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Categories: Chemistry: Inorganic Chemistry, Ecology: Nature
Published Engineering bacteria to biosynthesize intricate protein complexes



Protein cages found in nature within microbes help weather its contents from the harsh intracellular environment -- an observation with many bioengineering applications. Researchers recently developed an innovative bioengineering approach using genetically modified bacteria; these bacteria can incorporate protein cages around protein crystals. This in-cell biosynthesis method efficiently produces highly customized protein complexes, which could find applications as advanced solid catalysts and functionalized nanomaterials.
Published Pseudoscorpions of Israel: Two new family records discovered



A recent study has unveiled two previously undiscovered families of Pseudoscorpions in Israel. Positioned at the convergence of three continents, Israel's distinct biodiversity has undergone systematic revision, resulting in an updated checklist featuring 61 pseudoscorpion species across 28 genera and fourteen families. This pioneering research includes the introduction of the first illustrated identification key, based on morphological characters, accompanied by distribution maps. Notably, the study highlights the discovery of two new family records in Israel -- Syarinidae and Cheiridiidae -- both with a cosmopolitan distribution, including in the Mediterranean region. The findings significantly enhance our comprehension of regional biodiversity, offering crucial resources for forthcoming ecological, taxonomical and conservation endeavors. Furthermore, several undescribed species identified in this paper will be comprehensively described in separate publications, further advancing the field of pseudoscorpion taxonomy.
Published Water splitting reaction for green hydrogen gas production improved



Electrochemical catalysts used in water splitting often show poor performance due to low electrical conductance of (oxy)hydroxide species produced in situ. To overcome this challenge, researchers have now designed an electrode with Schottky Junction formed at the interface of metallic Ni-W5N4 and semiconducting NiFeOOH. The proposed electrode shows excellent catalytic activity and can facilitate industrial seawater splitting continuously for 10 days.
Published New scientific study reveals the crucial role of herbivorous fishes and sea urchins in restoring Caribbean coral reefs



A new study presents crucial findings on the feeding preferences of herbivorous fishes and the sea urchin Diadema antillarum in Little Cayman. The study sheds new light on the dynamics of these herbivores and their impact on the resilience of Caribbean coral reefs.
Published Riddle of Kondo effect solved in ultimately thin wires



A research team has now directly measured the so-called Kondo effect, which governs the behavior of magnetic atoms surrounded by a sea of electrons: New observations with a scanning tunneling microscope reveal the effect in one-dimensional wires floating on graphene.
Published New laser setup probes metamaterial structures with ultrafast pulses



A new technique offers a safe, reliable, and high-throughput way to dynamically characterize microscale metamaterials. The method could speed up the development of acoustic lenses, impact-resistant films, and other futuristic materials.
Published Roaming seabirds need ocean-wide protection



Seabirds roam far and wide in the Indian Ocean -- so they need ocean-wide protection, new research shows.
Published New deep learning AI tool helps ecologists monitor rare birds through their songs



Researchers have developed a new deep learning AI tool that generates life-like birdsongs to train bird identification tools, helping ecologists to monitor rare species in the wild.
Published Previously unknown luminescence revealed in ten deep sea species and an order of sea cucumbers



Researchers present evidence of previously unknown luminosity in 10 deep-sea species, suggesting underestimated diversity. These new discoveries include a member of the order Molpadia, which was previously thought not to be luminescent. The authors stress the importance of considering the ecological role of bioluminesence and the need for conservation.
Published Using cosmetic ingredient for battery protection



A research team has devised a battery electrode protective film using biopolymers sourced from cosmetic ingredients.
Published Converting PFAS 'forever chemicals' into valuable compounds



Researchers have successfully synthesized ligands called fluorinated N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) from environmentally harmful perfluoroalkenes, a type of synthetic chemicals also referred to as PFAS. These NHCs are valuable for stabilizing unstable molecules and enhancing catalytic efficiency. Through further structural modification, these NHCs are expected to find applications in a wide range of substances, including catalysts and light-emitting materials.
Published Geese 'keep calm and carry on' after deaths in the flock



Canada geese strengthen existing friendships and forge a few new connections after losing close associates from their flock, new research shows.
Published Non-native species likely to continue spreading in North America, Australia and Europe



Naturalized species, which are not native but have established themselves in new locations, have the potential to spread even further to suitable habitats in many parts of the world, reports a new study.
Published New water treatment method can generate green energy



Researchers have designed micromotors that move around on their own to purify wastewater. The process creates ammonia, which can serve as a green energy source. Now, an AI method will be used to tune the motors to achieve the best possible results.
Published Research provides crucial insights into moss growth under elevated CO2 levels that may benefit climate change models



Approximately 12,000 species of mosses exist and cover close to four million square miles of earth, equivalent to the size of Canada, and are ecologically and evolutionarily important. Mosses play an essential role in rainwater retention, decreasing plant pathogens and increasing carbon sequestration in soil, thus improving the overall soil health. Mosses also protect long-term carbon storage systems, such as bogs and permafrost.
Published Capture or reuse CO2 as a chemical source for the production of sustainable plastics



Chemists have developed a new polyurethane production technique using CO2 to create new types of easily recyclable plastics that uses more sustainable materials to produce plastics with properties similar to conventional petro-sourced plastics. This new technology is emerging as a potential solution for the development of sustainable plastics with a wide range of properties that can easily meet the needs of most of our everyday applications.
Published Recycling of water-based adhesive achieved by changing pH



A research team has developed a reversible, water-based glue that has good adhesion in the neutral pH range, but can be detached again in strongly acidic or alkaline environments. The novel adhesive system, which is based on electrostatic interactions, has bond strengths somewhere between those of structural adhesives and pressure-sensitive adhesives. The new adhesive also bonds 'difficult' surfaces such as water-repellent polypropylene.
Published Naturally regrowing forests are helping to protect the remaining old forests in the Amazon



Secondary forests that have regrown naturally on land abandoned from agriculture are important in counteracting the effects of forest fragmentation across the Amazon basin, according to new findings.
Published Diverse forests hold huge carbon potential, as long as we cut emissions



New study estimates that natural forest recovery could capture approximately 226 Gigatonnes (Gt) of carbon, but only if we also reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Achieving these results requires community-driven efforts to conserve and restore biodiversity. In brief: Forests have the potential to capture 226 Gigatonnes (Gt) of carbon in areas where they would naturally exist. This forest potential can only be achieved alongside emissions cuts. Sixty-one percent of the forest potential can be achieved by protecting existing forests and allowing them to regrow to maturity. Thirty-nine percent can be achieved by reconnecting fragmented landscapes through community-driven ecosystem restoration and management. A natural diversity of species is needed to maximize the forest carbon potential.
Published quantum mechanics: Unlocking the secrets of spin with high-harmonic probes



Deep within every piece of magnetic material, electrons dance to the invisible tune of quantum mechanics. Their spins, akin to tiny atomic tops, dictate the magnetic behavior of the material they inhabit. This microscopic ballet is the cornerstone of magnetic phenomena, and it's these spins that a team of researchers has learned to control with remarkable precision, potentially redefining the future of electronics and data storage.