Researchers have discovered a new strain of bacteria that can produce non-toxic, comparatively inexpensive "rhamnolipids," and effectively help degrade polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or PAHs - environmental pollutants that are one of the most harmful aspects of oil spills.
Because of its unique characteristics, this new bacterial strain could be of considerable value in the long-term cleanup of the massive Gulf Coast oil spill, scientists say.
More research to further reduce costs and scale up production would be needed before its commercial use, they added.
The findings on this new bacterial strain that degrades the PAHs in oil and other hydrocarbons were just published in a professional journal, Biotechnology Advances, by researchers from Oregon State University and two collaborating universities in China. OSU is filing for a patent on the discovery.
"PAHs are a widespread group of toxic, carcinogenic and mutagenic compounds, but also one of the biggest concerns about oil spills," said Xihou Yin, a research assistant professor in the OSU College of Pharmacy.
"Some of the most toxic aspects of oil to fish, wildlife and humans are from PAHs," Yin said. "They can cause cancer, suppress immune system function, cause reproductive problems, nervous system effects and other health issues. This particular strain of bacteria appears to break up and degrade PAHs better than other approaches we have available."
Showing posts with label reasearch. Show all posts
Showing posts with label reasearch. Show all posts
Relaxed people 'heal twice as quickly'.
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Be cool.
A new study has claimed that people who are relaxed can heal up to twice as quickly as those who are very stressed.
Researchers, led by Prof. John Weinman of the Institute of Psychiatry at King's College London, have carried out the study and found that being relaxed could be the key to healing quickly.
For their study, the researchers inflicted small "punch" wounds on healthy volunteers whose levels of life stress were assessed using a standard questionnaire.
Changes in levels of the stress hormone cortisol reflected the differences in healing speed. A similar pattern emerged from an analysis of pooled data from 22 studies by different research groups examining stress and wound healing, 'The Daily Telegraph' reported.
A new study has claimed that people who are relaxed can heal up to twice as quickly as those who are very stressed.
Researchers, led by Prof. John Weinman of the Institute of Psychiatry at King's College London, have carried out the study and found that being relaxed could be the key to healing quickly.
For their study, the researchers inflicted small "punch" wounds on healthy volunteers whose levels of life stress were assessed using a standard questionnaire.
Changes in levels of the stress hormone cortisol reflected the differences in healing speed. A similar pattern emerged from an analysis of pooled data from 22 studies by different research groups examining stress and wound healing, 'The Daily Telegraph' reported.
Vegetarian chicken that tastes just like original chicken!
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Scientists at the University of Missouri may have finally cracked the code to realistic tasting fake chicken with the first soy product.
Lots of meat substitutes are on the market right now, such as the ever-popular Tofurky. But there isn't one that tastes like chicken or, more importantly to these researchers, has the texture of real meat.
Fu-Hung Hsieh, a professor of biological engineering and food science at MU, and colleagues have now created the first soy product that can be flavoured to taste like chicken, but also breaks apart in your mouth the way chicken does.
The fake meat is made by mixing up a batter of soy protein, wheat flour and water, and then pushing the batter through a high-heat extruder.
Lots of meat substitutes are on the market right now, such as the ever-popular Tofurky. But there isn't one that tastes like chicken or, more importantly to these researchers, has the texture of real meat.
Fu-Hung Hsieh, a professor of biological engineering and food science at MU, and colleagues have now created the first soy product that can be flavoured to taste like chicken, but also breaks apart in your mouth the way chicken does.
The fake meat is made by mixing up a batter of soy protein, wheat flour and water, and then pushing the batter through a high-heat extruder.
Chronic insomnia linked to increased death risk.
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Individuals with chronic insomnia have an elevated risk of death, says a new research.
"The most surprising result was the increased high risk for mortality among individuals with chronic insomnia versus those without insomnia," said Ms Laurel Finn, a biostatistician at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
"The other important finding was the non-differentiation between subtypes of insomnia with respect to mortality risk."
The study involved 2,242 participants in the Wisconsin Sleep Cohort Study who completed two to three mailed surveys for the years 1989, 1994 and 2000.
