Showing 20 articles starting at article 901
< Previous 20 articles Next 20 articles >
Categories: Biology: Microbiology, Space: Structures and Features
Published How seahorse-like toxins kill insects
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Insect-killing bacteria typically release toxins to slay their hosts. The bacterium Photorhabdus luminescens, for example, pumps insect larvae full of the lethal 'Makes caterpillars floppy 1' (Mcf1) toxin, leading them to first become droopy and then dead. However, it has so far been a mystery how Mcf1 unfolds its devastating effect. Researchers successfully used cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and biochemical assays to characterize the first-ever Mcf1 structure, allowing them to propose a molecular mechanism of the toxin's action. Understanding how bacterial toxins perform their deadly task in such detail is very useful for engineering novel biopesticides, thereby reducing the use of barely specific chemical agents with harmful side effects for the ecosystem.
Published Engineering viruses to kill deadly pathogens
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Antimicrobial resistance is an urgent and growing global crisis. Researchers are exploring phages, viruses that infect bacteria, as a possible solution. In the new study, researchers successfully modified DNA from four types of phages to kill a deadly pathogen. The process can also be used to produce more phage variants for further exploration.
Published When and how immune cells decide to form pathogen memories
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source During infection, reversible switch permits flexible formation of memory T cells, long-lived blood cells that can remember pathogen encounters and respond upon reinfection.
Published Using computers to design proteins allows researchers to make tunable hydrogels that can form both inside and outside of cells
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source New research demonstrates a new class of hydrogels that can form not just outside cells, but also inside of them. These hydrogels exhibited similar mechanical properties both inside and outside of cells, providing researchers with a new tool to group proteins together inside of cells.
Published A green alternative for treating Streptococcus iniae bacteria in hybrid striped bass
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Scientists have developed a green antibiotic alternative to treat the deadly pathogen Streptococcus iniae in hybrid striped bass, the fourth most farmed finfish in the United States, according to a recent study.
Published DNA particles that mimic viruses hold promise as vaccines
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Using a DNA-based delivery particle, researchers created a vaccine that can induce a strong antibody response against SARS-CoV-2.
Published Resin destroys coronavirus from plastic surfaces
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers are currently developing anti-viral surfaces to decrease the spread of infectious diseases. A recent study found that a resin ingredient is effective against coronaviruses and strongly decreases their infectivity on plastic surfaces.
Published Tomato juice's antimicrobial properties can kill salmonella
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source New research shows that tomato juice can kill Salmonella Typhi and other bacteria that can harm people's digestive and urinary tract health.
Published Gut microbiota influence severity of respiratory viral infection
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source The composition of microbiota found in the gut influences how susceptible mice are to respiratory virus infections and the severity of these infections.
Published 'Genomic time machine' reveals secrets of our DNA
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers reveal a novel method to uncover bits of our genetic blueprint that come from ancient genetic parasites, offering fresh insights into human evolution and health.
Published Staggering structure in 19 nearby spiral galaxies
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source The James Webb Space Telescope observed 19 nearby face-on spiral galaxies in near- and mid-infrared light as part of its contributions to the Physics at High Angular resolution in Nearby GalaxieS (PHANGS) program.
Published Researchers spying for signs of life among exoplanet atmospheres
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source The next generation of advanced telescopes could sharpen the hunt for potential extraterrestrial life by closely scrutinizing the atmospheres of nearby exoplanets, new research suggests.
Published Probiotics promote weight loss in obese dogs
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source New research demonstrates how probiotics can reshape the gut microbiome and energy metabolism in dogs.
Published Astronomers spot 18 black holes gobbling up nearby stars
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Scientists have identified 18 new tidal disruption events (TDEs) -- extreme instances when a nearby star is tidally drawn into a black hole and ripped to shreds. The detections more than double the number of known TDEs in the nearby universe.
Published Researchers control biofilm formation using optical traps
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers showed that biofilm formation can be controlled with laser light in the form of optical traps. The findings could allow scientists to harness biofilms for various bioengineering applications.
Published Cosmic building blocks of life discovered through the electron microscope
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Meteorites are fragments of asteroids which find their way to Earth as shooting stars and provide information on the origins of our solar system. A team of researchers has examined the so-called Winchcombe meteorite and demonstrated the existence in it of nitrogen compounds such as amino acids and heterocyclic hydrocarbons -- without applying any chemical treatment and by using a new type of detector design.
Published How obesity dismantles our mitochondria
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers found that when mice were fed a high-fat diet, mitochondria within their fat cells broke apart and were less able to burn fat, leading to weight gain. They also found they could reverse the effect by targeting a single gene, suggesting a new treatment strategy for obesity.
Published Researchers map genome for cats, dolphins, birds, and dozens of other animals
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers mapped genetic blueprints for 51 species including cats, dolphins, kangaroos, penguins, sharks, and turtles, a discovery that deepens our understanding of evolution and the links between humans and animals. The researchers developed novel algorithms and computer software that cut the sequencing time from months -- or decades in the case of the human genome -- to a matter of days.
Published Astronomers unravel mysteries of planet formation and evolution in distant planetary system
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source TOI-1136, a dwarf star located more than 270 light years from Earth, is host to six confirmed exoplanets and a seventh as yet unconfirmed candidate. The system has provided a rich source of information on planet formation and evolution in a young solar system. Researchers used a variety of tools to compile radial velocity and transit timing variation readings to derive highly precise measurements of the exoplants' masses, orbital information and atmospheres.
Published Soap bark discovery offers a sustainability booster for the global vaccine market
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A valuable molecule sourced from the soapbark tree and used as a key ingredient in vaccines, has been replicated in an alternative plant host for the first time, opening unprecedented opportunities for the vaccine industry.