How salt can taste sweet: The myriad mechanisms of taste perception
Humans perceive five basic taste sensations: sweet, umami, bitter, salty, and sour. Specific foods trigger taste recognition of these sensations through the activation of different receptors in our taste buds. In the case of table salt, the concentra.....»»
A review of the Epichloë festucae antifungal protein Efe-AfpA
A research team has reviewed the mechanisms behind endophyte-mediated disease resistance in strong creeping red fescue (Festuca rubra subsp. rubra) and identified the antifungal protein Efe-AfpA produced by Epichloë festucae as a key factor against.....»»
Unlocking the secrets of salt stress tolerance in wild tomatoes
As our climate changes and soil salinity increases in many agricultural areas, finding crops that can thrive in these challenging conditions is crucial. Cultivated tomatoes, while delicious, often struggle in salty soils. Their wild cousins, however,.....»»
Nanomaterials may enhance plant tolerance to high soil salt levels
Soil salt concentrations above the optimal threshold for plant growth can threaten global food security by compromising agricultural productivity and crop quality. An analysis published in Physiologia Plantarum has examined the potential of nanomater.....»»
AI promises to solve Earth"s big environmental problems—but there"s a hitch
Artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionized our lives in myriad ways, from personalizing our social media feeds to giving us driving directions and monitoring our health......»»
Improving cat food flavors with the help of feline taste-testers
Cats are notoriously picky eaters. But what if we could design their foods around flavors that they're scientifically proven to enjoy? Researchers publishing in ACS' Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry used a panel of feline taste-testers to i.....»»
Researchers elucidate mechanisms behind protein selectivity in adenosine receptor
In a new study, a multinational research team led by Dr. Adnan Sljoka (RIKEN) and Prof. Akio Kitao (Tokyo Tech), in collaboration with Prof. Scott Prosser (University of Toronto), has carried out experimental and computational studies to elucidate th.....»»
Sustainable and reversible 3D printing method uses minimal ingredients and steps
A new 3D printing method developed by engineers at the University of California San Diego is so simple that it uses a polymer ink and salt water solution to create solid structures. The work, published in Nature Communications, has the potential to m.....»»
Mysterious family of malware hid in Google Play for years
Mandrake's ability to go unnoticed was the result of designs not often seen in Android malware. Enlarge A mysterious family of Android malware with a demonstrated history of effectively concealing its myriad spying acti.....»»
Stem cell harmony: How solanaceae plants maintain homeostasis through receptor compensation
A pivotal study sheds light on the evolutionary conservation of stem cell homeostasis in Solanaceae, revealing how receptor compensation mechanisms ensure the continuous and orderly formation of plant organs. This research uncovers the genetic interp.....»»
Scientists identify the predictability limit of oceanic mesoscale eddy tracks in the South China Sea
Oceanic mesoscale eddies (OMEs) are swirling water structures that play a crucial role in ocean dynamics. These eddies transport heat, salt, nutrients, and other materials across the ocean, significantly influencing marine ecosystems and global clima.....»»
Apple Intelligence provides detailed privacy reports on user requests
Apple on Monday began rolling out a preview of the Apple Intelligence features with the first betas of iOS 18.1 and macOS Sequoia 15.1. The company has already detailed how the features work and the privacy mechanisms behind them. And to make things.....»»
Salt stress promotes early flowering, inhibits floral organ development by disturbing cell cycle in tomatoes
A research team investigated the impact of salt stress on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) floral transition, revealing that salt stress significantly reduced plant biomass and caused early flowering and smaller flowers. This study underscores the impor.....»»
New research on 3D-printed materials toward future generations of stronger, lighter plastics
A new analysis of the deformation mechanisms which cause 3D-printed materials to fail under strain could help create future generations of stronger, lighter plastics, unlocking transformative benefits for industry......»»
Researchers decipher new molecular mechanisms related to biological tissue regeneration
A new study published in The EMBO Journal opens new perspectives to better understand how the molecular mechanisms involved in regenerative medicine work......»»
Microsoft 365 users targeted by phishers abusing Microsoft Forms
There has been an uptick in phishing campaigns leveraging Microsoft Forms this month, aiming to trick targets into sharing their Microsoft 365 login credentials. A malicious Microsoft form (Source: Perception Point) Malicious forms leading to phishin.....»»
Enhancing threat detection for GenAI workloads with cloud attack emulation
Cloud GenAI workloads inherit pre-existing cloud security challenges, and security teams must proactively evolve innovative security countermeasures, including threat detection mechanisms. Traditional cloud threat detection Threat detection systems a.....»»
Astronauts find their tastes dulled, and a VR ISS hints at why
The visual environment of the ISS seems to influence people's experience of food. Enlarge / The environment you're eating in can influence what you taste, and space is no exception. (credit: NASA) Astronauts on the ISS t.....»»
Cheesemaking is a complex science—a food chemist explains the process from milk to mozzarella
Cheese is a relatively simple food. It's made with milk, enzymes—these are proteins that can chop up other proteins—bacterial cultures and salt. Lots of complex chemistry goes into the cheesemaking process, which can determine whether the cheese.....»»
When it comes to political advertising, is AI ever OK?
The Liberal National Party Queensland (LNP) has recently taken a bold step in its political strategy by employing artificial intelligence (AI) to shape public perception of the current premier, Steven Miles. This move has not only highlighted the inn.....»»
Scientists discover how yeast cells sense physical stresses on the membranes that protect them
Cell membranes play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and functionality of cells. However, the mechanisms by which they perform these roles are not yet fully understood. Scientists from the University of Geneva (UNIGE), in collaboration wit.....»»