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Categories: Biology: Molecular, Ecology: Endangered Species
Published Small amounts of licorice raise blood pressure, study finds
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source It is known that large amounts of licorice cause high blood pressure. A new study now shows that even small amounts of licorice raise blood pressure. The individuals who react most strongly also show signs of strain on the heart.
Published Alzheimer's drug fermented with help from AI and bacteria moves closer to reality
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers combined artificial intelligence and chemical biosensors to ferment the precursor of an Alzheimer's drug in bacteria.
Published New bioengineered protein design shows promise in fighting COVID-19
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A recent scientific breakthrough has emerged from the work of researchers aiming to combat SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. The study focuses on the design and development of a novel protein capable of binding to the spike proteins found on the surface of the coronavirus. The goal behind this innovative approach is twofold: first, to identify and recognize the virus for diagnostic purposes, and second, to hinder its ability to infect human cells.
Published Sleep-wake rhythm: Fish change our understanding of sleep regulation
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers have discovered that some fish -- unlike humans -- do not need orexin to stay awake. This molecule was thought to be necessary for normal wake and sleep rhythms in vertebrates. Humans without orexin suffer from narcolepsy.
Published New discovery reveals how the egg controls sperm entry
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source After the egg has been fertilized by a sperm, the surrounding egg coat tightens, mechanically preventing the entry of additional sperm and the ensuing death of the embryo, a new study finds. The work also explains how mutations in egg coat proteins can cause female infertility and may eventually lead to new contraceptive methods.
Published Even cells know the importance of recycling
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers uncovered the mechanistic details behind how several proteins interact to help cells recognize and remove damaged mitochondria. Optineurin (OPTN) and its interactions are needed to provide a contact site for another protein, Tank-binding kinase 1 (TBK1), during this process. The OPTN-TBK1 relationship is necessary for these mitochondria to be recognized and eliminated from the cell. This mechanism may have relevance for developing drugs to treat Parkinson's disease.
Published Sulfur and the origin of life
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A new study shines a spotlight on sulfur, a chemical element that, while all familiar, has proved surprisingly resistant to scientific efforts in probing its role in the origin of life.
Published Tryptophan in diet, gut bacteria protect against E. coli infection
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Gut bacteria and a diet rich in the amino acid tryptophan can play a protective role against pathogenic E. coli, which can cause severe stomach upset, cramps, fever, intestinal bleeding and renal failure.
Published Rope entanglement cause of low breeding rates in right whales, analysis finds
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source New findings show the severe impact of fishing gear entanglements on the survival of critically endangered North Atlantic right whales, with every injury from entanglements impacting population recovery.
Published New computational strategy boosts the ability of drug designers to target proteins inside the membrane
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Hitting targets embedded within the cell membrane has long been difficult for drug developers due to the membrane's challenging biochemical properties. Now, chemists have demonstrated new custom-designed proteins that can efficiently reach these 'intramembrane' targets.
Published Simple trick could improve accuracy of plant genetics research
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers have published a simple trick that improves the accuracy of techniques that help us understand how external variables -- such as temperature -- affect gene activity in plants.
Published Milk to the rescue for diabetics? Cow produces human insulin in milk
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source An unassuming brown bovine from the south of Brazil has made history as the first transgenic cow capable of producing human insulin in her milk. The advancement could herald a new era in insulin production, one day eliminating drug scarcity and high costs for people living with diabetes.
Published Study brings scientists a step closer to successfully growing plants in space
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source New, highly stretchable sensors can monitor and transmit plant growth information without human intervention. The polymer sensors are resilient to humidity and temperature, can stretch over 400% while remaining attached to a plant as it grows and send a wireless signal to a remote monitoring location, said a chemical and biomolecular engineering professor.
Published A simple and robust experimental process for protein engineering
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A protein engineering method using simple, cost-effective experiments and machine learning models can predict which proteins will be effective for a given purpose, according to a new study.
Published Exploring arctic plants and lichens: An important conservation baseline for Nunavut's newest and largest territorial park
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A comprehensive study of the floristic diversity of Agguttinni Territorial Park, Nunavut's newest and largest Territorial Park, has documented 141 vascular plant, 69 bryophyte, and 93 lichen species from this unique protected area on northern Baffin Island. Through a combination of extensive fieldwork in 2021 and examination of hundreds of existing herbarium specimens, the authors have documented species newly reported for Baffin Island and have crafted a biodiversity baseline important for park management and conservation.
Published Scientists find weak points on Epstein-Barr virus
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Studies of interactions between two lab-generated monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and an essential Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) protein have uncovered targets that could be exploited in designing treatments and vaccines for this extremely common virus.
Published How a natural compound from sea squirts combats cancer
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Trabectedin, a promising drug derived from the sea squirt Ecteinascidia turbinata, has shown potential in combating cancers resistant to conventional treatments. However, its precise mechanism of action has remained elusive -- until now.
Published Range-shifting fishes are climate-change losers, according to new research
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Fish populations that experience rapid-range shift decline noticeably, up to 50 per cent over a decade. The populations affected most are those living on the northern poleward edges of their species' range. Researchers combined data from two large databases to examine the population numbers of range-shifting species. Their analysis revealed that extremely fast poleward shifting species, defined as upward of 17 kilometers per year, show marked declines in population, compared to negligible increases in populations that did not shift.
Published Pronghorn population declining due to human development
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A new article looked at 40 years of data collected on 40 pronghorn herds residing in the Wyoming Basin Shrub Steppe. Overall, 80% of the herds saw a decrease in productivity, and nearly 43% saw a significant decrease. After looking at a number of variables that could potentially contribute to the decline, the researchers identified the two most strongly associated: development of oil and gas resources and woody encroachment.
Published Researchers uncover protein responsible for cold sensation
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers have identified the protein that enables mammals to sense cold, filling a long-standing knowledge gap in the field of sensory biology.