ScienceDaily: Plants & Animals News

Pathogenic bacteria rendered almost harmless

Posted: 21 Jun 2021 05:24 PM PDT

By identifying one of the mechanisms regulating the virulence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a research team is proposing a new strategy to combat this bacterium, which is resistant to many common antibiotics.

Landmark field trials show potential of gene editing

Posted: 21 Jun 2021 01:05 PM PDT

Field trials investigating healthy compounds in agronomically important brassica crops have underlined the 'immense potential' of gene editing technology, say researchers.

Database of vegetation of planet Earth

Posted: 21 Jun 2021 01:05 PM PDT

It's a treasure trove of data: the global vegetation database 'sPlotOpen' is now freely accessible. It contains balanced, representative data on vegetation from 114 countries and from all climate zones on Earth.

COVID-19 dual-antibody therapies effective against variants in animal study

Posted: 21 Jun 2021 01:05 PM PDT

A new study suggests that many, but not all, COVID-19 therapies made from combinations of two antibodies are effective against a wide range of virus variants. Further, combination therapies appear to prevent the emergence of drug resistance.

Universal mechanism of regulation in plant cells discovered

Posted: 21 Jun 2021 01:05 PM PDT

All plant cells obtain their energy mainly from two organelles they contain - chloroplasts (responsible for photosynthesis) and mitochondria (responsible for the biochemical cycle of respiration that converts sugars into energy). However, a large number of a plant cell's genes in its mitochondria and chloroplasts can develop defects, jeopardising their function. Nevertheless, plant cells evolved an amazing tool called the RNA editosome (a large protein complex) to repair these kinds of errors. It can modify defective messenger RNA that result from defective DNA by transforming (deamination) of certain mRNA nucleotides.

New method developed to detect and adjust population structure in genetic summary data

Posted: 21 Jun 2021 01:05 PM PDT

Researchers announced the development of a new method to increase the utility and equity of large genetic databases.

Exposure to pollutants, increased free-radical damage speeds up aging

Posted: 21 Jun 2021 01:05 PM PDT

A new study suggests that unrepaired DNA damage can increase the speed of aging.

Antibody disease enhancement of COVID-19 does not appear to occur in animal models

Posted: 21 Jun 2021 10:39 AM PDT

Researchers have demonstrated in mice and monkeys that human antibodies lacked the ability to make SARS-CoV-2 infection worse and, instead, exerted their defensive powers against the infection. The findings help reinforce evidence that antibodies are safe when given as treatments or induced by COVID-19 vaccines.

There's more to genes than DNA: How Mum and Dad add something extra, just for you

Posted: 21 Jun 2021 09:38 AM PDT

Biologists have discovered 71 new 'imprinted' genes in the mouse genome, a finding that takes them a step closer to unravelling some of the mysteries of epigenetics - an area of science that describes how genes are switched on (and off) in different cells, at different stages in development and adulthood.

Targeted therapy could be first line treatment for childhood cancer

Posted: 21 Jun 2021 09:37 AM PDT

Scientists studying a common childhood cancer have made a major breakthrough which could lead to a cure for some youngsters who would not have survived the condition.

Adjuvant-free avian influenza vaccines in the works

Posted: 21 Jun 2021 09:37 AM PDT

Researchers develop a new avian influenza vaccine using plant-based recombinant protein.

A tapeworm drug against SARS-CoV-2?

Posted: 21 Jun 2021 09:37 AM PDT

Researchers have examined the way in which SARS-CoV-2 reprograms the metabolism of the host cell in order to gain an overall advantage. In their study, the researchers were able to identify four substances which inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication in the host cell.

Microscopy deep learning predicts viral infections

Posted: 21 Jun 2021 09:37 AM PDT

When viruses infect cells, changes in the cell nucleus occur, and these can be observed through fluorescence microscopy. Using fluorescence images from live cells, researchers have trained an artificial neural network to reliably recognize cells that are infected by adenoviruses or herpes viruses. The procedure also identifies severe acute infections at an early stage.

Nrf2: The custodian regulating oxidative stress and immunity against acrylamide toxicity

Posted: 21 Jun 2021 09:37 AM PDT

A study using genetically modified mice shows that a protein called Nrf2 increases the expression of protective genes in the acrylamide-induced toxic response.

Cellular mechanisms of early mammary gland development unraveled

Posted: 21 Jun 2021 09:37 AM PDT

A research group used live tissue imaging for the first time to visualize the emergence of the mammary gland.

Ancient bones provide clues about Kangaroo Island's past and future

Posted: 21 Jun 2021 07:42 AM PDT

A study of ancient bones on South Australia's Kangaroo Island has provided new information about the Island's past fauna and an insight into how species may live there in the future.

Scientists reveal silver-based antimicrobials can be utilized as antibiotic adjuvants to combat antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Posted: 21 Jun 2021 07:42 AM PDT

A research team discovers that silver (Ag)-based antimicrobials can effectively combat antibiotic resistant Staphylococcus aureus by targeting multiple biological pathways via functional disruption of key proteins and can be further exploited to enhance the efficacy of conventional antibiotics as well as to resensitize methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) to antibiotics.

Smaller bodies, longer wings, earlier migrations: Untangling the multiple impacts of climate warming

Posted: 21 Jun 2021 05:41 AM PDT

When a research team reported last year that North American migratory birds have been getting smaller over the past four decades and that their wings have gotten a bit longer, the scientists wondered if they were seeing the fingerprint of earlier spring migrations.

Researchers explore microbial ecosystem in search of drugs to fight SARS-CoV-2

Posted: 20 Jun 2021 07:42 AM PDT

Researchers have found that certain commensal bacteria that reside in the human intestine produce compounds that inhibit SARS-CoV-2.

mRNA vaccine yields full protection against malaria in mice

Posted: 18 Jun 2021 06:17 AM PDT

Scientists developed an mRNA vaccine that protects against malaria in animal models. Malaria remains a large public health and economic burden worldwide as well as a danger to deployed Service Members. This vaccine uses mRNA accompanied by a lipid nanoparticle to prompt cells to code for circumsporozoite protein, which then triggers an immune response against malaria. The vaccine achieved high levels of protection in mice, encouraging further development for the novel platform.

Most cancer cells grown in a dish have little in common with cancer cells in people, research finds

Posted: 18 Jun 2021 06:17 AM PDT

In a bid to find or refine laboratory research models for cancer that better compare with what happens in living people, scientists report they have developed a new computer-based technique showing that human cancer cells grown in culture dishes are the least genetically similar to their human sources.