23rd Edition of World Cell Biologist Awards


 

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Microplastics in Caddisflies Casings

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  Recent research from the Naturalis Biodiversity Center in the Netherlands has uncovered a concerning trend regarding caddisfly larvae. Evidence shows that these insects have been using microplastics in their casings since the 1970s. This finding marks the long-standing issue of environmental contamination by plastics. The study, published in the journal *Science of The Total Environment*, analysed preserved caddisfly casings, revealing the integration of synthetic materials into their natural habitats. Caddisfly Overview Caddisflies belong to the order Trichoptera. They are found globally, primarily in freshwater ecosystems like lakes and rivers. These moth-like insects lay their eggs in jelly masses. After hatching, the larvae create protective cases from nearby materials. Traditionally, these materials include sand, stones, and organic debris. Discovery of Microplastics The researchers examined 549 preserved caddisfly casings from natural history collections. They discovere...
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New “evolution engine” creates super-proteins 100,000x faster

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  "This is like giving evolution a fast-forward button," says co-senior author Pete Schultz, the President and CEO of Scripps Research, where he also holds the L.S. "Sam" Skaggs Presidential Chair. "You can now evolve proteins continuously and precisely inside cells without damaging the cell's genome or requiring labor-intensive steps." Directed evolution is a laboratory process that involves introducing mutations and selecting variants with improved function over multiple cycles. It's used to tailor proteins with desired properties, such as highly selective, high-affinity antibodies, enzymes with new specificities or catalytic properties, or to investigate the emergence of resistance mutations in drug targets. However, traditional methods often require repeated rounds of DNA manipulation and testing with each round taking a week or more. Systems for continuous evolution -- where proteins evolve inside living cells without manual intervention -- a...
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New Bacteria Species Conducts Electricity

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  The discovery of a new species of bacteria , Ca. Electrothrix yaqonensis, has opened new avenues in the field of bioelectricity. This bacterium, found on the central Oregon coast, is notable for its ability to conduct electricity. Its unique features and capabilities may have implications for medicine, industry, and environmental monitoring. Historical Context of Bioelectricity The study of electricity began with ancient philosophers. Thales of Miletus was among the first to investigate static electricity. His observations laid the groundwork for future research. Alessandro Volta later used the electric properties of eels to create the first battery. This marked the transition from natural phenomena to practical applications of electricity. Characteristics of Ca. Electrothrix yaqonensis Ca. Electrothrix yaqonensis is a rod-shaped bacterium. Its cells are connected end to end, forming filaments that can extend several centimetres. This structure is rare among bacteria. The species...
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