Articles tagged with Biomineralization
A new review highlights how engineering biochar with magnetic and mineral modifications can expand its environmental applications while overcoming practical limitations. Engineered biochars combine adsorption with reactive processes to trap pollutants, transform or degrade them, reducing the risk of secondary contamination.
A study published in Carbon Research reveals that a unique Ca-modified biochar can act as a powerful catalyst for the composting process, transforming pig manure and rice straw into stable, nutrient-rich humus. The innovation helps improve waste management in tropical regions, reducing nitrogen loss and environmental footprint.
Researchers have developed a new composite material that stores and releases heat, reducing temperature swings in buildings. The engineered biochar-clay hybrid increased energy storage capacity by 223% and improved thermal conductivity, demonstrating potential for real-world applications.
Researchers from Okayama University have identified a novel eukaryotic protein called radular teeth matrix protein 1 (RTMP1) that plays a crucial role in regulating iron oxide deposition in chiton teeth. The study reveals that RTMP1 helps concentrate iron ions on the chitin fibers, making them ultrahard and durable.
Three Israeli scientists will each receive US$100,000 for their innovative work in Life Sciences, Chemical Sciences, and Physical Sciences & Engineering. The Blavatnik Awards recognize outstanding young scientists at the early stages of their careers.
Researchers have developed a building material that uses fungal mycelium and bacteria cells, which can self-repair for at least a month. This innovation has the potential to replace conventional building materials with high carbon footprints like cement, reducing emissions and promoting sustainability.
Researchers found that cannabidiol stimulates the biomineralization of teeth even under inflammatory conditions, promoting tissue repair. The substance also inhibited the synthesis of inflammatory mediators in macrophages, suggesting an anti-inflammatory effect.
Researchers from Osaka University analyzed dental issues faced by Japanese patients with hypophosphatasia, finding two distinct groups: odonto-type disease (early tooth loss) and non-odonto-type disease (tooth misalignment and softening). The study aims to improve diagnosis and treatment for this often misunderstood disease.
The discovery of Helicolocellus fills a 160-million-year gap in the sponge fossil record and suggests non-biomineralizing sponges existed in the Precambrian. The study bridges the Ediacaran and Cambrian fossil assemblages, providing insights into animal evolution.
Researchers at PolyU have developed a novel biomineralization strategy to prevent microbially induced corrosion on concrete for sustainable marine infrastructure. The technique isolates concrete from corrosive microorganisms, extending the lifespan of structures and reducing environmental impact.
Living organisms produce minerals through a complex process involving pre-nucleation clusters, mobile water molecules, and dissolved hydroxide ions. The study provides a structural model for amorphous calcium carbonate and sheds light on the conductivity of ACC particles.
Early linguliform brachiopods developed stacked sandwich columns in their shells, increasing toughness and flexibility. These structures may have contributed to the species' widespread dispersal during the Cambrian explosion.
Researchers have discovered the process of incorporating selenium into 25 specialized proteins, essential for various cellular and metabolic processes. The study provides critical insights into the workings of these vital mechanisms, which could lead to the development of new medical therapies.
A collaboration between researchers identified crucial minerals regulating gene expression to control tissue renewal and growth. Minerals such as silicon, magnesium, and lithium induce endochondral ossification by turning on key genes, leading to the transformation of stem cells into bone cells.
Researchers have developed a combination of materials that can morph into various shapes before hardening, similar to the natural process of bone development in the human skeleton. The soft material can be used to create microrobots that can inject themselves into complicated bone fractures and expand to form new bone.
A team of researchers developed a biomimetic mineralization of calcium carbonate using a multifunctional peptide template that can self-supply mineral sources. The study clarifies the formation mechanism of inorganic crystals and their control by organic templates, facilitating understanding of biomineralization.
Researchers discovered bacteria and archaea involved in nutrient cycle and biomineralization, suggesting microorganisms contribute to metal formation and ecosystem support. The study's findings have implications for understanding the impact of mining on ecosystems.
Scientists discovered that coral structures consist of a biomineral containing organized organic mix of proteins. This process is critical to forming a rock-hard coral skeleton. The research suggests that corals will withstand climate change due to their impressive biomineralization process.
