https://www.pnas.org/content/116/41/20376 SUMMARY: The scaly-foot snail also known as Chrysomallon squamiferum is unique in that it makes iron sulfide nanoparticles. Chemically, most creatures who are only able to make minerals (biomineralization) using oxygen. The scaly-foot snail is able to do this in the absence of oxygen, a method that scientists are keen on understanding as it… Continue reading The making of natural iron sulfide nanoparticles in a hot vent snail
Category: Chemical Reactions
Using NAC Against Antibiotic Resistance Bacteria
N-acetyl Cysteine Coated Gallium Particles Demonstrate High Potency against Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 SUMMARY: Antibiotic resistant bacterial infections are on the rise, especially in hospitals. One of the culprits is the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa (POA1). Researchers are quickly running out of antibiotics to use against resistant strains. The problem has reached the point where colistin, a… Continue reading Using NAC Against Antibiotic Resistance Bacteria
Using Pu in a molten salt fast reactor
A disruptive approach to eliminating weapon-grade plutonium – Pu burning in a molten salt fast reactor SUMMARY: This study looked at the efficiency of several types of nuclear reactions: molten-salt reactors, light water reactors, and fast reactors. Using a program (written in Python), scientists looked at the data from each type of reactors and compared… Continue reading Using Pu in a molten salt fast reactor
Field and lab conditions alter microbial enzyme and biomass dynamics
Field and lab conditions alter microbial enzyme and biomass dynamics driving decomposition of the same leaf litter SUMMARY: This study looked at the rate of decay between litter in lab conditions and natural conditions. They used fallen leaves from dogwood trees, oak trees, maple trees, and maple-oak tree mix. Results showed quite a difference in… Continue reading Field and lab conditions alter microbial enzyme and biomass dynamics
Impacts of Biogeochemical Redox Processes
Biogeochemical Redox Processes and their Impact on Contaminant Dynamics SUMMARY: Reduction and oxidation reactions are the drivers behind many biological processes. Energy is both stored and transferred through these reactions. This article talks about the various redox reactions that can occur, both biotically and abiotically, and how that affects both biogeochemical cycles and contaminants. The… Continue reading Impacts of Biogeochemical Redox Processes
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Powered by Light: phototrophy and photosynthesis in prokaryotes and its evolution SUMMARY: This article looks at the still-not-yet-fully-known evolution and history of photosynthesis. There were various types of photosynthesis, the main difference being the type of electron donor. Some organisms used water as an electron donor, while others used things like hydrogen and manganese. The… Continue reading Powered by Light