Are silver nanoparticles a silver bullet against microbes?
Antimicrobials are used to kill or slow the growth of bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms. They can be in the form of antibiotics, used to treat bodily infections, or as an additive or coating on commercial products used to keep germs at bay......»»
Deals: Silver Apple Watch Series 10 all-time low, iPad Smart Folio, up to 30% off leather and metal bands, and more
Joining ongoing all-time low prices on the new black Titanium Apple Watch Ultra 2, today’s deals are headlined by the best offer yet on the 46mm Apple Watch Series 10 with the silver aluminum case alongside a host of brand new metal and leather ba.....»»
2-billion-year-old rock could help understand very early life on Earth and the hunt for evidence of life on Mars
Pockets of microbes have been found living within a sealed fracture in a 2-billion-year-old rock. The rock was excavated from the Bushveld Igneous Complex in South Africa, an area known for its rich ore deposits. This is the oldest example of living.....»»
Scientists design silver nanoparticle–based self-hygienic resin for use in dental applications
The oral cavity is home to a rich ecosystem of microorganisms that are found in both healthy and diseased states. In the area of dental restoration, highly specialized materials are used to fulfill specific functions so that the patient recovers thei.....»»
Decades-long research reveals new understanding of how climate change may impact caches of Arctic soil carbon
Utilizing one of the longest-running ecosystem experiments in the Arctic, a Colorado State University-led team of researchers has developed a better understanding of the interplay among plants, microbes and soil nutrients—findings that offer new in.....»»
Solid electrolyte composed of nanoparticles shows promise for all-solid-state batteries
Often overlooked, rechargeable batteries play an important part in contemporary life, powering small devices like smartphones to larger ones like electric vehicles. The keys to creating sustainable rechargeable batteries include having them hold thei.....»»
The biodiversity jukebox: How sound can boost beneficial soil microbes to heal nature
In a race against time, scientists are exploring new ways to restore natural systems. Alongside traditional methods such as planting trees, reducing pollution and reintroducing native species, a surprising new tool is emerging: sound. Ecologists can.....»»
Q&A: Using a new approach to shine a light on hidden plant microbes
Despite there being more microbes on Earth than stars in our galaxy, only a tiny fraction have been discovered. An approach called metagenomics—a type of DNA sequencing—may help scientists learn more about these elusive organisms, according to Pe.....»»
3D-printed setup enables fast and accurate virus detection
A new method for quickly and accurately detecting nanoparticles and viruses marks a major advancement in virus detection technology, merging confocal fluorescence microscopy with microfluidic laminar flow. Unlike traditional PCR methods, which are sl.....»»
The unexpected role of magnetic microbes in deep-sea mining
Polymetallic nodules are potato-sized formations on the ocean floor that are rich in minerals such as nickel, cobalt, and manganese. Their concentration of rare, economically important minerals has made the nodules the focus of controversial deep-sea.....»»
Study shows that ancient reef-building stromatoporoids dodged extinction—at least temporarily
Will modern coral reefs go extinct? The answer is uncertain, but some of their ancient counterparts managed to dodge a bullet—for a while, at least......»»
Astronaut’s stunning photo shows ‘flowing silver snakes’
An astronaut aboard the International Space Station has captured some stunning images of Earth showing 'flowing silver snakes' and 'glowing golden claws.'.....»»
Phytoplankton shield ice shelves from summer heat
In spring, stretches of Antarctic sea ice melt to form pockets of open water called polynyas, which make perfect homes for phytoplankton. These marine microbes can become so abundant that they turn the water green......»»
Better than blood tests? Nanoparticle potential found for assessing kidneys
In a study published July 29 in Advanced Materials, University of Texas at Dallas researchers found that X-rays of the kidneys using gold nanoparticles as a contrast agent might be more accurate in detecting kidney disease than standard laboratory bl.....»»
Genome sequence analysis identifies new driver of antimicrobial resistance
Antibiotics are a lifesaving tool. Yet, due to their chronic overuse, microbes are evolving and developing immunity against them. As a result, once-effective medications can no longer stave off infections, complicating treatment and increasing mortal.....»»
Light-induced immunoassay can selectively detect coronavirus spike proteins in five minutes
Like moths to a flame, microbes can also be moved by light. Using this knowledge, researchers from Osaka Metropolitan University's Research Institute for Light-induced Acceleration System (RILACS) have demonstrated a method to detect the presence of.....»»
New method to break down forever chemicals uses nanoparticles and ultrasound
What do firefighting foam, non-stick cookware, water-repellent textiles and pesticides all have in common? They all contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS—human-made chemicals that don't break down naturally. It's no wonder, then, tha.....»»
Fluorescent nanomaterial could transform how we visualize fingerprints
Researchers created a fluorescent nanoparticle using a combination of materials (MCM-41, chitosan and dansylglycine) to examine latent fingerprints. These nanoparticles have special properties that make them adhere well to fingerprint residues, even.....»»
An evolutionary battleground: Plants vs. microbes
Gazing out on a freshwater pond, you may see tiny green plants with oval-shaped leaves floating in clusters. In overgrown ponds, these plants coat the water's surface. These plants—called duckweed or water lentils—can grow so fast that they can d.....»»
Human drivers keep rear-ending Waymos
We took a close look at the 23 most serious Waymo crashes. Enlarge / A Waymo vehicle in San Francisco. (credit: Photo by JasonDoiy via Getty Images) On a Friday evening last November, police chased a silver sedan across.....»»
Iron-doped carbon-based nanoparticles boost cancer treatment with enhanced precision and safety
Recently, a collaborative research team led by Prof. Wang Hui and Prof. Qian Junchao from Hefei Institutes of Physical Science of the Chinese Academy of Sciences designed a catalytically active, photoresponsive, Fe-doped carbon nanoparticle (FDCN) fo.....»»