This nicotine-eating bacteria may help smokers to quit smoking

People who smoke know that smoking is bad for health, but most of them are difficult to stop. To make it easier, the scientists took a novel approach, they switch to micro-organisms which thrive on nicotine.

In a scientific journal published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, scientists describe a successful test on the enzyme decrease nicotine from a soil bacterium called Pseudomonas putida.

Dr Janda’s team analyzed a nicotine-degrading enzyme, NicA2. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1Nko1My)

Nicotine is one of the harmful content of cigarettes to be attached to the lungs. Nicotine can damage cells in the lungs and adversely affect other organs.

Smokers who want to quit can switch to different pharmacological assistance. Including the release of nicotine candies and other products designed to replace cigarettes, and drugs which absorb nicotine in the body to prevent it from reaching the brain, but addictivity will continue.

But the success rate of this option is low. Only 15 to 30% of smokers who try it are able to quit smoking for more than one year.

Dr. Kim Janda of the Scripps Research Institute and his colleagues tried a new angle. They use an enzyme called NicA2 derived from Pseudomonas putida, a bacterium that is known to degrade the waste of tobacco.

In their experiments, NicA2, proteins containing flavin, managed to ruin all of nicotine in the blood samples within 30 minutes.

It also remained stable for more than three weeks in a buffer solution, at least three days in serum. Rats were given the enzyme did not show any side effects.

"We have done the enzyme kinetic profiles and have found that NicA2 has many qualities necessary for the utilization of smoking cessation therapy, or nicotine poisoning," said Dr. Janda. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SCI-NEWS.COM]

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Pluto has a blue sky and water

NASA re-create the public by surprise. This time the US space agency announced that Pluto has a blue sky and water. The announcement was revealed after the New Horizons spacecraft provide the latest images to Earth.

This artist's impression of NASA's New Horizons spacecraft encountering Pluto and its largest moon, Charon, is seen in a NASA image from July 2015. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1RvzXhj)

It is for the first time a planet farthest from the solar system, located in the Kuiper belt were observed in such detail. "Who would have thought there is a blue sky in the Kuiper Belt? This is really amazing," said Alan Stern, New Horizons team leader as quoted of ABC on Friday, October 9, 2015.

Along with the announcement of the latest findings, NASA also released the latest images of blue gas layer that surrounds Pluto. The blue sky is actually owned by the Earth. This is the result of sunlight mixes with a little bit of nitrogen gas.

"At Pluto, a blue circle appear larger - but still relatively small compared to the Earth, soot-like particles called tholins," said Carly Howett, one of the science research team members.

NASA has released an image showing a blue layer of haze around Pluto. (Picture from: http://ab.co/1P5bMEq)

In addition, the second findings are quite important found on Pluto, ie the latest image from the unmanned spacecraft has found a lot of water droplets freeze at the dwarf planet.

Scientists have been able to map the signatures of water ice on various parts of Pluto's surface. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1R3isQP)

By using a device called a mapper spectral composition, scientists have been able to map the ice-water mark in various parts of the planet's surface.

"A larger overlay of Pluto did not show entirely exposed to water ice. It is possible covered by other substances, the ice here is estimated to be volatile," said Jason Cook, one of the science research team members.

"Understanding why the water appear in different locations is a challenge that we must dig deeper," he added. Areas that appear to contain the most water ice are also visible red light in recent color picture of Pluto.

The areas that seem to contain the most water ice also appear bright red in recent colour images. (Picture from: http://ab.co/1P5bMEq)

"I am surprised that this ice water looks red," said Silvia Protopapa, one of the science research team members. "We do not understand the relationship between ice water and dye tholin redness on the surface of Pluto."

