Articles tagged with Chemical Signals
Animals recycle biochemical waste to produce novel chemicals playing key roles in biology from behavior to aging. Genes previously thought to code for carboxylesterases contribute to ester and amide bond formation opposite initial predictions.
Researchers at Salk Institute discover that mechanical and chemical itch sensations are encoded by different brain pathways, which act together to drive chronic itch. The study reveals key molecules regulating these pathways and opens avenues for new therapies.
The study found that antibiotics slow down biofilm growth and QS molecule production across both strains, with surface type having a significant effect on the non-mucoid strain. The patterned structure was associated with longer latencies before expression of QS molecules were at their peak.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new technology that boosts weak biochemical signals by over 1,000 times using plastic transistor amplification. This enables real-time health diagnostics and disease monitoring without complex electronics.
Researchers have pushed single-atom vibrational spectroscopy to the level of chemical bonds, enabling precise measurements of point defects in graphene. The study found unique vibrational modes for two types of silicon point defects, with stronger signals for one defect configuration.
Researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have discovered that the orientation of a single amino acid in peptides can direct activation to specific neurons, influencing communication among brain cells. This finding has far-reaching implications for understanding and regulating signaling processes in the brain.
A team led by Professor Thorsten Hoffmann uses small, portable observation drones equipped with miniaturized sensors to analyze volcanic gases and predict eruptions. The ratio of carbon dioxide levels to sulfur dioxide can reveal the likelihood of an impending eruption.
Dr. Jayaraman's team will analyze glutamate receptors involved in learning and memory processes, shedding light on pathologies of learning disabilities, epilepsy, and other neurological issues.
A Collaborative Research Centre investigates animal navigation using the Earth's magnetic field. The study focuses on vertebrates, including birds and fish, aiming to protect endangered migratory species.
Researchers developed a technique to 'see' fine structure and chemical composition of human cells with high resolution. The new method uses infrared light to reveal chemical signatures without fluorescent labeling.
Researchers at Rice University have engineered bacteria to quickly sense and report on the presence of various contaminants. The living bioelectronic sensors can be programmed to identify chemical invaders and report within minutes by releasing a detectable electrical current.
Scientists from the University of Johannesburg identified ten times more volatile signal compounds from the bacteria, boosting plant growth and protection. Rhizobacteria can protect crops from abiotic and biotic stresses by producing valuable VOCs that trigger Induced Systemic Resistance (ISR) in plants.
A new study found that dogs can differentiate between breath and sweat samples from people before and after a stress-inducing task with an accuracy of 93.75%. The researchers believe that dogs are able to detect changes in volatile organic compounds produced by humans in response to stress.
Researchers discover that male spotted lanternflies are strongly attracted to the smell of honeydew produced by male conspecifics, emitting specific sex-attractant profiles. This finding may lead to the development of new pest management tools to reduce the population and spread of this invasive species.
Researchers have identified a key chemical controlling hair follicle cell division and death, shedding light on a potential cure for baldness. The discovery also holds promise for speeding up wound healing by harnessing the regenerative properties of stem cells found in hair follicles.
Researchers have developed a battery-free biosensor that can track glucose levels in sweat using radio frequency signals. The device, resembling a smart necklace, showed promising results in monitoring glucose levels during exercise and has potential applications for detecting other biomarkers in bodily fluids.
New research from University of South Australia and Flinders University uses retina recordings to identify distinct signals for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), providing a potential biomarker for each condition. Children with ADHD showed higher overall energy, while those with ASD sho...
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have developed nano-sensors that can detect pesticide residues on fruit surfaces in just five minutes. The sensors use flame-sprayed nanoparticles made from silver to increase the signal of chemicals, overcoming high production costs and limited batch-to-batch reproducibility.
A new study by the University of Birmingham found that dopamine levels can affect emotion recognition in people with neurological disorders. Those with low baseline dopamine levels improved their ability to recognize emotions after receiving a dopamine boost, while those with higher baseline levels became worse at emotion recognition.
A new study published in PNAS reveals that a specific bacterial compound, lipopolysaccharide, induces larval marine tubeworms to settle on the seafloor and undergo metamorphosis. The discovery offers hope for coral reef restoration, mariculture, and biofouling prevention.
Researchers developed a deep learning-based model to predict drug-drug interactions using gene expression data. The DeSIDE-DDI model can identify potentially dangerous pairs and act as a drug safety monitoring system, helping establish the correct usage of drugs in the development phase.
