Author: admin123TerRe

In a groundbreaking advancement in the field of microbiology and enzyme research, a new β-galactosidase enzyme discovered in the gut bacterium Bacteroides xylanisolvens is poised to revolutionize our understanding of prebiotic oligosaccharides and their significant role in human health. This discovery, led by Associate Professor Masahiro Nakajima and his research team at the Tokyo University of Science (TUS), unveils the unique functionalities of specific carbohydrates that were previously overlooked. The identification of this enzyme could propel prebiotic research to new heights, particularly concerning gut health and the synthesis of beneficial carbohydrates. Carbohydrates, often considered mere sources of energy, hold a…

In this SciArt profile, we meet Harsh Kapoor, who has a background in genetics and molecular biology, but decided to switch gears from doing a PhD to starting his own visual science communication company. Cell – the molecular fingerprint of lifeA scientist is an investigator. Unlike crime scene investigators who examine the crime scene for fingerprints, a scientist seeks evidence inside a cell. Thus, I imagined a cell inside a fingerprint. Can you tell us about your background and what you work on now? I was born in a small town in India and first in my family to pursue…

A fossil leopard lower jawbone next to a skull fragment of a juvenile Paranthropus robustus. Note the two punctures in the skull, which match the spacing of the tips of the leopard’s fangs—implying that this unfortunate hominin was killed and eaten by a leopard. Credit: Jason Heaton Paranthropus robustus was a species of prehistoric human that lived in South Africa about 2 million years ago, alongside Homo ergaster, a direct ancestor of modern people. Fossils of Paranthropus robustus are found in abundance at Swartkrans Cave, situated about halfway between Johannesburg and Pretoria. Much has been revealed about the diet and…

To celebrate International Women’s Day 2025, we are excited to share a collection of blog posts showcasing the work of some of the BES community. In each post, they discuss their experiences in ecology, as well as what this year’s theme, ‘Accelerate Action’, means to them. What work do you do?   I’m a macroecologist and macroevolutionary biologist interested in understanding broad scale patterns of biodiversity. I’m also interested in how we can use natural history collections to study global change. The combination of working in a museum and having  statistical expertise means I work on lots of different kinds of projects.…

Mother chimpanzee walking with her offspring in naturalistic miombo woodland enclosure of Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage Trust. Credit: Jake Brooker/Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage Trust We don’t just have sex to reproduce—new research suggests that using sex to manage social tension could be a trait that existed in the common ancestor of humans and apes six million years ago. Humans share this behavioral strategy with our closest living ape relatives—bonobos and chimpanzees. Now researchers, led by Durham University, UK, have undertaken what is thought to be one of the first direct comparisons of sexual behavior among bonobos and chimpanzees during periods of social…

Drosophila use multiple mechanisms to adapt to hot, dry desert temperatures. Credit: Sarah Becan for the Gallio Lab Tiny, cold-blooded animals like flies depend on their environment to regulate body temperature, making them ideal “canaries in the mine” for gauging the impact of climate change on the behavior and distribution of animal species. Yet, scientists know relatively little about how insects sense and respond to temperature. Using two species of flies from different climates—one from the cool, high-altitude forests of Northern California, the other hailing from the hot, dry deserts of the Southwest (both cousins of the common laboratory fly,…

In a groundbreaking study conducted by Northwestern Medicine, a new approach to treating Alzheimer’s disease has emerged that focuses on utilizing the brain’s own immune cells to combat the neurodegenerative effects of the disease. For years, the primary strategy in Alzheimer’s treatment centered around eradicating amyloid beta plaques; however, emerging evidence points toward a more nuanced understanding of how the brain can heal itself by leveraging its natural defenses. The research opens up a new avenue in addressing the disease, potentially transforming the landscape of Alzheimer’s therapies moving forward. Historically, the field of Alzheimer’s treatment has been obsessed with the…

Applications to the new Master in Integrative Biological Sciences (iBioS) are opened Dear student, You are currently finishing, or already have, a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences? You are highly motivated, and you are looking for an innovative, immersive and truly international master program? Then, iBioS is what you are searching for! This immersive research-driven training program will train high-level international students in all areas of research developed in our ITI IMCBio+ with a strong emphasis on hands-on experience as well as innovation via internships and tutored projects. Training will be fully in English. In a nutshell, iBioS (integrative Biological…

Humans and other tetrapods evolved from aquatic fish. In making this leap, tetrapods evolved lungs to breathe air and lost respiratory gills. It is tempting to intuit that lungs evolved from gills. However, lungs and gills form in separate parts of the body, so they are unlikely to be evolutionarily related. Indeed, some living fish have both gills and lungs [1]. So, what became of fish gills? In work spanning the last 6 years and published in Nature, we show that gills may in fact have contributed to the origin of a functionally unrelated structure in humans – our outer…

Plastics are indispensable materials in modern society, utilized extensively across various industries and everyday applications due to their lightweight nature, durability, and adaptability. However, this reliance comes at a significant environmental cost, with the world generating an astonishing 52 million tons of plastic waste each year. Such figures highlight plastic pollution as a critical global issue, prompting scientists and researchers to seek sustainable alternatives to conventional plastic materials. The challenges associated with traditional polymers, particularly their complex synthesis processes and difficulties in separation during recycling, demand innovative solutions. In a noteworthy breakthrough, a team of scientists led by Dr. Tae…