All Asia & Oceania articles
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NewsScientists explore how gut bacteria alter the flavor of Black Ivory coffee beans
Coffee beans that pass through the digestive tracts of animals get their unique flavors from the activity of gut microbes, report researchers. Bacterial activity that reduces the pectin content of Black Ivory coffee could be the source of its smoother, chocolaty, and less bitter flavor.
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NewsNew study explores therapeutic potential of CRISPRCas3 genome-editing system
Scientists working on the genetic disease transthyretin amyloidosis evaluated the efficacy of the CRISPR–Cas3 system in safely achieving a permanent reduction of transthyretin (TTR) production through genome editing of the TTR gene.
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NewsJeremy Horowitz selected for The Oceanography Society Early Career Award
The Oceanography Society (TOS) has selected Dr. Jeremy Horowitz as a recipient of the TOS Early Career Award, recognizing his outstanding early-career research contributions, impact, and promise for continued achievement in oceanography, along with his strong record of mentorship, outreach, and collaborative science.
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NewsGenetic risk factor and viral infection jointly contribute to MS
One of the leading triggers for multiple sclerosis (MS) is an infection with the Epstein-Barr virus. However, certain gene variants also play an important role. Researchers have shown that it is the molecular interaction between environmental and genetic risk factors that ultimately triggers the disease.
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NewsProbiotic living microneedles designed by interbacterial competition for accelerated infected wound healing
Probiotic therapy offers a promising strategy for chronic infected wound management. Inspired by bacterial competitive interactions, researchers developed a multifunctional microneedle (MN) platform to overcome the limitations of weak competitiveness and poor penetration across biofilm barriers.
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NewsFirst extensive study into marsupial gut microbiomes reveals new microbial species and antimicrobial resistance
New research provides the first metagenomic data for 13 marsupial species , including the red kangaroo and the common brushtail possum. They revealed that host family, animal location, and diet all contributed towards variance between different microbiomes.
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NewsA gentler way to model deadly lung infections in old age
Researchers report a refined mouse model that successfully mimics chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa lung infection in old age. The study introduces an agar bead-based delivery strategy that allows bacteria to persist in the lungs of aged mice without causing rapid death.
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NewsInjectable hydrogel-mediated co-delivery of oncolytic adenovirus and melphalan for retinoblastoma control and vision preservation
The collagen-based hydrogel enabled controlled oncolytic adenovirus and melphalan release and sustained retention. This approach eradicated retinoblastoma tumors and restored normal ocular structure and visual function following intravitreal administration.
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NewsSunlight-activated nanospray enables painless, antibiotic-free therapy for infected diabetic wounds
A research team has reported a multifunctional photodynamic nanospray for chronic infected wounds that harnesses natural sunlight to address persistent bacterial infections, impaired healing and severe pain simultaneously.
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NewsGamma rays quickly toughen nitrogen‑fixing bacteria
Heat‑resilient biofertilizers could help crops cope with rising temperatures but engineering them has been slow and uncertain. A new study shows that pairing experimental evolution with controlled gamma‑ray mutagenesis can accelerate the path to heat‑tolerant nitrogen‑fixing bacteria.
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NewsNew study reveals evolutionary and domestication history of button mushroom
A large-scale population genomic study has shed new light on the evolutionary and domestication history of the button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus), one of the most widely cultivated edible fungi in the world.
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NewsFrom palm oil to designer enzymes: researchers reprogram yeast cells
Many everyday products contain fatty acids from palm oil or coconut oil, but the extraction of these raw materials is associated with massive environmental issues. Researchers have now developed a biotechnological approach that could enable a more environmentally friendly production method.
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NewsChanges in genetic structure of yeast lead to disease-causing genomic instabilities
Researchers studying a yeast model have discovered that the loss of heterochromatin can kickstart genetic changes, potentially resulting in the development of diseases like cancer.
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NewsScientists decode tree genome to unlock terpenoid-based disease resistance
Researchers reported a chromosome-scale genome and multi-omics analysis of a Lauraceae medicinal tree. The study reveals how specific terpene synthase (TPS) genes contribute to antimicrobial compound production and enhanced resistance to plant diseases.
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NewsEarthworms turn manure into a powerful tool against antibiotic resistance
Earthworms could become unexpected allies in the global fight against antibiotic resistance, by helping farmers turn manure into safer, high-value organic fertilizer through vermicomposting. Researchers report it can remove antibiotic resistance genes far more consistently than conventional composting.
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NewsTraditional herb offers new hope for antibiotic-free pig farming
A new review highlights that Houttuynia cordata extract could serve as a multifunctional natural substitute for antibiotics in swine production. Plant-derived flavonoids, volatile oils, and polysaccharides suppress pathogens including Salmonella, PRRSV, and Streptococcus suis.
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NewsHow Mtb safeguards itself from foreign DNA
Researchers have discovered how a key protein in the tuberculosis bacterium helps protect it from the influence of foreign DNA inserted into its genome. Understanding how this protein – called Lsr2 – functions could help develop drugs that target it, thereby aiding in the fight against TB.
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NewsThe secret room a giant virus creates inside its host amoeba
Researchers examined Acanthamoeba polyphaga mimivirus-infected amoeba cells using a combination of sequencing methods, including Ribosome profiling to estimate the frequency of translation pausing and tRNA sequencing to determine tRNA composition.
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NewsTB harnesses part of immune defense system to cause infection
Scientists have made a discovery that helps explain why humans and animals are so susceptible to contracting tuberculosis – and it involves the bacteria harnessing part of the immune system meant to protect against infection. They team discovered that MTB survives within the cells of its host by targeting Dectin-1.
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NewsBiodegradable and conventional plastics shape very different antibiotic resistance risks in river microbiomes
Biodegradable plastics are not always safer for rivers and oceans, according to a new study that tracked how different plastics change the risk of antibiotic resistant bacteria over time in a real river.