https://phys.org/biology-news/molecular-computational en-us Medical Xpress provides the latest news on molecular and Computational biology Chicken-meat is one of the most accessible, affordable and accepted animal protein worldwide, presenting a promising solution to food security while maintaining minimal greenhouse gas emissions and low carbon footprints. Broiler chicken diets typically comprise 20 to 23% protein, with soybean meal being the primary protein source. Advancements have been made in the form of low-protein broiler diets, which reduce soybean meal usage by substituting with crystalline amino acids. https://phys.org/news/2023-08-optimizing-low-protein-diets-broiler-chickens.html Molecular & Computational biology Agriculture Wed, 02 Aug 2023 12:43:02 EDT news610198979 When you shell out for artisanal food—Swiss Gruyère cheese, organic vanilla extract, Italian prosciutto—do you get what you paid for? With global food fraud estimates as high as $40 billion a year, it's a question Purdue University researchers are tackling with a food "fingerprint" technique sensitive enough to distinguish between foods made from the same ingredients, but in different locations. https://phys.org/news/2023-08-gourmet-imitation-technique-ferrets-food.html Molecular & Computational biology Agriculture Wed, 02 Aug 2023 12:35:35 EDT news610198531 Many cereal crops, such as wheat and barley, are prey to devastating fungal diseases caused by infection with so-called grass powdery mildews. A key battleground between the plants and the powdery mildews is the interaction between plant immune receptors and pathogen effectors, molecules which are delivered into host cells by pathogens to establish infection. https://phys.org/news/2023-08-insights-illuminate-arms-crop-fungal.html Molecular & Computational biology Agriculture Wed, 02 Aug 2023 12:33:58 EDT news610198430 New research published today in Nature has revealed the importance of mineral forms of iron in regulating the cycling of this bio-essential nutrient in the ocean. https://phys.org/news/2023-08-highlights-importance-mineral-iron-ocean.html Ecology Molecular & Computational biology Wed, 02 Aug 2023 12:31:48 EDT news610198302 A study on almost four thousand people of African descent has identified a gene that acts as natural defense against HIV by limiting its replication in certain white blood cells. An international effort co-led by EPFL, Canada's National Microbiology Laboratory, and Imperial College London, it paves the way for new treatment strategies and underscores the importance of studying diverse ancestral populations to better address their specific medical needs and global health disparities. https://phys.org/news/2023-08-hiv-african-genomes.html Biotechnology Molecular & Computational biology Wed, 02 Aug 2023 11:31:47 EDT news610194698 When considering a bacterial population as a multicellular community, it is imperative to understand the inherent roles of maintaining homeostasis and viability in response to environmental factors. Cannibalism is a strategy to cope with nutrient deficiency in the environment, which maintains survival of the Bacillus population. Although cannibalism is well-investigated in Bacillus subtilis, the model species of Bacillus, its mechanism remains unknown in other Bacillus species. https://phys.org/news/2023-08-fatty-acids-governed-cannibalism-beneficial-rhizosphere.html Cell & Microbiology Molecular & Computational biology Wed, 02 Aug 2023 11:07:24 EDT news610193241 Building on the Middle East's reputation as one of the historical birthplaces of cereal crop domestication, a KAUST-led team has compiled the first complete genome map of an ancient grain known as einkorn. https://phys.org/news/2023-08-ancient-grain-genetic-secrets-bread.html Molecular & Computational biology Agriculture Wed, 02 Aug 2023 11:00:02 EDT news610128139 In a compost heap, the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans finds a richly laid table: at a length of just one millimeter, the worm feeds on bacteria that decompose organic material. It is essential that the animal avoids sunlight—and not just to ensure its body remains at an optimal temperature and does not dry out. https://phys.org/news/2023-08-nematode-artificial-intelligence-elucidate-sensor.html Biotechnology Molecular & Computational biology Wed, 02 Aug 2023 10:40:54 EDT news610191648 Consider this agricultural riddle: What occupies more than 49 million acres in the United States, is the third largest agricultural crop by area and accounts for a $40 billion dollar industry? https://phys.org/news/2023-08-beneficial-bacteria-ud1022-fungal-pathogens.html