Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Fermented wool is the answer

Researchers at FAU have uncovered the secret behind the Pazyryk carpet's vivid colors using high-resolution x-ray fluorescence microscopy. Fermenting sheep's wool before dyeing increases brilliance and longevity of the color.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 17, 2021

Are 'bacterial probiotics' a game-changer for the biofuels industry?

Scientists found that certain bacteria, like Lactobacillus amylovorus, can increase fermentation yields by up to three percent. This discovery suggests a new approach to industrial production, focusing on selecting beneficial bacteria rather than relying on broad-spectrum antibiotics or treatments.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 10, 2021
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Fermented wool is the answer

Fermented wool retains its color without fading, a technique used by textile craftsmen in the Iron Age. The method involves fermenting wool and dyeing it with Turkey red, providing an insight into ancient textile production.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 4, 2021

Uncovering the science of Indigenous fermentation

Researchers from the University of Adelaide and Australian Wine Research Institute discovered complex microbial communities associated with natural fermentation of Eucalyptus gunnii sap. The study sheds light on traditional Australian Aboriginal practices and identifies new strains of yeast and bacteria unique to Australia.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 10, 2020

Japanese sake: the new pick-me-up? Yeast strain makes fatigue-fighting ornithine

Japanese scientists have discovered a mutant strain of sake yeast that produces 10 times the amount of the amino acid ornithine compared to the parent strain. Ornithine has been found to reduce fatigue and improve sleep quality, making it a potential pick-me-up for fans of traditional Japanese alcoholic beverage.

SourceNara Institute of Science and Technology·JournalMetabolic Engineering·DateAug 27, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Bluetooth-enabled device detects fermentation process over days

A miniaturized Bluetooth device can detect glucose and fructose molecules in fermentation processes over days, enabling the study of metabolites and disease. The device has an accuracy above 98% and can transmit data wirelessly for up to 24 hours.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateMay 5, 2020

Lactic acid bacteria present in kimchi cabbage and garlic carry out the fermentation

Researchers identified the origin source of lactic acid bacteria responsible for kimchi fermentation, revealing that ingredients such as ginger and red pepper do not contribute to fermentation. The study found three unique fermentative microbes specific to each ingredient, resulting in distinct flavor profiles.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalFood Chemistry·DateApr 17, 2020
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Fractionation processes can improve profitability of ethanol production

Researchers found that wet fractionation techniques are the most profitable for processors, producing higher-quality coproducts. Dry fractionation methods were comparable to conventional methods in terms of return on investment.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalProcesses·DateNov 4, 2019

The secret of classic Belgian beers? Medieval super yeasts!

A team of scientists discovered that classic Belgian beers, including Gueuze and Trappist ales, are fermented with rare hybrid yeasts combining DNA from traditional ale yeast and stress-resistant feral yeasts. This unique adaptation allows for better fermentation capacity and special aromas.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateOct 21, 2019

Algae and bacteria team up to increase hydrogen production

Researchers from the University of Córdoba have successfully combined microalgae and bacteria to increase hydrogen production by 60% compared to individual production. The synergy is facilitated by acetic acid, which allows algae to produce more hydrogen, reducing waste and promoting bioremediation.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalBioresource Technology·DateSep 16, 2019
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

The flavor of chocolate is developed during the processing of the cocoa beans

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen found that fermentation conditions can significantly impact the flavor of noble cocoa varieties like Criollo and Trinitario. By controlling these processes, high-end chocolate producers can create unique flavors and aromas in their products.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalInternational Journal of Food Microbiology·DateAug 26, 2019

Breath! Respiring microbes generate more energy

Researchers have discovered that microorganisms can shift from fermentation to respiration, producing more internal energy and reducing unwanted byproducts. This breakthrough enables the design of new, improved cell factories with enhanced efficiency.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 23, 2019

Goat milk kefir is proven to be good for your health

Researchers from the University of Córdoba have analyzed the peptide content of goat milk kefir and discovered 11 beneficial compounds. These findings suggest that fermented kefir may have positive effects on cardiovascular health, immune function, and more.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalFood Chemistry·DateJun 25, 2019

