Biology: Biochemistry Biology: Cell Biology Biology: Microbiology
Published

How plant-derived nutrients can affect the gut and brain      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Can plant-derived nutrients alter gut bacteria to affect brain function? Scientists investigated this question in a study of overweight adults. Their findings suggest that dietary fiber can exert influence on both the composition of gut bacteria and the reward signals in the brain and associated food decision-making.

Chemistry: Inorganic Chemistry Engineering: Nanotechnology Environmental: General Environmental: Water Geoscience: Environmental Issues
Published

Ecotoxicity testing of micro- and nano-plastics      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

An international team of researchers has published the first harmonized exposure protocol for ecotoxicity testing of microplastics and nanoplastics.

Chemistry: Biochemistry Chemistry: Inorganic Chemistry Physics: General Physics: Quantum Computing Physics: Quantum Physics
Published

Ionic crystal generates molecular ions upon positron irradiation, finds new study      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

The interaction between solid matter and positron (the antiparticle of electron) has provided important insights across a variety of disciplines, including atomic physics, materials science, elementary particle physics, and medicine. However, the experimental generation of positronic compounds by bombardment of positrons onto surfaces has proved challenging. In a new study, researchers detect molecular ion desorption from the surface of an ionic crystal when bombarded with positrons and propose a model based on positronic compound generation to explain their results.

Anthropology: General Biology: Biochemistry Biology: Microbiology
Published

Evidence from the remains of 1918 flu pandemic victims contradicts long-held belief that healthy young adults were particularly vulnerable      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

New analysis of the remains of victims of the 1918 influenza pandemic, which killed an estimated 50 million people worldwide, contradicts the widespread belief the flu disproportionately impacted healthy young adults. 

Biology: Biochemistry Biology: Biotechnology Biology: Cell Biology Biology: General Biology: Genetics Biology: Microbiology Biology: Molecular
Published

New discovery may 'unlock' the future of infectious disease and cancer treatment      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Researchers have identified a 'guard mechanism' for a protein which attacks microbes in infected cells, opening the possibility of new treatments for Toxoplasma, Chlamydia, Tuberculosis and even cancer.

Biology: Microbiology
Published

Study shows prior exposure to common virus shields against birth defects and miscarriage      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Researchers found that pre-existing immunity to Cytomegalovirus (CMV) can limit its transmission during pregnancy and protect against associated birth defects. The study marks an important step toward the development of a vaccine to protect mothers and their babies against the virus, which is a leading cause of miscarriage and birth defects.

Biology: Biochemistry Biology: Biotechnology Biology: Botany Biology: Cell Biology Biology: Developmental Biology: Evolutionary Biology: General Biology: Genetics Biology: Microbiology Biology: Molecular
Published

The end of genes: Routine test reveals unique divergence in genetic code      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Scientists testing a new method of sequencing single cells have unexpectedly changed our understanding of the rules of genetics. The genome of a protist has revealed a seemingly unique divergence in the DNA code signalling the end of a gene, suggesting the need for further research to better understand this group of diverse organisms.  

Chemistry: Inorganic Chemistry Physics: Optics
Published

Groundbreaking study shows defects spreading through diamond faster than the speed of sound      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Settling a half century of debate, researchers have discovered that tiny linear defects can propagate through a material faster than sound waves do. These linear defects, or dislocations, are what give metals their strength and workability, but they can also make materials fail catastrophically ­– which is what happens every time you pop the pull tab on a can of soda. The fact that they can travel so fast gives scientists a new appreciation of the unusual types of damage they might do to a broad range of materials in extreme conditions.

Chemistry: Biochemistry Chemistry: Inorganic Chemistry Physics: Optics
Published

Physicists find evidence for magnetically bound excitons      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Physicists have experimentally detected how so-called Hubbard excitons form in real-time. 

