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Categories: Biology: Microbiology, Paleontology: Fossils
Published Novel electrochemical sensor detects dangerous bacteria
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers have developed a novel sensor for the detection of bacteria. It is based on a chip with an innovative surface coating. This ensures that only very specific microorganisms adhere to the sensor -- such as certain pathogens. The larger the number of organisms, the stronger the electric signal generated by the chip. In this way, the sensor is able not only to detect dangerous bacteria with a high level of sensitivity but also to determine their concentration.
Published GPT-4 for identifying cell types in single cells matches and sometimes outperforms expert methods
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source GPT-4 can accurately interpret types of cells important for the analysis of single-cell RNA sequencing -- a sequencing process fundamental to interpreting cell types -- with high consistency compared to that of time-consuming manual annotation by human experts of gene information.
Published Breakthrough antibiotic shows promise against obstinate mycobacterial infections
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A team of scientists has developed a novel antibiotic named COE-PNH2 that is capable of combating hard-to-treat mycobacterial lung infections. Such infections, which are notorious for resisting conventional treatment, pose a serious health threat, especially to the elderly and those with underlying conditions.
Published Humans pass more viruses to other animals than we catch from them
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Humans pass on more viruses to domestic and wild animals than we catch from them, according to a major new analysis of viral genomes.
Published Researchers discover evolutionary 'tipping point' in fungi
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Scientists have found a 'tipping point' in the evolution of fungi that throttles their growth and sculpts their shapes. The findings demonstrate how small changes in environmental factors can lead to huge changes in evolutionary outcomes.
Published Natural recycling at the origin of life
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source How was complex life able to develop on the inhospitable early Earth? At the beginning there must have been ribonucleic acid (RNA) to carry the first genetic information. To build up complexity in their sequences, these biomolecules need to release water. On the early Earth, which was largely covered in seawater, that was not so easy to do.
Published Scientists close in on TB blood test which could detect millions of silent spreaders
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Millions of people are spreading tuberculosis unknowingly - now scientists say they are close to developing a new test that is as simple as the lateral flows used during the Covid pandemic.
Published Researchers invent artificial intelligence model to design new superbug-fighting antibiotics
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers at McMaster University and Stanford University have invented a new generative artificial intelligence model which can design billions of new antibiotic molecules that are inexpensive and easy to build in the laboratory.
Published Research uncovers a rare resin fossil find: A spider that aspires to be an ant
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Spiders that disguise themselves as ants live in many locations around the globe but until now most had been able to avoid detection from fossil researchers as well as predators.
Published Signs of life would be detectable in single ice grain emitted from extraterrestrial moons
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Could life be found in frozen sea spray from moons orbiting Saturn or Jupiter? New research finds that life can be detected in a single ice grain containing one bacterial cell or portions of a cell. The results suggest that if life similar to that on Earth exists on these planetary bodies, that this life should be detectable by instruments launching in the fall.
Published Rays were more diverse 150 million years ago than previously thought
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Scientists have explored the puzzling world of rays that lived 150 million years ago and discovered a previously hidden diversity -- including a new ray species. This study significantly expands the understanding of these ancient cartilaginous fish and provides further insights into a past marine ecosystem.
Published New geological study: Scandinavia was born in Greenland
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source The oldest Scandinavian bedrock was 'born' in Greenland, according to a new geological study. The study helps us understand the origin of continents and why Earth is the only planet in our solar system with life.
Published As we age, our cells are less likely to express longer genes
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Aging may be less about specific 'aging genes' and more about how long a gene is. Many of the changes associated with aging could be occurring due to decreased expression of long genes, say researchers. A decline in the expression of long genes with age has been observed in a wide range of animals, from worms to humans, in various human cell and tissue types, and also in individuals with neurodegenerative disease. Mouse experiments show that the phenomenon can be mitigated via known anti-aging factors, including dietary restriction.
Published Researchers name prehistoric amphibian ancestor discovered in Smithsonian collection after Kermit the Frog
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Scientists have uncovered the fossilized skull of a 270-million-year-old ancient amphibian ancestor in the collection of the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History. The team of researchers described the fossil as a new species of proto-amphibian, which they named Kermitops gratus in honor of the iconic Muppet, Kermit the Frog.
Published Research finds a direct communication path between the lungs and the brain
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source New research finds a direct communication path between the lungs and the brain which may change the way we treat respiratory infections and chronic conditions. The lungs are using the same sensors and neurons in the pain pathway to let the brain know there's an infection. The brain then prompts the symptoms associated with sickness. Findings indicate we may have to treat the nervous system as well as the infection.
Published Maize genes control little helpers in the soil
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Tiny organisms such as bacteria and fungi help to promote the health and function of plant roots. It is commonly assumed that the composition of these microbes is dependent on the properties of the soil. However, researchers have now discovered when studying different local varieties of maize that the genetic makeup of the plants also helps to influence which microorganisms cluster around the roots.
Published Decoding the plant world's complex biochemical communication networks
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A research team has begun translating the complex molecular language of petunias. Their grammar and vocabulary are well hidden, however, within the countless proteins and other compounds that fill floral cells. Being rooted to the ground, plants can't run away from insects, pathogens or other threats to their survival. But plant scientists have long known that they do send warnings to each other via scent chemicals called volatile organic compounds.
Published Deep Earth electrical grid mystery solved
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source To 'breathe' in an environment without oxygen, bacteria in the ground beneath our feet depend upon a single family of proteins to transfer excess electrons, produced during the 'burning' of nutrients, to electric hairs called nanowires projecting from their surface.
Published Ancient giant dolphin discovered in the Amazon
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Measuring between 3 to 3.5 meters, 16 million years old: Paleontologists have announced the discovery of a new species of freshwater dolphin in the Peruvian Amazon region. Surprisingly, its closest living relatives can be found in the river dolphins of South Asia.
Published Bacteria subtype linked to growth in up to 50% of human colorectal cancers
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers have found that a specific subtype of a microbe commonly found in the mouth is able to travel to the gut and grow within colorectal cancer tumors. This microbe is also a culprit for driving cancer progression and leads to poorer patient outcomes after cancer treatment. The findings could help improve therapeutic approaches and early screening methods for colorectal cancer, which is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in adults in the U.S. according to the American Cancer Society.