Browse Our Biology and Life Sciences Journals
Biology is a study of living objects and their life processes. It examines all aspects of living organisms such as their occurrence, classification, internal and external structure, nutrition, reproduction, inheritance, etc. The term “biology” is commonly replaced by the terms “life sciences” and “biological sciences.” There are dozens of branches of biology. Some of the major ones include:
Biology and Life Sciences
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dry heat treatment (roasting) conditions on the physicochemical and sensory properties of crispy pork lard, contributing to the sustainable valorisation of pork by-products. Pork lards were roasted at various temperatures (150–200 °C) for durations of 90–180 min, using response surface methodology design to develop, improve, and optimise the process. The roasted pork lards were evaluated for moisture, lipid, colour, and sensory properties using standard methods. Effect of roasting conditions on properties were modelled and optimised. The roasting conditions significantly influenced the chemical, colour, and sensory properties of the final product. Roasting at 184 °C for 146 min was the optimal condition, achieving a desirability of 78.8%. This work demonstrates the utility of controlled roasting processes to sustainably fractionate underutilised pork by-products into food ingredients with commercial value.
Abstract
The aim of this study was to design and evaluate a pesticide application system that is run from outside the greenhouse, reducing the operator's exposure to pesticides. The system included a network of pipes with fixed nebulizers distributed above the crop and equipment that injects the pesticide into the network. Seven nebulizers, three operating methods, two diameters, and four pipe lengths were evaluated using Christiansen's uniformity coefficient (CUC). The deposition of the system was evaluated, on the floor of a greenhouse without cultivation and on a tomato crop (Solanum lycopersicum), comparing it with a spray gun. The three-stage operation method, filling of pipes, application and surplus collection on return (LLA) was the most homogeneous. It was observed that a nebulization system composed of hydraulic nebulizers with a properly sized pipe network achieved similar deposition to gun applications. With the nebulization system the deposition at the top is greater than at the bottom of the plant.
Abstract
Nipah virus (NiV), a highly pathogenic zoonotic paramyxovirus, poses a significant public health threat due to its high mortality rate and potential for human-to-human transmission. The attachment (G) and fusion (F) glycoproteins play pivotal roles in viral entry and host-cell fusion, making them prime targets for therapeutic and vaccine development. Recent advances in structural biology have provided high-resolution insights into the molecular architecture and functional dynamics of these glycoproteins, revealing key epitopes and domains essential for neutralizing antibody responses. The G glycoprotein's head domain and the prefusion F ectodomain have emerged as focal points for vaccine design, with multivalent display strategies showing promise in enhancing immunogenicity and breadth of protection. Structural studies have also informed the development of monoclonal antibodies like m102.4, offering potential post-exposure therapies. Additionally, insights from cryo-electron microscopy and X-ray crystallography have facilitated the design of structure-based inhibitors and next-generation vaccines, including nanoparticle and multi-epitope formulations. This review highlights recent structural findings on the NiV G and F glycoproteins, their implications for therapeutic strategies, and the challenges in developing effective and targeted interventions. A deeper understanding of these glycoproteins will be crucial for advancing NiV-specific therapeutics and vaccines, ultimately enhancing global preparedness against future outbreaks.
Abstract
Virgin olive oil is renowned for its high quality, health benefits, and antioxidant properties, primarily attributed to its unique composition of fatty acids, phenolic compounds, and tocopherols. This study aimed to evaluate the quality, physicochemical properties, as well as its application in margarine formulations. The olive oil was analysed for key quality parameters, tocopherols, and phenolic compositions, fatty acid profiles, and antioxidant activity. Margarine samples were prepared with varying levels of olive oil (10, 20, and 30%) and assessed for physicochemical properties and oxidative stability. Margarine samples enriched with olive oil were compared to a standard commercial margarine formulated with synthetic tocopherols. The olive oil used in this study exhibited low acidity (0.2%) and a high oleic acid content (70.94%). Analysis of polyphenols revealed that oleuropein and ligstroside derivatives were the most dominant (93.66 and 33 mg kg−1, respectively). The olive oil contained 226.03 mg kg−1 of total tocopherols, with alpha-tocopherol being the most prevalent, comprising over 98%. The addition of olive oil did not influence the humidity, peroxide value, or pH of the formulated margarines but improved their spreadability and oxidative stability by increasing the induction time for oxidation. Margarine enriched with 20% olive oil demonstrated the best oxidative stability and desirable physical properties, making this concentration the most suitable for preparing margarine. This study highlights olive oil's potential as a natural antioxidant, enhancing margarine's nutritional and functional qualities, and serving as a healthier alternative to synthetic additives.
Abstract
Berkeley rapid composting is one of the most effective ways of recovering organic waste, producing a final composting product in a very short time compared with other types of composting. For the first time in Morocco, and more specifically in Béni Mellal, this rapid composting process was applied to casing waste (50%) mixed with a manure fraction (50%) in order to study its qualitative and quantitative feasibility. The results of this experiment showed that the C/N ratio of the compost reached 21.3 and the quantitative efficiency did not exceed 47.9%. The aim of this work is to study the influence of the mixed fraction percentages and the effect of grinding the casings on the feasibility of rapid composting. The results showed that the economic efficiency of composting surpassed 60% when the casing fraction was more than 50% of the mixture and reached 65% when the casing waste was shredded.
Abstract
Besides its live-saving properties, antibiotic treatment affects the commensal microbiota facilitating colonization with potentially harmful microorganisms. Here we tested how commonly applied antibiotics induced gut microbiota changes and predisposed to intestinal carriage of multi-drug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MDR Psae) upon exposure. Therefore, mice received either vancomycin, ciprofloxacin, ampicillin plus sulbactam (A/S) or no antibiotics via the drinking water and were perorally challenged with a clinical MDR Psae isolate after antibiotic withdrawal. Whereas 100% of A/S and 55% of ciprofloxacin pretreated mice harbored Psae in their feces seven days post-challenge, intestinal Psae carriage rates were 20.0% and 26.3% in vancomycin pretreated and untreated mice, respectively. Microbiota analyses revealed that immediately before MDR Psae challenge, A/S pretreated mice displayed the lowest total bacterial, lactobacilli and Clostridium leptum fecal loads compared to other cohorts. Seven days following Psae exposure, however, higher numbers of apoptotic colonic epithelial cells were observed in A/S pretreated versus untreated mice that were accompanied by more enhanced innate and adaptive immune cell responses and nitric oxide secretion in colonic and ileal biopsies in the former versus the latter. In conclusion, distinct gut microbiota shifts following A/S pretreatment facilitate pronounced intestinal MDR Psae colonization and pro-inflammatory immune responses upon oral exposure.
Abstract
The date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is essential for arid economies but faces significant threats from Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. albidinis (Foa), which causes Bayoud disease and creates a dilemma between genetic resistance and fruit quality. This study explores the role of phenolic compounds as natural bioactive agents in enhancing plant defense. We measured Total Phenolic Content (TPC) and we utilized reversed-phase High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (RP-HPLC) to identify specific phenolic acids in the roots and leaves of two rare cultivars, then performed an antifungal test. Our results revealed twelve phenolic acids linked to plant defense, many of which were previously unreported. Notably, the cultivar TIZ exhibited a TPC of 825.63 mg Gallic Acid Equivalent/100 g dry weight in leaves and demonstrated 79% inhibition of Foa at 1,000 ppm. These findings suggest that phenolic-rich cultivars like TIZ can effectively combat Bayoud disease, fostering sustainable agriculture and enhancing breeding programs aimed at improving disease resistance and fruit quality.
