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Categories: Biology: Biochemistry, Chemistry: Biochemistry
Published Cranberries provide runners with an all-natural boost, according to new research
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source In a series of trials involving trained distance runners, researchers found that ingesting a cranberry supplement for 28 consecutive days led to noticeable improvements in both performance and muscle fatigue following 1,500-metre time trials. Reoxygenation rates were faster and running speeds improved by 1.5 per cent. The researchers found that 28 days of cranberry extract consumption by elite level endurance runners demonstrated a trend toward increased speed in 1,500-metre time trials but not in 400-metre ones. However, they did notice that lactate buildup was reduced following the 400-metre but not the 1,500-metre compared to baseline. The data also indicated that the cranberry extract promoted better oxygen extraction by the muscle, improved lactate clearance and slower muscle deoxygenation.
Published A protein found in human sweat may protect against Lyme disease
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Human sweat contains a protein that may protect against Lyme disease. About one-third of the population carries a genetic variant of this protein that is associated with Lyme disease in genome-wide association studies.
Published New ultrasound technology may revolutionize respiratory disease diagnoses
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source By evaluating sound vibrations produced by the airflow induced within the lungs and bronchial tree during normal breathing as well as those produced by the larynx during vocalizations, doctors can identify potential disease-related abnormalities within the respiratory system. Researchers demonstrate the efficacy of ultrasound technology to detect low-amplitude movements produced by vocalizations at the surface of the chest. They also demonstrated the possibility of using the airborne ultrasound surface motion camera to map these vibrations during short durations so as to illustrate their evolution.
Published Climate change alters the hidden microbial food web in peatlands
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source To better understand a carbon sink in danger, scientists are turning to tiny organisms that have long been overlooked.
Published Genes identified that allow bacteria to thrive despite toxic heavy metal in soil
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Some soil bacteria can acquire sets of genes that enable them to pump the heavy metal nickel out of their systems, a study has found. This enables the bacteria to not only thrive in otherwise toxic soils but help plants grow there as well. A research team pinpointed a set of genes in wild soil bacteria that allows them to do this in serpentine soils which have naturally high concentrations of toxic nickel. The genetic discovery could help inform future bioremediation efforts that seek to return plants to polluted soils.
Published Scientists' discovery could reduce dependence on animals for vital anti-blood clot drug
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Heparin, the world's most widely used blood thinner, is used during procedures ranging from kidney dialysis to open heart surgery. Currently, heparin is derived from pig intestines, but scientists have discovered how to make it in the lab. They have also developed a path to a biomanufacturing process that could potentially revolutionize how the world gets its supply of this crucial medicine.
Published Artificial streams reveal how drought shapes California's alpine ecosystems
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers have used a series of artificial stream channels to mimic the behavior of headwater creeks under future climate change scenarios. They found that drier conditions shifted the life cycles of the algae and insects that form the base of the alpine food web. However, because species adjusted to the shifts in a variety of ways, the stream ecosystems were generally resilient to the changing conditions.
Published Genomic method of monitoring for pesticide resistance
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers have developed a strategy for using genomics to monitor for and identify emerging resistance to pesticides, helping farmers prolong the effectiveness of pest management tools.
Published Harnessing hydrogen at life's origin
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A new report uncovers how hydrogen gas, the energy of the future, provided energy in the past, at the origin of life 4 billion years ago. Hydrogen gas is clean fuel. It burns with oxygen in the air to provide energy with no CO2. Hydrogen is a key to sustainable energy for the future. Though humans are just now coming to realize the benefits of hydrogen gas (H2 in chemical shorthand), microbes have known that H2 is good fuel for as long as there has been life on Earth. Hydrogen is ancient energy.
Published Industrial societies losing healthy gut microbes
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Our eating habits in industrialized societies are far removed from those of ancient humans. This is impacting our intestinal flora, it seems, as newly discovered cellulose degrading bacteria are being lost from the human gut microbiome, especially in industrial societies.
Published Two artificial intelligences talk to each other
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Performing a new task based solely on verbal or written instructions, and then describing it to others so that they can reproduce it, is a cornerstone of human communication that still resists artificial intelligence (AI). A team has succeeded in modelling an artificial neural network capable of this cognitive prowess. After learning and performing a series of basic tasks, this AI was able to provide a linguistic description of them to a 'sister' AI, which in turn performed them.
Published Deciphering the role of bitter and astringent polyphenols in promoting well-being
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Polyphenols, abundant in fruits, vegetables, tea, and coffee, offer potential health benefits. However, owing to low bioavailability, the mechanisms underlying their beneficial effects remain unknown. In a recent study, researchers have explored the interaction between polyphenols and human sensory receptors. Their findings elucidate how polyphenols influence brain function and metabolic pathways by interacting with gut receptors, explaining their role in well-being and nutrition innovation.
Published Genetic basis for the evolution of hair discovered in the clawed frog
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source The development of hair was of central importance for the evolution of mammals and thus also of humans. However, the evolutionary origin of the genetic program of hair was previously unknown. Researchers have now been able to show that important hair components and their genetic control have already evolved in amphibians. Human hair therefore shows unexpected similarities to the claws of clawed frogs.
Published Scientists discover how Diadem butterfly mimics African Queen
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Scientists have discovered how female Diadem butterflies have evolved to look like African Queen butterflies to repel predators.
Published Transforming wood waste for sustainable manufacturing
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Research is exploring how to add value to lignin by breaking it down into small molecules that are structurally similar to oxygenated hydrocarbons. These renewable chemicals are key components in many industrial processes and products, but they are traditionally sourced from non-renewable petroleum.
Published Bridge in a box: Unlocking origami's power to produce load-bearing structures
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Load-bearing structures like bridges and shelters can be made with origami modules -- versatile components that can fold compactly and adapt into different shapes -- engineers have demonstrated.
Published How cells are ahead of the curve
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source The curvature of a surface determines the migration behavior of biological cells. They preferentially move along valleys or grooves while avoiding ridges. These findings gave rise to a model predicting cellular behavior. Such universal principles now allow a better understanding of the migration of immune and cancer cells, paving the way for new treatment options.
Published Newborn piglets serve as a model for studying influenza
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Although prevention and treatment strategies are available for influenza, they are not sufficient for vulnerable populations such as young children and newborns. A team of researchers has studied newborn piglets to better understand the progression of influenza infections.
Published Engineers measure pH in cell condensates
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source In a first for the condensate field, researchers have figured out how nucleolar sub-structures are assembled. This organization gives rise to unique pH profiles within nucleoli, which they measured and compared with the pH of nearby non-nucleolar condensates including nuclear speckles and Cajal bodies.
Published Speaking without vocal cords, thanks to a new AI-assisted wearable device
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Bioengineers have invented a thin, flexible device that adheres to the neck and translates the muscle movements of the larynx into audible speech. The device is trained through machine learning to recognize which muscle movements correspond to which words. The self-powered technology could serve as a non-invasive tool for people who have lost the ability to speak due to vocal cord problems.