Biochem News
14th February, 2026
| Greg Howard
Radish genes control cadmium absorption and removal from plants
Radish roots accumulate cadmium, a health risk. Research identified genes RsWRKY15 & RsPDR12 controlling Cd uptake. RsWRKY15 activates RsPDR12, which removes Cd from cells & boosts stress response. This network informs breeding for safer crops.
9th February, 2026
| Jenn Hoskins
How sugar breakdown fuels changes in fungal shape and disease-causing ability
New research links sugar breakdown to a fungus’s ability to change shape & cause infection. Blocking this process halts shape-shifting, but adding key building blocks restores it. Targeting this pathway may offer new antifungal strategies.
5th February, 2026
| Jim Crocker
Tea tree oil alters gene activity in roses, revealing potential benefits
Fungal resistance to treatments is rising, threatening crops & health. Research shows Tea Tree Oil (TTO) boosts rose plants’ defenses, activating genes for fat processing, cell wall strengthening & immunity.
4th February, 2026
| Jim Crocker
Useful compounds from ocean bacteria show promise as anti-fouling agents
Cancer cells need more iron than healthy cells, creating a therapy target. Researchers found a molecule from ocean bacteria that binds iron, slowing cancer & bacterial growth by disrupting iron access. It also combats biofilms & binds toxic metals, offering diverse uses.
3rd February, 2026
| Jenn Hoskins
Hornet alarm signals reveal individual colony identity and worker differences
Hornet colonies rely on chemical signals to communicate danger. New research reveals these alarm signals aren’t uniform; each colony has a unique chemical signature, and worker roles affect the signal’s composition.
2nd February, 2026
| Jenn Hoskins
How nitrogen levels in soil affect carbon dioxide use in soybean leaves
Soybean photosynthesis & water use improve with more nitrogen, but not just via leaf pores. Research shows nitrogen boosts internal leaf processes, specifically biochemical metabolism for carbon dioxide movement, rather than structural changes.
2nd February, 2026
| Jenn Hoskins
Root rot fungus uses RNA interference to adapt and survive
A destructive plant disease agent, P. capsici, uses a complex internal system to control which genes are active, impacting its ability to infect crops like beans & peppers.
27th January, 2026
| Jenn Hoskins
How plant hormones trigger sex change and new growth in ferns
Ferns switch between male and hermaphrodite forms, a process driven by chemical signals. Research shows the plant hormone auxin is key, triggering new growth centers when a male signal is absent.
26th January, 2026
| Jenn Hoskins
Unique microbes found inside scorpion venom
Scorpion venom isn't sterile, new research shows. Diverse bacterial communities live within it, varying by species and location. These microbes may affect venom toxicity, digestion, or defense, adding to venom’s complex functions & enzymatic activity.
25th January, 2026
| Jim Crocker
Piperine disrupts bacterial films and metabolism in a tough infection
Lung infections from NTM bacteria are tough to treat due to resistance. Research shows piperine, from black pepper, weakens M. abscessus by disrupting biofilm formation & antibiotic removal.
23rd January, 2026
| Greg Howard
Aloe vera carbon dots detect temperature, pH, and iron levels
New research creates bright, sensitive carbon dots from Aloe vera gel, a ‘green’ alternative to traditional methods.
19th January, 2026
| Greg Howard
New nanoparticle treatment shows promise against a deadly fungal brain infection
Researchers devised a way to deliver drugs across the brain’s protective barrier using nanoparticles mimicking a fungal infection strategy.
17th January, 2026
| Jim Crocker
Tangerine peel compounds show promise in blocking sugar breakdown enzymes
Tangerine peel may help lower blood sugar by slowing carbohydrate breakdown. Research identified 84 active compounds, mostly plant-based flavonoids, that block a key digestive enzyme.
13th January, 2026
| Jenn Hoskins
How scents affect saliva production
Dry mouth affects many, especially with age, impacting daily life. New research shows inhaling basil aroma significantly boosts saliva flow & improves the feeling of mouth moistness. Guaiacol also increased saliva.
10th January, 2026
| Jenn Hoskins
Plant compounds from Ardisia villosa show promise in stopping gastric cancer cell growth
Research shows a plant extract from Ardisia villosa halts breast & stomach cancer cell growth, disrupting tumor formation & spread. It interferes with cell division, boosting tumor suppressors & showing promise as a new drug source, especially where treatment access is limited.
6th January, 2026
| Jenn Hoskins
Gene variation in a virus protein affects its ability to evade plant defenses
Plant viruses constantly evolve to overcome plant defenses, causing crop damage. Researchers found a single change in a viral protein (P31) makes Beet necrotic yellow vein virus more harmful.