Researchers have developed a new method for precisely altering gene expression by supplying and removing electrons, enabling controlled biomedical implants and bioreactors. The improved system allows for accurate control of gene expression in the presence of oxygen, opening up new possibilities for synthetic biology.
A novel therapy using sustained release of nitric oxide has been shown to ameliorate obesity and Type 2 diabetes in mice fed a high-fat diet. The therapy was found to decrease body weight, improve glucose tolerance, and stimulate the browning of adipose tissue.
A new study suggests that a wearable sensor can detect the gases released from a person's skin to monitor biomarkers related to metabolic disorders. The technology has the potential to track long-term changes in metabolic rates and could also be used to detect signs of liver disease.
A study by Tokyo University of Science researchers has demonstrated that a computationally-light model can simulate complex brain cell responses, including periodic and quasi-periodic responses. The Izhikevich neuron model was found to be capable of reproducing both types of responses at lower computational cost.
Researchers found that mice with the Val89 gene variant exhibit attention deficit disorder-like problems, including diminished cognitive performance and increased vulnerability to distraction. The study provides direct evidence of the genetic variant's effects on acetylcholine availability and its resulting cognitive impacts.
A study published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology reveals that geosmin, a common soil contaminant, acts as an aposematic signal to deter bacteria-eating worms like C. elegans from poisonous microbes. The researchers found that geosmin triggers the worm's sense of taste, warning it of potential danger.
A new study found that dogs and cats are exposed to potentially toxic aromatic amines in their homes, which have been linked to cancer. The chemicals were detected in over 38% of urine samples from pets, with cats showing higher concentrations than dogs.
A team of scientists successfully investigated the electronic structure of tautomeric mixtures using inelastic X-ray scattering (RIXS) at BESSY II. They can now experimentally separate the signal of each individual molecule, providing detailed insight into their functionality and chemical properties.
Autophagy is induced when ER-bound ribosomes are stalled, rescuing them from cellular harm. The ERC grant aims to decipher the role of Autophagy in rescuing stalled ER-bound ribosomes.
The newly developed KANPHOS database provides comprehensive information on kinase-associated protein phosphorylation, facilitating research into neural signaling pathways. The database contains information on phosphoproteins, phosphorylation sites, and participant kinases, allowing for searches based on various parameters.
Researchers discovered that plant volatile signals can warn neighboring plants of herbivore attacks, activating defense genes and increasing resistance. The team found epigenetic mechanisms, including histone acetylation, play a key role in this process.
Researchers developed a new technique called dual-detection impulsive vibrational spectroscopy (DIVS) to measure two distinct types of vibrational signals. DIVS enables synchronous measurement of THz- and fingerprint region vibrations, offering high temporal resolution for real-time chemical analysis.
Dixit's work on programmed cell death and inflammation has led to therapies for autoimmune disorders and rheumatoid arthritis. The Vilcek Foundation recognizes his contributions as an immigrant scientist in the US.
Northwestern University researchers used live imaging and computational tools to study the development of a fruit fly's compound eye. They found that cells move into position using mechanical forces, not just chemical signals. The discovery provides new insights into pattern formation in tissues.
A new test procedure using human stem cells identifies chemicals that may cause birth defects in humans. The method assesses the likelihood of toxicity by monitoring disturbances in precisely programmed signaling pathways.
Researchers found that hemoglobin, an oxygen carrier molecule, acts as a chemosensory signal in lactating mother mice, prompting digging or rearing behavior to protect their offspring. This unique response is mediated by the Vmn2r88 receptor and is controlled by the specific ligand-receptor pair comprising hemoglobin binding to Vmn2r88.
Researchers developed a waterproof biosensor that can accurately detect changes in potassium and sodium ion levels important in TBI. The chip features electronic components that produce an electrical signal when sensing chemicals, and the team successfully tested it in artificial cerebrospinal fluid and human blood serum.
Researchers created a humidity sensor mimicking camel noses to detect moisture levels in industrial exhaust and human skin. The device responds to changes in skin perspiration and can even follow the path of a finger, suggesting a potential basis for touchless interfaces.
Researchers found that injecting SK/CCK-type neuropeptides into starfish retracts their stomachs and makes them less inclined to eat, even with food in front of them. This discovery sheds light on the evolutionary conservation of feeding regulation mechanisms across animals.
