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Categories: Biology: Cell Biology, Geoscience: Earthquakes
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Published Discovery of vast sex differences in cellular activity has major implications for disease treatment
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source The study reveals vast differences in gene activity within the mitochondria of males compared to females. This is the first study to test effects of all 37 genes in the mitochondrial genome -- genes that copepods and humans share. The study found that males demonstrate more activity across all protein-coding mitochondrial genes than females. Although the study looks at tiny marine organisms called copepods, the findings have weighty implications for human medicine.
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.
Published Should you eat more dietary fiber? New study says it depends
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Nutritionists generally advise everyone to eat more dietary fiber, but a new study suggests that its effects on health can vary from person to person. The findings indicate that recommendations should be tailored to each individual's gut microbiome.
Published Myths about intermittent fasting, debunked
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Research shows that the increasingly popular weight-loss strategy is safe. Intermittent fasting has become an increasingly popular way to lose weight without counting calories. And a large body of research has shown it s safe. Still, several myths about fasting have gained traction.
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.
Published Removal of excess chloride ions by plants when subjected to salt stress
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers have discovered a salt adaptation mechanism in plants that facilitates chloride removal from the roots and enhancing salinity tolerance. A research team has uncovered a novel mechanism of plant adaptation to salt stress involving the NaCl-induced translocation of a specific chloride channel protein, AtCLCf.
Published How cells boost gene expression
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source The function of non-coding RNA in the cell has long been a mystery to researchers. Unlike coding RNA, non-coding RNA does not produce proteins -- yet it exists in large quantities. A research team has now discovered an important function of antisense RNA (asRNA): the researchers found that asRNA acts as a 'superhighway' in cell transport and thus accelerates gene expression.
Published New tomato, potato family tree shows that fruit color and size evolved together
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A new family tree of the plant genus Solanum helps explain the striking diversity of their fruit color and size. This genus includes tomatoes, potatoes, eggplants, and other economically important plants.
Published Simple test for flu could improve diagnosis and surveillance
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Fewer than one percent of people who get the flu every year get tested, in part because most tests require trained personnel and expensive equipment. Now researchers have developed a low-cost paper strip test that could allow more patients to find out which type of flu they have and get the right treatment. The test uses CRISPR to distinguish between the two main types of seasonal flu, influenza A and B, as well as seasonal flu subtypes H1N1 and H3N2. It can also identify strains that resist antiviral treatment, and with further work, could potentially detect swine and avian flu strains, including H5N1, which is currently infecting cattle.
Published How to make aging a 'fairer game' for all wormkind
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers have discovered a new fundamental mechanism governing the rules of ageing in worms. The researchers were able to manipulate the mechanism through genetic interventions which dramatically extend not just the lifespan of the worms, but also their health-span. In other words, trading weak, frail old age with vigorous golden years -- all without altering their diet, environment or other external factors.
Published Wild yeasts from Patagonia could yield new flavors of lagers
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source New strains of yeast for brewing lager beers, created by hybridizing wild strains of yeast from Patagonia with brewer's yeast, can yield novel flavors and aromas, researchers report.
Published Is coffee good for you or bad for you?
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source The effects of coffee consumption on human health is a knotty question, but one thing is sure: coffee is a psychoactive substance.
Published How targeted nutrients can fight cancer
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source An international research team has discovered a new way to effectively treat cancer, by using nutrients to reactivate suppressed metabolic pathways in cancer cells.
Published The world's oldest wine discovered
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A white wine over 2,000 years old, of Andalusian origin, is the oldest wine ever discovered.
Published Where to put head and tail?
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Formation of the body axes is a critical part of embryonic development. They guarantee that all body parts end up where they belong and that no ears grow on our backs. The head-tail axis, for example, determines the orientation of the two ends of the body. It was previously assumed that this axis is largely determined by the interplay between the Nodal and BMP signals. However, there appears to be another player in this system, as researchers have now discovered by using an embryo-like model system they developed. In the absence of BMP, the signalling molecule beta-catenin takes on the role of the Nodal antagonist. This new mechanism could be a flexible solution for axis formation in embryos with different shapes.