All Asia & Oceania articles – Page 10
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NewsIncrease in cell volume and nuclear number of the Koji fungus enhances enzyme production capacity
This study revealed cellular traits of the koji fungus Aspergillus oryzae linked to enzyme production through cell biological analysis. The authors found that, over time in culture, hyphae thicken, resulting in a tenfold increase in cell volume. Simultaneously, the number of nuclei per hyphal cell also rises tenfold, exceeding 200.
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NewsFinal Call: Submit your breakthrough for the 2025 ISM × RIKEN Microbiota Innovation Awards in Tokyo
Yakult, Meiji, Morinaga, Metagen and other industry pioneers join global scientists at Happo-en to celebrate microbiota-driven discoveries; nominations close October 7, 2025
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NewsMap of bacterial gene interactions reveals potential drug targets
Researchers have developed a new technique called Dual transposon sequencing (Dual Tn-seq), which allows for rapid identification of genetic interactions. It maps how bacterial genes work together, revealing vulnerabilities that could be targeted by future antibiotics.
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NewsRocket test proves bacteria survive space launch and re-entry unharmed
A world-first study has proven microbes essential for human health can survive the extreme forces of space launch. The study found the spores of Bacilus subtilis, a bacterium essential for human health, can survive rapid acceleration, short-duration microgravity and rapid deceleration.
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NewsMarine heatwaves have hidden impacts on ocean food webs and carbon cycling
A new study analyzing data from robotic floats and plankton records reveals how marine heatwaves reshape ocean food webs and slow transport of carbon to the deep sea.
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NewsVolcanic ash may enhance phytoplankton growth in the ocean over 100 km away
A research group has suggested that ash released from volcanic eruptions on Nishinoshima Island led to a temporary surge in phytoplankton levels in the seawater around Mukojima Island, 130 km northeast of Nishinoshima.
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NewsViruses help cut farm greenhouse gas emissions by targeting soil microbes
A new study reveals that soil viruses can reduce nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions by selectively infecting the microbes responsible for producing this potent greenhouse gas.
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NewsLong-term biochar use boosts soil health and soybean yields, study finds
A decade-long field study has revealed that biochar can significantly improve soil quality and boost soybean production in continuous cropping systems. The findings provide new evidence that biochar could be a powerful tool for making agriculture more sustainable.
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NewsPlant microbiota: War and peace under the surface
Scientists unveil the subtle alliances and rivalries that unfold between bacteria and roots, hidden beneath the soil. A new study probed how and when root exudates are released at the microscale relevant to microorganisms.
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NewsIndia could bear biggest impact from chikungunya, new maps suggest
Based on existing evidence of chikungunya transmission, an infectious disease model predicts 14.4 million people could be at risk of infections globally each year, with 5.1 million people at risk in India.
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NewsScientists uncover molecular mechanisms for bacterial lipid transport
Researchers have successfully applied cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) to unveil the molecular structures of critical protein machines that transport lipids and maintain the outer membrane (OM) barrier of Gram-negative bacteria.
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NewsNew biochar technology promises breakthrough in soil clean-up and crop safety
Scientists have unveiled a pioneering method that could help farmers reclaim lands blighted by toxic metals and boost the safety of crops grown in contaminated soils. Phosphorus-modified biochar can reduce the threat posed by heavy metals in agricultural soils near mining areas.
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NewsPathogenic yeast strains found in urban air but not along the coast
A pilot study has found that urban air contained pathogenic strains of Candida yeast that were absent in coastal air samples, revealing a potential transmission method.
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NewsBrain imaging technique helps uncover the molecular basis of long COVID brain fog
A research team has made a significant breakthrough in understanding the cause of Long COVID brain fog. They hypothesized that patients with brain fog might exhibit disrupted expression of AMPA receptors (AMPARs)based on prior research into psychiatric and neurological disorders.
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NewsEmerging serum biomarkers for chronic hepatitis B: Focus on serum HBV RNA and HBcrAg
There is a pressing need for non-invasive biomarkers that can accurately reflect the activity of the hepatitis B viral reservoir and predict clinical outcomes. This review synthesizes the evidence for two such promising biomarkers: serum HBV RNA and hepatitis B core-related antigen (HBcrAg).
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NewsFungi set the stage for life on land hundreds of millions of years earlier than thought
New research indicates the diversification of fungi hundreds of millions of years before the emergence of land plants. It suggests a common ancestor of living fungi dating to roughly 1.4–0.9 billion years ago.
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News‘Alarming’ rise in newborn babies with antibiotic-resistant infections, researchers find
Researchers are calling for an urgent overhaul of diagnostic and treatment guidelines for infections in newborn babies, after a study revealed frontline treatments for sepsis are no longer effective to treat the majority of bacterial infections.
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NewsBiogas slurry boosts biochar’s climate benefits by reshaping soil microbes
A new study finds that pairing biochar with biogas slurry, a nutrient-rich liquid fertilizer from biogas production, can reshape soil microbial communities and significantly alter emissions of carbon dioxide (CO₂), nitrous oxide (N₂O), and methane (CH₄).
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NewsScientists reveal functional RNA splitting mechanism behind origin of Type V CRISPR systems
Researchers have uncovered the molecular innovation that led to the origin of Type V CRISPR-Cas immune systems. Their findings show that the functional splitting of transposon-derived RNAs was the critical innovation driving the emergence of Type V CRISPR-Cas immunity.