Rebirth of the Japanese black tea market: challenges for entrepreneurial green tea farmers

The Japanese black tea market has seen a resurgence in recent years, driven by innovation and demand for high-quality products. However, the shift towards direct-to-consumer sales presents unique challenges for farmers, including access to feedback from consumers and adapting production techniques to meet evolving consumer preferences.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalJournal of Economic Structures·DateJun 18, 2019
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Early alcohol production in Neolithic China

A study analyzed ancient Neolithic Chinese pottery and found evidence of early alcohol production techniques, dating back around 7,000 to 8,000 years. The researchers identified cereal malts, moldy grains, and herbs as fermentation starters, suggesting the creation of low-alcohol beverages.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 3, 2019

New consolidated bio-saccharification technique for lignocellulose conversion developed

A new consolidated bio-saccharification (CBS) technique has been developed to improve lignocellulose conversion efficiency and reduce costs. The CBS process integrates enzyme production, cellulose hydrolysis, and fermentation in one step, resulting in a 50% reduction in processing time and increased sugar yield.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalBiotechnology for Biofuels·DateFeb 26, 2019

Microbes help make the coffee

Studies show that lactic acid bacteria positively impact coffee fermentation, yielding fruity notes and enhancing flavor. Microbial communities also affect the build-up of fermentation-related metabolites on coffee beans, influencing overall quality.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateFeb 1, 2019
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Scientists use microorganism to fabricate functional bacterial cellulose in situ

A research team has developed a novel method for fabricating functional bacterial cellulose through in situ fermentation of Komagataeibacter sucrofermentans. The new approach provides environmentally friendly conditions, lower production costs, and controlled distribution of functional moieties.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 28, 2019

Aerosol-assisted biosynthesis strategy enables functional bulk nanocomposites

Researchers developed a general and scalable biosynthesis strategy to produce uniform bulk nanocomposites composed of bacterial cellulose and nanoscale building blocks. The method successfully produces nanocomposites with high mechanical strength, electrical conductivity, and tunable carbon nanotube content.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalNational Science Review·DateJan 28, 2019

Researchers advance biomass transformation process

Scientists developed a strategy to transform 70% of carbon in ABE fermentation mixture to 4-heptanone with high selectivity using tin-doped ceria. The catalyst achieves excellent performance despite the presence of water, which is detrimental to most catalysts.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 5, 2018

I will drink to that

Researchers at Nara Institute of Science and Technology identify PP2A B55δ as a major regulator of alcohol fermentation by yeast. Understanding this molecular pathway could lead to ways to chemically enhance production of fermented beverages like sake.

SourceNara Institute of Science and Technology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateOct 26, 2018
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Biofilm reactor promises to cut production costs on vitamin K

Researchers at Penn State have developed a novel method to enhance fermentation of Menaquinone-7, a potent form of vitamin K, using biofilm reactors. The new process is expected to reduce production costs and increase efficiency, making it a promising alternative for industrial-scale production.

SourcePenn State·JournalApplied Microbiology and Biotechnology·DateOct 2, 2018

UMass Amherst food scientists profile microbes at a fermented vegetable facility

Researchers characterized microbial populations in a vegetable fermentation facility, finding distinct signatures between production and fermentation areas. The study's findings suggest that raw vegetables are the primary source of microbes in production areas, rather than handling or environmental sources.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateSep 25, 2018

Metabolic engineering of E. coli for the secretory production of free haem

Engineered E. coli strains have successfully produced extracellular free haem using a novel strategy, overcoming previous limitations in production efficiency and yield. The optimized metabolic pathway enables high titer production of haem, paving the way for its use as a bioavailable iron-supplying agent in medical applications.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Catalysis·DateAug 27, 2018
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Isolation and characterization of key enzyme for ephedrine production

Epimeron Inc. has isolated and characterized an enzyme from Ephedra sinica catalyzing a crucial step in ephedrine and pseudoephedrine production. The discovery paves the way for microbial fermentation-based production, offering a sustainable, secure, and environmentally friendly alternative to chemical processes.

