Avocado genome assembled: Uncovering disease resistance and fatty acid secrets
The avocado, celebrated for its nutritious unsaturated fats and distinctive flavor, encounters notable agricultural challenges, particularly its vulnerability to diseases that can drastically reduce fruit quality and yield......»»
How soil bacteria contribute to the growing global issue of antibiotic resistance
Soil plays a much bigger role in the spread of antibiotic resistance than one might imagine. Surprisingly, the ground beneath us is packed with antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs)—tiny codes that allow bacteria to resist antibiotics. Human activitie.....»»
Weight loss drugs may also treat addiction, Alzheimer’s, and heart disease
Pharmaceutical companies are already cashing in on their other health benefits. One of Dr. Mo Sarhan’s patients was experiencing intense cravings for opioids and alcohol when th.....»»
Noninvasive imaging method can penetrate deeper into living tissue
Metabolic imaging is a noninvasive method that enables clinicians and scientists to study living cells using laser light, which can help them assess disease progression and treatment responses......»»
Get noise-canceling headphones for only $90 with this Amazon deal
The Treblab Z2 wireless headphones offer noise cancellation, IPX4 resistance, and a 35-hour battery life for an affordable $90 after Amazon's $40 discount......»»
Once-endangered Kirtland"s warblers show extensive signs of inbreeding in genome
The genome of a once-endangered songbird shows extensive signs of inbreeding, according to a new study by Penn State researchers. Because inbreeding can negatively impact survival and reproduction, the results could guide continuing conservation effo.....»»
Obesity rates are down. Is that because of weight-loss drugs?
Results from a recent survey have prompted questions. Earlier this fall, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported data showing that adult obesity rates—long trend.....»»
Unlocking the secrets of collagen: How sea creature superpowers are inspiring smart biomaterials for human health
Major findings on the inner workings of a brittle star's ability to reversibly control the pliability of its tissues will help researchers solve the puzzle of mutable collagenous tissue (MCT) and potentially inspire new "smart" biomaterials for human.....»»
Getting to the bottom of things: Latrine findings help researchers trace movement of people and disease
A McMaster researcher has uncovered evidence of intestinal parasites in a 500-year-old latrine from Bruges, Belgium, and while the finding may induce queasiness in some, it is expected to provide important scientific evidence on how infectious diseas.....»»
The moon"s biggest and most ancient crater is more circular than previously thought
The South Pole-Aitken basin is the moon's oldest and largest visible crater—a massive geological wound 4 billion years old that preserves secrets about the moon's early history, much like a lunar time capsule......»»
Extensive antimicrobial usage sparks warning over increased resistance in locations across Australia
University of Queensland research has found antimicrobial usage is significantly higher in affluent communities in Australia. Samples have been collected from 50 wastewater treatment plants in locations across Australia servicing about 11.3 million p.....»»
Historical outbreaks of coffee wilt disease linked to gene transfer from another fungus
The fungus that causes coffee wilt disease repeatedly took up segments of DNA from a related fungal pathogen, which contributed to successive outbreaks of the disease. Lily Peck of Imperial College London, U.K., reports these new findings in a study.....»»
Mechanical engineer figures out way to enhance sensitivity of nanopores for early detection of diseases
SMU Lyle mechanical engineering graduate student Kamruzzaman Joty has introduced a new technique in nanotechnology for detecting and analyzing biomolecules, potentially paving the way for new methods of early disease detection......»»
Scientists reveal superconductivity secrets of an iron-based material
Scientists at the University of California, Irvine have uncovered the atomic-scale mechanics that enhance superconductivity in an iron-based material, a finding published recently in Nature......»»
Chemists develop color-changing test for rapid salmonella detection
A group of chemists at the University at Albany have developed a new method for fast-acting salmonella detection. The test employs a paper strip that changes color in the presence of the bacterial genome, enabling quick screening for salmonella in fo.....»»
Novel covalent organic framework can remove a dangerous "forever chemical" from drinking water
Researchers at NYU Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) have developed an innovative cationic covalent organic framework (COF) that efficiently detects and removes perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a harmful and persistent pollutant, from drinking water. This breakthrough.....»»
Peat-bog fungi produce substances that kill tuberculosis-causing bacteria
An analysis of fungi collected from peat bogs has identified several species that produce substances toxic to the bacterium that causes the human disease tuberculosis. The findings suggest that one promising direction for development of better treatm.....»»
Simulated outbreaks demonstrate how evolutionary approaches can estimate the speed of viral spread
Evaluating the speed at which viruses spread and transmit across host populations is critical to mitigating disease outbreaks. A study published December 3 in PLOS Biology by Simon Dellicour at the University of Brussels (ULB), Belgium, and colleague.....»»
Decoding protein interactions to better understand how mutations contribute to disease
Investigating how proteins interact is key to understanding how cells work and communicate. In a new study published in Nature Communications, FMI researchers have provided key insights into how protein interactions are governed and how mutations inf.....»»
Customized CRISPR toolkit allows remote-controlled genome editing
Thanks to CRISPR, medical specialists will soon have unprecedented control over how they treat and prevent some of the most challenging genetic disorders and diseases......»»
Hidden DNA in plants reveals secrets of photosynthesis
Scientists have uncovered genetic variation in the unexplored DNA of the photosynthetic and energy factories of Arabidopsis plants, which plays a crucial role in the efficiency of photosynthesis in plants. These insights—published Nov. 27 in the Pr.....»»