Choanoflagellates are tiny, single-celled organisms that have been traditionally grouped based on their protective outer layer, or periplast. Craspedida species have a purely organic periplast, while Acanthoecida species have a silica-based one called a lorica. Previous studies have suggested that t
Have you ever wondered why our bones sometimes become weak, or why the cushioning between them wears out? Scientists are digging into this mystery, using clever computers to help. They're focusing on two genes, COL1A1 and TNFRSF12A, which might play big roles in these issues, like when bones lose th
Imagine you're taking medicine that your body refuses to accept because it mistakenly thinks it's an invader. This is a big problem in biologic therapies, where medicines like enzymes and gene therapies can trigger unwanted immune responses, making them less effective. Scientists are tackling this i
Meet Toxoplasma gondii, a tiny critter causing big problems. It infects both animals and humans, with cats being its main spreaders. When cats leave oocysts in their poop, it contaminates our surroundings. We eat, drink, or touch these contaminated things and bam! Toxoplasmosis. Scientists have dev
Ever wondered why some research papers are published in journals that seem too good to be true? Predatory journals are on the prowl, and they're not picky about what they publish. These publications prioritize profits over quality, often tricking researchers into submitting their work. To protect th
Ever thought about how scientists can make Mn2+ ions give off different colors of light? They've been experimenting and found an exciting method! By putting Mn2+ ions into different crystal structures of AZn4(PO4)3, where A could be potassium, rubidium, or cesium, they've created unique patterns. Wh
Did you know that finding the perfect match between two things isn't always easy, especially when those things are tiny molecules and proteins? In the world of medicine, scientists are always looking for new ways to figure out how well these tiny partners stick together. One such method is called SP
It's been around 15 years since the introduction of the NOVA food-processing classification. Originally designed to pinpoint ultra-processed foods linked to noncommunicable diseases, NOVA has a broader scope that aligns with sustainable nutrition. But how well does NOVA fit with other indicators of
Ever heard of nanosheets that are just a few atoms thick but packed with amazing light-absorbing abilities? Scientists have made such nanosheets using a mix of gallium arsenide and aluminum gallium arsenide, called GaAs/AlGaAs. These super-thin nanosheets have special light properties that make them
Researchers checked how cows from South Dakota (SD) and Texas (TX) grew and changed when finished in either state. They divided 190 heifers (weighing around 483 kg from SD and 425 kg from TX) into four groups based on their origin and finishing location. They weighed the heifers regularly, and some
