Showing 20 articles starting at article 201
< Previous 20 articles Next 20 articles >
Categories: Biology: Botany, Physics: Optics
Published Diamond glitter: A play of colors with artificial DNA crystals



Using DNA origami, researchers have built a diamond lattice with a periodicity of hundreds of nanometers -- a new approach for manufacturing semiconductors for visible light.
Published Plants restrict use of 'Tipp-Ex proteins'



Plants have special corrective molecules at their disposal that can make retrospective modifications to copies of genes. However, it would appear that these 'Tipp-Ex proteins' do not have permission to work in all areas of the cell, only being used in chloroplasts and mitochondria. A study has now explained why this is the case. It suggests that the correction mechanism would otherwise modify copies that have nothing wrong with them, with fatal consequences for the cell.
Published Natural toxins in food: Many people are not aware of the health risks



Many people are concerned about residues of chemicals, contaminants or microplastics in their food. However, it is less well known that many foods also contain toxins of completely natural origin. These are often chemical compounds that plants use to ward off predators such as insects or microorganisms. These substances are found in beans and potatoes, for example, and can pose potential health risks.
Published Bioengineered enzyme creates natural vanillin from plants in one step



Vanilla, the most widely used flavoring compound in confectionaries and cosmetics, gets its sweet flavor and aroma from the chemical compound -- 'vanillin'. However, the large-scale production of natural vanillin is impeded by the lack of microbial processes and enzymes which can commercially generate vanillin. Now, researchers have genetically engineered a novel enzyme which can convert ferulic acid from plant waste into vanillin in a one-step sustainable process.
Published Regenerating worms have genetic control over their algal partners



Researchers have found a genetic pathway that facilitates inter-species communication between a marine worm, acoel, and its symbiotic algae.
Published From roots to resilience: investigating the vital role of microbes in coastal plant health



Understanding how salt marsh grass stays healthy is of crucial ecological importance, and studying the ways bacteria interact with these plants is key. Thanks to recent advances in genomic technology, biologists have begun to reveal never-before-seen ecological processes.
Published Two decades of studies suggest health benefits associated with plant-based diets



Vegetarian and vegan diets are generally associated with better status on various medical factors linked to cardiovascular health and cancer risk, as well as lower risk of cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and death, according to a new review of 49 previously published papers.
Published Studying bubbles can lead to more efficient biofuel motors



By studying how bubbles form in a drop of biodiesel, researchers can help future engines get the most energy out of the fuel.
Published Now we know, what gets roots to grow: Can help in future droughts



A biological mechanism familiar to people who fast helps plant roots grow strong. The discovery provides an answer to a long-unanswered question and a deeper understanding of the 'mouths' of plants that can help to develop climate-resilient crops.
Published Researchers use artificial intelligence to boost image quality of metalens camera



Researchers have leveraged deep learning techniques to enhance the image quality of a metalens camera. The new approach uses artificial intelligence to turn low-quality images into high-quality ones, which could make these cameras viable for a multitude of imaging tasks including intricate microscopy applications and mobile devices.
Published A simple quantum internet with significant possibilities



It's one thing to dream up a quantum internet that could send hacker-proof information around the world via photons superimposed in different quantum states. It's quite another to physically show it's possible. That's exactly what physicists have done, using existing Boston-area telecommunication fiber, in a demonstration of the world's longest fiber distance between two quantum memory nodes to date.
Published Iconic baobabs: The origin and long-distance travels of upside down trees



The research cracks the code on the iconic baobab tree's origin story, revealing their surprising origins in Madagascar and incredible long-distance dispersals to Africa and Australia. The study unveils how baobabs developed unique pollination mechanisms -- some attracting hawkmoths, others lemurs, and even bats -- showcasing remarkable evolutionary adaptations. The research sheds light on how climate change has shaped the baobab's distribution and diversification over millions of years, offering valuable insights for understanding plant responses to future environmental shifts.
Published Bio-based resins could offer recyclable future for 3D printing



A new type of recyclable resin, made from biosourced materials, has been designed for use in 3D printing applications.
Published Metalens expands Its reach from light to sound



Engineers achieve a wide field-of-hearing acoustic metalens free from aberrations.
Published Scientists create an 'optical conveyor belt' for quasiparticles



Using interference between two lasers, a research group has created an 'optical conveyor belt' that can move polaritons -- a type of light-matter hybrid particle -- in semiconductor-based microcavities. This work could lead to the development of new devices with applications in areas such as quantum metrology and quantum information.
Published Speedy, secure, sustainable -- that's the future of telecom



A new device that can process information using a small amount of light could enable energy-efficient and secure communications.
Published Milestone in plasma acceleration



Scientists have made a significant advance in laser plasma acceleration. By employing an innovative method, a research team managed to substantially exceed the previous record for proton acceleration. For the first time, they achieved energies that so far have only seemed possible at much larger facilities. As the research group reported, promising applications in medicine and materials science have now become much likelier.
Published Like dad and like mum ... all in one plant



Scientists have established a system to generate clonal sex cells in tomato plants and used them to design the genomes of offspring. The fertilization of a clonal egg from one parent by a clonal sperm from another parent led to plants containing the complete genetic information of both parents.
Published Some varieties of annual flowers have a place in pollinator-friendly gardens



While wildflowers and perennials are a must for supporting pollinators, there's no denying the popularity of many annual flowers for their colorful, visual appeal. A new study suggests choosing the right varieties can give annual flowers a role in nourishing bees and other pollinating insects in home gardens. Researchers observed pollinators visiting the six most popular annual flower species in the U.S., finding significant variation in pollinator attractiveness between cultivars, even within the same flower species.
Published Prostate cancer study: More health benefits from plant-based diet



Men with prostate cancer could significantly reduce the chances of the disease worsening by eating more fruits, vegetables, nuts, and olive oil, according to new research.