Sponges, not just their microbes, make biologically potent compounds
Soft and immobile, sea sponges may appear inert, but these simple animals are rich with chemistry. From them, scientists have uncovered plenty of biologically active compounds, some of which have gone on to become medications. All of these small mole.....»»
New research on microbes expands the known limits for life on Earth and beyond
New research led by Stanford University scientists predicts life can persist in extremely salty environments, beyond the limit previously thought possible......»»
Unlocking the secrets of strawberry aroma: The crucial role of FanCXE1 carboxylesterase in ester metabolism and ripening
Strawberries owe their distinctive flavor to a complex mixture of sugars, acids, and over 900 volatile compounds, primarily esters, which are produced and degraded by alcohol acyltransferases (AATs) and carboxylesterases (CXEs), respectively......»»
Protein structures signal fresh targets for anticancer drugs
Cell replication in our bodies is triggered by a cascade of molecular signals transmitted between proteins. Compounds that block these signals when they run amok show potential as cancer drugs......»»
Exploring dimensions of justice in climate science
How can climate policy be made more just and fair? IIASA researchers have synthesized different dimensions of justice into a framework that can be used by climate scientists and policymakers, explaining how previous research has neglected many potent.....»»
Soil fungi may help explain the global gradient in forest diversity
A paper published in Nature Communications Biology contributes to the growing appreciation for the outsize role that microbes play in everything from human digestion to crop yields: Microbes in the soil—fungi in this case—appear to be influencing.....»»
High levels of mercury traced to particular cell types in brains of mammals
Exposure to mercury (Hg) is extremely neurotoxic in most chemical forms. Even scientists who study mercury compounds are at risk due to potential exposure to Hg. Renowned physicist Michael Faraday suffered from Hg poisoning due to prolonged exposure.....»»
Scientists chart diversity, function and activity of global supraglacial DNA viruses
Supraglacial environments mainly consist of four main types of habitats for microbes and viruses, including snow, ice, meltwater and cryoconites (the granular sediment on glacier surfaces). A new paper published in Science Bulletin reveals that there.....»»
Greenhouse vegetable production emits high levels of nitrous oxide, study finds
A new study has found that greenhouse vegetable production (GVP) systems are major sources of nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions, a potent greenhouse gas......»»
Analysis finds that organic compounds in asteroids likely formed in colder regions of space
Analysis of organic compounds—called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)—extracted from the Ryugu asteroid and Murchison meteorite has found that certain PAHs likely formed in the cold areas of space between stars rather than in hot regions n.....»»
Researchers identify key mechanisms, novel materials for biologically inspired information processing
Every search engine query, every AI-generated text and developments such as autonomous driving: In the age of artificial intelligence (AI) and big data, computers and data centers consume a lot of energy. By contrast, the human brain is far more ener.....»»
Scientists engineer bacteria to make two valuable products from plant fiber
We often look to the smallest lifeforms for help solving the biggest problems: Microbes help make foods and beverages, cure diseases, treat waste and even clean up pollution. Yeast and bacteria can also convert plant sugars into biofuels and chemical.....»»
Shipwrecks teem with underwater life, from microbes to sharks
Humans have sailed the world's oceans for thousands of years, but they haven't all reached port. Researchers estimate that there are some three million shipwrecks worldwide, resting in shallow rivers and bays, coastal waters and the deep ocean. Many.....»»
Genetics of host plants determine what microorganisms they attract, finds study
Plants often develop communities with microorganisms in their roots, which influences plant health and development. Although the recruitment of these microbes is dictated by several factors, it is unclear whether the genetic variation in the host pla.....»»
Nanoparticles with antibacterial action could shorten duration of tuberculosis treatment
A low-cost technology involving nanoparticles loaded with antibiotics and other antimicrobial compounds that can be used in multiple attacks on infections by the bacterium responsible for most cases of tuberculosis has been developed by researchers a.....»»
Plant metabolism proves more complicated than previously understood
Plants have evolved fiendishly complicated metabolic networks. For years, scientists focused on how plants make secondary metabolites, the compounds that plants produce to enhance their defense and survival mechanisms......»»
Three novel inorganic clusters accelerate chemical reactions to create carbon–carbon bonds
Perfume, rubbing alcohol, a cholesterol medication and even biological processes all depend on a chemical process called the aldol reaction. The reaction primarily combines compounds to form carbon–carbon bonds, which are incredibly strong and prov.....»»
New study sheds light on how much methane is produced from Arctic lakes and wetlands
When it comes to greenhouse gases, methane is one the biggest contributors. Not only is it massively abundant—it's about 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide at trapping heat in the atmosphere......»»
Novel compounds show promise in the fight against tuberculosis and neurodegenerative disease
Prof. Bernd Plietker and his research group at the Chair of Organic Chemistry I at TUD have specifically developed a class of natural substances—polyprenylated polycyclic acylphloroglucinols (PPAP for short). Due to its properties, the resulting de.....»»
Engineers develop a way to determine how the surfaces of materials behave
Designing new compounds or alloys whose surfaces can be used as catalysts in chemical reactions can be a complex process relying heavily on the intuition of experienced chemists. A team of researchers at MIT has devised a new approach using machine l.....»»
Study offers correction for better calculations for the magnetic properties of neodymium compounds
High-energy neutron scattering is a powerful tool in spectroscopy, allowing researchers to probe the physical and chemical properties of many different materials......»»