31st December, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
Crepe-myrtle leaf extract: Uncovering Potential medicinal properties of Crepe-myrtle leaf extract.
Research on the plant Lagerstroemia speciosa reveals potential for new disease treatments. Leaf extracts show strong antioxidant & antibacterial effects, even against drug-resistant bacteria.
31st December, 2025
| Greg Howard
Do Grapevine Leaves Adjust to Changing Conditions to Optimize Photosynthesis?
Plants balance water loss & CO2 intake using stored sugars to maintain cell pressure, crucial for growth. Sugars help cells stay firm during daily water fluctuations, especially early in the growing season. However, their role lessens with severe drought.
31st December, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
Uncovering the anti-inflammatory potential of amaranth as a functional livestock feed.
Amaranth, a traditional medicinal plant, shows promise as a livestock feed additive. Research identified key compounds in amaranth with anti-inflammatory properties, potentially improving animal health & food production efficiency.
26th December, 2025
| Jim Crocker
Computer models and genetics link vitamin A to longer lifespans in C. elegans
Researchers used computer models to find 16 compounds that might extend life, testing them in C. elegans. Five showed promise, boosting lifespan by up to 30%.
24th December, 2025
| Jim Crocker
Magnetic beads boost enzyme and microbe recycling for energy and food production
Researchers built a low-cost, automated system reusing enzymes & microbes with magnets to cut biofuel & food production costs. Open-source tech enables wider access to bioengineering, potentially reducing costs by 60% & boosting fermentation research.
24th December, 2025
| Greg Howard
Fungal compounds show promise as potential new cancer therapies
Cancer research focuses on a protein called Sirtuin 2 (SIRT2) as a potential drug target. A new study identified two fungal compounds, MSID001658 and MSID000672, that strongly bind to and may block SIRT2’s function using computer modeling.
22nd December, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
ASPEN: Tracking gene variations in individual cells using RNA sequencing
New method ASPEN accurately maps gene activity from each parent in individual cells, overcoming noise in data. It revealed incomplete X chromosome silencing & random gene copy use.
21st December, 2025
| Jim Crocker
How bacteria produce digestive enzymes may offer new industrial applications
Iranian researchers discovered new bacteria, Bacillus spizizenii, that produce large amounts of a starch-breaking enzyme. These strains thrive in diverse conditions, remaining stable at wide pH & temp ranges, ideal for industrial use.
19th December, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
New tool reveals detailed map of proteins inside cell power plants
Scientists expanded our understanding of proteins within mitochondria, cells’ powerhouses. A new technique identified ~400 proteins, 50 previously unknown, many working in multiple cell areas. This reveals protein distribution complexity & provides tools for future research.
17th December, 2025
| Greg Howard
Chamomile boosts antibiotic power against drug-resistant stomach bacteria
Half the world has H. pylori bacteria, often causing ulcers & cancer, but it’s becoming resistant to antibiotics. New research shows chamomile extract fights these bacteria & can boost antibiotic power, improving treatment success, especially when resistance is a problem.
13th December, 2025
| Jim Crocker
DNA repair enzyme affects daily rhythms
Internal body clocks, vital for sleep & health, are linked to DNA repair. Research shows a protein, 6–4phr, manages both DNA fixes & clock timing by controlling gene activity. Disruptions may relate to neurodegenerative diseases, offering new research paths.
11th December, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
Gene controls flower color in safflower by influencing pigment production
Safflower has been used traditionally to improve blood flow. Research pinpointed CtMYB1, a gene crucial for flavonoid production—compounds linked to heart health benefits.
11th December, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
How salt and oxygen affect the health and growth of Nile tilapia
Climate change stressors—low oxygen & rising salt—harm Nile tilapia growth, digestion & health. Combined, they weaken immune function, damage tissues & disrupt metabolism. Research highlights urgent need for climate-adapted aquaculture practices to protect this key food source.
10th December, 2025
| Greg Howard
Plant hormone production is linked to daily rhythms and carbon dioxide levels
Researchers developed a tool to precisely control plant growth hormones, revealing a surprising link between these hormones and the plant’s internal clock.
11th December, 2025
| Jim Crocker
Hiding messages in RNA sequences using secure codes and random numbers
New research combines data scrambling with message hiding for stronger security. Data is first converted to RNA code, then encrypted with unpredictable keys & concealed within images. Altering image details slightly hides the message, boosting protection against cyber threats.
10th December, 2025
| Jim Crocker
New material boosts light-based water purification efficiency
New photocatalyst material efficiently breaks down water pollutants using light. Combining silver phosphate and carbon nitride with a unique growth process creates strong connections, boosting performance and reducing energy loss.
