新闻

Study identifies regions on the SARS-CoV-2 genome linked to virus replication and transmission

已发布 28 七月, 2022

In a study, published in KeAi’s Journal of Biosafety and Biosecurity, a team of researchers analysed 2.8 million of the sequenced SARS-CoV-2 genomes and used the results to compile a ‘mutations blacklist’ of virus weak spots, and a ‘whitelist’ of mutations that make SARS-CoV-2 more transmissible. In addition, the team has developed an online SARS-CoV-2 mutation and variant monitoring and pre-warning system (MVMPS).

Upgrade for popular free software tool that builds evolutionary trees for vascular plants

已发布 13 七月, 2022

In an article published in the KeAi journal Plant Diversity, Dr. Qian and his colleague present the new version of V.PhyloMaker - V.PhyloMaker2. This upgrade retains the botanical nomenclature of The Plant List, but also includes two new botanical nomenclatures: the Leipzig Catalogue of Vascular Plants database and the World Plants database.

Adolescent childbirth remains linked to poor outcomes for both mother and child in Cote d'Ivoire

已发布 11 七月, 2022

Researchers from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Cote d'Ivoire’s University of Abidjan-Yopougon, looked at three years’ worth of data from their maternity hospital. They compared the experiences of an adolescent group of 1,040 girls aged 10-19 years, with a 736-strong young adult group aged 20 to 24 years. Their results have now been published in the KeAi journal Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinical Medicine.

Study shows that getting pesticide reduction policies right is crucial for food security

已发布 28 六月, 2022

Researchers explored the agri-food and environmental implications of an agrochemical (pesticide) use reduction policy introduced in metropolitan Shanghai, East China. The policy aimed to reduce agrochemical use by 20% by 2020, relative to 2015. Official statistics show that Shanghai achieved that goal with a decline of just over 40% in pesticide use (from 4,415 to 2,644 tonnes). However, the planted area shrank by nearly 25% over the same period.

Study highlights undiscovered potential of bacterial compounds and genes linked to colon cancer-related toxin

已发布 23 六月, 2022

The last two decades have seen the development of sophisticated computational tools that explore the DNA of bacteria. These tools look for interesting metabolites that illicit a strong biological reaction. Their impact might be toxic, or it might be life enhancing; for example, informing the development of new antibiotics, anti-cancer drugs or bio-based insecticides for use in agriculture. Scientists have developed a novel computational approach for analysing the DNA sequences of thousands of bacteria.

New, fully biodegradable cellulose membrane proves effective in oil-water separation

已发布 22 六月, 2022

A group of researchers at Shanxi Institute of Coal Chemistry (part of the Chinese Academy of Sciences - CAS) have developed a new and improved method using two different cellulose materials. Their process allows them to obtain membrane materials for oil-water separation that are ‘all cellulose’ (cellulose with two or more different crystal forms). Importantly, as they outline in their study results, published in the KeAi journal Green Energy & Environment, their membrane is friendly to the environment.

Cancer-causing pollutants in the global food chain exceed EU safety limits in 90% of the studied areas

已发布 20 六月, 2022

A study conducted by an international team of researchers has found that in nearly 90% of the areas studied, levels of cancer-causing dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in free-range eggs exceeded EU regulatory food limits. The team reviewed data from Asia, Africa, Europe, and North and South Africa.

New method offers a promising alternative for upgrading natural gas

已发布 16 六月, 2022

In a study published in the KeAi journal Green Chemical Engineering, researchers describe an innovative, copper-based metal organic framework (Cu-MOF) they have developed to separate propane and ethane from methane. The MOF exhibits a high adsorption capacity and selectivity for C2–C3 hydrocarbons. And the adsorption isotherms at ambient conditions show a remarkable uptake (C3H8 of 134.0 cm3 g-1) and excellent selectivity of 204 and nine for C3H8/CH4 and C2H6/CH4.