The protein tubulin plays a crucial role in cell structure and function, forming the main component of microtubules. Researchers from EPFL and the University of Geneva have made significant progress in understanding the mechanisms behind tubulin post-translational modifications (PTMs). By engineering tubulin with specific modifications, they have gained valuable insights into the interplay between different
Plastic food packaging has become a significant environmental issue, contributing to the growing plastic waste problem in landfills. In response to increasing concerns about the environment, researchers at The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) have made a breakthrough in developing an edible, transparent, and biodegradable material that shows great promise for food packaging applications.
In a recent research project led by Brazilian scientists and published in Scientific Reports, a haunting truth has come to light. Deforestation in Indigenous Territories (ITs) in the Brazilian Amazon has resulted in the emission of a staggering 96 million metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) between 2013 and 2021. This alarming revelation not only
The Enigma of Cosmic Rays Cosmic rays have long puzzled scientists as they constantly bombard the Earth from different locations in the Milky Way. However, determining their origins has proven to be a formidable challenge. The electric charge of cosmic ray particles causes them to deviate from a straight path due to the influence of
The East Anatolian fault, stretching across eastern to south-central Turkey, has played a significant role in the formation of the Anatolian tectonic plate. In February 2023, this fault zone caused two major earthquakes in Turkey and Syria. While the timing and magnitude of future earthquakes cannot be predicted, a recent study conducted by an international
Understanding the intricate connection between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and the gut has long been a challenge for researchers. However, a recent study conducted by a team of 43 scientists from various disciplines has shed new light on this relationship. While the exact causes of autism and its subtypes still elude us, the study uncovers
Counting calories has always been the go-to method for individuals aiming to lose weight. However, it is often seen as a time-consuming and disappointing process. In recent years, an alternative approach called intermittent fasting has gained popularity, with its most common variation being time-restricted eating. But is intermittent fasting really more effective than calorie counting
RNA, a crucial biomolecule, serves various applications in environmental studies, from microbial community monitoring to the quantification of pathogenic viruses in water and wastewater systems. However, to harness the potential of RNA in these emerging technologies, it is crucial to understand its degradation rate under different conditions. Recent research conducted at Washington University in St.
Champagne and sparkling wines are known for their effervescence, captivating us with their tiny bubbles and the tingling sensation they create on our palates. The magic behind this delightful experience lies in the carbon dioxide produced during a secondary fermentation process that occurs within the sealed bottles. Combining yeasts, sugar, and wine sets off a
The development of drugs to combat cancer and infectious diseases often draws inspiration from natural products. However, understanding the intricate processes through which nature creates these compounds remains a challenge. Seeking to unravel this mystery, Xue Gao, a chemical engineer at Rice University, and her team have embarked on groundbreaking research that has successfully mapped
Supramolecular polymers have garnered significant attention in recent years due to their unique properties and potential applications. Unlike traditional polymers, these compounds, known as “supra,” are held together by reversible hydrogen bonds, allowing for assembly and disassembly. The controlled growth of supramolecular polymers has been a challenge for researchers, hampering their full potential. However, recent
Marine biologists are increasingly concerned about the impact of human-induced climate change on the oceans. In response, they have been exploring various strategies to address this issue, one of which is ocean carbon dioxide removal (CDR). Ocean alkalinity enhancement is a specific approach to CDR that involves introducing pulverized minerals or dissolved alkali into the