Researchers at St. Petersburg State University develop a new method for synthesizing nanoparticles from metal-organic frameworks, enabling detection of heavy metal ions in water with significantly lower limits of detection. The synthesized particles can also be used as luminescent sensors to detect Cu2+, Cr3+, and Fe3+ ions.
Scientists at St Petersburg University have developed a new organic compound that can 'switch' its biological activity on demand under exposure to light, increasing precision and safety in affecting human body cells. The phosphonate can be used in various medical spheres, including ophthalmology and neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers from St Petersburg University have found that small-numbered M. acentria fritillary butterflies interbreed with more common M. didyma, resulting in gene flow and increased genetic diversity. This hybridization helps maintain the species' survival chances.
Scientists from St Petersburg University describe the detailed structure of crocodylian braincases, revealing evolutionary features that enabled powerful jaws. The study resolves long-standing contradictions in the genealogical tree of reptiles and sheds light on developmental mechanisms behind the akinetic skull structure.
Scientists have discovered a new mineral, allabogdanite, at the Dead Sea that was previously only found in meteorites. The discovery has implications for our understanding of Earth's surface conditions and geological processes.
Biologists at St Petersburg University studied mechanisms of regeneration of marine animals and found that suppression of FGF protein activity disrupts the ability of Alitta virens to restore lost body segments. Similar proteins are found in humans, suggesting potential therapeutic approaches for regenerative medicine.
Researchers have found that the polarisation plane of visible light in blazars sometimes rotates, coinciding with repeated gamma ray bursts. The study also described the structure of the inner part of the jets, revealing a fast spine surrounded by a slower sheath with ring condensations.
Researchers at St. Petersburg State University have created a new theory and experimental methods to separate spectral signals from amyloid fibrils, overcoming obstacles faced by previous studies. This breakthrough may aid in the development of new drugs for neurodegenerative diseases.
The NUCLEUS-2021 conference will cover various topics in nuclear physics, including atomic nuclei, nuclear reactions, modern methods and technologies, relativistic nuclear physics, and more. The results of the conference will be published in two Springer journals.
The conference aims to share experience in developing and applying bioinformatics algorithms, with topics including sequencing technologies, molecular sequence analysis, and genome assembly. Selected abstracts will be published as part of the BiATA 2021 BMC Bioinformatics supplement.
Geophysicists at St. Petersburg State University have developed an algorithm to combine electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and radiomagnetotelluric (RMT) methods for more accurate subsurface imaging. The joint inversion of CSRMT and ERT data provides a closer match to borehole data, improving the accuracy of geophysical exploration.
Researchers from St. Petersburg State University and international partners successfully condense liquid light in a semiconductor material, paving the way for new lasers capable of producing qubits. This breakthrough could lead to the development of quantum transistors and significant advancements in computing.
Biologists have discovered a new type of placental structure in animals, specifically in the group Cyclostomata from the phylum Bryozoa. This unique structure, called coenocytes, is formed through nuclear multiplication and cytoplasmic growth, unlike traditional cell fusion in animals.
Researchers at St Petersburg University have synthesized polymers from biomass, making them recyclable and potentially replacing traditional plastics. The new polymers are based on terpenols, natural compounds found in plants like mint and white fir trees, and can be recycled at moderate temperatures.
A new polymer-based battery can charge in seconds, outperforming traditional lithium-ion batteries. It is also safer and has a lower environmental impact due to the use of nickel instead of cobalt.
Scientists at St Petersburg University discovered a transmissible cancer lineage in Far Eastern mussels, which can have an adverse effect on these molluscs. The disease is characterized by disseminated neoplasia, a large-scale, fatal cancer that can be compared to leukemia in vertebrates.
Researchers found that stegosaurs ate tough food, likely plant-based, and had complex jaw movements, including a longitudinal phase. They also discovered that their teeth formed quickly, suggesting they may not have suffered from caries.
Scientists propose a technology that uses a 'chemical fuse' to cover the main conductor cable of the battery, preventing overheating and fire. The polymer adjusts its electrical conductivity in response to voltage fluctuations.
Paramecium uses a complex system to determine mating types, allowing for genetic variation and reproduction. The mechanism involves programmed genome rearrangements and small RNAs that eliminate unnecessary DNA sequences.
The study found that cathodal tDCS enhances the acquisition of abstract semantics, while anodal tDCS shows more success in learning concrete concepts. The results suggest that different neural mechanisms are involved in processing abstract and concrete word meanings.
Researchers found virus-like particles resembling red blood cells and sea-urchin-like structures within bacterial symbionts of Bryozoa. The discovery suggests that these particles may regulate the number of symbiotic bacteria in host organisms.
Researchers from St Petersburg University have discovered a complex of rocks forming an ancient island arc in the Songkultau Mountains of Kyrgyzstan, dated to around 500 million years ago. The finding provides valuable insights into the geological history of Central Asia and has implications for understanding large ore deposits.
Researchers have found that a patient's nutritional status has an important prognostic value in cardiac surgery, enabling the identification of postoperative complication rates. The study identified a small group of patients with valvular heart disease as being more susceptible to malnutrition.
Researchers from St. Petersburg University and Ben-Gurion University of the Negev discovered cyclophosphates, chemically active phosphorus-containing compounds found in rocks along the Dead Sea. These compounds are thought to have played a key role in prebiotic phosphorylation reactions that led to the emergence of primordial life.
Researchers at St Petersburg University have developed a new Case-Based Rate Reasoning (CBRR) model to predict epidemic dynamics. The model uses data from countries where the disease was recorded earlier to forecast its spread in Russia, and is being updated weekly for cities like St Petersburg and Moscow.