Molecular & Computational biology Agriculture Wed, 02 Aug 2023 10:40:01 EDT news610191073 A team of scientists from A*STAR's Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS) and the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS Medicine) has made an important breakthrough in the fight against RNA viruses that cause human diseases and pandemics. https://phys.org/news/2023-08-scientists-gene-editing-technology-ev-a71-rna.html Cell & Microbiology Molecular & Computational biology Wed, 02 Aug 2023 10:25:38 EDT news610190735 As part of an international team, St Petersburg University biologists have for the first time described the genome of the Baikal seal or nerpa, the only mammal inhabiting Lake Baikal. The research is published in the journal Genes. https://phys.org/news/2023-08-scientists-sequence-genome-baikal.html Plants & Animals Molecular & Computational biology Wed, 02 Aug 2023 10:23:13 EDT news610190588 Multidrug-resistant bacterial infections are one of the most pressing issues in medicine, a situation that is only expected to worsen in the coming decades. The problem is being addressed not only by developing new antibiotics but also by studying antibiotic alternatives, such as phages. Among them is the Microbial Molecular Evolution Research Group at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology in Plön. https://phys.org/news/2023-08-evolving-viruses-bacterial-infections.html Molecular & Computational biology Wed, 02 Aug 2023 10:21:12 EDT news610190469 Known as the power plant of the cell, mitochondria are essential to human metabolism. Human mitochondria consist of 1,300 different proteins and two fatty biomembranes. The vast majority of mitochondrial proteins are produced with a cleavable transport signal and have to be actively transported into the mitochondria. https://phys.org/news/2023-08-signal-dependent-formation-mitochondria.html Cell & Microbiology Molecular & Computational biology Wed, 02 Aug 2023 08:39:56 EDT news610184393 For some years now, biochar has been studied extensively as an alternative to phosphate fertilizer. Biochar is a recyclate produced by biomass pyrolysis, i.e., organic feedstocks are incinerated without oxygen at temperatures ranging from 400°C to 700°C. The biochar bases may differ considerably. Waste wood, chicken manure, or leaves can be processed to fertilizers. https://phys.org/news/2023-08-alternative-phosphate-fertilizer-biochar-basis.html Molecular & Computational biology Agriculture Wed, 02 Aug 2023 08:39:32 EDT news610184369 Beachgoers are familiar with the experience of spending hours in the sun, going home, and noticing only hours later that their skin has changed color. https://phys.org/news/2023-08-tans-weve-left-beach.html Molecular & Computational biology Wed, 02 Aug 2023 08:14:22 EDT news610182853 Investigating the building blocks of biology can lead to unexpected outcomes. That's what happened when researchers at the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory were exploring plant genetics. Although their research was focused on improving plants to use as bioenergy crops, what they found could help develop future treatments for COVID-19. https://phys.org/news/2023-08-biology-covid-treatments.html Cell & Microbiology Molecular & Computational biology Tue, 01 Aug 2023 13:53:03 EDT news610116781 Human cells are protecting their proteins from unfolding and aggregating. That's what biophysicist Alireza Mashaghi and his team discovered after seven years of in-depth research into the folding mechanisms of proteins. With an unprecedented approach, the team was able to study the folding of a single protein molecule. https://phys.org/news/2023-08-biological-origami-molecular-cytosolic-interactome.html Molecular & Computational biology Tue, 01 Aug 2023 12:33:43 EDT news610112020 Ion channels play a crucial role in many cellular processes, including neuronal communication, muscle contraction or cell proliferation. https://phys.org/news/2023-08-gating-mechanism-ion-channels.html Cell & Microbiology Molecular & Computational biology Tue, 01 Aug 2023 11:19:02 EDT news610107541 North Carolina State University researchers have identified the specific blend of pheromone chemicals—including a newly revealed aphrodisiac—used by male moths during courtship as they attempt to entice females to mate. https://phys.org/news/2023-08-male-moth-aphrodisiac-revealed.html Ecology Molecular & Computational biology Tue, 01 Aug 2023 11:00:01 EDT news610098586 Discovering and developing drugs can be slow, costly and high-risk, but harnessing advances in artificial intelligence (AI) can help with these processes, say Brock University