When methane-eating microbes eat ammonia instead

Some microorganisms, the so-called methanotrophs, make a living by oxidizing methane (CH4) to carbon dioxide (CO2). Ammonia (NH3) is structurally very similar to methane, thus methanotrophs also co-metabolize ammonia and produce nitrite. While this process was observed in cell cultures, the underlying biochemical mechanism was not understood. Boran Kartal, head of the Microbial Physiology Group…

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Spice Up Your Pandemic Love Life

For many people, the monotony of the last 160-plus days has depleted just about everything. You aren’t alone if you barely recognize yourself, let alone your partner and the special qualities that attracted you to him or her in the first place. Stress and worries over health or financial hardship might have increased, and romance…

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How to Build a Soma Cube

Sonobe modules follow the rules of traditional modular origami, beginning with a flat square of paper and then combining pieces into structures without tape or glue. The cube that you can make from this simple start is particularly elegant and appealing. It is the same on all six sides and very stable, and it can…

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How to Declutter Your Digital Life

Working remotely may have eliminated your commute and allowed you to spend the day in your pajamas, but it also means you’re most likely bombarded with digital communication every second of the day — from personal and professional emails crowding your inboxes to push notifications reminding you of every news development to the nonstop viral…

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