Unwinding the world’s smallest biological rotary motor by degrees

Unwinding the world’s smallest biological rotary motor by degrees

Unwinding the world’s smallest biological rotary motor by degrees
Researchers from Tokyo University of Science reveal that multiple subunits of the ATPase complex act in harmony to achieve the stepwise catalysis of ATP hydrolysis. As the cleavage happens, the central shaft is pointing to 200°, which was substantiated in their study. Credit: Dr. Tomoko Masaike

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is the energy currency of cells. It powers various cellular processes that require energy, including enzymatic reactions. ATP is synthesized with the help of an enzyme complex called F-type ATP synthase. This enzyme complex has a bidirectional functionality, working to synthesize ATP as well as hydrolyzing it, depending on environmental and cellular cues.

ATP synthase consists of two rotating motors—F1 and F0. The F1 subcomplex is mainly composed of α, β, and γ subunits. During the hydrolysis of ATP, the F1-ATPase show rotational motion. Therefore, F1-ATPase is also known as the world’s smallest

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Scientists just created mice with two biological fathers

Scientists just created mice with two biological fathers

Scientists just created mice with two biological fathers

Scientists have managed to create mice with two biological fathers, which could lead to implications for same-sex reproduction in the future.

Researchers at Kyushu University, in Japan, were able to create lab-grown egg cells by using the skin cells of male mice.

While creating mice with two biological fathers was technically possible prior to the achievement, it involved a series of elaborate steps, including genetic engineering.

After creating stem cells from eight-week-old male mice, scientists manipulated the genetic code of the cell to create a mature egg.

After successful cultivation, the eggs were fertilised and implanted into a surrogate mouse, which eventually resulted in the birth of seven mouse pups.

The breakthrough could revolutionise infertility treatments, as well as potentially create a new method of conception for same-sex couples.

Research director Katsuhiko Hayashi presented the

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New scientific breakthrough could pave the way for two men to have biological babies together

New scientific breakthrough could pave the way for two men to have biological babies together

New scientific breakthrough could pave the way for two men to have biological babies together
Posed by models (Photo: Shutterstock)

In a world first, scientists in Japan have created a baby mouse with two fathers. Instead of using an egg cell from a female, they were able to take a skin cell from one of the male mice and convert it into an egg. They then fertilized this with a sperm cell from the other male.

The research points toward the possibility of radical new treatments for infertile couples. It also suggests that someday in the future, a male couple could have a biological child together using a mixture of just their own DNA, and not a surrogate egg donor.

A surrogate would still need to carry the child.

“This is the first case of making robust mammal oocytes from male cells,” said Katsuhiko Hayashi, who led the work at Kyushu University in Japan.

Hayashi presented the results at the Third International Summit on Human

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Eiphosoma laphygmae likely to be best classical biological control against devastating fall armyworm pest

Eiphosoma laphygmae likely to be best classical biological control against devastating fall armyworm pest

Eiphosoma laphygmae likely to be best classical biological control against devastating fall armyworm pest
The fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda). Credit: CABI

A review conducted by CABI scientist Dr. Marc Kenis suggests that the parasitoid Eiphosoma laphygmae is likely to be the best classical biological control from the Americas against the devastating fall armyworm pest.

Dr. Kenis, Head of Risk Analysis and Invasion Ecology, based at CABI’s Swiss center in Delémont, evaluated the prospects and constraints of a classical biological control program to fight the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) using larval parasitoids, which are considered the most suitable natural enemies of the pest.

His findings are published in the Journal of Economic Entomology.

The fall armyworm—which originates from tropical and subtropical areas of the Americas—is a highly destructive pest of over 350 plant species, though it favors staple foods of millions including maize, rice and sorghum.

A previous review led by Dr. Kenis, published in Entomologia Generalis, provided a comprehensive study of the

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