Researchers discovered that rhodochrosite can be photooxidized by UV light under anoxic conditions, suggesting a possible alternative to biological catalysts for oxygenic photosynthesis. This finding provides insight into the evolution of oxygenic photosynthetic organisms on Earth.
A team of engineers at Lehigh University has successfully created a catalyst that uses sunlight to split water molecules, producing hydrogen. This process is performed at room temperature and under ambient pressure, making it a promising route towards a renewable energy-based economy.
Janet Moradian-Oldak, a researcher at the University of Southern California, has been awarded the 2019 Basic Research in Biological Mineralization Award. Her work on enamel biomineralization and biomimetic approaches has advanced our understanding of tooth development.
A new characteristic 'biosignature' has been identified to track the remains of ancient life on Earth. The discovery suggests that graphite-like crystals alongside minerals such as apatite and carbonate are indicative of biological origin.
Researchers at NC State University have found a more accurate way to assess an individual's age at death using bone mineral density, increasing the margin of error from 27-70 years to within 13 years. The technique could be used to help identify human remains.
Researchers at Hokkaido University developed a novel method combining p53 and BMPep to control nanostructure of inorganic materials. The method successfully created hexagonal silver nanoplates with enhanced specificity and crystal growth regulation.
Researchers identified key components of the molecular toolkit that allow corals to build their skeletons, shedding light on the transformation from larval stage to adult coral. This knowledge is crucial for understanding how corals respond to ocean acidification, rising sea surface temperatures, and pollution.
Scientists discovered a novel metal-binding activity in MamO, a protease that helps build magnetic nanoparticles using a unique motif. The study found that this process has evolved convergently throughout the evolution of magnetosomes.
Scientists have inventoried and categorized all of Earth's rare mineral species, revealing clues about the planet's sub-surface conditions and past biological upheavals. The rarest minerals are found at five or fewer locations worldwide and offer insights into what an inter-planetary probe might find.
Mineral evolution has led to at least 90 different mercury-containing minerals on Earth, mostly formed during three periods of supercontinent assembly. The creation of these minerals is linked to hydrothermal activity associated with continents colliding and forming mountain ranges.
Dental enamel's unique structure is formed through a complex biomineralization process. The Pitt team identified the role of amelogenin in self-assembling into higher-order structures that guide mineral particles into parallel arrays, leading to highly mineralized enamel.
A 2,000-year-old bronze statue of an athlete has provided insights into preventing metal corrosion, safely storing nuclear waste, and understanding biomineralization. The study, published in ACS' Crystal Growth & Design, analyzed the mineral layers and fossilized organisms on the statue.
Dr. Graeme Hunter, a renowned dental researcher, has received the 2009 Biological Mineralization Award from the International Association for Dental Research (IADR). His work focuses on the physical biochemistry of biomineralization, with significant contributions to understanding mineralized tissues and pathological calcifications.
Scientists found that up to two thirds of minerals are biologically mediated, driven by oxygen-rich atmosphere and life's presence. Plate tectonics boosted mineral diversity, creating new environments for mineral formation.
Dr. Franceschi is being recognized for his scientific contributions to mineralized tissue research, including the discovery of vitamin D regulation targets and the development of gene therapy approaches for bone regeneration. He will receive the award at the IADR 86th General Session & Exhibition in Toronto on July 2, 2008.
Dr. Simmer's laboratory made significant observations on the alternative splicing of amelogenin RNA transcripts, leading to improvements in understanding genetic etiologies of inherited enamel defects like amelogenesis imperfecta. His work also focused on tooth dentin and the isolation of dentin sialophosphoprotein-derived proteins.
Dr. Bonewald will receive the IADR Basic Research in Biological Mineralization Award for her groundbreaking work on biological mineralization, a prestigious recognition of her expertise in dental and oral science. The award acknowledges her outstanding contributions to the field, solidifying her position as a leading researcher.
Dr. MacDougall receives the IADR Basic Research in Biological Mineralization Award for her groundbreaking research on tooth formation and tissue-specific gene regulation. Her work has been funded continuously since 1985 by the NIH/NIDCR.
Dental researchers successfully grown natural tooth enamel using a protein scaffold, solving a long-standing puzzle. The discovery unlocks one mystery of enamel formation and may have long-term applications in dental science and medical-device development.
Dr. Yoshiro Takano has been recognized for his contributions to biological mineralization, including work on calcium transport in the enamel organ.