A study by St. Petersburg University found that vaccination against tuberculosis with the BCG vaccine can slow down the spread of COVID-19 and reduce its course. The analysis showed a correlation between BCG vaccination and lower mortality rates in countries where national immunization programs are well-established.
Researchers discovered that seeds of garden peas contain amyloid-like aggregates of storage proteins, which could lead to less allergenic legume varieties. The formation of these amyloids may also reduce the nutritional value of plant seeds.
Researchers propose a new approach to produce calcium acetylide, a key industrial compound, using renewable carbon sources and reducing its environmental impact. The study simulates the interaction of calcium acetylide with water and dimethyl sulfoxide on an atomic scale, revealing potential for greener synthesis methods.
Researchers at St Petersburg State University have discovered a new mineral called petrovite with unique properties that make it promising for use in sodium ion batteries. The mineral's structural type is suitable for ionic conductivity, which could lead to the development of more efficient cathode materials.
St Petersburg University researchers found that lack of TAAR5 leads to higher dopamine neurons and increased adult neurogenesis, potentially treating neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson's disease. TAAR5 is present in neurogenic areas and regulates adult neurogenesis.
Researchers have developed metaFlye, a new assembler for decoding microbial genomes from diverse environmental samples. The tool allows for the assembly of metagenomes, providing insights into the types and quantities of organisms present, their interactions, and substances synthesized.
Researchers discovered a novel brain mechanism that links anxiety and depression, showing unique cellular mechanisms activate as one pathology progresses into another. The 'switch' involves astrocytes and cytoskeletal mechanisms, which may be targeted for new classes of psychotropic drugs.
A team of researchers has created a patient-specific approach to customizing muscular and neural implants for restoring motor and autonomic functions. The NeuroPrint hybrid 3D printing technology allows for rapid production in just 24 hours, making it faster and cheaper than traditional methods.
A team of entomologists from St. Petersburg State University has discovered a new species of tropical Heteroptera, Tatupa grafei, characterized by its golden color and distinctive long antennae. The discovery sheds light on the biodiversity of the island of Borneo and highlights the importance of preserving these unique organisms.
The Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lini genome has been fully assembled, providing insights into the parasite's adaptation to flax and its potential for breeding resistant crop varieties. The study aims to elucidate specific mechanisms of Fusarium adaptation to different hosts and find genes responsible for its preferences.
Researchers have discovered that wheat and couch grass can accumulate high concentrations of toxic metals from contaminated soils, removing them and making the soil safer. The plants' ability to phytoextract toxic metals makes them promising candidates for effective cleaning of soils using phytoremediation.
St Petersburg University scientists analyzed microgastropods in the eastern sector of the Arctic, discovering at least 66 species. The study helps understand biological diversity, ecosystem responses to climate change and environmental pollution.
The level and activity of von Willebrand factor (VWF) in the blood may predict COVID-19 morbidity and mortality. Research suggests that increased VWF levels are associated with severe COVID-19 complications, including thrombosis and respiratory distress.
Isocyanides, key in pharmaceuticals and functional materials, are hampered by their foul odor. A new noncovalent bond blocks this odor, reducing air concentration by up to 50-fold.
Palaeontologists from St Petersburg University have created the most detailed virtual 3D-model of the endocranial cast and blood vessels of the head of an ankylosaurian. They found that ankylosaurs had a unique cooling system, an extremely developed sense of smell, and could hear low-frequency sounds.
Researchers have assessed the diversity of freshwater molluscs in the Circumpolar region, finding 104 species. They attribute their ability to survive in the Arctic to biological traits such as hermaphroditism and air travel.
MetaviralSPAdes is a new assembler for virus genomes, enabling biologists to reconstruct complete viral genomes from metagenome sequencing results. This tool tackles the challenge of identifying and stitching together viral sequences from thousands of bacterial genomes.
Researchers from St Petersburg University have deciphered the Intoshia variabili gene, revealing a genome size of 15.3 million base pairs and 5,120 genes, including orphan genes unique to orthonectids. The study provides genetic evidence that orthonectids belong to Annelida, a type of animal with no real intraorganism parasites.
Researchers have found a rare marine snail, Leptogyra bujnitzkii, in a biological collection from the Soviet Arctic expeditions of the 1930s. The discovery suggests the presence of sunken wood biocenoses in the Arctic Ocean.
Researchers have found that elevated ferritin concentrations are associated with increased production of special signalling molecules, leading to complications and death in COVID-19 patients. Marker CD163 is also an important indicator of macrophage activation and high risk of complications.
Scientists have developed a tiny device to study the avian magnetic orientation mechanism, challenging the prevailing photochemical theory. The experiment found that birds with portable devices attached were not disoriented when exposed to local oscillating magnetic fields, suggesting alternative components of the magnetoreception system.
Scientists identified a previously unappreciated neurotransmitter system in the brain, which interacts with specific receptors to control emotions and behaviors. The discovery suggests new treatments for depression, schizophrenia, and other brain disorders.
Researchers found that a protein called FRX1 functions in an amyloid form in healthy brains, contradicting the idea that only diseased brains store amyloids. This discovery has significant implications for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
Chemists at St Petersburg State University have developed a new method to detect phenols in smoked food samples using vitamin B4, a non-toxic compound. This technique offers advantages such as safety and speed, allowing for analysis to be completed in under half an hour.
Researchers identified a new genus and species of salamander from the Middle Jurassic period, approximately 166-168 million years ago. The fossil discovery provides insight into the evolution of stem salamanders and their ecological niches.