Researchers have discovered a novel way to target bacterial DNA gyrase, an essential enzyme for bacterial survival and growth. The new antibiotic molecule, simocyclinone D8 (SD8), uses two heads to bind to the enzyme, making it 100 times more potent than single-headed versions.
Scientists have crystallized a protein that enables beneficial bacteria to bind to the gut lining, interacting with cells and exerting their activity. The discovery opens new avenues of research into gut health and highlights the importance of molecular design in selecting probiotics.
Research by Nick Fulcher and Robert Sablowski found that plant stem cells are sensitive to DNA damage and can detect defects, triggering cell death to prevent them from being passed on. This mechanism helps protect plants against genetic damage caused by environmental stresses such as drought, high salinity, and hazardous chemicals.
Scientists have developed a therapy using genetically engineered Bacteroides ovatus that activates a human growth factor to treat bowel disorders like inflammatory bowel disease. The treatment reduces rectal bleeding, accelerates gut lining healing, and prevents disease onset.
Researchers have developed a method to prevent pod shattering in oilseed rape, reducing seed loss by up to 70% and improving harvest efficiency. By controlling hormone production, scientists can seal seeds inside pods, addressing a major issue in farming this high-value crop.
Scientists have identified a new species of yeast, Candida carvajalis sp. nov, with potential applications in sustainable biofuel production and the food industry. The discovery was made in the Amazon jungle and highlights the importance of preserving biodiversity.
Researchers identify glucose as the primary sugar fueling Salmonella's survival during infection. This breakthrough could lead to vaccine strains and protective immune responses against other disease-causing bacteria, including superbugs.
Scientists discovered variable ribosomal RNA genes in yeast, which are essential to all Earth's organisms. The genes show surprise variation despite being vital for cell function, and hybridization of two yeasts re-set their clocks, providing clues on evolutionary history.
Scientists from the US and Israel have discovered a new gene that provides resistance to stripe rust, a fungal disease responsible for significant wheat yield losses. The novel gene has been found in wild wheat and is absent in modern varieties, offering a potential solution to devastating disease outbreaks.
The SAW project, led by Professor Anne Osbourn, combines scientific experimentation with art and creative writing to stimulate creativity and scientific curiosity. The initiative results in a positive view of science among young people, with stunning science images and artwork inspired by the projects.
The study reveals that humans have domesticated yeast strains at many points in history from diverse sources, challenging traditional views on the Tree of Life. The analysis also provides insights into yeast probiotics' contribution to gut health and potential applications for cancer treatment.
Researchers identify key gene transferred from Sicilian plant to British Groundsel weed, allowing for natural genetic exchanges and evolution. This discovery challenges traditional views of evolution as a one-way process.
Researchers have successfully expressed genes from snapdragon into tomatoes, resulting in higher levels of anthocyanins. The purple tomatoes showed promise in extending the lifespan of cancer-susceptible mice, suggesting potential health benefits for consumers.
Researchers have identified a stable, modifiable virus capable of withstanding harsh conditions and can be used as a nanobuilding block. The virus particles are ideal for producing materials on the nanometre scale and can be modified spatially controlled.
Researchers found that pectin, a compound in fruits and vegetables, inhibits galectin 3, a protein linked to all stages of cancer progression. This discovery may lead to functional foods with added bioactive pectin and provide evidence for the importance of eating at least 5-a-day.
Researchers used NMR spectroscopy to analyze pea plant leaves under drought stress, revealing key metabolites that increase in response. The findings could lead to the development of pea varieties more resistant to water scarcity, affecting global food production.
Recent research suggests that almonds contain prebiotics that can stimulate the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, supporting overall digestive health. The study found that finely ground almonds significantly increased levels of certain beneficial gut bacteria, with this effect being attributed to the presence of almond lipids.
Researchers at Norwich BioScience Institute have detected chemical differences in genes that can lead to colorectal cancer. These findings suggest that diet and lifestyle factors may contribute to the development of cancer by altering epigenetic code in healthy tissues.
A daily dose of probiotic can modify the immune system's response to grass pollen, a common cause of seasonal hay fever. This change was observed in a pilot study with small numbers of patients, but it may not have an immediate effect on symptoms.
Researchers have elucidated the structure and function of an enzyme decorating antibiotics with sugar molecules, which can help overcome antibiotic resistance. By understanding how these sugars are made, they aim to develop unnatural sugars with different properties.
The RevGenUK project aims to improve crop growth in adverse conditions and reduce nitrogen fertilizers. Researchers can access thousands of mutated plants with defective genes, enabling them to study gene function and develop sustainable crops.
Researchers found clumps of previously-unreported callus hairs growing in mature apples, which may impact commercial growers' storage strategies. The presence of these hairs could reduce the efficiency of gas transport through fruit, leading to internal browning.
Researchers have identified a plant gene cluster that produces a triterpene compound, previously unknown in plants. The study reveals how plants can assemble beneficial gene clusters to produce valuable natural products.
Scientists at the John Innes Centre have discovered how roots use a growth control mechanism to find their way through soil and overcome obstacles. By exploring the soil in a similar way to humans navigating in the dark, root hairs can sense and adapt to changes in their environment.
Researchers at Norwich BioScience Institutes discover that cells at the margins of leaves and petals secrete a mobile growth signal controlling size. This signal is distinct from classical plant hormones, influencing leaf division until a certain threshold is reached.
Scientists have developed a DNA-based therapy that can switch off antibiotic resistance in bacteria by delivering a short stretch of DNA as a decoy. This technology has the potential to slash the development time of new drugs and could give fresh patent life to existing antibiotics.
The study revealed that Rhesus protein is made by a bacterium, Nitrosomonas europaea, and determined its first X-ray crystal structure at high resolution. This provides important insights into how these proteins facilitate ammonium movement across cell membranes in humans.
Scientists question mandatory folic acid fortification in flour, citing risks of unmetabolised folic acid entering the bloodstream and causing problems for people with certain medical conditions. The study suggests that even low doses of folic acid could lead to overconsumption and health issues.
New research from Norwich BioScience Institutes and Medical University of Vienna found that only animal food proteins less than 54% identical to human equivalent can become allergenic. The study identified three protein families, including tropomyosins, EF-hand proteins, and caseins, which are responsible for most animal food allergies.
Researchers have found that ethylene regulates cell division in root stem cells, allowing plants to detect favorable soil conditions. This breakthrough has significant implications for tackling soil compaction issues in tropical agriculture.
Researchers discovered how plants evolved to respond to environmental changes by repressing growth, a process integrated by the plant growth hormone gibberellin. The ability emerged in flowering plants 300 million years ago and is linked to major stages in their evolution.
Researchers have identified Interleukin-12 (IL-12) as a vital molecule for resistance to food allergy. By delivering an allergen in the presence of IL-12, allergic reactions could be brought under control, potentially providing a new treatment option.