Eco Tonics – TechieTonics

Molecular Atlas of Spider Silk: Fibrous Protein Assembly

March 4, 2023March 4, 2023 Pooja Kashyap

Researchers at Southwest University in China have successfully constructed the chromosomal-scale genome assembly as well as the complete spidroin gene set of the golden orb-weaving spider. The chromosomal-scale genome assembly represents genome sequence; while the spidroin refers to proteins in spider silk. Different spidroins determine the varieties in spider silks. With this new insight, researchers can dive deeper into the silk-producing capabilities of spiders. Eventually, this might lead to the development of new materials with desirable mechanical properties.

Microplastics Aggravate Severity of Disease: Fish Mortality

February 5, 2023February 5, 2023 Pooja Kashyap

Recent study has shown that the presence of microplastics can increase the severity of a viral fish disease. This highlights that microplastics not only pose serious threats to ecosystem and human health, but also to aquatic organisms.

Retinal Movements of Spider suggest REM Sleep: Arachnid is Dreaming

August 11, 2022August 11, 2022 Pooja Kashyap

After researchers have figured out that spiders use their silk to hear, scientists have discovered that arachnids have patterns of sleep cycles. In one such observation, they not only twitched their legs toward the sternum but and flickered parts of their eyes. The phenomenon is similar to REM sleep-like state.

Bacterium Flagellar Beats on Graphene: Microbial Melody

April 26, 2022April 26, 2022 Pooja Kashyap

Anything that vibrates, creates sound. This implies, microbes too must emit noise. Does this mean, we can also hear disease? Pathogenic bacteria mixed with other healthy microbe bacteria might sound in a certain way. So, if this technology is used for diagnostic purposes, we could we hear disease!

Spiders Can Use Their Silk to Hear: Acoustic Properties of Webs

April 4, 2022April 4, 2022 Pooja Kashyap

Researchers at Binghamton University, in collaboration with Cornell University, suggest that spiders use their webs to assist in their hearing mechanism. Distinguished Professor Ron Miles and doctoral student Junpeng Lai conducted the experiment at the Binghamton University anechoic chamber.

DNA Mutations are Not Random: Genetics Challenges Evolutionary Theory

January 14, 2022January 14, 2022 Pooja Kashyap

Plant evolves to protect itself, there is no random mutation at DNA level. In a collaborative effort, researchers from University of California, Davis, and the Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology in Germany concluded that when it comes to mutations, there is no such thing as randomness. In fact, it is in a non-random way that benefits the plant, claimed Grey Monroe, an assistant professor in the UC Davis Department of Plant Sciences.

Worms Sense Sound Through Skin: Auditory Transduction

September 23, 2021September 23, 2021 Pooja Kashyap

Researchers at University of Michigan Life Sciences Institute have determined that even though the roundworms lack ear like organs, still they are able to comprehend sound.

Probiotics Protect Bleached Corals from Death: Beneficial Microorganisms

August 15, 2021August 15, 2021 Pooja Kashyap

Coral reefs harbour the highest biodiversity of any ecosystem globally. Constant rise in temperature is causing havoc to marine life as well. Coral reefs across the globe are suffering from bleaching and mass mortality due to warming ocean temperatures. Recent research by King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) shows probiotic treatment can boost coral health.

PETase with MHETase Speed Up The Breakdown Of Plastic: Enzyme Innovation

October 6, 2020October 6, 2020 Pooja Kashyap

We live in a plastic era. Ubiquitously, the substance is found in our household and communities across the globe. Not only we have filled up our land but also oceans with plastic. Worldwide waste management market size is expected to reach $484.9 billion by 2025 from $303.6 billion in 2017.

Human Cacophony Impacts Immunity Of Aquatic Organisms: Noise Pollution

September 17, 2020September 22, 2020 Pooja Kashyap

Human created noise impacts behaviour and physiology of underwater creatures. Stressed by noise pollution, fishes are not able to ward off diseases and this eventually leads to early death.

Our Consumption Habits Cause Trash In The Ocean: Marine Debris

September 15, 2020September 22, 2020 Pooja Kashyap

Marine trash or marine debris is human made solid material that is abandoned on beaches. This waste eventually goes into the ocean.

Plants Camouflaging with Odour: Survival Strategy

June 19, 2020June 19, 2020 Pooja Kashyap

Till now, we have known, humans and animals (including insects) have survival instincts. Its not just grit, its instinct. Sometime or the other, in our lives, we have experienced it too. But ever heard of plants displaying this survival strategy?

Queen Bee’s Tooting Initiates Swarming: Preserving Biodiversity

June 18, 2020June 18, 2020 Pooja Kashyap

It has been widely known for some time that queen bees make use of acoustical signals for communication amongst themselves. Now researchers have discovered an assortment of behavioural cues and other social signals that goes on within the waxy walls.

Protective Protein Guarding DNA Makes Tardigrades Indestructible: An Offbeat Genetic Constitution

September 22, 2016September 22, 2016 Neha Shukla

Tardigrades are water dwelling, eight legged microscopic organisms, also known as the water bears, are one of the most resilient organism (extremophile) known to survive in the most inhospitable conditions on earth and even in the space. They are found to thrive in extremely low temperature (as just above the absolute zero), in high temperatures (i.e above the boiling point of water), high pressure and can even withstand high radiation.

Male Widow Spiders Inseminate Young Females And Avoid Being Cannibalized: Spidery Sex Life

September 21, 2016September 21, 2016 Neha Shukla

Sexual cannibalism is very common in some species like the male coin spiders. Black widow and Redback female spiders are famous for slaying their partners soon after mating. The male widow spiders that are considerably smaller in size, are often seen voluntarily offering themselves to be eaten, with a hope that the female will give birth to his offspring. Sometimes, the males reaching out females are mistaken for prey and are killed even before copulation occurs.