The world of DNA is full of mysteries. One of those mysteries is methylation. Methylation is a process where a methyl group is added to DNA. This can change how genes are read and expressed. Scientists have found a way to spot these changes using tiny, natural pores. These pores are found in a protein called α-hemolysin. The pores are so small that they can only let ...
Drugs are sneaky. They keep changing, and it's tough to keep up. But here's a clever way to stay ahead: check the wastewater. This isn't about snooping; it's about public health. Scientists have found a way to spot new drugs in our water systems. They've created a swift and efficient method to detect 311 different new psychoactive substances (NPS) and their breakdown...
In 2024, a significant effort took place to better understand how avian coronavirus, or bird flu, spreads among poultry in China. This involved collecting samples from various locations across the country. Over 7, 600 samples were gathered from 153 different sites spread across 13 provinces. The results showed that about 20. 60 percent of these samples tested positiv...
Graphene is a superstar in the world of biosensors. This 2D wonder material is making waves due to its unique structure and electrical properties. It allows for the detection of various biological targets without needing labels or amplification. This makes it highly sensitive and selective. However, detecting tiny biomolecules with minimal charge has been a tough nut...
Alzheimer's disease is a growing concern, with millions of people affected worldwide. Early detection is crucial for better management and treatment. Two important indicators of this disease are monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE). These substances are often elevated in individuals with Alzheimer's. However, finding both of these indicators at...
Pesticide residue detection is crucial for food safety. A new sensor has been created to spot Benomyl, a common pesticide, in fruits and vegetables. This sensor uses a special mix of materials to boost its performance. The key ingredients are Cu-BTC and FeCo-ZIF, which are turned into N-doped carbon through a process called pyrolysis. This mix is then used to create ...
Water pollution is a growing problem. Harmful algae blooms are on the rise. These blooms produce toxins. One such toxin is microcystin. It is dangerous for humans. It can cause serious health issues. Liver damage and cancer are possible. Detecting microcystin is not easy. Traditional methods are expensive and complex. They need special equipment and trained ...
Tuberculosis, or TB, is a sneaky disease. It can hide in the body, making it tough to spot. Doctors often use sputum cultures to find TB bacteria. But sometimes, these tests come up empty, even when TB is present. This is where things get tricky. New, super-sensitive tests like GeneXpert MTB/RIF Ultra can pick up TB DNA in sputum samples that cultures miss. But what ...
The world of sports has seen a big push to catch athletes using performance-enhancing drugs. This has led to the creation of the Athlete Biological Passport. It is a system that tracks specific biological markers over time to spot any unusual changes. This can indicate the use of banned substances. The idea behind this system is simple: instead of trying to catch ...
MRSA, or Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus, is a tough bacterium that doesn't play nice with antibiotics. This makes it a big problem for both the environment and human health. It's sneaky, it's strong, and it can hide just about anywhere. This is why spotting MRSA quickly and accurately is super important. It helps keep our surroundings safe and makes sure...