More Healthy Land – Page 7
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NewsBacteria and minerals work together to detoxify arsenic in contaminated soils
New research shows that the interaction between arsenic-oxidizing bacteria and goethite, a common Fe mineral, significantly accelerates the conversion of arsenic from its highly toxic form, arsenite [As(III)], into the less harmful arsenate [As(V)].
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NewsEarly-life gut microbes may protect against diabetes, research in mice suggests
A research discovered that the colonization of a fungus called <i>Candida dubliniensis</i> in the early life gut microbiome of mice, is able to promote growth of pancreatic beta cells in the presence of macrophages to restore blood insulin level and improve metabolic functions, thus reducing risks of type 1 diabetes.
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NewsTranscription factor PoMbp1 promotes the growth of Pleurotus ostreatus by regulating polysaccharide utilisation
A study investigating the growth and development of Pleurotus ostreatus has found that PoMbp1 contains an APSES domain and localizes to the nucleus, indicating it belongs to the fungal-specific APSES transcription factors family.
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NewsScietnists probe Rhytismataceae on twigs of Rhododendron
Following a study of fungal specimens collected from the twigs of Rhododendron species in China, three new genera were proposed and 21 species residing in 11 genera of Rhytismataceae were delimited, which include 18 new species and three new combinations.
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NewsTen new species of Leucoagaricus and Leucocoprinus from Beijing
A systematic survey of large fungi in urban green spaces in Beijing collected 88 specimens of Leucoagaricus and Leucocoprinus for morphological and multi-gene phylogenetic analysis. It found that 10 represent new species.
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NewsTB vaccine candidate provides ‘elite’ protection
A tuberculosis vaccine candidate under development shows complete protection and superior immune response in nonhuman primates compared to the existing BCG vaccine.
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NewsA 'Trojan Horse' approach to develop new antimalarial drugs
Researchers have discovered a key process whereby malarial parasites take up a human blood cell enzyme, which could provide a new approach for antimalarial treatment.
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NewsMethod detects signs of life in ancient rocks - such as Mars samples
A new instrument was successfully developed to detect microbial lifeforms in ancient Earth rocks analogous to those found on Mars rocks, as a biohazard precaution measure when Mars rock samples are brought to Earth.
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NewsPackets of freeze-dried bacteria grow biocement on demand
Researchers report a freeze-drying approach that preserves biocement-producing bacteria, potentially allowing construction workers to use powder out of a packet to quickly make tiles, repair oil wells or strengthen the ground for makeshift roads.
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NewsNew antibodies show potential to defeat all SARS-CoV-2 variants
Researchers discovered that a paired combination of antibodies binding to the two domains of the SARS-CoV-2 viral particle showed promising results in elimination of all virus variants caused in the COVID-19 pandemic.
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NewsAdaptation to extreme conditions: thermal water biofilm studies could help understand ancient ecosystems
Researchers have discovered unique bacterial communities in thermal waters that may help unravel the development of stromatolites, one of Earth’s oldest rock formations.
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NewsScientists reveal anti-bacterial role of plant metabolite
A study shows that a plant metabolite, erucamide, is able to target and disrupt a protein assembly of Gram-negative bacterial pathogens, thus inhibiting their virulence. Understanding the metabolite’s molecular mechanisms could protect crops from infection.
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NewsResearchers develop innovative tool for rapid pathogen detection
A powerful pipeline was developed for more efficient and accurate primer design in qPCR that accelerates the diagnostic tests for infectious diseases and facilitates researches in rapidly evolving pathogens.
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NewsStudy uncovers how low-carb diet drives colorectal cancer development
A new study suggests that a low-carbohydrate diet promotes the growth of a strain of E. coli that produces DNA-damaging colibactin, which drives genetic mutations and predisposes tumour development.
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NewsA surprising link between Crohn’s disease and the Epstein-Barr virus
A longitudinal study has revealed strong and surprising evidence showing that exposure to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) can lead to a higher risk of Crohn’s disease. Researchers are now trying to find out the mechanistic actions in their associations.
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NewsCan Rhizobium + low P increase the yield of common bean in Ethiopia?
A study found that bean inoculation with Rhizobium alone or in combination with P application, can increase grain yield of two common bean cultivars in Ethiopia.
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NewsProactively exposing ecosystems to mild environmental stressors appears to offer protection
Mild, proactive exposure to environmental stress can help biological communities resist severe disturbances and maintain genetic diversity, a recent study has found.
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NewsMotion capture: In a world first, motility apparatus of Mycoplasma mobile clarified
Mycoplasmas, including bacteria that cause pneumonia in humans, are generally nonmotile, but Mycoplasma mobile, as the species name suggests, has been found in the gills of fish and seems to move by gliding along surfaces. The molecular structure that allows it to do so has for the first time been ...
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CareersMy PhD Experience: Collaborations between academia and industry in the microbial bioremediation of marine oil pollution
Jake A Smallbone reveals how a industry collaboration as part of his PhD led to work on a real world oil spill to uncover the fascinating ways that bacterial communities respond to pollution and can be deployed as biomarkers and in bioremediation.
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NewsScientists probe how phytosiderophore regulates the rhizosphere dialogue between plants and microorganisms
DMA is a common phytosiderophore with the ability to activate the insoluble iron in soil, but has major limitations. A synthesized DMA analog, PDMA, is used to explore the response of rhizosphere microbes under the influence of phytosiderophores.