Researchers have identified and confirmed the gene responsible for lutein esterification in bread wheat. The activity of this gene controls the timing of esterification in grain, which is related to storage and nutritional qualities of bread wheat and other grains.
Read moreEngineers have shown that the length of collagen fibers has a roll to play in the ability of normal cells to become invasive.
Read moreFor the first time ever, a professor has observed a crystallized iron product called hemozoin being made in mammals, with widespread implications for future research and treatment of blood disorders. Findings could be used to treat sickle cell disease and malaria patients, while opening up diverse research avenues across immunology, parasitology, neuroscience, microbiology, and even urology.
Read moreInspired by cephalopods, scientists developed an aquatic robot that mimics their form of propulsion. These high-speed, squidlike robots are made of smart materials, which make them hard to detect, while maintaining a low environmental footprint. Physicists used numerical simulations to illustrate the physical mechanisms and fluid mechanics of a squid's swimming method. By using this form of locomotion, the new device can achieve impressive speeds, just like its animal inspiration.
Read moreScientists have gained a new understanding of how tiny, ultra-resilient invertebrates known as tardigrades, or 'water bears,' are protected in extreme conditions. Tardigrades are found in water environments around the world — including mountainous, deep sea and Antarctic environments. The researchers discovered that a tardigrade protein named Dsup binds to chromatin — DNA inside cells — and forms a protective cloud against extreme survival threats such as radiation damage.
Read moreJellyfish are animals that possess the unique ability to regenerate body parts. A team of scientists has now revealed the cellular mechanisms that give jellyfish these remarkable 'superpowers.'
Read moreNegative perception of a regulatory authority diminishes the honesty of those regulated. This is the conclusion of an experiment with EU-skeptic commercial fishermen and Brexit voters. The findings can help to assess the effectiveness of unmonitored EU fisheries regulations.
Read moreResearchers have discovered that cowbirds conform to Bateman's Principle, despite investing no energy into parental care. Surprisingly, 75% of the cowbirds in the system were monogamous. Future research will expand upon these findings and broaden the understanding of how cowbirds might select the nests they parasitize, what role the males could play to assist the females, and why monogamy could be such a benefit.
Read moreNegative perception of a regulatory authority diminishes the honesty of those regulated. This is the conclusion of an experiment with EU-sceptic commercial fishermen and Brexit voters. The findings can help to assess the effectiveness of unmonitored EU fisheries regulations. The experiment also revealed: Fishermen were more honest than students.
Read moreAn international study used human retinal cells to demonstrate how the Toxoplasma parasite creates a characteristic eye lesion that can help doctors diagnose the infection.
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