Extract from the bark of the Neem tree may help treat and reduce the spread of coronavirus, according to a new study. The research shows that components of Neem bark may target a wide range of viral proteins, suggesting its potential as an antiviral agent against emerging variants of coronaviruses (including SARS-CoV-2). The study, reported…

Colombian infants exposed to Zika virus in the womb showed neurodevelopmental delays as toddlers, despite having ‘normal’ brain imaging and head circumference at birth, a finding that underscores the importance of long-term neurodevelopmental follow-up for Zika-exposed infants. «These infants had no evidence of Zika deficits or microcephaly at birth. Neurodevelopmental deficits, including declines in mobility…

The evolutionary relationships among grasses have been clarified in new molecular study of the grass family tree, the study also provides evidence that a type of photosynthesis — known as ‘C4 photosynthesis’ — that allows the plants to harness the sun’s energy in hot, dry climates evolved independently multiple times within different grass lineages. A…

Sexual partnerships between individuals from different communities may help explain why some community-based HIV prevention efforts were moderately effective, shows a new study. The findings may help explain the results of some community-based prevention studies and help scientists develop better ways to track and prevent the spread of HIV. Early identification and treatment of HIV…

A new strain of the Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG probiotic is able to utilise both lactose and casein as well as reproduce in dairy products. The discovery can make it unnecessary to separately add the probiotic to dairy products, in addition to which it could fare better in the intestine, boosting gut health. In fact, attempts…

The fungus-derived compound neoechinulin B demonstrates promising antiviral activity. To realize its potential as an antiviral agent, however, a viable method for preparing more potent derivatives synthetically is necessary. In a recent breakthrough, scientists from Japan designed a simple route for synthesizing neoechinulin B and its derivatives under mild laboratory conditions. Neoechinulin B and six…

As a molecular machine found in the cells of all organisms, the ribosome is responsible for making new proteins. For a number of reasons, this process can fail, leaving the ribosome stalled on the mRNA and bringing synthesis of the protein to a halt. An international research team has now identified a bacterial protein called…

A study identified how microcephaly (abnormally small heads) and blindness may develop in Zika-infected fetuses, as well as a new way to potentially prevent these neurodevelopmental defects. The mechanism by which Zika virus disrupts neuronal development and results in congenital Zika syndrome was unknown. Because of similarities between Zika syndrome and a recognized congenital genetic…

An international team of researchers examined how movement and adhesion in the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii can be manipulated. To this end, the researchers altered the sugar modifications in proteins on the cell surface. As a result, the so-called adhesion force was also altered. Background and methodology In order to move, the green alga has…

Nuclear abnormalities such as nuclear blebs and micronuclei have devastating consequences for the genetic material and are associated with cancer or ageing. Scientists now revealed that the epigenetic enzyme MOF is crucial for the morphological integrity of the mammalian nucleus. Moreover, the study characterized the epigenetic landscape of nuclear abnormalities and discovered a formerly unknown…