"The most surprising result was the increased high risk for mortality among individuals with chronic insomnia versus those without insomnia," said Ms Laurel Finn, a biostatistician at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
"The other important finding was the non-differentiation between subtypes of insomnia with respect to mortality risk."
The study involved 2,242 participants in the Wisconsin Sleep Cohort Study who completed two to three mailed surveys for the years 1989, 1994 and 2000.
Abused Moms May Have More Obese Kids.
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Children whose mothers reported chronic abuse at the hands of an intimate partner were more likely to be obese at age 5 than those from violence-free families, researchers found.
After controlling for several other factors, including maternal obesity and depression, children whose mothers reported chronic violence had 1.8 times the odds of being obese, according to Dr. Renée Boynton-Jarrett of Boston University and colleagues.
The association appeared to be magnified in girls and in families living an unsafe neighborhood, the researchers reported in the June issue of Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine.
"If substantiated, these findings may have implications for obesity prevention and reduction efforts," they wrote. "Therefore, interventions aimed at reducing obesity risk may be enhanced by incorporating strategies to address family violence."
After controlling for several other factors, including maternal obesity and depression, children whose mothers reported chronic violence had 1.8 times the odds of being obese, according to Dr. Renée Boynton-Jarrett of Boston University and colleagues.
The association appeared to be magnified in girls and in families living an unsafe neighborhood, the researchers reported in the June issue of Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine.
"If substantiated, these findings may have implications for obesity prevention and reduction efforts," they wrote. "Therefore, interventions aimed at reducing obesity risk may be enhanced by incorporating strategies to address family violence."
Scientists breed goats that produce spider silk.
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Researchers from the University of Wyoming have developed a way to incorporate spiders' silk-spinning genes into goats, allowing the researchers to harvest the silk protein from the goats’ milk for a variety of applications. For instance, due to its strength and elasticity, spider silk fiber could have several medical uses, such as for making artificial ligaments and tendons, for eye sutures, and for jaw repair. The silk could also have applications in bulletproof vests and improved car airbags.
Randy Lewis, a professor of molecular biology at the University of Wyoming, and other researchers decided to put the spiders’ dragline silk gene into goats in such a way that the goats would only make the protein in their milk. Like any other genetic factor, only a certain percentage of the goats end up with the gene. For instance, of seven goat kids born in February 2010, three have tested positive for having the silk protein gene. When these transgenic goats have kids and start lactating, the researchers will collect the milk and purify the spider silk protein into “much, much higher quantities,” Lewis said.
Randy Lewis, a professor of molecular biology at the University of Wyoming, and other researchers decided to put the spiders’ dragline silk gene into goats in such a way that the goats would only make the protein in their milk. Like any other genetic factor, only a certain percentage of the goats end up with the gene. For instance, of seven goat kids born in February 2010, three have tested positive for having the silk protein gene. When these transgenic goats have kids and start lactating, the researchers will collect the milk and purify the spider silk protein into “much, much higher quantities,” Lewis said.
Nature 'is an energy booster': Study
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Feeling tired? Just step outside, say researchers.
A new study has claimed that a mere 20 minutes outdoors can have the same "pick-me-up effect" as a cup of coffee due to instant energising from nature.
Many associate getting out of the house or the office with doing something more active. But in fact we become more energised outdoors even if we are doing nothing, the 'Daily Express' reported.
Prof. Richard Ryan from the University of Rochester, New York State, was quoted as saying, "Nature is fuel for the soul." To come to conclusion, Prof. Ryan and his team conducted experiments on 537 student volunteers, exposing them to situations both active and sedentary, inside and outside.
A new study has claimed that a mere 20 minutes outdoors can have the same "pick-me-up effect" as a cup of coffee due to instant energising from nature.
Many associate getting out of the house or the office with doing something more active. But in fact we become more energised outdoors even if we are doing nothing, the 'Daily Express' reported.
Prof. Richard Ryan from the University of Rochester, New York State, was quoted as saying, "Nature is fuel for the soul." To come to conclusion, Prof. Ryan and his team conducted experiments on 537 student volunteers, exposing them to situations both active and sedentary, inside and outside.
Three burgers a week can make you asthmatic.