Scientists had previously reported seeing glaciers flowing nitrogen ice on the surface of Pluto. On July 14, 2015, New Horizons, becoming the first spacecraft passes Pluto. This unmanned spacecraft will continue to send data back to Earth until the end of next year. And NASA said the spacecraft is in good condition and be around 5 billion kilometers from Earth. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ABC]

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Fossils prove hearing ability of human ancestors

A number of two-million-year-old fossils, including three bone part of the eardrum, is currently the subject of research on human ancestor hearing ability during the early evolution of chimpanzees.

A study published recently, which involves two species of South Africa that Australopithecus africanus and Paranthropus robustus, concluded both able to hear better than chimps or humans in a specific frequency that is likely to make them able to communicate in the savanna habitat.

The framed hominid fossil "Lucy" -- the first Australopithecus afarensis skeleton ever found -- is seen at a exhibition at the Ethiopian Natural History Museum in the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1L0wbYD)

Both species have a mixture of ape and human anatomy. Both also inhabit grasslands, in contrast with the descendants of the early humans who inhabit the forest.

Both species had a maximum frequency hearing sensitivity which is somewhat higher than the chimpanzee. Both also hear better than chimps and humans in frequency of 1.0 to 3.0 kilohertz, said Rolf Quam paleontologists from the University of Binghamton in New York.

The voices are included in the range are all vowels and some consonants, said Quam.

"Apparently, the pattern of this hearing may be more favorable to life in the savannah. In the space more open, sound waves do not move so far in the woods so that good communication over short distances in the savannah," said Quam.

Human lineage separated from chimpanzees about five to seven million years ago, said Quam, and hearing abilities begin to adapt to changes in lifestyle.

Middle Ear Bones

To study the ability of hearing the two species, the researchers analyzed a number of fossils including small bones of the ear drum section called "ossicle." They then reconstruct the internal anatomy of the ear with a computer.

Our species, Homo sapiens evolved around 200,000 years ago, is very different from most other primates because they hear better in a wider frequency between 1.0 to 6.0 kilohertz. In this range, humans can hear a lot of noise produced verbal language.

"I want to emphasize we are not doubting human ancestors have their own language," said Quam. "Obviously they can communicate by voice. All primates do that. But human language emerged after being human evolution."

Juan Luis Arsuaga, a Spain paleontologist said the hearing ability of the two species indicated that their vote "would sound strange to us, half human half chimpanzees." And the results of this research were published in the journal Science Advances. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | VOA NEWS]

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Camaro off-road version

Who does not know that the Chevrolet Camaro was born to be an American iconic muscle car. The car has a monster power and is ready to speed up on the asphalt. If you want to use in off-road terrain, now you can!!

Rüffer Camaro "Troubleshooter" R750 6.8. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1WQCsu2)

This is an aftermarket modification package from a German automotive tuner named Rüffer Performance created specifically for the Chevrolet Camaro, and reportedly also at an inexpensive cost. Apparently with this modification package, the Chevy Camaro ready to conquer any terrain.

Another car figure option of Rüffer Camaro "Troubleshooter" R750 6.8. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1WQCsu2)

This modification package called "Offroad Desert Funcar", in the form of all-terrain Camaro sedan by displaying more higher figure, with a large hoe typical offroad car tires. Diverse accessories also accompany the body.

Rear side view of Rüffer Camaro "Troubleshooter" R750 6.8. (Pictures from: http://bit.ly/1WQCsu2)

Ranging from 4 fog lights on the roof, 'bulge' on the engine hood, over fenders, until the rear spoiler and bumper guards and four exhaust spout, with two in each of the right side of the rear bumper, which makes it looks so creepy.

It's time peek at the innards of the machine. The monster power generated by a 6.8 liter, V8 engine that can burst a power of 750 hp and torque of 670 nm. Additional cooling was necessary to keep up with the strong motor.

The suspension system has also been modified, which now carries the individual configuration at each wheel. And although this is merely a digital design, but Rüffer Performance ready to make become real if there is interest. Are you interested? *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | WORLDCARFANS]

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Yamaha re-use their legendary livery color

Before using blue as the primary identity today, Yamaha previously known used characteristic yellow color with black shades. In their new 60th anniversary motorcycle models, the famous Japanese motorcycle manufacturer to bring back their legendary color.

