Biochemistry

Heavy metal toxicity Mercury (Hg) is a global pollutant that has an impact on both human and ecosystem health. Despite the fact that it occurs naturally in the earth's crust, human activities such as mining and coal combustion add mercury to the environment. Once in the air, it settles into water or land and can be washed into the water, where it enters the food chain. Metarhizium robertsii, a fungus discovered by researchers, removes mercury from soil around plant roots as well as fresh and saltwater. The fungus was also genetically modified by the researchers to enhance its mercury detoxification

Real-time monitoring of biochemical reactions, biomolecular and microbial changes in land, water, food, and the environment has made significant progress thanks to advances in nanotechnology and biosensing technology. Nano-biosensors are made up of a biological molecule capable of recognizing analyte/target molecules when coupled with a receptor molecule and a transducer that converts the recognizing event into readable signals that quantify the analyte molecules. Two new low-cost tests that detect chemicals using nanoparticles can accurately measure trace amounts of two potentially harmful herbicides in fruits, vegetables, and their products. A Washington State University research team used two testing methods to measure

Plant mitochondria are complex organelles that perform a variety of metabolic processes including the generation of energy for cellular functions as well as the synthesis and degradation of various compounds. Mitochondria are semiautonomous, dynamic organelles that change shape, number, and composition according to tissue or developmental stage. Coordination of genes present in both the nucleus and the organelle is required for the biogenesis of functional mitochondria. RIKEN biologists have discovered an effective method for smuggling genetic material into the energy generators of plant cells, opening the door to coaxing plants to produce commercially useful compounds. Their findings were published in

Aging is not a disease in and of itself. Aging, on the other hand, is a major risk factor for the development of many major chronic diseases. Furthermore, many diseases appear to hasten the aging process, manifesting as functional decline and reduced quality of life. Scientists at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) discovered that a stress response in cells, when 'turned on' at a post-reproductive age, could be the key to slowing ageing and promoting longevity. The NTU Singapore team discovered that switching on this stress response in aged worms by feeding them a high-glucose diet extended their lifespan