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Children who love junk food and eat at least three burgers in a week are inviting asthma, says a latest research.
The study which was conducted on 50,000 children across 20 countries revealed that the risk of asthma, because of improper diet, is highest of all in better-off countries, express.co.uk reports. The findings showed that youngsters who enjoy a healthy diet rich in fruit, fish and vegetables have the lowest risk to get affected by the disease.
When compared between rich and poor countries, it was found that a diet high in fish protected children against wheeze in well-off countries, while a diet rich in cooked vegetables guarded youngsters in poor countries.
Elaine Vickers, of Asthma UK has advised children to "eat a healthy, balanced diet and get plenty of exercise".
The study which was conducted on 50,000 children across 20 countries revealed that the risk of asthma, because of improper diet, is highest of all in better-off countries, express.co.uk reports. The findings showed that youngsters who enjoy a healthy diet rich in fruit, fish and vegetables have the lowest risk to get affected by the disease.
When compared between rich and poor countries, it was found that a diet high in fish protected children against wheeze in well-off countries, while a diet rich in cooked vegetables guarded youngsters in poor countries.
Elaine Vickers, of Asthma UK has advised children to "eat a healthy, balanced diet and get plenty of exercise".
Advanced Robotic Arm Controlled by Monkey’s Thoughts [Video].
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Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have demonstrated a monkey controlling an advanced robotic arm by using its thoughts. The experiments were led by Dr. Andrew Schwartz, a professor of neurobiology and involved a high degree of complexity in the robotic arm, the level of control, and the intricacy of the manipulations.
This is not the first time that Dr. Schwartz implanted sensors in a monkey’s brain to control a robotic arm. Back in May of 2008 experiments were conducted by Dr. Schwartz, using a simpler mechanical arm, to teach a monkey to feed itself. This was a four-degrees-of-freedom arm with shoulder joints, elbow, and a simple gripper.
This is not the first time that Dr. Schwartz implanted sensors in a monkey’s brain to control a robotic arm. Back in May of 2008 experiments were conducted by Dr. Schwartz, using a simpler mechanical arm, to teach a monkey to feed itself. This was a four-degrees-of-freedom arm with shoulder joints, elbow, and a simple gripper.
Chilli peppers can help you shed weight .
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Capsaicin, the stuff that gives chilli peppers their kick, may cause weight loss and fight fat build-up by triggering certain beneficial protein changes in the body, says a new study.
The study could potentially open up new treatments for obesity.
Mr Jong Won Yun, biotechnologist from Daegu University, Korea, and colleagues point out that obesity is a major public health threat worldwide, linked to diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and other health problems.
Lab studies have hinted that capsaicin may help fight obesity by decreasing calorie intake, shrinking fat tissue and lowering fat levels in the blood. Nobody, however, knows exactly how capsaicin might trigger such beneficial effects.
The study could potentially open up new treatments for obesity.
Mr Jong Won Yun, biotechnologist from Daegu University, Korea, and colleagues point out that obesity is a major public health threat worldwide, linked to diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and other health problems.
Lab studies have hinted that capsaicin may help fight obesity by decreasing calorie intake, shrinking fat tissue and lowering fat levels in the blood. Nobody, however, knows exactly how capsaicin might trigger such beneficial effects.
Love mom today, get romance later.
Teenagers who share a close relationship with their mothers are more likely to enjoy a successful romantic life when they grow up, a new study has claimed.
Researchers at the Montclair State University in New Jersey found that teenagers' bonding with their parents, especially with mothers, influence their romantic life in adulthood.
"Parents' relationships with their children are extremely important and that's how we develop our ability to have successful relationships as adults, our parents are our models," said Constance Gager, who led the study.
"So if kids are not feeling close with their parents then they are probably not going to model the positive aspects of that relationship when they reach adulthood," Gager was quoted as saying by Live Science.
Researchers at the Montclair State University in New Jersey found that teenagers' bonding with their parents, especially with mothers, influence their romantic life in adulthood.
"Parents' relationships with their children are extremely important and that's how we develop our ability to have successful relationships as adults, our parents are our models," said Constance Gager, who led the study.
