Bioterrorism poses a significant threat to US agriculture, with pathogens like soybean rust capable of devastating yields and contaminating the food supply. Experts are working to identify the most-threatening pathogens and develop strategies for prevention and response.
The biotrickling filter technology uses naturally occurring microorganisms to metabolize air pollutants into harmless byproducts. It has been successfully tested at the Naval Air Station-North Island in San Diego, reducing HAP emissions from aircraft painting operations by up to 95%.
Researchers found that resistant mice have higher levels of antioxidant enzymes, which help protect against pancreatic beta-cell destruction. The study suggests a single gene may be responsible for the genetic resistance, and identifying it could lead to therapies to boost natural defenses against diabetes.
Despite having only a dozen mammary glands, naked mole-rat mothers produce up to 28 pups per litter and share nursing duties among the young. The colony's cooperative society allows for sufficient milk supply, eliminating competition among females.
A University of Michigan study found that a low sense of belonging is a stronger predictor of major depression than other factors. The research analyzed data from 31 clients with depression and 379 community college students, concluding that feeling connected to others is crucial in overcoming depression.
Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have developed a new way to measure slippage deep within the Earth using tickers, groups of identically repeating tiny earthquakes. By analyzing the timing and intervals between these quakes, scientists can track changes in fault strain associated with larger earthquakes.
The Alliance Chautauqua at Boston University brings together researchers, artists, and visitors to explore virtual labs and interact in real-time. The event showcases emerging technologies that facilitate remote collaborative work environments.