Yamaha's 60th anniversary motorcycle models of YZF-R1 and YZF-R6. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1Mmd9g7)

The black-yellow theme will be present in the intermediate sport motorcycle model YZF-R6 and Super Tenere adventure follows the YZF-R1 model, which have long introduced by Yamaha is present in a similar theme. Yamaha launches two special models without experiencing any technical changes.

Yamaha's 60th anniversary motorcycle models of Super Tenere. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1Mmd9g7)

As reported by the Motorcyclistonline on Saturday, October 10, 2015, the yellow livery also has historical value for Yamaha since won the GP500 world championship (the current MotoGP) 1978 season. The era of the triumph achieved by Kenny Roberts as the rider who riding YZR500.

This title also marks the start of the achievement of three titles in a row achieved Yamaha and Kenny. Therefore, the yellow theme is characteristic of Yamaha's success in the era of Kenny Roberts.

And Yamaha's 60th anniversary edition models ie Yamaha YZF-R6 and Super Tenere released at a more expensive price of US. $500, or approximately Rp.6.72 million of the price of standard variant. R6 selling price was US. $11,490, or approximately Rp.154.67 million, while the Super Tenere is US. $15,990 or approximately Rp.215.2 million. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MOTORCYCLISTONLINE]

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Scientists have identified two genes that 'shut down' HIV virus

A group of scientists have identified a gene that can inactivate HIV-1. These findings suggest a promising new strategy to combat the virus that causes AIDS.

In two of their studies, the scientists found that the host cell membrane protein called SERINC5 and SERINC3 greatly reduces the virulence of HIV-1 by blocking the ability of the virus to infect new cells.

HIV-1 virion. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1WVOQZG)

"It's amazing the amount of this protein effect on infectivity. Protein SERINC reduce the infectivity of HIV-1 virions more than 100-fold, "said Prof. Jeremy Luban of University of Massachusetts Medical School. 

Disrupting this mechanism can be a powerful strategy for treating HIV and similar viruses that express the Nef protein.

Both of these studies use very different methodologies, but complementary. Both reveal a complex interaction between the HIV-1 Nef protein and cell surface membrane proteins SERINC5 and SERINC3, which are both expressed in T cells of the immune system.

Scientists show parallel sequencing on 31 different human cell lines in terms of large dependence on Nef for the replication of HIV-1.

They also approached the problem of biochemistry. By doing proteomic analysis of purified virions, they were able to identify host cell proteins are regulated by Nef.

"It has been known for more than 20 years that Nef is needed to make HIV-1, the deadly virus. Our new study may ultimately give us an important glimpse of how Nef might do this," said Prof. Luban.

HIV-1 consists of nine genes. To replicate the genome, the virus needs a host cell. Once the virus infects a cell, it will take over certain cellular processes so that it can replicate itself.

Ultimately, the infected host cells to produce new virions which carry the HIV-1 genome. These virions will then search for new cells to infect, continuing the cycle of infection.

Nef, one of the nine major HIV protein, induces a number of changes in host cells that enhance the ability of the virus to infect new cells.
One task is to absorb SERINC3 Nef and SERINC 5, so that the cellular protein can not reach the cell surface and can not join the newly formed virions.

In the absence of Nef, virions will join SERINC3 and SERINC5 protein into the viral sheath when they leave the host cells, making them unable to infect a new cell targets.

"These virions can attach itself to a target host cells, but the genome of HIV-1 can not pass through the veil of viral when there SERINC3 and SERINC5. Somehow, this protein can inhibit the release of the viral genome, which essentially prevent the spread of the virus, "explains Prof. Gottlinger.

Scientists say that the effect of anti-retroviral from SERINC seems to reach all retroviruses and may turn into a universal. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SCI-NEWS.COM]

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