"So if kids are not feeling close with their parents then they are probably not going to model the positive aspects of that relationship when they reach adulthood," Gager was quoted as saying by Live Science.
Why teenagers can't concentrate: too much grey matter.
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UK research into teenagers' brains shows their mental processes are like those of younger children.
New research has found that teenagers' brains continue developing far longer into adulthood than previously thought. Adolescents may look like young adults but their brain structure resembles that of much younger children, according to the study to be published in the Journal of Neuroscience on Wednesday.
"It is not always easy for adolescents to pay attention in class without letting their minds wander, or to ignore distractions from their younger sibling when trying to solve a maths problem," said Dr Iroise Dumontheil of University College London's Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, one of the authors of the research. "But it's not the fault of teenagers that they can't concentrate and are easily distracted. It's to do with the structure of their brains. Adolescents simply don't have the same mental capacities as an adult."
Using MRI scans, the brain activity of adolescents were monitored as they tried to solve a problem in their heads while ignoring environmental distractions.
New research has found that teenagers' brains continue developing far longer into adulthood than previously thought. Adolescents may look like young adults but their brain structure resembles that of much younger children, according to the study to be published in the Journal of Neuroscience on Wednesday.
"It is not always easy for adolescents to pay attention in class without letting their minds wander, or to ignore distractions from their younger sibling when trying to solve a maths problem," said Dr Iroise Dumontheil of University College London's Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, one of the authors of the research. "But it's not the fault of teenagers that they can't concentrate and are easily distracted. It's to do with the structure of their brains. Adolescents simply don't have the same mental capacities as an adult."
Using MRI scans, the brain activity of adolescents were monitored as they tried to solve a problem in their heads while ignoring environmental distractions.
Near-death experiences 'explained': Scientists believe it's the last gasp of a dying brain.
A study of the brains of critically ill men and women revealed a brief burst of activity moments before death.
Researcher Lakhmir Chawla, an intensive care doctor, said: 'We think that near-death experiences could be caused by a surge of electrical energy as the brain runs out of oxygen.
As blood flow slows down and oxygen levels fall, the brain cells fire one last electrical impulse.
'It starts in one part of the brain and spreads in a cascade and this may give people vivid mental sensations.'
Dr Chawla, of the George Washington University medical centre in Washington DC, monitored the brain activity of seven terminally-ill people to ensure the painkillers they were being given were working.
In each case, the gradual tailing off of brain activity in the hour or so before death was interrupted by a brief spurt of action, lasting from 30 seconds to three minutes.
Researcher Lakhmir Chawla, an intensive care doctor, said: 'We think that near-death experiences could be caused by a surge of electrical energy as the brain runs out of oxygen.
As blood flow slows down and oxygen levels fall, the brain cells fire one last electrical impulse.
'It starts in one part of the brain and spreads in a cascade and this may give people vivid mental sensations.'
Dr Chawla, of the George Washington University medical centre in Washington DC, monitored the brain activity of seven terminally-ill people to ensure the painkillers they were being given were working.
In each case, the gradual tailing off of brain activity in the hour or so before death was interrupted by a brief spurt of action, lasting from 30 seconds to three minutes.
Bottled water contains more bacteria than tap water.
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Bottled water contains more bacteria than tapwater, with some brands found to harbour levels 100 times above permitted limits, according to new research.
A team of scientists found that 70 per cent of popular bottled water brands available in shops had high levels of bacteria.
The researchers from Ccrest Laboratories in Canada found that tap water had less bacteria than bottled water.
Microbiologist Dr Sonish Azam, of Ccrest Laboratories, said bottled water did not live up to its claims or purity.
She said: "Heterotrophic bacteria counts in some of the bottles were found to be in revolting figures of one hundred times more than the permitted limit."
A team of scientists found that 70 per cent of popular bottled water brands available in shops had high levels of bacteria.
The researchers from Ccrest Laboratories in Canada found that tap water had less bacteria than bottled water.
Microbiologist Dr Sonish Azam, of Ccrest Laboratories, said bottled water did not live up to its claims or purity.
She said: "Heterotrophic bacteria counts in some of the bottles were found to be in revolting figures of one hundred times more than the permitted limit."
