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Categories: Anthropology: Early Humans, Biology: Biochemistry

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Biology: Biochemistry Biology: Cell Biology Biology: General Biology: Zoology
Published

Brain's 'escape switch' controlled by threat sensitivity dial      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Neuroscientists have discovered how the brain bidirectionally controls sensitivity to threats to initiate and complete escape behaviour in mice. These findings could help unlock new directions for discovering therapies for anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Biology: Biochemistry Biology: Biotechnology Biology: Botany Biology: Cell Biology Biology: General Biology: Genetics
Published

Scientists discover genetic 'off switch' in legume plants that limits biological ability to source nutrients      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

A genetic 'off switch' that shuts down the process in which legume plants convert atmospheric nitrogen into nutrients has been identified for the first time by a team of international scientists.

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

Cell division: Before commitment, a very long engagement      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Before a cell commits fully to the process of dividing itself into two new cells, it may ensure the appropriateness of its commitment by staying for many hours -- sometimes more than a day -- in a reversible intermediate state, according to a new discovery. Their revelation of this fundamental feature of biology includes details of its mechanisms and dynamics, which may inform the development of future therapies targeting cancers and other diseases.

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

Unlocking the world of bacteria      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Bacteria possess unique traits with great potential for benefiting society. However, current genetic engineering methods to harness these advantages are limited to a small fraction of bacterial species. A team has now introduced a novel approach that can make many more bacteria amenable to genetic engineering. Their method, called IMPRINT, uses cell-free systems to enhance DNA transformation across various bacterial strains.

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

The on-and-off affair in DNA      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Researchers have discovered that in thale cresses histone H3 lysine-9 (H3K9) methylation, conventionally thought to be a mark of turning off gene transcription, can also turn on gene expression via the interactions of two other proteins and histone marks. The molecular mechanisms demonstrate that rather than functioning as a simple 'off switch,' H3K9 methylation is more like a 'dimmer switch' that fine-tunes DNA transcription. The discovery suggests there might be similar mechanisms in other organisms, too.

Anthropology: Cultures Anthropology: Early Humans Anthropology: General
Published

First case of Down syndrome in Neanderthals documented in new study      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

A new study documents the first case of Down syndrome in Neanderthals and reveals that they were capable of providing altruistic care and support for a vulnerable member of their social group.

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

Slipping a note to a neighbor: The cellular way      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Study reveals how drug molecules bind in channels between neighboring cells, changing intercellular communication.

Biology: Biochemistry Biology: Biotechnology Biology: Cell Biology Biology: General Chemistry: Biochemistry Chemistry: General Chemistry: Inorganic Chemistry Chemistry: Organic Chemistry Ecology: Sea Life Environmental: General Geoscience: Geochemistry
Published

Towards non-toxic antifouling agents: A novel method for total synthesis of scabrolide F      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Norcembranolide diterpenes, isolated from the soft corals of the genus Sinularia, are important compounds for the development of new drugs, owing to their diverse biological activities. However, total synthesis methods for these compounds are scarce. Now, a team of researchers has achieved the total synthesis of scabrolide F, a norcembranolide diterpene. They also revealed its non-toxic antifouling properties. This novel method can lead to the development of new drugs and antifouling agents.

Biology: Biochemistry Biology: General Biology: Marine Ecology: Nature Ecology: Research Ecology: Sea Life
Published

Plankton researchers urge their colleagues to mix it up      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

A new article encourages researchers to focus their attention on mixoplankton, providing a set of methodologies to help expand our understanding of this critically important component of the marine ecosystem.

Biology: Biochemistry Biology: Cell Biology Biology: General Biology: Genetics Biology: Molecular Chemistry: Biochemistry Engineering: Nanotechnology
Published

Revealing the dynamic choreography inside multilayer vesicles      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Our cells and the machinery inside them are engaged in a constant dance. This dance involves some surprisingly complicated choreography within the lipid bilayers that comprise cell membranes and vesicles -- structures that transport waste or food within cells. In a recent paper, researchers shed some light on how these vesicles self-assemble, knowledge that could help scientists design bio-inspired vesicles for drug-delivery or inspire them to create life-like synthetic materials.

Biology: Biochemistry Biology: Microbiology
Published

Biting flies on dairy farms can spread bovine mastitis      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

A new study identified biting flies as reservoirs of bacteria that cause bovine mastitis on dairy farms.

Biology: Biochemistry Biology: General Biology: Microbiology Chemistry: Biochemistry Physics: Optics
Published

Light-weight microscope captures large-scale brain activity of mice on the move      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

With a new microscope that's as light as a penny, researchers can now observe broad swaths of the brain in action as mice move about and interact with their environments.

Biology: Biochemistry Biology: Biotechnology Biology: Cell Biology Biology: General Ecology: Endangered Species
Published

Rewriting the armadillo family tree: A new species, plus a name change for the state mammal of Texas      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

The nine-banded armadillo, which ranges all the way from Argentina to Nebraska, is actually four separate species. One of the species, the Guianan long-nosed armadillo, is new to science. Meanwhile, the species that has migrated from Mexico to the United States (and is the official small mammal of Texas) is now called the Mexican long-nosed armadillo.

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

Zebrafish reveal how bioelectricity shapes muscle development      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

New research describes how nerve cells and muscle cells communicate through electrical signals during development -- a phenomenon known as bioelectricity. The communication, which takes place via specialized channels between cells, is vital for proper development and behavior. The study identifies specific genes that control the process, and pins down what happens when it goes wrong. The finding offers clues to the genetic origins of muscle disorders in humans.

Biology: Biochemistry
Published

'A hearty debate' concludes plant-based meat alternatives are healthier for your heart than meat      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Even though there is substantial variability in the contents and nutritional profiles of plant-based meat alternatives (PBMAs), the nutritional profiles tend to reflect a heart-healthy dietary pattern. A review article of the available studies directly comparing the impact of plant-based and animal-based meats consistently suggests that the plant-based alternatives improve cardiovascular risk factors.

Biology: Biochemistry Biology: Cell Biology Biology: General Ecology: Nature Offbeat: General Offbeat: Plants and Animals
Published

Non-stop flight: 4,200 km transatlantic flight of the Painted Lady butterfly mapped      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

In October 2013 a researcher made a surprising discovery of Painted Lady Butterflies on the Atlantic beaches of French Guiana -- a species not typically found in South America. This unusual sighting prompted an international study to investigate the origin of these butterflies.

Biology: Biochemistry Biology: Cell Biology Biology: Microbiology Chemistry: Biochemistry
Published

3D-printed chip sensor detects foodborne pathogens for safer products      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Researchers have developed a new method for detecting foodborne pathogens that is faster, cheaper, and more effective than existing methods. Their microfluidic chip uses light to detect multiple types of pathogens simultaneously and is created using 3D printing, making it easy to fabricate in large amounts and modify to target specific pathogens. The researchers hope their technique can improve screening processes and keep contaminated food out of the hands of consumers.

Biology: Biochemistry Biology: Cell Biology Biology: General Environmental: General Geoscience: Environmental Issues Geoscience: Geochemistry
Published

Mashed up purple marine bacteria makes an excellent eco-friendly fertilizer      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

New research reports that biomass made from the purple photosynthetic marine bacterium Rhodovulum sulfidophilum is an excellent nitrogen fertilizer. The biomass fertilizer proved to be just as effective as common inorganic synthetic fertilizers but avoids several side effects that harm the environment, making it an eco-friendly alternative.