Bioinspired mineralization of calcium carbonate in peptide hydrogel
A team of researchers have developed a biomimetic mineralization of calcium carbonate using a multifunctional peptide template that can self-supply mineral sources, which in this case is a supply of carbonate ions, the precursor of calcium carbonate......»»
Did the first cells evolve in soda lakes?
Soda lakes, which are dominated by dissolved sodium and carbonate species, could have provided the right conditions for the first cells, according to a new study published in PNAS Nexus......»»
A faster, cheaper way to synthesize diabetes and weight loss drugs like semaglutide
Semaglutide is part of the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor targeting family of peptide drugs which are mainly used to treat diabetes but are difficult and expensive to make......»»
Study sheds light on relationship between mitochondrial calcium dynamics and autophagy
Autophagy is a self-eating process for recycling and rejuvenating cellular organelles and components. Intracellular calcium dynamics has been shown to be essential for the initiation of the autophagy process......»»
Hydrogel spheres compose a microporous structure for localized mRNA delivery
In a significant leap forward in the realm of regenerative medicine, a team at the Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation has introduced a pioneering approach to mRNA therapy using microspheres made of gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA)—a gelatin-b.....»»
Scientists propose new method for tracking elusive origins of CO₂ emissions from streams
A team of researchers from the University of Massachusetts Amherst that specializes in accounting for the carbon dioxide release by streams, rivers and lakes has recently demonstrated that the chemical process known as "carbonate buffering" can accou.....»»
The effects of primer pairs, PCR conditions, and peptide nucleic acid clamps on plant root fungal diversity assessment
Fungi are frequently found both around and within plant tissues (especially in roots) and are involved in both plant nutrient acquisition and resistance to pathogens. Thus, characterizing the diversity and composition of plant-associated fungal commu.....»»
Researchers design gel from wood pulp to heal damaged heart tissue, improve cancer treatments
You can mend a broken heart this Valentine's Day now that researchers have invented a new hydrogel that can be used to heal damaged heart tissue and improve cancer treatments......»»
Intensifying the production of high-value compounds from industrial waste
A study by the Center for Integrated Technology and Organic Synthesis (CiTOS) demonstrates how glycerol carbonate, a biosourced industrial additive, can be produced in record time using CO2 and a by-product of the cooking oil recycling industry......»»
Computer-designed proteins allow for tunable hydrogels that can form both inside and outside of cells
When researchers want to study how COVID makes us sick, or what diseases such as Alzheimer's do to the body, one approach is to look at what's happening inside individual cells. Researchers sometimes grow the cells in a 3D scaffold called a "hydrogel.....»»
Bioinspired hydrogel pattern enhances atmospheric water harvesting via directional droplet steering
The water in the air originates from both natural and forced evaporation, with condensation being the final and crucial step in water harvesting. Condensation involves nucleation, growth, and shedding of water droplets, which are then collected......»»
A Gel Injected Into the Scrotum Could Be the Next Male Contraceptive
Biotech company Contraline has safely implanted a sperm-blocking hydrogel in 23 men. It’s designed to be a fully reversible vasectomy......»»
Scientists open door to achieving high-precision "slippery structural hydrogel"
Hydrogels inevitably undergo dehydration, structural collapse, and shrinkage deformation due to the uninterrupted evaporation in the atmosphere, thereby losing their flexibility, slipperyness, and manufacturing precision......»»
New research deciphers biomineralization mechanism
Many organisms can produce minerals or mineralized tissue. A well-known example is nacre, which is used in jewelry because of its iridescent colors. Chemically speaking, its formation begins with a mollusk extracting calcium and carbonate ions from w.....»»
Transferring laser-induced graphene at extremely low temperatures for ultrathin bioelectronics
A recent study published in Nature Electronics discusses stretchable graphene–hydrogel interfaces for wearable and implantable bioelectronics......»»
Unveiling the future of photonics: Hydrogel innovations pave the way
In a review published on 1 January 2024, in the journal Microsystems & Nanoengineering, researchers discuss hydrogels in photonics, highlighting their potential to revolutionize the field. The article emphasizes how hydrogels enable devices to adapt.....»»
On-demand conformation of an artificial cytoskeleton
Peptide nanotubes are tubular-shaped structures formed by the controlled stacking of cyclic peptide components. These hollow biomaterials show inner and outer faces, allowing control over their properties......»»
New technology for long-term liquid storage of chicken semen by arresting energy metabolism
Researchers from the University of Tsukuba have developed an advanced refrigerated storage technology that prolongs the fertilization capacity of chicken sperm by arresting the energy metabolism dynamics, achieved through the depletion of calcium ins.....»»
Researchers develop sustainable wound dressing hydrogel based on seaweed and carbonated water
Acting as the main interface between the internal and the external world, the skin is the largest and most important organ of the human body. It is frequently exposed to many types of physical injuries or wounds, including cuts, scrapes, scratches, i.....»»
Underwater architects: The "burrowing effect" of foraminifera on marine environments
Dr. Dewi Langlet, a scientist at the Evolution, Cell Biology and Symbiosis Unit at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST), studies foraminifera, single-cell organisms with shells made of calcium carbonate. He and his collaborators hav.....»»
Researchers compare controlled release of bisphosphonates
Bisphosphonate (BP) drugs are a common treatment strategy to combat calcium-related metabolic disorders, osteoporosis being the most widely known one. These drugs offer several benefits but are plagued by side-effects. One approach to mitigate these.....»»