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Categories: Biology: Microbiology, Offbeat: Space
Published Switching from harmful to helpful fungi



Mold and diseases caused by fungi can greatly impact the shelf life of fruit and vegetables. However, some fungi benefit their hosts by aiding plant survival. Colletotrichum tofieldiae (Ct) is a root mold which typically supports continued plant development even when the plant is starved of phosphorus, an important nutrient for photosynthesis and growth. Researchers studied a unique pathogenic strain of the fungi, called Ct3, which conversely inhibits plant growth.
Published Vast bubble of galaxies discovered, given Hawaiian name



The immense bubble is 820 million light years from Earth and believed to be a fossil-like remnant of the birth of the universe.
Published Making plant-based meat more 'meaty' -- with fermented onions



Plant-based alternatives such as tempeh and bean burgers provide protein-rich options for those who want to reduce their meat consumption. However, replicating meat's flavors and aromas has proven challenging, with companies often relying on synthetic additives. A recent study unveils a potential solution: onions, chives and leeks that produce natural chemicals akin to the savory scents of meat when fermented with common fungi.
Published New Chagas research unravels decades-long mystery of how the tropical disease progresses



New research shows that being infected with multiple strains of the Chagas-inducing parasite may hinder the disease's progression.
Published How to inactivate common cold viruses



Every year, respiratory syncytial viruses (RSV) cause countless respiratory infections worldwide. For infants, young children and people with preexisting conditions, the virus can be life-threatening. The team has explored ways to reduce the risk of infection. Their findings show that -- when used correctly -- alcohol-based hand sanitizers and commercially available surface disinfectants provide good protection against transmission of the virus via surfaces.
Published New ribozyme can make RNA molecules accessible for click chemistry in living cells


Important progress for RNA research: A team has discovered a new ribozyme that can label RNA molecules in living cells.
Published Bird flu is undergoing changes that could increase the risk of widespread human transmission



A new study has shown that a subtype of avian flu virus, endemic in poultry farms in China, is undergoing mutational changes, which could increase the risk of the disease being passed on to humans.
Published Deciphering the 'highway code' of our cells



Cancers, degenerative diseases: deregulation of our cells' internal communication pathways is at the root of many conditions. Microtubules -- microscopic protein filaments -- play a crucial role in controlling these exchanges. However, their mechanisms remain poorly understood. A team has identified a new mechanism, involving two proteins, that governs their growth. The discovery opens up unprecedented prospects for the development of new treatments that can act at the very heart of cells.
Published New study shows effectiveness of mpox vaccine



A new international study has shown mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) infections to be less severe among those who are vaccinated or had a previous infection in 2022, underlining the importance and effectiveness of vaccination.
Published Resistant starch supplement reduces liver triglycerides in people with fatty liver disease



Resistant starch is a nondigestible fiber that ferments in the large intestine, and consumption of it has previously been shown to have a positive effect on metabolism in animal studies. Now, a 4-month randomized controlled trial in people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) indicates that daily intake of resistant starch can alter gut bacteria composition and lower liver triglycerides and liver enzymes associated with liver injury and inflammation.
Published 3D-printed 'living material' could clean up contaminated water


A 'living material,' made of a natural polymer combined with genetically engineered bacteria, could offer a sustainable and eco-friendly solution to clean pollutants from water. Researchers developed their living material using a seaweed-based polymer and bacteria that have been programmed to produce an enzyme that transforms various organic pollutants into harmless compounds. In tests, heir material decontaminated water solutions tainted with a pollutant from textile manufacturing: indigo carmine, a blue dye that is used to color denim.
Published Scientists unpick how lung cells induce immune response to influenza



Researchers have discovered some new and surprising ways that viral RNA and influenza virus are detected by human lung cells, which has potential implications for treating people affected by such viruses.
Published Optics and AI find viruses faster



Researchers have developed an automated version of the viral plaque assay, the gold-standard method for detecting and quantifying viruses.
Published Webb reveals new structures within iconic supernova


NASA's James Webb Space Telescope has begun the study of one of the most renowned supernovae, SN 1987A (Supernova 1987A). Located 168,000 light-years away in the Large Magellanic Cloud, SN 1987A has been a target of intense observations at wavelengths ranging from gamma rays to radio for nearly 40 years, since its discovery in February of 1987. New observations by Webb's NIRCam (Near-Infrared Camera) provide a crucial clue to our understanding of how a supernova develops over time to shape its remnant.
Published Scientists detect and validate the longest-period exoplanet found with TESS


Scientists have detected and validated two of the longest-period exoplanets found by TESS to date. These long period large exoplanets orbit a K dwarf star and belong to a class of planets known as warm Jupiters, which have orbital periods of 10-200 days and are at least six times Earth's radius. This recent discovery offers exciting research opportunities for the future of finding long-period planets that resemble those in our own solar system.
Published Acting fast when an epidemic hits



Researchers have developed a method for forecasting the short-term progression of an epidemic using extremely limited amounts of data.
Published Newly discovered fungus helps destroy a harmful food toxin



Patulin is a harmful mycotoxin produced by fungi typically found in damaged fruits, including apples, pears, and grapes. In a recent breakthrough, researchers identified a new filamentous fungal strain that can degrade patulin by transforming it into less toxic substances. Their findings provide important insights into the degradation mechanisms for patulin found in nature, and can lead to new ways of controlling patulin toxicity in our food supplies.
Published New giant planet evidence of possible planetary collisions


A Neptune-sized planet denser than steel has been discovered by an international team of astronomers, who believe its composition could be the result of a giant planetary clash.
Published Algae provide clues about 600 million years of plant evolution



Researchers generated large scale gene expression data to investigate the molecular networks that operate in one of the closest algal relatives of land plants, a humble single-celled alga called Mesotaenium endlicherianum.
Published Antibiotics promote the growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the gut



Antibiotic-resistant bacteria get extra nutrients and thrive when the drugs kill 'good' bacteria in the gut, according to new research that could lead to better patient risk assessment and 'microbiome therapeutics' treatments to help combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria.