You might think that Mercury is just our little neighbor. But it's not so simple. This small planet is brutal. It's so close to the Sun that it experiences extreme temperatures, from super hot to freezing cold. Plus, it's heavily beaten by solar radiation. So, imagine our excitement when the Europea
Ever wondered how tiny creatures like fruit fly larvae get a sudden burst of energy to move around? Scientists have found that when these larvae, known as Drosophila, are hungry, their nervous system kicks into high gear. A type of neuron called type II octopaminergic motor neurons (MNs) starts firi
Protein language models, or PLMs, have been quite successful in understanding proteins. However, they struggle with antibodies, especially their hypervariable regions, which don't follow the usual evolutionary rules. Researchers have come up with a new method called Antibody Mutagenesis-Augmented Pr
You know how ghosts can show up in your MRI scans, making it hard to see what's really going on? This happens due to something called Nyquist ghosting. A clever trick called dual-polarity readout can fix this, but it usually takes twice as long. Researchers have found a way to make this trick work f
Photochemical reactions are like mysterious puzzles in the world of chemistry. Unlike regular chemical reactions, where understanding the energy surface is key, photochemical reactions involve light absorption, leading to a nonstationary state in molecules. This state allows for internal conversions
Ever wondered why leaf beetle larvae prefer to munch on old leaves while their parents enjoy fresh ones? Scientists found that these tiny creatures have a secret weapon: bacteria-borrowed genes. These genes help the larvae break down cellulose, a tough fiber found in mature leaves. Without these gen
Ever wondered how to keep epithelial cells growing for a long time? Scientists found that a protein called Invasin, produced by a type of bacteria called Yersinia, can help. This protein works by activating something called integrin, which helps cells stick together and grow. When integrated into a
Meet the harlequin ladybird, a global pest controller with a hidden talent. This beetle, originally from East Asia, has become an invasive species in Europe and North America. Scientists found that when harlequin ladybirds eat the eggs of seven-spotted ladybirds, they stay healthy. But the seven-spo
Antimicrobial peptides, nicknamed AMPs, are tiny peptides that help defend against diseases. As antibiotic resistance grows thanks to misuse, finding AMPs has become a big deal. These peptides could be an alternative to traditional antibiotics. The challenge lies in accurately identifying AMPs using
In Latin America, one of the standout events in the world of inorganic chemistry is the 21st Brazilian Meeting on Inorganic Chemistry (BMIC). This annual gathering brings together experts from across the region to share their latest findings and innovations in the field. The meeting is so significan
