CRISPR-induced immune diversification in host-virus populations

Just like humans, microbes have equipped themselves with tools to recognize and defend themselves against viral invaders. In a continual evolutionary battle between virus and host, CRISPR-Cas act as a major driving force of strain diversity in host-virus systems.

Pentagon is Funding Ultrasound Devices That Prevent Tissue Death After Spinal Cord Injuries

Johns Hopkins is busy on an ambitious development plan for a product that would protect against tissue damage resulting from spinal cord injuries—especially for soldiers who get wounded in the field, but for the public, as well. The $13.5 million program will aim to develop implantable ultrasound devices that could revolutionize care for the 17,000 […]

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Inexpensive and rapid testing of drugs for resistant infections possible

A rapid and simple method for testing the efficacy of antibacterial drugs on infectious microbes has been developed and validated.

Plant-based thermotherapy patch

Researchers have developed a biodegradable, transparent, flexible and fast-acting thermotherapy patch from plant leaves. The patch is compatible with flexible electronic applications. Plant material was used to reduce the amount of electronic waste.

Plant-based thermotherapy patch

Researchers have developed a biodegradable, transparent, flexible and fast-acting thermotherapy patch from plant leaves. The patch is compatible with flexible electronic applications. Plant material was used to reduce the amount of electronic waste.

Was Hong Kong once a coral reef paradise?

Researchers have for the first time investigated the historical presence of coral communities in the Greater Bay Area, revealing a catastrophic range collapse and loss of diversity that occurred in the last several decades.

Was Hong Kong once a coral reef paradise?

Researchers have for the first time investigated the historical presence of coral communities in the Greater Bay Area, revealing a catastrophic range collapse and loss of diversity that occurred in the last several decades.

Novel antiviral strategy for treatment of COVID-19

Researchers have discovered a novel antiviral strategy for treatment of COVID-19 using existing metallodrugs.

More diversity needed in oil palm plantations

Growing global demand for palm oil has led to a rapid spread of oil palm monoculture plantations in South East Asia, often associated with the loss of habitats and biodiversity. Plantations are uniformly structured, offering little space for different species. Diversification using indigenous tree species can help. Researchers found diversification can be encouraged through information campaigns and free seedlings.

World first study shows that some microorganisms can bend the rules of evolution

The dominant thinking in evolution focuses on inheritance between parent and offspring – or ‘vertical gene transfer (VGT)’. But now scientists are paying more attention to ‘horizontal gene transfer (HGT)’: the transmission of DNA other than from parent to offspring, as this transfer can tell us about the evolution of a number of other organisms such as bacteria. It can also help us to better understand antibiotic resistance.