Articles tagged with Acidity
Researchers discover a novel proton-sensing G-protein coupled receptor that operates normally in acidic conditions, indicating potential new therapeutic avenues for arthritis, heart attacks, and strokes. The receptor's optimal function is at pH6.4, suggesting its role in synovial inflammation and cell proliferation.
Researchers at Salk Institute and Harvard Medical School found that anthrax toxin entry occurs under two different pH conditions, depending on the receptor type. This discovery could lead to the development of more effective drugs targeting a single pathway.
Researchers engineer a BCG strain to secrete listeriolysin, enhancing T cell-mediated immunity. The new vaccine strain offers superior protection against tuberculosis, including the highly drug-resistant Beijing/W family.
A bacterial community flourishing in iron sulfide-rich runoff near Redding has been uncovered, providing clues to the structure and activities within these communities. The study reveals 2,036 proteins from five most abundant species, shedding light on microbial systems in real-world conditions.
Researchers at Stanford University created a simple and inexpensive sensor to determine protein conformation changes using gold nanoparticles. The new test turned out to be useful in detecting conformational changes in proteins, which could help identify disease-related proteins like antibodies.
Researchers at the University of Alberta have discovered that certain non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as celecoxib, can inhibit bicarbonate transporters, compromising the body's ability to balance pH in cells. This can negatively impact recovery from heart attacks.
A recent study by Dr. Gene E. Likens and colleagues documents the neutralizing effects of calcium silicate on acidic streams at Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest. The research found that adding Wollastonite to the stream resulted in a long-lasting buffering effect, suppressing acidity for over four months.
Researchers discovered that muscles use acidosis to maintain proper nerve signal response, avoiding fatigue. By peeling away the muscle fiber's surface membrane, the team studied the effects of acidity on force response, finding it counteracts fatigue at a critical step in excitation-contraction-coupling.
Scientists develop pentablock polymers that form micelles in response to changes in temperature and pH, resembling how biomolecules react. These stable polymers could be used to deliver drugs or gene therapies, and have shown promise in preliminary studies.
Researchers found that ocean acidity influences early estimates of carbon dioxide and temperature link, correcting temperature curves to match glacial records. They applied correction factors for changes in acidity, calcium ions, and carbon dioxide saturation, accurately predicting two major glaciations.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University have developed a four-channel microphysiometer to monitor cell metabolism in near real time. The device can chart variations in oxygen, glucose, and lactic acid levels, providing crucial clues about the impact of unknown biological agents on cells.
Researchers found microbial communities with a pH level of 12.8, surpassing known natural environments. The microbes are related to bacteria found in highly alkaline waters and tufa columns around the world.
Phytoplankton communities fix carbon half as fast at pH 9, while dinoflagellates correlate strongly with high pH levels. Increased nutrient loading increases pH variability, affecting coastal ecosystems.
New England waters show little net change in acidity despite Clean Air Act reductions, researchers say; further changes expected as nitrogen regulations take effect.
Researchers found that variable rate technology (VRT) with GPS and zone soil sampling reduces lime need by 60% and improves soil pH variability. The study suggests a combination of these technologies provides reasonable and efficient management of soil acidity and lime application.
A study by Shinya Ugawa and colleagues found that acid sensing ion channels (ASICs) function as acid sensors within a specific pH range, while VR1 receptors are not involved. The ASICs inhibitor amiloride may be a useful analgesic for treating localized pain within this range.
Researchers have discovered a link between keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) concentrations and protection against bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in premature infants. Additionally, a new pH test offers a simple method to evaluate airway inflammation in diseases such as asthma and COPD.
Researchers found that certain wetlands were successful in cleaning up acid mine drainage due to factors such as low water acidity and minimal destruction of native plants. However, clogging of limestone drains was a common issue, highlighting the need for regular maintenance and larger constructed wetlands.
Scientists at Purdue University have made breakthroughs in understanding the chemistry of aluminum and sodium compounds in high-level radioactive waste. Their study documents the transformation of liquid to solid waste, shedding light on how to minimize nuclear waste volume and predict leakage.
A new study from the University of Michigan reveals how a duplicated gene in leaf-eating monkeys has evolved to improve digestion efficiency. The researchers found that the duplicated gene allows the monkeys to better cope with an acidic environment, suggesting a key adaptation to their unusual diet.
The skin's acid coating, composed of fatty acids, helps maintain strength and cohesiveness. The discovery could aid in developing therapies for skin problems like psoriasis.
Scientists have fabricated erasable polymer multilayers that can be selectively destroyed by environmental stimuli, enabling controlled release of embedded compounds. These films have potential applications in medicine and materials science.
Researchers found genes tailored to specific environments, shared among organisms living in the same ecological niche. The discovery could help understand how cells adapt to extreme conditions.
A study found that acutely ill asthmatics have a low pH level in their expired air, which normalizes with glucocorticoid treatment. This discovery may lead to novel therapies aimed at restoring the natural pH balance of the airway.
Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill have developed a novel solid-state metal sensor that can accurately measure the acidity of chemical solutions, including body fluids. The electrode may help predict cardiac muscle ischemia and offer advance warning for potential heart attacks.
A new vaginal microbicide, BufferGel, has shown promising results in a Phase I study, with 27 women reporting no serious side effects. The gel works by reducing the vaginal pH level, making it an effective barrier to HIV transmission.