SourceEpimeron Inc.·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJul 10, 2018

Pigs digest fiber efficiently even at high inclusion rates, study finds

Researchers found that pigs can ferment fiber in their hindgut without a decrease in efficiency up to 30% inclusion rate. The energy utilization from high-fiber diets is mainly affected by faster passage through the digestive tract, rather than fermentation capacity.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Animal Science·DateMay 30, 2018

Vegan and traditional kimchi have same microbes, study finds

A study found that vegan and traditional kimchi have nearly identical microbial communities after fermentation, with lactobacillus and leuconostoc dominating the samples. The findings suggest that vegan kimchi can provide probiotic benefits similar to traditional kimchi.

SourceBrown University·JournalFood Microbiology·DateMay 1, 2018

Organic fertilizers are an overlooked source of microplastic pollution

A new study reveals that organic fertilizers from biowaste fermentation contain microplastic particles, which enter the terrestrial environment and may end up in human food. The amount of microplastic particles differs based on pre-treatment methods and plant type.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 4, 2018

Researchers use light to turn yeast into biochemical factories

Scientists at Princeton University have developed a method to control the metabolism of living cells using light, enabling the production of commercially valuable chemicals. This technique allows for the creation of biofuels like isobutanol, which could potentially replace gasoline as a vehicle fuel.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalNature·DateMar 22, 2018
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Pausing evolution makes bioproduction of chemicals affordable and efficient

A new study suggests that cells can be engineered to overcome evolutionary pressure and stably produce high levels of valuable chemicals by rewiring production cells to slow down growth when they lose production. This allows productive cells to maintain their function even in large-scale fermentations.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 19, 2018

One-step production of aromatic polyesters by E. coli strains

Researchers developed a novel strategy to produce aromatic polyesters from Escherichia coli strains using microbial fermentation and synthetic biology. The engineered E. coli strain can produce various high-valued aromatic polyesters from renewable biomass, offering a sustainable alternative for the bio-plastic industry.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 8, 2018
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Bristol scientists turn beer into fuel

Scientists from the University of Bristol have developed technology to convert widely-available ethanol into butanol, a more efficient fuel alternative. The breakthrough uses catalysts to convert beer's ethanol content into butanol, paving the way for sustainable petrol production.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalCatalysis Science & Technology·DateDec 6, 2017

The microbiological art of making a better sausage

A team of Italian investigators found that commercial starter culture produced sausages with higher acidity, but inferior taste, as compared to spontaneous fermentation. The study used Next Generation Sequencing techniques and gas chromatography with mass spectrometry to analyze the microorganisms and metabolic pathways involved.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateDec 1, 2017

Bio-based p-xylene oxidation into terephthalic acid by engineered E. coli

Researchers developed a biocatalytic system to produce terephthalic acid from p-xylene using metabolically engineered E. coli, offering a greener alternative to traditional chemical methods. The resulting yield of 97 mol% demonstrates the feasibility of this bio-based technology for large-scale production.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 4, 2017
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

New research on wine fermentation could lead to better bouquet

Researchers discovered that yeast breaks down amino acids to create a pool of nitrogen for use in protein synthesis, contrary to conventional wisdom. This finding could lead to better control of fermentation and improved wine quality.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateJan 23, 2017

How crop load density affects apple juice, hard cider quality

A study found that medium and high crop loads resulted in higher total polyphenol content in cider. Meanwhile, low crop loads led to lower yeast-assimilable nitrogen concentrations in apple juice. These findings suggest optimal management strategies for orchard managers to improve cider quality.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateNov 28, 2016

Metagenomic study links microbes to flavors in kefir

A team of food scientists and microbiologists analyzed microbial populations in kefir using metagenomics, finding correlations between specific bacteria and flavor compounds. The study suggests optimizing production, customizing flavor, and improving health benefits by tweaking the microbial mix.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmSystems·DateOct 4, 2016

