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
Tag: biology
Contributions of Limb Joints to Energy Absorption during Landing in Cats
Contributions of Limb Joints to Energy Absorption during Landing in Cats SUMMARY: How is it that cats are able to jump down from high places and not hurt themselves? Researchers in this study observed 5 cats, jumping from various heights, for clues as to what sorts of forces and shock absorbers were at work. The… Continue reading Contributions of Limb Joints to Energy Absorption during Landing in Cats
Rotifers Paralyzing Schistosomes
A rotifer-derived paralytic compound prevents transmission of schistosomiasis to a mammalian host SUMMARY: Researchers discovered that a new molecule produced by the rotifer, Rotaria rotatoria, paralyzes cercariae. Cercariae are the free-living/infectious stage of the flatworm Schistosoma, the cause of schistosomiasis. R. rotatoria live on the shell of freshwater snails and secrete a compound scientists have… Continue reading Rotifers Paralyzing Schistosomes
Electronic Tongues
A Versatile Electronic Tongue Based on Surface Plasmon Resonance Imaging and Cross-Reactive Sensor Arrays-A Mini-Review SUMMARY: Scientists are trying to create electronic tongues (eT) and noses (eN) that act like human tongues and noses. These artificial sensors are different from traditional sensors in that they don’t recognize individual molecules, but heterogeneous liquids and gases. In… Continue reading Electronic Tongues
Biological effects and mechanisms of shortwave radiation
Biological effects and mechanisms of shortwave radiation SUMMARY: This article review looked at the research that has been completed on the effects of shortwave radiation on the biological system. It’s been shown that shortwave electromagnetic field (SW-EMF) was successful at slowing down the growth of certain cancer cells, promote healing in skin, help with pain… Continue reading Biological effects and mechanisms of shortwave radiation
Enzyme Catalysis To Power Micro/Nanomachines
Enzyme Catalysis To Power Micro/Nanomachines SUMMARY: Is it possible to make nanomachines out of enzymes? This review looks at the ways we can harness enzymes to self-propel or function as tiny machines. Doing so would have many implications in nanotechnology and drug delivery. There were a few ways to use enzymes. First, there's the DNA-enzyme… Continue reading Enzyme Catalysis To Power Micro/Nanomachines