Life & Chemistry

Life & Chemistry

Combining two genome analysis approaches supports immune system contribution to autism

The report published December 4 in the open-access journal PLOS ONE powerfully supports a role for the immune function in autism by integrating analysis of…

Life & Chemistry

Indispensable Guests: Shedding Light on Past Life

The hosts haven’t transferred all of their permanent guests’ genetic material into their nuclei, because genetic information could have become lost in the…

Life & Chemistry

A Fragrance That Breaks the Rules

Approximately one third of all fragrances on the market contain vetiver oil as a key ingredient, for which no synthetic odorant is commercially available….

Life & Chemistry

Different genes behind same adaptation to thin air

Highlanders in Tibet and Ethiopia share a biological adaptation that enables them to thrive in the low oxygen of high altitudes, but the ability to pass on the…

Life & Chemistry

Researchers Craft Tool to Minimize Threat of Endocrine Disruptors in New Chemicals

The innovative “TiPED” testing system (Tiered Protocol for Endocrine Disruption) stems from a cross-disciplinary collaboration among scientists, and can be…

Life & Chemistry

Insect-eating bat outperforms nectar specialist as pollinator of cactus flowers

Of the two bat species known to visit the flowers of the cardon cactus in Baja California, one depends entirely on nectar and is highly specialized to feed…

Life & Chemistry

Key Proteins Linked to Kidney Cancer Spread Identified

Researchers at St. Michael's hospital have identified 29 proteins that are likely to be involved in the spread of kidney cancer. The discovery will help…

Life & Chemistry

X-ray laser helps slay parasite that causes sleeping sickness

With the elucidation of the 3D structure of the cathepsin B enzyme, it will be possible to design new drugs to inhibit the parasite (Trypanosoma brucei) that…

Life & Chemistry

Extraverted gorillas enjoy longer lives, research suggests

An international team of researchers looked at the role of personality by studying 298 gorillas in North American zoos and sanctuaries for over 18 years. The…

Life & Chemistry

Understanding Dendritic Spines’ Electrical Role After 100 Years

Researchers know dendritic spines play a vital role. These tiny membranous structures protrude from dendrites’ branches; spread across the entire dendritic…

Life & Chemistry

Gold Nanoparticles Synthesis in Human Hair for Innovative Dyeing

Philippe Walter and colleagues explain that gold nanoparticles — 40,000-60,000 of which could fit across the width of a human hair — are a hot topic….

Life & Chemistry

Microchoreography: Researchers use synthetic molecule to guide cellular “dance”

“We were able to use synthetic molecules small enough to slip inside the cell and activate a chemical reaction controlling cell movement, bypassing most of the…

Life & Chemistry

Organic Metamaterial: Shape-Memory Hydrogel Innovation

Rather than liquid metal, it is a hydrogel, a mesh of organic molecules with many small empty spaces that can absorb water like a sponge. It qualifies as a…

Life & Chemistry

Direct Brain Connection Signals Drosophila to Avoid Spoiled Food

Consuming putrid food can be lethal as it allows bacterial pathogens to enter the digestive system. To detect signs of decay and thus allowing us and other…

Life & Chemistry

Visualizing the structures of molecules

“We’ve developed high performance molecular simulation tools and a graphical user interface for researchers to study the conformation—the three-dimensional…

Life & Chemistry

Saving silkworms: current approaches to combat Microsporidiosis

Microsporidiosis is a disease caused by highly infective parasitic microsporidian. The spores of microsporidian, known as pebrine, infect almost all ages,…

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