Brush your teeth twice daily 'to avoid heart disease'
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Here's another reason to brush your teeth at least twice everyday — poor dental hygiene can significantly raise your risk of developing heart disease, say researchers.
A new study, published in the British Medical Journal, found that those who don't brush their teeth regularly are 70 percent more likely to develop heart disease than those who'reconscientious about cleaning their teeth morning and night.
"Our results confirmed and further strengthened the suggested association between oral hygiene and the risk of (heart) disease," Professor Richard Watt of University College London, who led the study, said.
The study looked at data on more than 11,000 adults. All the subjects were asked about their lifestyle behaviours, including how often they brushed their teeth. Nurses also took information on medical history and family history of heart disease as well as blood pressure levels and blood samples.
A new study, published in the British Medical Journal, found that those who don't brush their teeth regularly are 70 percent more likely to develop heart disease than those who'reconscientious about cleaning their teeth morning and night.
"Our results confirmed and further strengthened the suggested association between oral hygiene and the risk of (heart) disease," Professor Richard Watt of University College London, who led the study, said.
The study looked at data on more than 11,000 adults. All the subjects were asked about their lifestyle behaviours, including how often they brushed their teeth. Nurses also took information on medical history and family history of heart disease as well as blood pressure levels and blood samples.
Skip breakfast 'before workout' to be fit.
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Breakfast is often said to be the most important meal of the day but a new study says that skipping it before exercise can make you fitter and stronger.
Many athletes believe that they should have a high- carbohydrate meal to provide energy for a morning’s training. But the latest study appears to show the opposite is true.
Researchers in New Zealand have found that by not eating, the body is put under stress quicker — and the longer it can endure the stress the more beneficial the exercise, the 'Daily Express' reported.
For the study, the researchers conducted two tests in which two groups of cyclists were sent on 75-minute early morning bike rides for four weeks. One group had a high-carbohydrate breakfast, while the other did without. The riders who set out on an empty stomach performed the better, the findings revealed.
Many athletes believe that they should have a high- carbohydrate meal to provide energy for a morning’s training. But the latest study appears to show the opposite is true.
Researchers in New Zealand have found that by not eating, the body is put under stress quicker — and the longer it can endure the stress the more beneficial the exercise, the 'Daily Express' reported.
For the study, the researchers conducted two tests in which two groups of cyclists were sent on 75-minute early morning bike rides for four weeks. One group had a high-carbohydrate breakfast, while the other did without. The riders who set out on an empty stomach performed the better, the findings revealed.
Eat your way to a better tan.
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Fruits such as cantaloupe melon and apricots, and vegetables like peppers, carrots and spinach all enhance skin tone and make people look more attractive, academics have found.
Switching to a healthier diet can have visible effect on the complexion in as little as a month, they discovered.
The findings, which have yet to be officially published, could be used as part of a more positive campaign to convince people to eat more fruit and vegetables.
Switching to a healthier diet can have visible effect on the complexion in as little as a month, they discovered.
The findings, which have yet to be officially published, could be used as part of a more positive campaign to convince people to eat more fruit and vegetables.
Beetroot boosts stamina, scientists find
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Beetroot juice boosts stamina by making muscles more fuel-efficient, scientists have found.
Last year the same researchers reported that the red vegetable juice can increase physical endurance.
The study focused on men aged 19 to 38 cycling on exercise bikes. Drinking half a litre of beetroot juice a day for a week enabled them to cycle 16 per cent longer before getting tired out.
Last year the same researchers reported that the red vegetable juice can increase physical endurance.
The study focused on men aged 19 to 38 cycling on exercise bikes. Drinking half a litre of beetroot juice a day for a week enabled them to cycle 16 per cent longer before getting tired out.
Access to tech make people feel happy says study
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There are positive links between access to technology and feelings of well-being, a study claims.
BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT, analysed the results of a survey of 35,000 people around the world.
It found that women in developing countries, and people of both sexes with low incomes or poor education, were most influenced emotionally by their access to technology.
BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT, analysed the results of a survey of 35,000 people around the world.
It found that women in developing countries, and people of both sexes with low incomes or poor education, were most influenced emotionally by their access to technology.
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