10th December, 2025
| Greg Howard
Cardamom extraction method shows promise against harmful microbes
Cardamom’s health benefits are boosted by optimizing how compounds are extracted from the spice. Higher pressure extraction yields more antioxidants & stronger antimicrobial effects against common bacteria & fungi, potentially disrupting their communication & cell structure.
6th December, 2025
| Jim Crocker
New films with cobalt boost food preservation and fight microbes
Researchers developed new food packaging films from natural materials plus nanoparticles. These films are stronger, more flexible, repel water, and fight bacteria/oxidation—potentially extending food freshness & reducing waste.
5th December, 2025
| Greg Howard
Strawberry genes control pigment and sugar production
New research reveals how light boosts strawberry color and sweetness. Scientists identified proteins that directly activate genes for pigment and sugar production when exposed to blue light. This challenges previous understanding of how plants respond to light.
2nd December, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
How a natural compound may fight aggressive breast cancer
An aggressive breast cancer lacking common drug targets, triple-negative breast cancer may be countered by oridonin, a plant-derived compound. Research shows it disrupts key growth pathways & proteins in cancer cells, potentially slowing spread & inducing cell death.
28th November, 2025
| Jim Crocker
How mosquito smell receptors develop and control their sensitivity to odors
New research reveals a key protein, Orco, vital for a mosquito’s sense of smell. Disrupting this protein significantly reduces their ability to detect humans & feed, impacting disease spread. Targeting Orco could lead to better mosquito control.
26th November, 2025
| Greg Howard
Enzyme controls key step in bacterial metabolism and response to nutrients
Bacteria that produce many antibiotics use a surprising self-poisoning system to coordinate development. Sensing a key signal triggers a pathway creating toxic byproducts, but only those bacteria able to cope switch to antibiotic production.
25th November, 2025
| Jim Crocker
Gut bacteria changes linked to liver problems from microplastic exposure
Microplastics may disrupt gut health, new research suggests. A study in mice showed plastic particle exposure altered liver function & gut bacteria diversity.
23rd November, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
New sensor uses natural germ-fighting compounds for rapid bacterial detection
New biosensors rapidly detect dangerous bacteria like E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staph aureus—even at very low levels—using natural antimicrobial molecules and gold nanoparticles. This offers faster, potentially cheaper, detection for water, food, & clinical use.
22nd November, 2025
| Jim Crocker
Sun-damaged plastic attracts and holds positively charged particles
Sunlight breaks down common plastics like packaging film in soil, but not all plastics equally. One type, PE, degrades significantly, becoming more reactive & potentially affecting nutrient availability for plants. This highlights the need to study plastic types separately.
21st November, 2025
| Jim Crocker
How storage affects the quality of a Ziziphora tenuior's essential oils
Antibiotic resistance drives interest in plant-based antimicrobials. A study on Ziziphora tenuior essential oil found storage temperature significantly impacts its chemical composition & potency.
21st November, 2025
| Jim Crocker
Plant melanin helps protect flaxseed oil from spoilage
Flaxseed oil is healthy but easily damaged by light, heat & oxygen. Researchers found melanin from black sesame & cumin seeds can protect it when used as a coating. Black sesame melanin was better at preventing oil breakdown, while cumin showed stronger antioxidant effects.
19th November, 2025
| Jim Crocker
Bacteria hijacks plant defense system to enter leaves
Salmonella bacteria can contaminate produce by reopening pores on leaves plants use for breathing. New research shows Salmonella hijacks plant hormones to do this, overcoming plant defenses. Blocking this hormone signaling could prevent infection.
18th November, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
Enzymes from heat-loving bacteria can break down biodegradable plastics
Scientists discovered enzymes from heat-loving bacteria that effectively break down certain plastics, like those in compostable bags & food packaging.
15th November, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
Cellular cleanup process ramps up under stress, study finds
Cells recycle components via ‘self-eating’ processes like autophagy. New research on trout liver cells reveals a stress-activated form, eMI, distinct from CMA.
13th November, 2025
| Greg Howard
Snake venom changes blood and spleen function, and antivenom shows promise
Snakebites remain a major global health issue, with current treatments often falling short. Research on a viper from Armenia shows its venom severely disrupts blood clotting & causes lasting tissue damage.
8th November, 2025
| Greg Howard
Horse scar tissue composition reveals clues about healing speed
Horse wounds, especially on legs, often develop excessive tissue that delays healing. Research reveals this is due to a stalled healing process producing too much of an immature building block protein, alongside blocked blood vessels. Targeting this could improve treatment.
5th November, 2025
| Greg Howard
Harmalacidine shows promise against common respiratory infections
New compounds harmine, harmaline, and harmalacidine hydrochloride were tested against H1N1 flu and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria.