researchers. https://phys.org/news/2023-08-explore-ai-covid-drug.html Molecular & Computational biology Tue, 01 Aug 2023 10:31:04 EDT news610104662 Researchers have revealed the unique 'cheating' strategy a New Zealand insect has developed to avoid being eaten—mimicking a highly toxic species. https://phys.org/news/2023-08-pays-survival-strategy-insect-uncovered.html Ecology Molecular & Computational biology Tue, 01 Aug 2023 10:17:03 EDT news610103821 Sperm play a critical role in the creation of new life, delivering essentially half of the genetic material required. https://phys.org/news/2023-07-modifications-amino-acids-sperm-infertility.html Cell & Microbiology Molecular & Computational biology Mon, 31 Jul 2023 16:53:28 EDT news610041204 Characteristic volatile compounds in cultivated strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) fruit are the main factors to attract customers, which are highly correlated with consumer preference and overall satisfaction with strawberries. https://phys.org/news/2023-07-strawberry-fruit-flavor-quality.html Molecular & Computational biology Agriculture Mon, 31 Jul 2023 15:34:02 EDT news610036441 Scientists at the Children's Nutrition Research Center of the USDA's Agricultural Research Service (ARS) helped develop healthier sorghum varieties containing significant concentrations of provitamin A carotenoids while also increasing mineral absorption to meet the nutritional needs of mothers and children in sub-Saharan Africa. https://phys.org/news/2023-07-scientists-healthy-sorghum-crop-healthier.html Molecular & Computational biology Agriculture Mon, 31 Jul 2023 15:11:04 EDT news610035062 For years, we've known that a special kind of molecular assembly known as a "polyelectrolyte complex" helps your cells keep themselves organized. These complexes are very good at forming interfaces to keep two liquids separated: your cells use them to create compartments. These abilities have led scientists to consider them for technological applications, including filtering water, better batteries, and even underwater glue, as well as for better pharmaceutical drugs. https://phys.org/news/2023-07-reveals-long-debated-makeup-molecules-cells.html Cell & Microbiology Molecular & Computational biology Mon, 31 Jul 2023 15:00:01 EDT news610015098 Future therapies to help people live healthy lives for longer could be developed from drugs that release tiny amounts of the gas hydrogen sulfide (H2S), new research has indicated. https://phys.org/news/2023-07-hydrogen-sulfide-healthy-aging-therapeutic.html Cell & Microbiology Molecular & Computational biology Mon, 31 Jul 2023 15:00:01 EDT news610015115 Tick-borne pathogens have become emerging global health threats in humans and animals. The objective of a new study published in Zoonoses was to investigate Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Babesia, and Borrelia in ticks in southern China. https://phys.org/news/2023-07-scientists-molecular-analyses-southern-china.html Ecology Molecular & Computational biology Mon, 31 Jul 2023 13:50:02 EDT news610030202 A new computer program allows scientists to observe the behavior of multiple animals simultaneously and over extended periods, while automatically analyzing their motion. What may seem obvious marks a significant milestone, and paves the way for robust and accessible standardization and evaluation of such complex observations. https://phys.org/news/2023-07-machine-behavioral-neuroscience-precise-phenotyping.html Plants & Animals Molecular & Computational biology Mon, 31 Jul 2023 13:24:57 EDT news610028694 It's one of the mysteries of nature: How does the axolotl, a small salamander, boast a superhero-like ability to regrow nearly any part of its body? For years, scientists have studied the amazing regenerative properties of the axolotl to inform wound healing in humans. https://phys.org/news/2023-07-ultra-sensitive-on-off-axolotls-regrow-limbs.html Plants & Animals Molecular & Computational biology Mon, 31 Jul 2023 11:05:04 EDT news610020293 The influenza (flu) virus is constantly undergoing a process of evolution and adaptation through acquiring new mutations. Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have added a new layer of understanding to explain why and how flu viruses change. The "survival of the accessible" model provides a complementary view to the more widely recognized "survival of the fittest" way of evolving. The work was published today in Science Advances. https://phys.org/news/2023-07-mutation-accessibility-fuels-influenza-evolution.html Evolution Molecular & Computational biology Fri, 28 Jul 2023 14:08:24 EDT news609771963