Biofilm Microstructure Could Enhance Pathogenic Infection Control: Microbial Ecology

Generally, bacteria are envisioned as tiny, single-cell organisms scattered thinly on surfaces or floating in liquids. However, in various settings, bacteria prefer to grow in clusters known as biofilms. The formation of biofilms provides certain advantages to bacteria. In these clusters, bacteria can collaborate and create a protective environment that enhances their survival and growth. Biofilms, while aiding in kombucha tea production, present a challenge by complicating the control of bacterial growth. When bacteria form a biofilm, it acts like a protective shield, making the cells resistant to antibiotics.

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Is Algae the Next Green Protein Alternative?

Discover a green protein alternative – algae. Forget meat, researcher says algae is the new and eco-friendly protein that we’ve been ignoring so far. The University of Exeter just dropped a study in The Journal of Nutrition. The research demonstrates that two everyday algal species are protein powerhouses. And so, ingestion of those can help young as well as healthy adults remodel their muscles.

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Interview: Dr. Jay T. Lennon, Microbiologist at Indiana University, Bloomington

Meet Dr. Jay T. Lennon. Within the intricate tapestry of microbiology, a realm of microorganisms thrives, weaving the intricate threads of ecosystems, interactions, and even human health. Dr. Lennon, a distinguished luminary in the field of microbial ecology, has passionately dedicated his career to unraveling the enigmatic world of these microscopic life forms. He emerges as an insightful figure who delves deep into the intricate relationships governing microbial communities.

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Book Review: The Sixth Extinction by Elizabeth Kolbert

In The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History, Elizabeth Kolbert explores the current state of biodiversity loss and the role that human activities have played in causing it. Kolbert is an American journalist and author. She is the editor of “The Best American Science and Nature Writing 2009” and the author of “The Prophet of Love: And Other Tales of Power and Deceit,” “Field Notes from a Catastrophe,” and “The Sixth Extinction,” for which she won the Pulitzer Prize for general nonfiction in 2015. The Sixth Extinction provides a detailed analysis…

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Molecular Atlas of Spider Silk: Fibrous Protein Assembly

Researchers at Southwest University in China have successfully constructed the chromosomal-scale genome assembly as well as the complete spidroin gene set of the golden orb-weaving spider. The chromosomal-scale genome assembly represents genome sequence; while the spidroin refers to proteins in spider silk. Different spidroins determine the varieties in spider silks.   With this new insight, researchers can dive deeper into the silk-producing capabilities of spiders. Eventually, this might lead to the development of new materials with desirable mechanical properties.

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Book Review: The Story of the Dinosaurs in 25 Discoveries by Donald R. Prothero

Since the origin of life in 3.5 billion years ago, hundreds of millions of species might have lived on planet earth. Most of those are extinct by now. In his exceptional book, The Story of the Dinosaurs in 25 Discoveries: Amazing Fossils and the People Who Found Them, Donald R. Prothero has tried to surface those species that led to the landmarks in evolution. The idea was to signify evolutionary transition from one group to another. An interesting read for those who are looking for history of dinosaur science. Very…

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Probiotics Protect Bleached Corals from Death: Beneficial Microorganisms

Coral reefs harbour the highest biodiversity of any ecosystem globally. Constant rise in temperature is causing havoc to marine life as well. Coral reefs across the globe are suffering from bleaching and mass mortality due to warming ocean temperatures. Recent research by King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) shows probiotic treatment can boost coral health.

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