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Categories: Biology: Microbiology, Physics: Optics
Published Highest-resolution single-photon superconducting camera
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers have built a superconducting camera containing 400,000 pixels -- 400 times more than any other device of its type. Having more pixels could open up many new applications in science and biomedical research.
Published Achieving large and uniform particle sizes
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Dispersions of polymer particles in a liquid phase (latexes) have many important applications in coatings technology, medical imaging, and cell biology. A team of researchers has now developed a method to produce stable polystyrene dispersions with unprecedentedly large, and uniform, particle sizes. Narrow size distributions are essential in many advanced technologies, but were previously difficult to produce photochemically.
Published Diapers can be recycled 200 times faster with light
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source More than 100,000 tons of diapers are disposed of annually in Germany. Vast amounts of valuable resources, such as diaper liners, end up in the trash. The liners consist of special polymers, so-called superabsorbers. Researchers have now succeeded in considerably improving their complex recycling process. They use UV radiation to degrade the chemical chains that keep the polymers together. No chemicals are needed. Recycling at room temperature is 200 times faster than conventional recycling. The recycled polymers can then be processed to new adhesives and dyes.
Published Bizarre new fossils shed light on ancient plankton
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Recently discovered microfossils date back half a billion years. Resembling modern-day algae, they provide insight into early life in our oceans.
Published Sunflower extract fights fungi to keep blueberries fresh
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Opening a clamshell of berries and seeing them coated in fuzzy mold is a downer. And it's no small problem. Gray mold and other fungi, which cause fruit to rot, lead to significant economic losses and food waste. Now, researchers report that compounds from sunflower crop waste prevented rotting in blueberries. They suggest the food industry could use these natural compounds to protect against post-harvest diseases.
Published Scientists shed light on potential breakthrough biomedical molecule
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Developing a new, light-activated method to produce the molecule opens doors for future biomedical applications.
Published How eggs of the Zika-carrying mosquito survive desiccation
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Eggs of the mosquito that carries Zika virus can tolerate extended desiccation by altering their metabolism, according to a new study. The finding offers potential new ways to control the spread of this mosquito.
Published Bacteria can enhance host insect's fertility with implications for disease control
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source New research reveals how the bacteria strain Wolbachia pipientis enhances the fertility of the insects it infects, an insight that could help scientists increase the populations of mosquitoes that do not carry human disease.
Published Preventing airborne infection without impeding communication with ions and electric field
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A novel device developed by researchers in a new study utilizes ions and an electric field to effectively capture infectious droplets and aerosols, while letting light and sound pass through to allow communication. The innovation is significant in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, since it shows promise in preventing airborne infection while facilitating communication.
Published The microbiome of fruit and vegetables positively influences diversity in the gut
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source In a meta-study, a research team has provided evidence that the consumption of fruit and vegetables contributes positively to bacterial diversity in the human gut.
Published Finding the genes that help kingfishers dive without hurting their brains
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Scientists studied the genomes of 30 kingfisher species to try to identify the genes that allow kingfishers to dive headfirst into water without huring their brains. The researchers found that the diving birds have unusual mutations to the genes that produce tau: a protein that helps stabilize tiny structures in the brain, but which can build up in humans with traumatic brain injuries or Alzheimer's disease. The researchers suspect that these variations in the kingfishers' tau proteins might protect their brains when they dive.
Published Scientists uncover cause of mysterious deaths of elephants in Zimbabwe
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A bacterium, closely associated with deadly septicaemia, could have caused the deaths of six African elephants in Zimbabwe and possibly more in neighboring countries. The findings place infectious diseases on the list of pressures on African elephants, whose populations continue to be under threat.
Published Children as young as four eat more when bored
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A new study has shown that children as young as four years old eat 79% more calories when they are bored, compared to when they are in a neutral mood.
Published Study shows engineered gut bacteria can treat hypertension
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Newly published research proves that it's possible to treat high blood pressure by using specially engineered Lactobacillus paracasei to produce a protein called ACE2 in the gut, reducing gut angiotensin II and, in turn, lowering blood pressure. The study, done in lab rats that are predisposed to hypertension and unable to naturally produce ACE2, opens new doors in the pursuit of harnessing our body's own microbiome to regulate blood pressure.
Published How quantum light 'sees' quantum sound
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers have proposed a new way of using quantum light to 'see' quantum sound. A new paper reveals the quantum-mechanical interplay between vibrations and particles of light, known as photons, in molecules. It is hoped that the discovery may help scientists better understand the interactions between light and matter on molecular scales. And it potentially paves the way for addressing fundamental questions about the importance of quantum effects in applications ranging from new quantum technologies to biological systems.
Published Smartphone attachment could increase racial fairness in neurological screening
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A new smartphone attachment could enable people to screen for a variety of neurological conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease and traumatic brain injury, at low cost -- and do so accurately regardless of their skin tone. The attachment fits over a smartphone's camera to capture clear video of pupil size changes, which can offer clues about an individual's neurological functions. The device helps the camera see the pupil easily in dark eye colors.
Published How to slow the spread of deadly 'superbugs'
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Harnessing new advances in genomic surveillance technology could help detect the rise of deadly 'superbugs'.
Published Gut fungi's lasting impact on severe COVID-19 immune response
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Certain gut-dwelling fungi flourish in severe cases of COVID-19, amplifying the excessive inflammation that drives this disease while also causing long-lasting changes in the immune system, according to a new study. This discovery identifies a group of patients who may benefit from specialized, but yet-to-be determined treatments.
Published Discovery finds ferns produce crop-saving insecticide
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers have solved the structure of a novel insecticidal protein that is effective in protecting major crop plants like corn and soybean from pests and is naturally produced by ferns.
Published Fungal evolution discovered: Mycena can now invade living hosts
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Biologists have long known mushrooms of the genus Mycena, commonly known as bonnet mushrooms, as fungi that live off of dead trees and plants. New research demonstrates that bonnets can also find their ways into young, healthy trees and plants, where they try to cooperate. In doing so, they have made an evolutionary leap which challenges our understanding of the ecological roles of fungi.