Scientists discover genetic "off switch" in legume plants that limits biological ability to source nutrients
A genetic "off switch" that shuts down the process in which legume plants convert atmospheric nitrogen into nutrients has been identified for the first time by a team of international scientists......»»
The worm has turned: DIY lab platform evaluates new molecules in minutes
Plants are powerhouses of molecular manufacturing. Over the eons, they have evolved to produce a plethora of small molecules—some are beneficial and valuable to humans, while others can be deadly. For years, a good way for scientists looking for ne.....»»
Most pristine trilobite fossils ever found shake up scientific understanding of the long extinct group
Researchers have described some of the best-preserved three-dimensional trilobite fossils ever discovered. The fossils, which are more than 500 million years old, were collected in the High Atlas of Morocco and are being referred to by scientists as.....»»
Fundamental spatial limits of all-optical magnetization switching
Magnetization can be switched with a single laser pulse. However, it is not known whether the underlying microscopic process is scalable to the nanometer length scale, a prerequisite for making this technology competitive for future data storage appl.....»»
DeepEvo: An "intelligent" strategy for engineering customized proteins
Engineering proteins for desirable traits has been the holy grail of modern biotechnology. For example, the food industry can benefit from engineered enzymes which have the ability to enhance biochemical reactions at higher temperatures, as compared.....»»
Three new extinct walnut species discovered in high Arctic mummified forest
In a new study, scientists describe three new, but long-extinct, walnut species on an island above the Arctic Circle. The fossils were discovered further north than any known walnut species, living or extinct, and represent some of the oldest-known r.....»»
Researchers develop deep-learning model that outperforms Google AI system to predict peptide structures
Researchers at the University of Toronto have developed a deep-learning model, called PepFlow, that can predict all possible shapes of peptides—chains of amino acids that are shorter than proteins, but perform similar biological functions......»»
Teaching biology—no more stressing out over structural formulas
Structural formulas are a source of dread for many students, but they're an essential tool in biology lessons. A joint study has shown that the stress levels of students working with chemical formulas are significantly reduced if they are given simpl.....»»
Novel peptide formulation shows promise of restoring cognitive decline in schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a complicated mental health disorder accompanied by a wide range of symptoms such as hallucinations, impaired cognitive ability, and disorganized speech or behavior. It has been associated with anomalies in neurotransmission due to t.....»»
Kick-starting seagrass for a climate-proof sea
Once upon a time, seagrass meadows of about 150 square kilometers covered the bottom of the Dutch Wadden Sea. Now, seagrasses have all but disappeared, just like in many other places in the world. But these unique saltwater plants play a vital role i.....»»
Genetic discovery delays peach bloom, safeguards crops from spring frost
In a pivotal advancement for fruit agriculture, scientists have pinpointed a gene mutation in peach trees that governs the timing of flowering, a trait critical for evading spring frosts. This genetic insight could transform breeding practices, enabl.....»»
China calls on scientists of all nations to study lunar samples, but notes obstacle with the US
China calls on scientists of all nations to study lunar samples, but notes obstacle with the US.....»»
Aging Might Not Be Inevitable
There are biological underpinnings to aging—and so researchers are investigating cell manipulations, transfusions of young blood, and chemical compounds that can mimic low-calorie diets......»»
Scientists uncover previously unknown properties of gallium
Nearly 150 years after gallium was discovered and added to the periodic table, University of Auckland scientists have uncovered previously-unknown aspects of the metal's structure and behavior......»»
How scientists build rotatory machines with molecules
Machines have evolved to meet the demands of daily life and industrial use, with molecular-scale devices often exhibiting improved functionalities and mechanical movements. However, mastering the control of mechanics within solid-state molecular stru.....»»
Scientists develop the next generation of highly efficient memory materials with atom-level control
Like the flutter of a butterfly's wings, sometimes small and minute changes can lead to big and unexpected results and changes in our lives. A team of researchers at Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) has made a very small change t.....»»
Researchers create green solvent to boost lignin applications
Lignin, the glue that holds fibers together in trees and plants, is one of the most common yet one of the most complex biocomposites, because there are so many variants and qualities. Its heterogeneous chemical structure makes it difficult to investi.....»»
Aging-emulating biosystem derived from hTSCs
A research team from the Center for Translational Stem Cell Biology (CTSCB) under the LKS Faculty of Medicine at the University of Hong Kong (HKUMed) has developed the world's first cellular system that can be used to rapidly discover molecules for a.....»»
Japan scientists make smiling robot with "living" skin
Japanese scientists have used human cells to develop an equivalent to living skin that can be attached to robotic surfaces to flash a realistic—if creepy—smile......»»
Phytochemical diversity and herbivory are higher in tropical forests, says study
It is widely accepted that biological interactions are stronger or more important in generating and maintaining biodiversity in the tropics than in temperate regions. However, this hypothesis has not been fully tested in ecology and evolutionary biol.....»»
Ammonites" fate sealed by meteor strike that wiped out dinosaurs
Ammonites were not in decline before their extinction, scientists have found......»»