Biology: Biochemistry Biology: Biotechnology Biology: Cell Biology Biology: Evolutionary Biology: General Biology: Genetics Biology: Microbiology Biology: Zoology Ecology: Animals Ecology: Extinction Ecology: Nature
Published

Ruffed grouse population more resilient than expected, genetic study finds      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Despite decades of decline, a genetic analysis of ruffed grouse reveals that Pennsylvania's state bird harbors more genetic diversity and connectivity than expected. The findings suggest that the iconic game bird could be maintained in persistent numbers if appropriate protections are implemented.

Chemistry: Biochemistry Chemistry: General Chemistry: Inorganic Chemistry Geoscience: Environmental Issues Geoscience: Geochemistry Geoscience: Severe Weather
Published

Two-dimensional compounds can capture carbon from the air      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Some of the thinnest materials known to humankind -- MXene and MBene compounds -- may provide solutions to scientists in their quest to curb the effects of global warming. These substances are only a few atoms thick, making them two-dimensional. Because of their large surface area, the materials have the potential to absorb carbon dioxide molecules from the atmosphere, which could help reduce the harmful effects of climate change by safely sequestering carbon dioxide, according to a review study.

Biology: Biochemistry Biology: Biotechnology Biology: Cell Biology Biology: General Biology: Genetics Biology: Microbiology Biology: Molecular
Published

Proteins roll the dice to determine bee sex      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

To date it has been unclear exactly how the sex of a bee is determined. A research team comprising biologists and chemists has now identified a key gene and the molecular mechanism linked with it. They describe how this process is similar to a game involving two dice.

Biology: Botany Biology: Microbiology Biology: Zoology Ecology: Endangered Species Ecology: Invasive Species Environmental: Ecosystems Environmental: Water
Published

Meadow Spittlebug's record-breaking diet also makes it top disease carrier for plants      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

New research fueled in part by citizen scientists reveals that the meadow spittlebug—known for the foamy, spit-like urine released by its nymphs—can feed on at least 1,300 species of host plants, more than twice the number of any other insect.

Biology: Biochemistry Biology: General Biology: Microbiology
Published

Hospital superbugs: Could one vaccine rule them all?      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

A new study shows that a single dose of the vaccine, administered in mouse models, put immune cells into 'Incredible Hulk' mode, providing rapid protection against nine different bacteria and fungi species that lurk in healthcare settings.

Biology: Biochemistry Biology: Cell Biology Biology: Evolutionary Biology: General Chemistry: Biochemistry Chemistry: General Chemistry: Inorganic Chemistry Physics: General Space: Cosmology Space: General
Published

New 'Assembly Theory' unifies physics and biology to explain evolution and complexity      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

An international team of researchers has developed a new theoretical framework that bridges physics and biology to provide a unified approach for understanding how complexity and evolution emerge in nature. This new work on 'Assembly Theory' represents a major advance in our fundamental comprehension of biological evolution and how it is governed by the physical laws of the universe.

Biology: Biochemistry Biology: Biotechnology Biology: Cell Biology Biology: Developmental Biology: General Biology: Genetics Biology: Microbiology Biology: Molecular
Published

Avatars to help tailor glioblastoma therapies      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Scientists have created a new zebrafish xenograft platform to screen for novel treatments for an aggressive brain tumor called glioblastoma, according to a new study.

Biology: Biochemistry Biology: Microbiology
Published

Wastewater detects signs of antimicrobial resistance in aged care facilities      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

A new study analyzing wastewater samples from several aged care facilities and retirement homes, has uncovered worrying signs of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a concerning trend in aged care facilities.

Biology: Biochemistry Biology: Biotechnology Biology: Cell Biology Biology: Genetics Biology: Microbiology
Published

Ancient technology turns plant-based cheese into 'something we want to eat'      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

To produce plant-based cheeses that feel and taste like dairy cheese, scientists have their sights set on fermentation. In a new research result, scientists demonstrate the potential of fermentation for producing climate-friendly cheeses that people want to eat.