2nd November, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
How sugar levels control paused development in silkworm embryos
Silkworm hibernation, called diapause, is triggered by hormones. New research pinpointed an enzyme, BmSdh2, as key to maintaining this dormant state.
1st November, 2025
| Greg Howard
How plant defenses can disable fungal infection pathways
When the fungus Cochliobolus heterostrophus is exposed to the plant defense chemical ferulic acid, its key stress-response protein, Hog1, is not just deactivated but actively sequestered into cytoplasmic granules containing messenger RNA.
31st October, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
Olive oil and exosomes show promise in treating fatty liver disease
Fatty liver disease affects many, but treatments are limited. A new study shows combining olive oil with stem cell components may significantly improve liver health, reducing fat buildup & inflammation via gene regulation. More research is needed, but results are promising.
30th October, 2025
| Greg Howard
Strawberry guava extract shows promise in laboratory cancer studies
Strawberry guava leaf extracts show anticancer potential in lab tests against breast and colon cancer cells. Key compounds, caryophyllene oxide and humulene, inhibited cell growth and spread. Further research is needed to confirm these findings in living systems.
26th October, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
Bergamot leaf extract may protect the heart from damage related to obesity
Obesity damages the heart via changes in its structure & function, driven by inflammation.
25th October, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
Garlic and Gum Arabic nanoparticles protect stored grains from beetle damage
Nano-encapsulation boosts garlic oil’s power against bean weevils. Gum Arabic nanoparticles protect and deliver the oil, increasing toxicity and lasting over 30 days—longer than using oil alone.
22nd October, 2025
| Jim Crocker
Bacterial compound boosts soybean health and yield during drought
Drought harms soybean growth, cutting yields & nutrient levels. Researchers found a Bacillus thuringiensis derivative, Bacillin 20, partially countered these effects under moderate stress, boosting leaf area & shoot weight.
17th October, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
Magnetic particles boost enzyme production for better sugar synthesis
Researchers improved an enzyme, rlevblg1, which breaks down sugar into gut-healthy fructooligosaccharides. By attaching it to magnetic particles using computer modelling, they created a more stable, reusable biocatalyst.
16th October, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
Nanoparticles boost lettuce’s defenses against a common root disease
New research shows tiny particles boost lettuce’s natural defenses against root rot, a common fungal disease.
15th October, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
Pesticide exposure linked to energy problems in cells mirroring ALS symptoms
New research links a specific pesticide, cis-chlordane, to ALS by disrupting energy production in nerve cells. Lab studies show it damages mitochondria, mirroring issues seen in ALS patients.
15th October, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
Virus that infects bacteria shows promise for controlling plant disease
A new virus, Brt_Psa3, shows promise against bacterial canker, a major kiwifruit disease. Isolated from a Portuguese orchard, it effectively reduces harmful bacteria on leaves.
13th October, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
Saffron varieties differ in chemical makeup and effects on cells
Saffron plant waste corms, often discarded, may have health benefits. Research shows storage boosts levels of helpful compounds like antioxidants, but high doses show potential cell and DNA damage. More study needed to determine safe use.
13th October, 2025
| Greg Howard
New material shows promise for breaking down antibiotics in water
Researchers developed a low-cost “green” technology using light to break down antibiotics in water. Combining carbon nitride with metal sulfides, especially cadmium sulfide, effectively removed a common antibiotic within 6 hours.
13th October, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
How Madagascar Periwinkle genes respond to stress and an essential amino acid
Madagascar periwinkle produces vital anti-cancer drugs, but yields are low. New research shows drought stress combined with tryptophan boosts gene activity linked to drug production, increasing levels & plant health. Manipulating stress & nutrients may optimize drug creation.
11th October, 2025
| Greg Howard
Pumice effectively removes drug waste using iron oxide nanoparticles
Researchers created a new catalyst from volcanic pumice & bay leaf to remove pharmaceuticals like amoxicillin from wastewater. It’s effective, eco-friendly, reusable, & scalable, achieving 92-93% removal of key pollutants in 3hrs with no harmful byproducts.
10th October, 2025
| Greg Howard
Viruses effectively target and disrupt bacterial biofilms in wound infections
Nepal study finds viruses called bacteriophages show promise against tough, antibiotic-resistant bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) in wound infections. Phages effectively targeted many resistant strains & disrupted biofilms—complex bacterial communities hard to treat.
8th October, 2025
| Greg Howard
Protein in mosquito antennae detects insecticide, triggering defense response
New research reveals mosquito proteins, Sensory Appendage Proteins (SAPs), help them find people & resist insecticides. These proteins sense odors & chemicals, with peak activity during feeding times.
