Connecting Research and Experts with Journalists

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A recent study has uncovered the genetic mechanism behind polyembryony in mango—a process where a single seed produces multiple embryos. By identifying the key reproductive wuschel-related protein (MiRWP) gene, researchers have unlocked how this natural cloning process occurs through changes in gene expression. The discovery has potential to transform agricultural practices, offering new methods for cultivating uniform plants and improving crop production efficiency across various fruit species.

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Scientists tested different methods of obtaining bacterial cellulose on the base of tea fungus. It turned out that when they grow on soybean molasses, microorganisms produce more by 57% of this product than on the base of tea with sugar. This method will make the production cheaper, because soybean molasses is a by-product of soybean processing, that is obtained in great amount at factories. Thanks to such cheap and accessible substrate it will be possible to produce bacterial cellulose, that is used in medicine for wound healing and neogenesis, industrially. Results of the research supported by the grant of Russian Scientific Foundation (RSF), are published in the magazine Food Science and Technology.

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In a multisite randomized controlled trial published in JAMA Network Open in September 2024, the use of Ceevra 3D models in robotic prostatectomy procedures were shown to reduce risk of cancer recurrence, improve functional outcomes, and improve rates of trifecta outcomes.

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Scientists reporting in ACS Nano have made their own version of fake spider silk, but this one consists of proteins and heals wounds instead of haunting hallways. The artificial silk is strong enough to be woven into bandages that helped treat joint injuries and skin lesions in mice.

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Scientists at BFU named after Kant Immanuel, doctor of Physics and Mathematics Artyom V. Astashenok and Alexander S. Tepliakov have proved the viability of a holographic dark energy model. Such model was considered unstable and therefore wasn’t widely used for describing the acceleration in the expansion of the Universe. The results of the research have been published in the Physics Letters B magazine.

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Scientists from Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University analyzed scientific works dedicated to the role of proteins prohibitins in the development of obesity. It turned out that these proteins promote development of inflammation both in separate cells and the whole organism. This happens because prohibitins stimulate emission of anti-inflammatory substances by immune cells, and also participate in destruction of mitochondria damaged during oxidative stress. Obtained information points to the fact that prohibitins can become targets for medicine aimed at struggle with obesity consequences. Results of the research are published in the magazine Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences.

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A pivotal study has uncovered the genetic blueprint behind grape berry texture, a key factor in the fruit’s commercial value. By mapping the genetic markers associated with firmness and brittleness, researchers have identified critical quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and candidate genes that could revolutionize grape breeding, leading to superior varieties for both table grapes and wine production.

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Scientists have found that the naked mole-rat — an underground rodent that lives up to 40 years — has lost a number of CD1 functional genes. The CD1 gene family in mammals is responsible for protein synthesis that protects the body against infectious diseases. The findings indicate that the naked mole-rat’s immune system has significantly realigned and is using other — CD1-independent — molecular mechanisms. The results of the studies, supported by the Grants of Presidential program of the Russian Science Fund (RSF), were published in the Biology Direct magazine.

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New research from the University of Portsmouth in England has provided a unique insight into football players' thought processes, and the results could help other players improve their game.

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Perovskia Solar has won more than ten leading companies from the Internet of Things (IoT) industry as customers and received over two million Swiss francs in seed capital. The multi-award-winning Empa spin-off prints customized solar cells for almost any electronic device. These can be produced cost-effectively – and even work indoors.