Hamstersynthesis | Antibiotic Persistence | Venom Rx

As an avid user of googly eyes, seeing one on Mars made my week.

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-Steve

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Hamstersynthesis

If you want to photosynthesize, just add chloroplasts. Researchers created hybrid hamster cells by adding red algae chloroplasts.

• Algae-hamster cells generated energy from food AND sunlight

• Chloroplasts functioned properly for 2 days

• Hybrid cells grew faster than animal cells

Chloroplast-hybrid cells could bolster lab-grown production of meat alternatives and/or organ replacement. Further research will determine the scalability and risks of connecting phylogenetic tree branches. Don’t forget to water your hamster!

Take your succulent for a walk

Antibiotic Persistence

MRSA’s antibiotic resistance may be coming to an end. Scientists learned the infection’s secret to defending treatment and causing 120k+ deaths per year.

• MRSA = Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus

• Secret Defense: Antibiotic triggered cell division

• Antibiotics target enzymes that build bacterial cell walls

When these enzymes are attacked, MRSA replicates to overwhelm and outlast the antibiotics. Identifying this specific resistance mechanism will help scientists develop better targeted treatments. Classic UNO Reverse Card play.

Anti-Anti-Antibiotic

Venom Rx

Ants may be the key to treating pain. West African ant venom’s uniquely sinister path to pain sheds light on potential therapies.

• Their venom peptide, Ta3a, binds to nerve cell sodium channels

• Attracting negative ions and repelling positive ones

• Hijacking the channel to constantly fire pain signals

Most arthropod venoms target multiple sodium channels and diffuse rather than take over signaling. Harnessing venom peptide’s hijacking capabilities could lead to better treatment for patients suffering from chronic pain. And a cool Marvel origin story.

Anty Venom

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Unnatural Selection

Last week: “Which is the best Halloween candy type?”

Ironically, 82% is both the victory margin AND current discount on Halloween chocolate.

st3v on site

Hamster Plant

Exercise is very important for succulent health, naturally. So st3v got his hamster plant a wheel to stay active on days they can’t get outside.

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