https://www.pnas.org/content/116/41/20376 SUMMARY: The scaly-foot snail also known as Chrysomallon squamiferum is unique in that it makes iron sulfide nanoparticles. Chemically, most creatures who are only able to make minerals (biomineralization) using oxygen. The scaly-foot snail is able to do this in the absence of oxygen, a method that scientists are keen on understanding as it… Continue reading The making of natural iron sulfide nanoparticles in a hot vent snail
Category: S&P 1: Periodic Table Patterns (HS)
Use the periodic table as a model to predict the relative properties of elements based on the patterns of electrons in the outermost energy level of atoms.
Electronic Tongues
A Versatile Electronic Tongue Based on Surface Plasmon Resonance Imaging and Cross-Reactive Sensor Arrays-A Mini-Review SUMMARY: Scientists are trying to create electronic tongues (eT) and noses (eN) that act like human tongues and noses. These artificial sensors are different from traditional sensors in that they don’t recognize individual molecules, but heterogeneous liquids and gases. In… Continue reading Electronic Tongues
A Review of Microbial Biosorbents
A New Strategy for Heavy Metal Polluted Environments: A Review of Microbial Biosorbents SUMMARY: Heavy metal pollution is a serious environmental problem and the chemical/physical means of getting rid of them are either too expensive, not effective for low quantities of pollutants, or produce a lot of toxic waste. One solution is to use microbes… Continue reading A Review of Microbial Biosorbents
Powered by Light
Powered by Light: phototrophy and photosynthesis in prokaryotes and its evolution SUMMARY: This article looks at the still-not-yet-fully-known evolution and history of photosynthesis. There were various types of photosynthesis, the main difference being the type of electron donor. Some organisms used water as an electron donor, while others used things like hydrogen and manganese. The… Continue reading Powered by Light
The Antibiotic Neomycin Enhances Coxsackievirus Plaque Formation
The Antibiotic Neomycin Enhances Coxsackievirus Plaque Formation SUMMARY: This article talks about how antibiotics (specifically neomycin) and other positively charged substances can help viruses spread (the virus studied in this case has a negatively charged exterior). Most of the experiments looked at the reasons why the virus was able to form more plaques with the… Continue reading The Antibiotic Neomycin Enhances Coxsackievirus Plaque Formation
Silver Dressing and Bacteria
Wound management in an era of increasing bacterial antibiotic resistance: A role for topical silver treatment(NOT OPEN ACCESS) SUMMARY: One way of fighting antibiotic resistant bacteria is to prevent them from growing in the first place. This article looks at three different types of silver dressing, intended to do just that: silver nitrate, silver sulfadiazine,… Continue reading Silver Dressing and Bacteria