Geobiologists have observed a new behavior of metal-metabolizing bacteria, with implications for design of microbial fuel cells. The bacterial ‘dance’ has been dubbed the electric slide, officially named electrokinesis.
Reproductive researchers have succeeded in isolating and transplanting pure populations of the immature cells that enable male reproduction in two species — humans and mice. The germline stem cells, taken from testis biopsies, demonstrated viability following transplantation to mouse testes, providing hope to prepubescent men risking infertility due to cancer treatment.
Continue reading about Reproductive germ cells survive and thrive in transplants, even among species
In first-time experiments in the wild, a researcher has discovered that a species of bat in Madagascar uses wet adhesion to attach itself to surfaces. The finding explains why the bat — unlike almost all others — roosts head-up. It also helps to explain how it differs from a similar head-up roosting species.
Continue reading about Sucker-footed bats don’t use suction after all
Scientists seeking to understand how to make an AIDS vaccine have found the cause of a major roadblock. It turns out that the immune system can indeed produce cells with the potential to manufacture powerful HIV-blocking antibodies — but at the same time, the immune system works equally hard to make sure these cells are [...]
Continue reading about Biological catch-22 prevents induction of antibodies that block HIV
Adding cerium oxide to phosphate glass rather than the commonly used silicate glass may make glasses that block ultraviolet light and have increased radiation damage resistance while remaining colorless, according to researchers. These cerium-containing phosphate glasses have many commercial applications for use in windows, sunglasses and solar cells.
Continue reading about Research may lead to better UV/radiation blocking in eye glasses
Do good-looking people really benefit from their looks, and in what ways? Researchers found that yes, attractive people do tend to have more social relationships and therefore an increased sense of psychological well-being.
Continue reading about The importance of attractiveness depends on where you live
NASA’s Aeronomy of Ice in the Mesosphere satellite has captured five complete polar seasons of noctilucent or “night-shining” clouds with an unprecedented horizontal resolution of 3 miles by 3 miles. Results show that the cloud season turns on and off like a “geophysical light bulb” and they reveal evidence that high altitude mesospheric “weather” may [...]
A gene involved in some forms of intellectual disability has been identified. The gene is called TRAPPC9 and may be associated with hundreds of thousands of cases of intellectual disability world-wide.
Continue reading about Gene identified as cause of some forms of intellectual disability
Researchers have provided the most extensive account to date of the unique observable characteristics seen in patients with an extremely rare premature aging syndrome.
Continue reading about Accelerated aging: Researchers identify traits of people with rare syndrome
Scientists have identified a protein switch that helps prevent liver damage, including inflammation, fibrosis and cancer. The findings suggest that a better understanding of how the protein, TAK1, works could lead to new insights into the development of liver disease and cancer.
Continue reading about Scientists uncover protective mechanism against liver cancer