An international research team has investigated the chances of survival of kombucha cultures under Mars-like conditions. Kombucha is known as a drink, sometimes called tea fungus or mushroom tea, which is produced by fermenting sugared tea using kombucha cultures -- a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast. Although the simulated...
Gene variation may be early indicator for gastric cancer
Researchers are hoping to catch stomach cancer before it develops in at-risk patients. Researchers identified a genetic variation that could help identify when patients with Helicobacter pylori are more likely to develop stomach cancer.
Study explores the promises and pitfalls of evolutionary genomics
A new study examines mathematical models designed to draw inferences about how evolution operates at the level of populations of organisms. The study concludes that such models must be constructed with the greatest care, avoiding unwarranted initial assumptions, weighing the quality of existing knowledge and remaining open to alternate explanations.
Textile Filter Testing Shows Promise for Carbon Capture
North Carolina State University researchers found they could filter carbon dioxide from air and gas mixtures at promising rates using a proposed new textile-based filter that combines cotton fabric and an enzyme called carbonic anhydrase – one of nature’s tools for speeding chemical reactions.
Beyond “Plant Trees!”: UMBC Research Finds Tree Plantations Encroaching on Essential Ecosystems
Trees store carbon, filter the air, create habitat, and supply a host of other benefits for animals and people.
Color-changing mouse model allows researchers to non-invasively study deep tissues
Biomedical and genetic engineers have developed a process to change the color of a mouse's tissue to better image its internal physiology. The approach will help researchers isolate and remove sources of strong background noise in biomedical images, giving them unprecedented access to observe, influence and image biological processes with...
Cover crops not enough to improve soil after decades of continuous corn
Although about 20% of Illinois cropping systems are planted to continuous corn, it's nearly impossible to find fields planted this way for decades at a time. Yet long-term experiments, including over 40 years of continuous corn under different nitrogen fertilizer rates, provide incredible learning opportunities and soil management lessons for...
New study deepens understanding of how animals see, and what colors
Gathering vision data for hundreds of vertebrates and invertebrates, biologists have deepened scientists' understanding of animal vision, including the colors they see. The researchers determined that animals adapted to land are able to see more colors than animals adapted to water. Animals adapted to open terrestrial habitats see a wider...
After Long Decline, Eastern Monarchs Show Signs of Recovery, Survey Finds
Eastern monarch butterflies covered 35 percent more ground in the mountain forests of central Mexico this past winter than they did the year before, according to a survey from the World Wildlife Fund.
A 50% Reduction in Emissions by 2030 Can be Achieved. Here’s How
A new study by a team of scientists and policy analysts from across the nation suggests that there are multiple pathways to achieve this goal – but big commitments will need to be made, immediately.