Researchers from the University of Copenhagen have discovered a hormone in fruit flies that regulates human metabolism, potentially leading to new treatments for obesity and diabetes. The CAPA hormone plays a crucial role in maintaining energy balance, raising blood sugar levels, and regulating insulin secretion.
Researchers at the University of California - Riverside discovered that hummingbirds can avoid insects with defensive compounds, such as formic acid, which harm birds. The study shows that scent plays a crucial role in hummingbird foraging decisions and ecosystem function.
Researchers found that genes can be triggered by specific patterns of light exposure, producing varying levels of activity. The output was not directly correlated to the input, and controlling frequency gave precise control over gene activity.
A recent study reveals that protein HSP27 plays a crucial role in regulating blood vessel leakage, which is a hallmark of sepsis. By targeting HSP27, researchers hope to develop drugs that can stabilize blood vessel barriers and prevent fluid loss.
Researchers found that pepper plant fruit scents contain complex mixtures of volatile organic compounds, including alpha-caryophyllene and 2-heptanol, which attract specific bat species. The study suggests bats use these chemical signals to select ripe fruits and find the specific Piper species they eat most.
Researchers found that consuming dileucine enhances the metabolic processes driving muscle growth, resulting in a 42% increase in protein synthesis. In contrast, leucine alone showed no significant impact on protein breakdown, highlighting the molecule's potential as a signaling agent for muscle-building pathways.
Tohoku University scientists created a miniaturized pH probe to investigate deep brain structures' chemical signals. The probe detects subtle pH fluctuations, which can reveal the influence of acidity on brain function and dysfunction in diseases like mental illness and seizures.
Researchers discovered that actin filaments serve as tiny stretchy tension sensors in cells, transmitting mechanical signals to other proteins. The findings have significant implications for understanding how cells mechanically control movement, including cardiac cell contraction and motile cell migration.
The study reports a two-stage collision between India and Asia, with the Tethyan Himalaya terrane drifting northward and colliding with Asia at ~61 Ma. The findings match history of India-Asia convergence rates and provide constraints for climate models linking Himalayan orogenesis with global climate change.
Researchers are developing an active bandage with integrated sensors to monitor and accelerate the wound healing process in real-time. The device will enable individualized interventions to accelerate healing through continuous sensing and actuation capabilities.
A new species of bacteria, Stieleria maiorica, produces stieleriacines, which act as signalling molecules to control the composition of marine biofilms. This allows planctomycetes to outcompete other bacteria for resources.
Research from Stockholm University and Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust shows that human eggs use chemical signals to attract sperm. The study found that different women's eggs attract different men's sperm, not necessarily their partners. This phenomenon allows the egg to choose high-quality or genetically compatible sperm.
Scientists from Trinity College Dublin have discovered that TLR2 plays a critical role in the development of retinal degeneration, a leading cause of blindness. The study suggests that regulating TLR2 activity may help prevent dry AMD, offering new avenues for therapy.
A team of researchers at Penn State developed a way to control the direction of self-propelled protocells using enzymes that catalyze chemical reactions. The protocells can move towards or away from specific chemical signals, enabling targeted drug delivery and reducing the amount of medication required.
Researchers found that male deer's dark belly stains contain compounds revealing age, dominance, and physical condition. The intensity of these signals varies depending on the competitive context of the deer community.
Researchers have discovered that graphene-lined clothing could be an effective mosquito barrier. The ultra-thin yet strong material acts as a physical barrier that mosquitoes are unable to bite through, while also blocking chemical signals that trigger their urge to bite.
Researchers at OIST and Osaka University develop an artificial cell system that interacts with histamine, a natural chemical compound. The system uses a riboswitch to turn on a gene inside the cells, which can eventually be used to release drugs in response to histamine signals.
A University of Cordoba research group has developed a new methodology to categorize olive oil using gas chromatography and ion mobility spectrometry. The approach analyzes the oil's aromatic fraction, generating 3D graphics that predict classification with high reliability and ease of implementation.
Research by the University of Saskatchewan found that fish release 'disturbance cues' to signal nearby dangers like predators. This voluntary chemical release can trigger a 'fright response' in fish, promoting defensive behavior.
Researchers used slime mold to study cell positioning in complex structures, revealing the importance of cell-cell contact and chemotaxis. The study found that individual cells can be directed to their final destination by chemical signals, such as cAMP, and cell-to-cell touch.