Scientists have been facing challenges when trying to use gut bacteria data to detect colon cancer. While powerful sequencing tools give us loads of information, the data often turns out messy and tough to decipher. Both traditional methods and smart algorithms struggle to get clear answers from thi
Arizona is getting ready for some snow! The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued warnings for certain areas. These include the Western Mogollon Rim, Yavapai County Mountains, and Grand Canyon Country. They're expecting snow to hit the highest points, like Flagstaff and the South Rim. Drivers sh
Menthol is a natural substance found in peppermint and corn mint oils. It's widely used in medicines, cosmetics, and food. Out of the eight forms of menthol, (-)-menthol is the most effective at giving a refreshing feeling. Scientists have long known that (-)-menthol feels cooler and more refreshing
The upcoming Assassin's Creed Shadows is stirring up excitement, especially with its unconventional choice of protagonists. Yasuke, a samurai, is one of the main characters, but he's not an assassin. This isn't unprecedented, but it's the first time Ubisoft is openly embracing this change. As a resu
You know those tiny viruses that attack bacteria? They're called phages, and scientists are looking at them as a possible way to fight antibiotic-resistant infections. The problem is, phages can target different types of bacteria, making it tricky to find the right one. Existing computer tools don't
Imagine farnesol, a sticky compound that loves water about as much as a cat loves baths. Scientists figured out how to mix it with other molecules (like β-cyclodextrin and hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin) to make it more friendly with water. They chose a cool method called freeze-drying to make these m
Citrus plants face a tough enemy in the form of Huanglongbing (HLB), a severe disease caused by the bacteria Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas). These bacteria can manipulate plant immune responses, making infection management crucial. Scientists have been studying three specific bacteria prot
When you're sick, figuring out if a virus or bacteria is the cause can be tricky. A new way to interpret test results from multi-pathogen PCR might help clear things up. But what's the deal with these tests? They can detect lots of different germs, which can sometimes make things more confusing. Is
River blindness, also known as onchocerciasis, is a major health concern in Africa. The World Health Organization (WHO) has set a target to eliminate this neglected tropical disease (NTD) by 2030. More than 99% of people infected live in 31 countries across sub-Saharan Africa. The goal here is to ex
Growing III-V nanowires (NW) on silicon (Si) substrates is a tricky task. Scientists often rely on guesswork and different interpretations of important steps, like preparing the sample and forming the Au-Si alloy in the growth reactor. To make high-performance electronic devices that combine the bes
