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.....»»
Extracellular cytochrome nanowires appear to be ubiquitous in microbes
A Geobacter bacteria isolated from a contaminated ditch in Oklahoma has an unusual appendage—a long extracellular nanowire that can conduct electricity. The electron transport chain in this nanowire carries electrons from the bacteria to an insolub.....»»
Research shows shrinking Arctic glaciers are unearthing a new source of methane
As the Arctic warms, shrinking glaciers are exposing bubbling groundwater springs which could provide an underestimated source of the potent greenhouse gas methane, finds new research published in Nature Geoscience......»»
Warming waters spark "evolution at super speed" in marine sponges, study finds
Marine heat waves caused by the warming climate are capable of sparking rapid changes in sea sponges with scientists describing the pace of change as "evolution at super speed.".....»»
In search of rice to reduce methane emissions
Livestock, the petroleum industry and landfills are all leading producers of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. But another significant but less well known contributor is one of the world's most popular crops: rice. Rice plants transport methane from.....»»
What drives ions through polymer membranes?
Ion exchange membranes are needed in (photo)electrolyzers, fuel cells and batteries to separate ions and enable the desired processes. Polymeric membranes such as synthetically produced compounds like NAFION are particularly efficient, but they canno.....»»
Hand odor can reveal a person"s sex, study shows
The profile of scent compounds from a person's hand can be used to predict their sex, according to a new study led by Kenneth Furton of Florida International University, and published in the journal PLOS ONE......»»
Medical, but hold the marijuana: new CBD source found in Brazil
In a laboratory tucked away on a sprawling university campus in Rio de Janeiro, Brazilian molecular biologist Rodrigo Moura Neto is running tests on a seemingly ordinary plant with a potent secret......»»
A divergent strategy enables molecular diversity: Synthesis of nine complex natural compounds
A research group led by chemist Thomas Magauer has accomplished a divergent strategy to synthesize nine complex natural compounds. The developed method requires significantly less time and results in a variety of compounds with different structures a.....»»
Potent new compound has breakthrough potential for parasitic sleeping sickness and Chagas treatment
Scientists have discovered a new class of compound that is potentially active against trypanosome parasites that cause human African trypanosomiasis (or sleeping sickness) and Chagas disease......»»
Sponges react to changes in their microbiome with extensive modifications in gene regulation: Study
For a number of years, mounting evidence has shown that the microbiome—the totality of all microorganisms that inhabit a living being—interacts with its host in various ways and can influence key life processes. Sponges, which rank among the olde.....»»
Modern Hunter-Gatherers Have Thriving Gut Microbiome, Compared with Californians
A Western lifestyle seems to diminish the diversity of gut microbes.....»»
Host genetics shown to play a significant role in the composition of switchgrass root microbiomes
Plants provide a home for a wide diversity of microbes, especially in their roots. In turn, these communities can provide important benefits for the host. A study published in Current Biology investigated how the genetics of host plants determine the.....»»
New mass spectrometry combo offers promise for tapping nature"s unknown chemical universe
The universe is awash in billions of possible chemicals. But even with a bevy of high-tech instruments, scientists have determined the chemical structures of just a small fraction of those compounds, maybe 1%......»»
Hot testicles may hold the secret to elephants" anti-cancer genes, suggests new study
A study published today in Trends in Ecology & Evolution unveils an intriguing connection between hot testicles and the evolution of potent anti-cancer genes in elephants......»»
New study reveals key to sustainable, eco-friendly, next-generation polymers
Supramolecular polymers are a new class of polymers that are currently being evaluated for material applications. These interesting compounds also play an important role in cellular activities in the body. "Supra," as the name suggests, is attributed.....»»
Laughter can play an important role in well-being, research finds
Laughter and humor are potent tools that can significantly impact our well-being, according to researchers from the University of Warwick......»»
Towards synthesis of phenanthridine-based pharmaceutical compounds
Phenanthridines are heterocyclic compounds consisting of two six-membered benzene rings fused to a six-membered ring containing nitrogen. They are found in many naturally occurring organic compounds known for their anticancer and antitumor properties.....»»
How microbes may help mitigate mercury absorption
New research by a team at Pennsylvania State University suggests that microbes in the human gut could be harnessed to help the body absorb useful nutritional metals—like iron, which is critical for red blood cells—and block or even remove the abs.....»»
An element essential to life discovered on one of Saturn"s moons, raising hopes of finding alien microbes
Enceladus is the tiny moon of Saturn that seems to have it all. Its icy surface is intricately carved by ongoing geological processes. Its icy shell overlies an internal, liquid ocean. There, chemically charged warm water seeps out of the rocky core.....»»
Bad break-up in warm waters: Why marine sponges suffer with rising temperatures
Marine sponges have started dying in vast numbers in coastal areas around the globe. Just this year, thousands of sponges turned white and died in New Zealand and in the Mediterranean Sea. This has been happening when the water gets too warm, but the.....»»