Page 6206
Aug 13, 2020
Genetics in Microscopic Marine Life: The Plankton Potential
Posted by Genevieve Klien in categories: biotech/medical, genetics
While satellite imaging lets researchers observe the outer life of plankton populations, the complex genetics in microscopic marine life have made looking inward more challenging. According to a new study published in Nature Methods, researchers from the University of East Anglia were able to deliver and express foreign DNA in 13 species that have never before transformed. They were also able to evaluate the potential cause of non-transformation in 17 other species; in turn, laying the foundation for an expanded understanding of genomes discovered in plankton.
The sheer variety of plankton potential — from antibacterial compounds to antiviral and antifungal solutions — makes this a worthwhile endeavor. If scientists can create reliable methods to modify phytoplankton, it should be possible to reduce their toxic impact, better control their bloom cycle and even increase the photosynthetic output — all critical in the fight to keep our oceans blue and our terra firma green.
As noted by Science Magainze, the international research team used a variety of methods to modify plankton DNA. For some species, shooting tiny gold or tungsten particles covered with DNA through cell walls produced the best result. For others, jolts of electricity made cell walls “leaky” and allowed new DNA to seep through. Specific protist successes included modification of a fish-killing toxic plankton species, and one that infects both mollusks and amphibians. While these discoveries don’t present a complete understanding of the genetics in microscopic marine life, they provide a key testing protocol: By modifying genetic structure and then observing how plankton react, teams could uncover ways to boost antibiotic resistance or lower infectious impact. According to lead UK study author Thomas Mock, “These insights will improve our understanding about their role in the oceans, and they are invaluable for biotechnological applications such as building factories for biofuel or the production of bioactive compounds.”
Aug 13, 2020
The future of deep space travel could come down to tiny solar panels
Posted by Genevieve Klien in categories: solar power, space travel, sustainability
Researchers from Germany sent solar cells into low-Earth Orbit to see how well they might perform in longer, deep space missions.
Aug 13, 2020
WATCH: WKRG News 5 is covering the historical SpaceX Return in the Gulf Coast
Posted by Lon Anderson in category: space travel
Crews are in position to capture this memorable event near Pensacola. The splashdown is scheduled around 1:40 PM.
More information: https://bit.ly/3glajLa
Aug 13, 2020
Therapy developed with CIRM award used in new clinical trial for COVID-19
Posted by Lon Anderson in category: biotech/medical
Aug 13, 2020
Coronavirus Treatment Acceleration Program (CTAP)
Posted by Omuterema Akhahenda in category: biotech/medical
What is CTAP?
FDA has created a special emergency program for possible coronavirus therapies, the Coronavirus Treatment Acceleration Program (CTAP)
.
Continue reading “Coronavirus Treatment Acceleration Program (CTAP)” »
Aug 13, 2020
$212M Hydrogen Power Plant Project Complete
Posted by Quinn Sena in categories: chemistry, energy, engineering
Energy solutions company Hanwha Energy has completed its $212m hydrogen fuel cell power plant, located at the Daesan Industrial Complex in Seosan, South Korea.
Built by Hanwha Engineering & Construction, the plant is thought to be the largest industrial hydrogen fuel cell power plant globally, and the first to only use hydrogen recycled from petrochemical manufacturing.
The recycled hydrogen is supplied by the Hanwha Total Petrochemical plant located within the same Daesan Industrial Complex. Hanwha Total Petrochemical pumps the recycled hydrogen into the new power plant via underground pipes and feeds it directly into the fuel cells.
Aug 13, 2020
The Nitazoxanide Plus Atazanavir for COVID-19 Study
Posted by Omuterema Akhahenda in category: biotech/medical
In this study, a combination of two drugs that have been shown to be effective against the germ that causes COVID-19 in the laboratory will be tested in patients diagnosed with moderate to severe COVID-19.
One of the drugs is called nitazoxanide and the second is atazanavir/ritonavir. Nitazoxanide has been used for the treatment of diarrhea since 2004 while atazanavir/ritonavir was approved for HIV treatment in 2003. They are known to be safe in humans.
The FDA issued an E… See More
Continue reading “The Nitazoxanide Plus Atazanavir for COVID-19 Study” »
Aug 13, 2020
Topic: Guest: Dan Elton PhD, Staff Scientist at National Institute of Health, USA
Posted by Brent Ellman in categories: biotech/medical, robotics/AI
Topic: guest: dan elton phd, staff scientist at national institute of health, USA.
Topic: Application of AI to medical imaging Guest: Dan Elton PhD, Staff Scientist at National Institute of Health, USA.