The TU Graz and Ruhr University Bochum researchers have presented a study in the journal ACS Catalysis wherein the catalytic function of cyanobacteria is studied in-depth. This organism also called blue-green algae brings biotechnological and eco-friendly application a big step closer. Even though the cyanobacteria are known to stain the water green it is still called as blue-green algae. Furthermore, it has the ability to convert light energy into chemical energy using its highly active photo
Researchers from INRS have designed a green membraneless fuel cell that makes use of oxygen present in the air. It is the first innovative microfluidic application tried out in Canada. The new study published in Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews showed the conventional fuel cells to be universal in terms of application in computers and electric cars. In the long run, the conventional fuel cells lose their voltage and stop working owing to the presence of alcohol molecules, including met
Researchers have long being trying to develop a protein to combat the escalating levels of environmental challenges. It has also been found that the traditional processes need more space in sea or land area and also increases the carbon footprint and lowers resources. There are few start-ups that are working on developing protein through bacterial fermentation of gases. Across the globe, there are meat-free proteins being consumed on a large scale and these proteins are made using soy and pea
A clinical diagnostic product developer Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. has recently unveiled a new range of rare fluorescent nanoparticles named StarBright Violet 515 (SBV515) Dye for further application in the flow cytometry. This novel dye has the property to attach to diverse antibodies as well as its compatibility with majority of flow cytometers and experimental protocols are high. The StarBright Violet 515 Dye has 401 nm of excitation maximum and 516 nm of emission maximum that can be used t
Recently, a Japanese pharmaceutical firm named BioChromato Inc. has developed a RAPID Slit Seals that are more efficient compared to traditional silicone mats for retaining the reliability of microplate samples. Generally, the firms pharmacokinetics used a mass spectrometer with an autosampler having 96-well microplates for biological sampling. Though the silicone mats were used its high cost and need for constant cleaning of the silicone plate seals due to fear of contamination of biological
Development of heart in vitro is usually difficult thus mimicking its growth is something the researchers are now working on. According to Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), they have created a 3D functional heart organoids using mouse embryonic stem cells as those cells have a close resemblance to the development of human heart. The heart comprises of many layers of tissues that include various cell types such as connective tissue cells, working heart muscle, and cells forming blood
The glial cells and neurons are the ones that make up the nervous system. And in the glial cells, the astrocytes are found to be present in abundance. One of the important functions of the astrocytes is to capture glucose from the blood stream to generate energy and carry out essential neuronal activity. All these activities ensure the cognitive functions are performed perfectly. The molecules, including type 1 (CB1), present in the astrocytes help the neurons control astrocyte activity. The a
Right now, the frontline healthcare workers are forced to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) which comprises of goggles, face visors, and respiratory protective equipment to avoid contracting COVID-19 while at work. These essentials have become an essential part of their working life. Currently, all the medical staffs are wearing facial PPE that too for an extended period of time to avoid the entry of the SARS-CoV-2 virus into their body. But, the use of PPE for hours together is known t
A team from So Paulo State University has found the exercise hormone named irisin to have the ability to fight COVID-19. The therapeutic effect of irisin is currently being explored to help save more lives. On studying adipose cell gene regulation, the researchers found a connection between irisin modulated genes and the replication of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 in human cells. The transcriptome was used to study the non-infected adipose cells. The new findings published in Molecular and Cellu
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the shortage in the supply of personal protective equipment is only sky rocketing and thereby increasing the risks. Thus, the researchers from the University of Cincinnati have recently developed a face covering using the common household fabrics itself. The new development will prove as beneficial as a single-use N95 respirator or surgical mask. This new suitable and highly protective alternative could be made using a hungry little caterpillar. The caterpillar made
