Natures

Researchers identified key factors that determine if soil traps carbon or releases it as CO2, highlighting the role of molecular interactions and soil chemistry, potentially aiding climate change mitigation efforts. Smectite clay (shown here) holds clay minerals known to sequester carbon in natural soils. Credit: Francesco UngaroRecent research reveals the mechanism by which soil captures atmospheric carbon derived from plants.When carbon molecules from plants make their way into the soil, they hit a definitive fork in…

Research reveals the crucial role of proteins in converting solar energy for biological processes, such as photosynthesis and DNA repair in plants and fruit flies, respectively. By studying the deformation of proteins and the precise movement of electrons within, scientists aim to harness these insights for technological advancements. Credit: SciTechDaily.comCells need energy to function. Researchers at the University of Gothenburg can now explain how energy is guided in the cell by small atomic movements to reach its…

Researchers at the University of Sydney have developed a method to protect plants from herbivorous mammals by using artificial odors that mimic the smell of plants these animals avoid. This strategy, proven to reduce the likelihood of plant consumption by 20 times, offers a humane and cost-effective alternative to traditional protective measures, with potential applications in conservation and agriculture worldwide. Credit: SciTechDaily.comA novel approach by the University of Sydney utilizes artificial scents to deter…

Scientists have created a method to transform plastic waste into biodegradable spider silk using bacteria, providing an innovative and sustainable approach to tackling plastic pollution. (Artist’s concept.) Credit: SciTechDaily.comFor the first time, researchers have used bacteria to “upcycle” waste polyethylene.Move over Spider-Man: Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed a strain of bacteria that can turn plastic waste into a biodegradable spider silk with multiple uses.Transforming Plastic Into…

A carrier pigeon with a message attached to its leg is about to be released. Golden Gate bird allianceWhile many of the people who chuckled at the scene are probably not the kind of people who flirt with thoughts of mass murdering pigeons, it would be false to say the notion of dispensing with a handful of the birds now and then hasn't crossed some of our minds.After all, these birds are habitually guilty of pooping right next to human habitation, in courtyards, stairwells, and pretty much everywhere else. Their…

A comprehensive study confirms the antagonistic pleiotropy theory of aging, showing a genetic correlation between high reproduction and shorter lifespan. However, it highlights that environmental factors have a greater impact on modern human lifespan and reproductive behavior. New research supports the theory that genes promoting early reproduction may accelerate aging, but emphasizes the dominant role of environmental factors in determining lifespan and reproduction. A University of Michigan-led study based on a review…

A new study indicates that two yeasts used in food production, Cyberlindnera jadinii and Kluyveromyces lactis, might have probiotic properties beneficial for gut inflammation, pointing to potential new treatments for inflammatory bowel diseases. The food industry has long utilized various fungal strains for their fermentation, flavor production, and ability to produce heterologous molecules. A recent study highlights the potential probiotic effects of two fungi, commonly used in food production, on gut inflammation. The…

A mature Megasyllis nipponica with a developing female stolon. Credit: Nakamura et al 2023Armed with its own eyes, antennae, and swimming bristles, the posterior body part of a sea worm detaches for spawning. Scientists revealed its developmental mechanism for the first time.A research team, led by Professor Toru Miura from the University of Tokyo, shows how the expression of developmental genes in the Japanese green syllid worms, Megasyllis nipponica, helps form their swimming reproductive unit called stolon.The Unique…

RIKEN researchers found a parasitic fungus immune to plant-produced anti-fungal compounds called rocaglates due to a gene mutation. This discovery could impact the potential use of rocaglates in treatments for diseases like COVID-19 and cancer.An anti-fungal compound produced by plants doesn’t work on at least one fungus.RIKEN scientists have discovered how a parasitic fungus renders harmless a powerful anti-fungal compound produced by some plants. As well as providing a fascinating glimpse into the ongoing arms race…

Stylophora pistillata coral covered with biomaterial during thermal stress tests. Credit: IIT/Università Milano-BicoccaResearchers at Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia – IIT and University of Milan-Bicocca have demonstrated the efficacy of a natural substance in protecting coral from the damage caused by climate change.A recently published study in ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces demonstrates the efficacy of curcumin, a natural antioxidant substance extracted from turmeric, in reducing coral bleaching, a phenomenon…