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Categories: Biology: Genetics, Ecology: Sea Life
Published A rare enzyme role change with bacterial defense system assembly
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Scientists have revealed a never-before-seen phenomenon in a protein: Alone, the enzyme processes DNA and RNA but, when bound to another protein as part of a defense system, interacts with a completely different type of compound to help bacteria commit suicide.
Published Whale-SETI: Groundbreaking encounter with humpback whales reveals potential for nonhuman intelligence communication
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A team of scientists had a close encounter with a non-human (aquatic) intelligence. The Whale-SETI team has been studying humpback whale communication systems in an effort to develop intelligence filters for the search for extraterrestrial intelligence. In response to a recorded humpback 'contact' call played into the sea via an underwater speaker, a humpback whale named Twain approached and circled the team's boat, while responding in a conversational style to the whale 'greeting signal.' During the 20-minute exchange, Twain responded to each playback call and matched the interval variations between each signal.
Published This Japanese 'dragon' terrorized ancient seas
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers have described a Japanese mosasaur the size of a great white shark that terrorized Pacific seas 72 million years ago. The mosasaur was named for the place where it was found, Wakayama Prefecture. Researchers call it the Wakayama Soryu, which means blue dragon.
Published Underwater architects: The 'burrowing effect' of foraminifera on marine environments
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Impact of single-cell organisms on sediment oxygen levels and bacterial diversity measured for the first time.
Published A new mechanism by which rotavirus makes you sick
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Scientists report a new mechanism by which rotavirus induces diarrhea by interfering with the normal absorption of nutrients in the intestine.
Published Zika's shape-shifting machinery, and a possible vulnerability
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Viruses have limited genetic material -- and few proteins -- so all the pieces must work extra hard. Zika is a great example; the virus only produces 10 proteins. Now researchers have shown how the virus does so much with so little and may have identified a therapeutic vulnerability.
Published Coral reefs in peril from record-breaking ocean heat
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Record breaking marine heatwaves will cause devastating mass coral bleaching worldwide in the next few years, according to a coral reef scientist.
Published How immune cells recognize their enemies
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source In order for immune cells to do their job, they need to know against whom they should direct their attack. Research teams a have identified new details in this process.
Published Adapting to hypoxia: Zooplankton influence the efficiency of the biological carbon pump in the Humboldt Current off Peru
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Marine organisms play a crucial role in the global carbon cycle. Phytoplankton absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and sequester it in organic matter that sinks to the deep ocean where it can be stored for long periods of time. Until now, this process -- the biological carbon pump -- was thought to be particularly efficient in oxygen-poor areas. A new study suggests that the influence of certain zooplankton species on the biological carbon pump has been underestimated.
Published New genes can arise from nothing
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source The complexity of living organisms is encoded within their genes, but where do these genes come from? Researchers resolved outstanding questions regarding the origin of small regulatory genes, and described a mechanism that creates their DNA palindromes. Under suitable circumstances, these palindromes evolve into microRNA genes.
Published Molecular fossils shed light on ancient life
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Paleontologists are getting a glimpse at life over a billion years in the past based on chemical traces in ancient rocks and the genetics of living animals. New research combines geology and genetics, showing how changes in the early Earth prompted a shift in how animals eat.
Published Study reshapes understanding of mass extinction in Late Devonian era
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A recently published study puts forth a new theory that volcanic eruptions combined with widespread ocean detoxification pushed Earth's biology to a tipping point in the Late Devonian era, triggering a mass extinction.
Published First global estimate of marine aquarium trade to encourage sustainable practices
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source New research estimates 55 million marine organisms worth $2.15bn are sold in the marine aquarium trade each year, making it as valuable as global fisheries such as tuna.
Published Fungus-fighting protein could help overcome severe autoimmune disease and cancer
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A protein in the immune system programmed to protect the body from fungal infections is also responsible for exacerbating the severity of certain autoimmune diseases such as irritable bowel disease (IBS), type 1 diabetes, eczema and other chronic disorders, new research has found. The discovery could pave the way for new and more effective drugs, without the nasty side effects of existing treatments. In addition to helping to manage severe autoimmune conditions, the breakthrough could also help treat all types of cancer.
Published Feathered friends can become unlikely helpers for tropical coral reefs facing climate change threat
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Tropical coral reefs are among our most spectacular ecosystems, yet a rapidly warming planet threatens the future survival of many reefs. However, there may be hope for some tropical reefs in the form of feathered friends. A new study has found that the presence of seabirds on islands adjacent to tropical coral reefs can boost coral growth rates on those reefs by more than double.
Published Influx of water and salts propel immune cells through the body
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers have shown that an influx of water and ions into immune cells allows them to migrate to where they're needed in the body.
Published Greenhouse gases in oceans are altered by climate change impact on microbes
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source The ocean is a global life-support system, and climate change causes such as ocean warming, acidification, deoxygenation, and nitrogen-deposition alter the delicate microbial population in oceans. The marine microbial community plays an important role in the production of greenhouse gases like nitrous oxide and methane. Scientists have explored the climate change impact on marine microbes. Their research helps raise awareness about climate change severity and the importance of ocean resources.
Published The ocean may be storing more carbon than estimated in earlier studies
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source The ocean's capacity to store atmospheric carbon dioxide is some 20% greater than the estimates contained in the latest IPCC report. Scientists looked at the role played by plankton in the natural transport of carbon from surface waters down to the seabed. Plankton gobble up carbon dioxide and, as they grow, convert it into organic tissue via photosynthesis.
Published From infamy to ingenuity: Bacterial hijack mechanisms as advanced genetic tools
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers have uncovered the intricate molecular mechanism used by parasitic phytoplasma bacteria, known for inducing 'zombie-like' effects in plants.
Published 'Shocking' discovery: Electricity from electric eels may transfer genetic material to nearby animals
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers have discovered that electric eels can alter the genes of tiny fish larvae with their electric shock. Their findings help to better understand electroporation, a method by which genes can be transported using electricity.