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Categories: Biology: Cell Biology, Engineering: Nanotechnology
Published Did animal evolution begin with a predatory lifestyle?
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Surprising findings on the development of sea anemones suggest that a predatory lifestyle molded their evolution and had a significant impact on the origin of their nervous system. The researchers were able to show that the young life stages (larvae) of the small sea anemone Aiptasia actively feed on living prey and are not dependent on algae. To capture its prey, the anemone larvae use specialized stinging cells and a simple neuronal network.
Published A lethal parasite's secret weapon: Infecting non-immune cells
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source The organisms that cause visceral leishmaniasis, a potentially deadly version of the parasitic disease that most often affects the skin to cause disfiguring disease, appear to have a secret weapon, new research suggests: They can infect non-immune cells and persist in those uncommon environments.
Published Polyps as pixels: Innovative technique maps biochemistry of coral reefs
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Using an innovative new approach to sampling corals, researchers are now able to create maps of coral biochemistry that reveal with unprecedented detail the distribution of compounds that are integral to the healthy functioning of reefs.
Published An advance in cryo-EM could be a significant boon for research on potential cancer therapies
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A technology called cryo-electron microscopy enables scientists to see the atomic structure of biological molecules in high resolution. But to date, it has been ineffective for imaging small molecules. A team of biochemists devised a solution that makes it possible to hold small protein molecules in place while they're being imaged, which will enable cryo-EM to produce much clearer images of such molecules. The advance is significant because small and medium-sized protein molecules are an area of focus in research on potential new drugs for cancer and other diseases.
Published Researchers dynamically tune friction in graphene
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source The friction on a graphene surface can be dynamically tuned using external electric fields, according to researchers.
Published Fish reveal cause of altered human facial development
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Some substances in medicines, household items and the environment are known to affect prenatal child development. Researchers tested the effects of five drugs (including caffeine and the blood thinner warfarin) on the growth of zebrafish embryos. They found that all five had the same effect, impairing the migration of bone-forming cells which resulted in the onset of facial malformation. Zebrafish embryos grow quickly, are transparent and develop outside of the parent's body, making them ideal for studying early development. A zebrafish-based system could be used to easily screen for potentially harmful substances, reducing animal testing on mammals and supporting parents-to-be when making choices for themselves and their baby.
Published 3D-printed plasmonic plastic enables large-scale optical sensor production
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers have developed plasmonic plastic -- a type of composite material with unique optical properties that can be 3D-printed. This research has now resulted in 3D-printed optical hydrogen sensors that could play an important role in the transition to green energy and industry.
Published A turtle time capsule: DNA found in ancient shell
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Paleontologists discover possible DNA remains in fossil turtle that lived 6 million years ago in Panama, where continents collide.
Published Vision in the brain: Hardwired for action
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Brain circuits for vision develop without any kind of input from the retina in zebrafish.
Published Sperm swimming is caused by the same patterns that are believed to dictate zebra stripes
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Patterns of chemical interactions are thought to create patterns in nature such as stripes and spots. This new study shows that the mathematical basis of these patterns also governs how sperm tail moves.
Published New information on the most important early stage of embryonic development
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A new discovery by researchers challenges our current understanding of gastrulation, the most important stage of early embryonic development.
Published Atlantic walrus more vulnerable than ever to Arctic warming
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Past cycles of climate change, along with human exploitation, have led to only small and isolated stocks of Atlantic walrus remaining. The current population is at high risk of the same issues affecting them severely, according to a new study.
Published Tiny CRISPR tool could help shred viruses
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Scientists mapped out the three-dimensional structure of one of the smallest known CRISPR-Cas13 systems then used that knowledge to modify its structure and improve its accuracy.
Published Novel bacterial proteins from seafloor shine light on climate and astrobiology
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers have unveiled a remarkable discovery: the identification of novel bacterial proteins that play a vital role in the formation and stability of methane clathrates, which trap gigatons of greenhouse gas beneath the seafloor. These newfound proteins not only suppress methane clathrate growth as effectively as toxic chemicals used in drilling but also prove to be eco-friendly and scalable. This innovative breakthrough not only promises to enhance environmental safety in natural gas transportation but also sheds light on the potential for similar biomolecules to support life beyond Earth.
Published Strength is in this glass's DNA
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Scientists were able to fabricate a pure form of glass and coat specialized pieces of DNA with it to create a material that was not only stronger than steel, but incredibly lightweight.
Published Study shows how a single neuron's parallel outputs can coordinate many aspects of behavior
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source In C. elegans worms, a single neuron named HSN uses multiple chemicals and connections to orchestrate egg-laying and locomotion over the course of several minutes.
Published How the heart starts beating
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers discover that heart cells in developing zebrafish start beating suddenly and all at once
Published Researchers discover disease-causing stem cells in lungs of cystic fibrosis patients
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Experts in cloning and stem cell science are reporting that five lung stem cell variants dominate the lungs of patients with advanced cystic fibrosis, and that these variants drive key aspects of CF pathology including inflammation, fibrosis and mucin secretion.
Published A close-up of biological nanomachines: Researchers take a deep look at peroxisomal processes
(via sciencedaily.com) The cell organelles known as 'peroxisomes' dispose toxic substances and fats in the human body, among other things, and, in doing so, they prevent serious illnesses. The 'Pex' group of proteins (peroxisomes biogenesis factors) keep these 'detox units' functioning properly -- and now researchers have shown, at the atomic level, how these highly complex processes proceed.
Published Double trouble: Infamous 'eagle killer' bacterium produces not one, but two toxins
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source The cyanobacterium Aetokthonos hydrillicola produces not just one, but two highly potent toxins. Scientists describe the second toxin, which had remained elusive until now. Even in low concentrations, it can destroy cells and is similar to substances currently used in cancer treatment. Two years ago, the same team established that the first toxin from the cyanobacterium is the cause of a mysterious disease among bald eagles in the USA.