Biofuel production technique could reduce cost, antibiotics use

A new metabolic engineering technique could significantly reduce the cost and environmental impact of producing liquid biofuels and biochemicals. The approach eliminates the need for antibiotics during biofuel production by giving producer microbes an advantage over unwanted invaders.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateAug 4, 2016
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Research ushers in new era of boutique chocolate

Researchers discovered that yeasts used to ferment cocoa can modify aroma, enabling creation of unique flavors in boutique chocolates. The findings could lead to a wider range of flavors similar to wines and coffee.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateNov 20, 2015
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

New diversity for lager beers

Researchers have created new crosses among relevant yeasts to open up new horizons of taste in lager beers. Genetic studies showed a lack of genetic diversity among lager yeasts, resulting from only two parent yeast species.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateSep 25, 2015

BioLEGO

The BioLEGO web application enables single and two-step multiorganism fermentation process design, maximizing feedstock conversion rates. It also evaluates possible biomass-to-product yields and recommends media changes to increase process efficacy.

SourceWorld Scientific·JournalTECHNOLOGY·DateAug 3, 2015

Better chocolate with microbes

A team of Belgian researchers has discovered a yeast species that significantly improves chocolate fermentation, resulting in better and more consistent chocolate. The new method allows for the creation of specialty chocolates with unique flavors.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateJul 15, 2015

Unlocking fermentation secrets open the door to new biofuels

The study provides a powerful tool for guiding strain design and protocol optimization, facilitating the development of next-generation biofuels. It elucidates the complex system-level orchestration of metabolic reactions, gene regulation, and environmental cues during clostridial ABE fermentation.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 24, 2015
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

More flavorful, healthful chocolate could be on its way

Researchers have developed a new technique to retain more antioxidants in chocolate by storing cocoa pods for a few days before fermentation. This process, called pulp preconditioning, resulted in higher antioxidant activity and more polyphenols in the beans.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateMar 24, 2015

Pigs gain the same with corn-ethanol co-product as with corn-soybean meal diet, says study

A recent study found that pigs fed diets containing corn-ethanol co-products, such as distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS), had no significant differences in growth performance compared to those fed a traditional corn-soybean meal diet. The study showed that conventional, high-protein, or uncooked DDGS can be safely included at...

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of the Science of Food and Agriculture·DateMar 20, 2015
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Jailbreaking yeast could amp up wine's health benefits, reduce morning-after headaches

University of Illinois scientists have engineered a 'jailbreaking' yeast that increases wine's health benefits and reduces toxic byproducts. The new technology allows for precise metabolic engineering, enabling the addition of bioactive compounds from other foods and improving malolactic fermentation.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateMar 16, 2015

Bioplastic -- greener than ever

A new method to produce lactic acid from glycerol, a waste feedstock, has been introduced, reducing CO2 emission by 30% compared to conventional fermentation. The process also lowers production costs, increasing the potential profit by 17-fold.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateDec 3, 2014

Biochemistry detective work: Algae at night

Scientists at Carnegie Institution for Science have discovered crucial biochemical pathways in single-cell alga Chlamydomonas that allow it to generate energy from stored sugars without taking up oxygen. This process is essential for the survival of many aquatic and terrestrial organisms, but its mechanisms are poorly understood.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateNov 10, 2014

'Pick 'n' Mix' chemistry to grow cultures of bioactive molecules

Researchers develop a new method called synthetic fermentation to rapidly synthesize large numbers of bioactive molecules using just a few building blocks. The method enables the generation of about 6,000 unnatural peptide-like molecules directly screened for biological activity without purification.

SourceInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateSep 7, 2014
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Prions can trigger 'stuck' wine fermentations, researchers find

Researchers discovered a biochemical communication system behind 'stuck fermentation,' enabling bacteria to switch yeast from sugar to other food sources without altering its DNA. Winemakers can now avoid stuck fermentations by altering sulfur dioxide levels or adding yeast strains that overpower bacteria.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalCell·DateAug 28, 2014