Subarctic grassland undergoing natural geothermal warming in Iceland. Credit: C: Christina Kaiser A recent investigation carried out by scholars at the Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science (CeMESS) at the University of Vienna has unveiled that elevated temperatures in soil support a wider diversity of active microorganisms. Published in Science Advances, the study marks a...
Credit: Pixaobay Certain arid regions in Africa grapple with severe water scarcity attributed to scant rainfall. The "qanat system," an age-old method of extracting water from aquifers, may offer a solution. Environmental scientist Gaathier Mahed, who specializes in groundwater management, has explored the viability of implementing these systems. How does the qanat system work? The qanat system...
The medication fights against carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii, a challenging human pathogen that eludes the majority of antibiotics. Credit: Unsplash. An antibiotic belonging to a novel class of drugs has recently been uncovered, offering potential effectiveness against a major bacterial threat to human health. The antibiotic, named zosurabalpin, has exhibited promising results in laboratory experiments and...
Credit: Mimi Hammad ORNL scientists used quantum biology, AI, and bioengineering to improve CRISPR Cas9 genome editing for microbes, boosting renewable fuel and chemical production. CRISPR is a powerful bioengineering tool, that alters genetic code for improved organism performance or mutation correction. CRISPR Cas9 targets and cleaves specific genome sites using a single guide RNA. Previous...
Mercury may have buried glaciers near its north poleNASA Discovering subterranean salt glaciers at the north pole of the scorching planet Mercury might seem as improbable as locating a ski resort in the Amazon, yet a team of scientists from the Planetary Science Institute asserts they have uncovered supporting evidence for this phenomenon. Mercury is renowned...
Scientists discover Darwinibacteriales, a game-changing bacteria order, revolutionizing biogas production. Potential to enhance renewable energy globally. Credit: bioRxiv (2023). DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.08.556800 In a significant breakthrough, scientists from the European research project Micro4Biogas have identified a new taxonomic order of bacteria known as Darwinibacteriales, which play a crucial role in the decomposition of organic matter and have the...
Credit: Pixaobay Chitin, a substance that plays a vital role in providing structural support and protection to arthropods like crustaceans, spiders, and insects with soft bodies, could have an unexpected function in regulating metabolism and combating weight gain in mammals. Chitin has garnered attention in various research areas, including the development of more robust materials and...
Credit: Pixaobay The skin, the body's largest organ, serves as the primary defense against external threats and environmental challenges. It serves essential roles such as regulating temperature and preserving moisture. Contrary to the belief that lipids contribute to skin issues like oiliness and acne, they are, in fact, indispensable for preserving the integrity of the...
Credit: theconversation Cost-Effective, Efficient Soil Health Assessment for Large-Scale Use. Describing the significance of soil as essential would be an understatement. It plays a crucial role as the medium for food production, carbon sequestration, reducing atmospheric CO2, and hosting vast biodiversity, including antibiotic-producing bacteria. Soil is fundamental for life on Earth. Cost-Effective, Efficient Soil Health Assessment...
Credit: CC0 Public Domain Reputable researchers from the University of Sheffield have revealed a stunning discovery in a ground-breaking study: mild cleansers are just as good at killing viruses, including the coronavirus, as solid soaps. Healthcare practitioners who often use skin-friendly cleansers to prevent or treat irritating contact dermatitis—a common skin ailment characterized by redness,...
