Scientists have found a key protein that helps newts regrow severed limbs and which may guide future research into human regenerative medicine. Biologists have long been intrigued by the ability of newts and salamanders to renew damaged body parts. But how they do it has been unclear.
Now new research by a
This plays a central role in producing a clump of immature cells, known as a blastema, which regrows the missing part. It may hold promise for future efforts to promote limb regeneration in mammals. But, it is still not clear how soon this might be possible in humans.
Termites
Lets turn to termite, the voracious wood chewing creature.
Scientists believe the termite's guts may hold the key to better and cheaper biofuels in the future.They say they have identified a rich reservoir of wood-digesting enzymes exuded by bacteria living in the bellies of termites.
The efficient processes the insects use to turn wood into food could one day be harnessed in factories to transform wood into fuel for transport as an alternative to crops like corn.
Termites have no problems in making gasoline substitutes from wood which is a plentiful but tough source. In fact, their intestines are efficient bioreactors, or chemical processing chambers.Guts of termites contain a huge range of bacterial genes responsible for making many previously unknown enzymes.
The next step will be to figure out the precise role of these enzymes and eventually to synthesize them for use in engineering schemes that can convert wood into biofuels, such as hydrogen or ethanol.
The potential is considerable, given the sheer efficiency of the termite's intestines, which can theoretically turn one sheet of paper into 2 liters of hydrogen.
6 comments on Tiny and Slimy Wonders: Termite and Newts
Add a comment
To add comments without entering your email and image verification, you must be logged in. Login or Join Blogster
Best wishes from the Palace….
Vic
[HEART]
This is a very interesting topic. I am glad you brought it up. This world is complete with bright discoveries that change the history of mankind forever. Soon there will be no need for war in the Middle East!
Take care,