Molecular Atlas of Spider Silk: Fibrous Protein Assembly

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.

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DNA Mutations are Not Random: Genetics Challenges Evolutionary Theory

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.

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Probiotics Protect Bleached Corals from Death: Beneficial Microorganisms

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.

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

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. 

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

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.

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

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.

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