Date Time
Why Scientists Want to Solve an Underground Mystery about Where Microbes Live
Though it might seem inanimate, the soil under our feet is very much alive. It’s filled with countless microorganisms actively breaking down organic matter, like fallen leaves and plants, and performing a host of other functions that maintain the natural balance of carbon and nutrients stored in the ground beneath us.
“Soil is mostly microorganisms, both alive and dead,” says Jennifer Bhatnagar, soil microbiologist and Boston University College of Arts & Sciences assistant professor of biology. Under a microscope, it’s typical to see several hundred different types of fungi and bacteria in a single pinch of soil off the ground, she says, making it one of the most diverse ecosystems that exist.
Date Time
Biomarker Detects Severe COVID-19 Early On
Severe cases of COVID-19 can now be detected at an early stage. Researchers at the University of Zurich have identified the first biomarker that can reliably predict which patients will develop severe symptoms. This can help to improve the treatment of severe cases of COVID-19.
A patient with severe COVID-19 is intubated in the intensive care unit. (Image: iStock.com/Tempura)
Most people who are infected with SARS-CoV-2 develop no or only mild symptoms. However, some patients suffer severe life-threatening cases of COVID-19 and require intensive medical care and a ventilator to help them breathe. Many of these patients eventually succumb to the disease or suffer significant long-term health consequences. To identify and treat these patients at an early stage, a kind of “measuring stick” is needed – predictive biomarkers that can recognize those who are at risk of developing severe COVID-19.
State Secretary Hirayama at COST Ministerial Conference for 50th anniversary State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation Bern, 05.05.2021 - State Secretary Martina Hirayama participated by video conference on 4 May in the 2021 Ministerial Conference of COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology). The main items on the agenda were a discussion on COST s role in the European Research Area and the adoption of a ministerial declaration. Through its participation, Switzerland reaffirmed its commitment as a full and active member of COST and the European Research Area.
The COST Ministerial Conference on 4 May was attended by European ministers for research and innovation, including State Secretary Martina Hirayama, and other representatives of COST member countries. The Ministerial Conferences are held every five years and always feature a ministerial declaration. The declaration adopted for this year s 50th anniversary reflects on pas
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Neuroscience research articles are provided.
What is neuroscience? Neuroscience is the scientific study of nervous systems. Neuroscience can involve research from many branches of science including those involving neurology, brain science, neurobiology, psychology, computer science, artificial intelligence, statistics, prosthetics, neuroimaging, engineering, medicine, physics, mathematics, pharmacology, electrophysiology, biology, robotics and technology. – What is neurology? – Definition of neurology: a science involved in the study of the nervous systems, especially of the diseases and disorders affecting them. – Neurology research can include information involving brain research, neurological disorders, medicine, brain cancer, peripheral nervous systems, central nervous systems, nerve damage, brain tumors, seizures, neurosurgery, electrophysiology, BMI, brain injuries, paralysis and spinal cord treatments.