Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Stowers scientists uncover a critical component that helps killifish regenerate their fins

A recent study published in iScience found that the length of time cells spend engaged in the repair process is also key to regulating regeneration in African killifish. The researchers discovered that skin cells launch a genetic program that primes the whole animal to prepare for a repair response, guiding repair cells to get to work.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 26, 2024

Super golden lettuce richer in vitamin A

Researchers have successfully multiplied beta-carotene levels in lettuce leaves by up to 30 times using biotechnological techniques and high light intensity. The discovery represents a significant advance for improving nutrition through biofortification of leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, and chard.

SourceUniversitat Politècnica de València·JournalThe Plant Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 13, 2024

New brain-computer interface allows man with ALS to ‘speak’ again

Researchers developed a new brain-computer interface that translates brain signals into speech with up to 97% accuracy, enabling a man with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) to communicate with friends and family. The system was tested in real-time conversations with continuous updates, achieving high word accuracy rates.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 14, 2024

A taste for carbon dioxide

Researchers discovered that the iron nitrogenase can convert CO2 into methane and formic acid, making it a promising starting point for developing novel CO2 reductases. The enzyme's low selectivity for CO2 also suggests its potential for widespread use in nature.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 14, 2024

Reduce, reuse, reflycle

Scientists at Macquarie University propose using genetically engineered black soldier flies to transform waste management and sustainable biomanufacturing. The flies can consume large volumes of waste quickly, producing valuable industrial inputs such as enzymes and lipids.

SourceMacquarie University·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeSystematic review·DateAug 13, 2024

Microbes conquer the next extreme environment: Your microwave

A study found that microwaves contain a unique microbial community, comprising 747 different genera, which resembles those on solar panels and kitchen surfaces. The diversity of the microbiome varies between single-household kitchens, shared domestic spaces, and laboratory microwaves.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateAug 8, 2024

An international effort to define intelligence, consciousness and more: efforts to create consensus definitions for diverse intelligent systems

A collaboration of scientists, ethicists, and researchers aims to create a consensus definition for diverse intelligent systems, including AI, LLMs, and biological intelligences. The proposed approach will provide a common language for recognizing, predicting, manipulating, and building cognitive systems.

SourceCortical Labs·JournalThe Innovation·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJul 30, 2024

Visualizing addiction: How new research could change the way we fight the opioid epidemic

A new technological breakthrough has enabled scientists to visualize opioid signaling in the brain in real-time, providing a deeper understanding of how opioids affect the brain. This breakthrough has opened up new avenues for developing more effective and safer therapeutics for pain management and mental health disorders.

SourceMax Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 15, 2024

Improving transformation frequency in maize

Researchers at VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology have developed a new method to improve maize transformation frequency using ternary vectors and morphogenic regulators. By combining these technologies, they achieved a 20-fold increase in transformed plants, paving the way for more effective research and innovative applications.

SourceVlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie·JournalThe Plant Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 24, 2024

Chinese wisdom and modern innovation of aquaculture

This study introduces modern innovations in Chinese aquaculture, focusing on genetic breeding, fertility biotechnology, polyculture, eco-agriculture, smart aquaculture, and eco-engineered aquaculture. The research proposes ten paradigm changes to promote sustainable aquaculture development and global food security.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalWater Biology and Security·TypeSystematic review·DateJun 11, 2024

More efficient bioethanol production might be possible using persimmon tannin to help yeast thrive

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University discovered that persimmon tannin improves the growth of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in the presence of ethanol. The antioxidant properties of persimmon tannin limit oxidative damage, allowing yeast to thrive and increasing bioethanol production efficiency by 8.9-fold.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalJournal of the Science of Food and Agriculture·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 16, 2024

How to make ubiquitous plastics biodegradable

Scientists have discovered a way to break down styrene, a toxic plastic component, using microorganisms that produce an enzyme called styrene oxide isomerase. This enzyme accelerates the conversion of styrene into a less toxic compound, offering a potential solution for biodegradable plastics.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 14, 2024

Scientists solve chemical mystery at the interface of biology and technology

Researchers at the University of Washington have solved a long-standing chemical mystery in organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs), which allow current to flow in devices like implantable biosensors. The study reveals that OECTs turn on via a two-step process, causing a lag, and off through a simpler one-step process.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 30, 2024