Microbial enzymes are the key to pectin digestion in leaf beetles
A research team at the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology in Jena, Germany, shows in a new study how leaf beetles could successfully use new and previously indigestible food sources in the course of evolution. The insects acquired enzymes from.....»»
Millions of gamers advance biomedical research by helping to reconstruct microbial evolutionary histories
Leveraging gamers and video game technology can dramatically boost scientific research, according to a new study published today in Nature Biotechnology......»»
How do trees survive dry and hot summers? Leaf lifespan and growth recovery are key
Climate change has an effect on forests and trees. They suffer from heat waves and periods of drought. But although we see tree mortality increase as a result, much is still unknown about the underlying mechanisms......»»
Researchers reveal complex response of microbial communities to wastewater fluctuations
Microbial communities in constructed wetland (CW) sediments are often disturbed by wastewater. It is necessary for the microbial community to maintain a relatively stable composition or biomass in order to continue to remove pollutants from wastewate.....»»
Study finds link between ecosystem multifunctionality and microbial community features
Ecosystem multifunctionality (EMF) is the ability of an ecosystem to provide multiple functions simultaneously. Microorganisms are proxies for soil communities and possess diverse functional traits that support multiple ecosystem functions. However,.....»»
Microbial food as a food production strategy of the future
The global food crisis is increasing due to rapid population growth and declining food productivity from climate change. Moreover, today's food production and supply system emits a huge amount of carbon dioxide, reaching 30% of the total amount emitt.....»»
Discovery of the first fractal molecule in nature
An international team of researchers led by groups from the Max Planck Institute in Marburg and the Philipps University in Marburg has stumbled upon the first regular molecular fractal in nature. They discovered a microbial enzyme—citrate synthase.....»»
Single-crop farming has potential to harm bees, study finds
Mass-blooming, monoculture crop fields don't seem to reduce the microbial diversity in a bee's gut, University of Oregon researchers have found in a study of sunflower farms, but they do amplify the spread of infectious parasites......»»
A microbial plastic factory for high-quality green plastic
Engineered bacteria can produce a plastic modifier that makes renewably sourced plastic more processable, more fracture-resistant and highly biodegradable even in seawater. The Kobe University development provides a platform for the industrial-scale,.....»»
Climate change has positive and negative effects on invasive mountain pine beetles
Climate change is hampering mountain pine beetle reproduction but also appears to slightly benefit the invasive insect in other ways, new University of Alberta research shows......»»
New signaling pathway decoded in the decomposition of damaged lysosomes
Lysosomes are surrounded by a lipid bilayer that separates the acidic environment and the digestive enzymes of the organelle from the cytoplasm. Damage to this layer—lysosomal membrane permeabilization, or LMP for short—can trigger inflammation a.....»»
Why are there so many species of beetles?
Diet played a key role in the evolution of the vast beetle family tree. Enlarge (credit: Laurie Rubin via Getty) Caroline Chaboo’s eyes light up when she talks about tortoise beetles. Like gems, they exist in myriad br.....»»
Enhancing grassland sustainability: Strategies to delay leaf senescence in forage and turf grasses
Leaf aging is a complex biological phenomenon influenced by growth stages, plant hormones, and various environmental conditions. In the context of forage and turf grasses, managing leaf aging can significantly enhance the quality of forage, improve t.....»»
Fungal resources: Eleven new species of Trichoderma from China
Trichoderma spp. are globally distributed and are considered significant fungal resources. They are widely studied and applied due to their economic and ecological importance, offering numerous benefits, such as producing enzymes and antibiotics, aid.....»»
Researchers uncover the microbial secrets of dry eye
Researchers have used advanced sequencing technology to determine how the mix of microbes present in patients with healthy eyes differs from the mix found in patients with dry eye. The new work could lead to improved treatments for various eye proble.....»»
New fossil rove beetle is a first in Africa
In the heart of Botswana, a discovery at the Orapa Diamond Mine has unveiled a fossil that sheds light on the evolutionary history of beetles......»»
Generative AI illuminates enzyme secrets using sequences evolved in nature
Enzymes, nature's remarkable biocatalysts, play an integral role in various aspects of daily life. Consider the awe-inspiring sight of fireflies lighting up a summer night. Their captivating glow serves not just to enchant observers but also plays a.....»»
"Tiny, beautiful, and completely unknown animals": Citizen scientists discover new beetles from the Borneo forest
The undiscovered small beetles in the tropical rainforest are probably endless. But that did not discourage citizen scientists on expeditions to the Ulu Temburong forest in Borneo to keep adding them to scientific records, one at a time. Together wit.....»»
Dung dynasty: The plant boosting powers of beetle recyclers
Dung beetles, those unsung heroes of the insect world renowned for their prowess in breaking down cattle dung, have now been found to have a positive impact on plant growth......»»
Climate change alters the hidden microbial food web in peatlands, study shows
The humble peat bog conjures images of a brown, soggy expanse. But it turns out to have a superpower in the fight against climate change......»»
Exploring the bactericidal activity of T1-spanin against drug-resistant bacteria
Given the worldwide prevalence of drug-resistant bacteria, the research community is on the lookout for alternative bactericidal treatment approaches. In a recent study, Japanese researchers have now compared bacteriophage-derived enzymes for combati.....»»