Small but perfectly informed

Article Abstract:

Researchers are looking at how microbes react to external conditions, as the mechanisms they use can give vital information about their counterparts in human cells. It has been found that both microbes and human cells have very sensitive processes through which they adapt to environmental changes. This information could be particularly useful in looking at diseases which are associated with failures in the sequences of signals transmitted from the cell surface to the working machinery, which include cancer.

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Nature's cure for global pollution

Article Abstract:

The bacterium methylosinus trichosporium is one of a group of naturally occurring microbes that oxidise methane into methanol. It can break down chemical industry products which would otherwise deplete the ozone layer. These chemicals have a similar molecular structure to chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) which have been destroying the ozone layer since the 1930s. M. trichosporium, Methylocystis and Methylobacter together may be able to break down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs).

Environmental aspects, Pollution, Chlorofluorocarbons, Hydrofluorocarbons, Hydrochlorofluorocarbons

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Bugged by a critical mass

Article Abstract:

New research indicates that some bacteria live in communities and are not solitary cells, as has traditionally been assumed. Within these communities, they are aware of the environment and the presence of other bacteria, and act in a way which benefits the community as a whole. Bacteriologists are particularly interested in 'quorum sensing,' a means by which bacteria can communicate.

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