Humans are having a highly detrimental impact on biodiversity worldwide. Not only is the number of species declining, but the composition of species communities is also changing. These are the findings of a study by Eawag and the University of…
Category: 5. Biology
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Lasso-shaped antibiotic evades standard drug resistance
A small molecule shaped like a lasso may be a powerful tool in the fight against infectious diseases, according to a new study in Nature co-authored by University of Illinois Chicago researchers.
Lariocidin, a peptide made by bacteria living in…
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This Hidden Cell Response Could Be the Key to Beating Cancer and Brain Disease
Cells don’t just follow a rigid script when responding to stress – they’re far more adaptable than we thought. A new study reveals that this stress response can be fine-tuned depending on the type and intensity of the threat. This…
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Numerous Plants, Fungi, Protists, Bacteria, and Even Viruses Possess Toxin Delivery Systems: Study
These toxin delivery systems are fully analogous to and often rival the complexity of venom delivery systems found in animals such as venomous snakes, scorpions and spiders.
Four representative plant species showcasing venom delivery systems:…
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You might be reading your dog’s moods wrong
Many dog owners can tell how their precious pooch is feeling, watching it wag its tail or raise its ears — at least, they think they can.
But people’s perception of canine emotions may be strongly influenced by environmental…
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Getting Struck by Lightning Actually Helps This Tree Thrive
Some trees don’t just survive lightning – they thrive on it. Scientists studying Panama’s tropical forests have discovered that Dipteryx oleifera trees often benefit from lightning strikes that devastate their neighbors. These resilient…
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The Unique Shape of Certain Cells Provides a Critical Advantage
Certain cells have an unusual shape that is similar to an oak leaf or puzzle piece, and researchers have found that the form of these cells helps them withstand dramatic changes in volume. These cells can be…
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Cedars-Sinai study shows rapid healing of heart damage with cell therapy
A scientific technique that rapidly increases the body’s production of anti-inflammatory cells promoted healing from heart attacks in mice, according to a new study by investigators from the Smidt Heart Institute at Cedars-Sinai….
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Study develops fused neural organoids with leptomeninges
A new study in the peer-reviewed journal Stem Cells and Development describes the development of a co-culture system of neural organoids generated from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) fused with fetal leptomeninges from…
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Elephants avoid wasting energy during their epic journeys
For African elephants, currently the largest land animals walking the Earth, finding food efficiently is critical to survival. These endangered pachyderms must eat upwards of 330 pounds of low-calorie vegetation per day to sustain…
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