cancers affecting Tasmanian devils underlines unpredictability of disease threat. Scientists have traced the family trees of two transmissible cancers that affect Tasmanian devils and have pinpointed mutations which may drive growth of deadly diseases.
Published The climate crisis and biodiversity crisis can't be approached as two separate things



Anthropogenic climate change has, together with the intensive use and destruction of natural ecosystems through agriculture, fishing and industry, sparked an unprecedented loss of biodiversity that continues to worsen. In this regard, the climate crisis and biodiversity crisis are often viewed as two separate catastrophes. An international team of researchers calls for adopting a new perspective.
Published Fungal genetics could help develop novel biotechnologies



An essential pillar of Earth's ecological system, fungi have long been used to better the lives of humans. While these organisms are still vastly understudied, a new review paper suggests that their unique genomes could be used to make progress in the biotech industry.
Published AI system can generate novel proteins that meet structural design targets



A new machine-learning system can generate protein designs with certain structural features, and which do not exist in nature. These proteins could be utilized to make materials that have similar mechanical properties to existing materials, like polymers, but which would have a much smaller carbon footprint.
Published Engineering the next generation of cell and gene therapies



Investigators are developing a novel way to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and retinitis pigmentosa using engineered stem cells that may eventually lead to personalized treatments.
Published Simple addition to corn bran could boost grain's nutritional value 15-35%



What if, by adding a couple of cell layers inside a corn kernel, the grain could become significantly richer in essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and protein? Such an improvement could benefit people who rely on corn for a large portion of their diet, as in many parts of the global south.
Published Study links 'stuck' stem cells to hair turning gray



Certain stem cells have a unique ability to move between growth compartments in hair follicles, but get stuck as people age and so lose their ability to mature and maintain hair color, a new study shows.
Published Loops, flags and tension in DNA



Two protein complexes carry the major responsibility for the spatial organization of chromosomes in our cell nuclei. DNA tension plays a surprising role in this. Nanoscientists now publish how they have visualized this.
Published New mechanism for DNA folding



A hitherto unknown mechanism for DNA folding is described in a new study. The findings provide new insights into chromosomal processes that are vital to both normal development and to prevent disease.
Published Novel nanocages for delivery of small interfering RNAs



Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are novel therapeutics that can be used to treat a wide range of diseases. This has led to a growing demand for selective, efficient, and safe ways of delivering siRNA in cells. Now, in a cooperation between the Universities of Amsterdam and Leiden, researchers have developed dedicated molecular nanocages for siRNA delivery. In a paper just out in the Journal Chem they present nanocages that are easy to prepare and display tuneable siRNA delivery characteristics.
Published The diversity of present tree species is shaped by climate change in the last 21,000 years



A new global survey of 1000 forest areas shows how climate change since the peak of the last ice age has had a major impact on the diversity and distribution of tree species we see today. The results can help us predict how ecosystems will react to future changes, thus having an impact on conservation management around the globe.
Published SpyLigation uses light to switch on proteins



Scientists can now use light to activate protein functions both inside and outside of living cells. The new method, called light-activated SpyLigation, can turn on proteins that are normally off to allow researchers to study and control them in more detail. This technology has potential uses in tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and understanding how the body works. The scientists applied their new method to control the glow of a green fluorescent protein derived from Japanese eel muscle.
Published Swimming secrets of prehistoric reptiles unlocked by new study



The diverse swimming techniques of the ancient reptiles that ruled the Mesozoic seas have been revealed.
Published Nullarbor rocks reveal Australia's transformation from lush to dust



Researchers have discovered how long ago the Australian Nullarbor plain dried out, with a new approach shedding light on how ancient climate change altered some of the driest regions of our planet.
Published Scientists discover pristine deep-sea coral reefs in the Galápagos Marine Reserve



Scientists have discovered extensive, ancient deep-sea coral reefs within the Galápagos Marine Reserve (GMR) -- the first of their kind ever to be documented inside the marine protected area (MPA) since it was established in 1998. The first reef observed was found at 400-600m (1,310-1,970 feet) depth at the summit of a previously unmapped seamount in the central part of the archipelago and supports a breathtaking mix of deep marine life.