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Nitrogen-producing process of anammox bacterium finally uncovered

Scienmag

After years of research, the molecular structure of the enzyme responsible for a large part of the global nitrate and nitrogen production by bacteria has finally been uncovered. The anammox bacterium and other bacteria use this enzyme to convert toxic nitrite into nitrate.

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Hope rising for understanding and protecting against black rot disease

Scienmag

Black rot disease in cabbages, radishes and related cruciferous crops may have disastrous consequences for the yield and production of marketable plants. The bacterium Xanthomonas campestris is the major cause of black rot disease, which works by retarding several light-mediated biological processes.

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Researchers find peptide that treats, prevents killer citrus disease

Scienmag

Treatment causes deadly bacterium to leak and die Credit: Hailing Jin/UCR New research affirms a unique peptide found in an Australian plant can destroy the No. 1 killer of citrus trees worldwide and help prevent infection. Huanglongbing, HLB, or citrus greening has multiple names, but one ultimate result: bitter and worthless citrus fruits.

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10 of the Worst Food Safety Scandals in Recent History

XTalks

It was caused by contaminated ice cream products manufactured by Blue Bell Creameries, a popular ice cream company based in Texas. The outbreak resulted in ten hospitalizations and three deaths, and led to a nationwide recall of all Blue Bell products. The outbreak was caused by the bacterium Escherichia coli O157:H7, a strain of E.

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A new era in diagnostics: The growing demand for POC testing

Pharmaceutical Technology

While nucleic acid amplification tests - a type of viral diagnostic test for a virus or bacterium that detects genetic materials rather than antigens or antibodies - can provide a shorter turnaround time, they come with challenges, ranging from their complex nature to the intensity of labour required in their creation. Customisable solutions.

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What is a natural health product? Health Canada’s findings upheld by Federal Courts

Pharma in Brief

In recent months, the Federal Courts have twice upheld Health Canada’s findings as to what is, and is not, a natural health product. The Courts’ decisions provide insight into how natural health products are distinguished, under federal law, from cosmetics and from drugs subject to the Food and Drug Regulations.

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MIT Scientists Develop Food Sensor That Can Detect Spoiled or Contaminated Food

XTalks

Related: FDA Issues First Injunction of its Product Safety Rule. The strip did indeed work, showing a positive for the bacterium in about 16 hours and indicating spoilage a few hours after that. These advances, none of which are widely used yet, are generally geared at tackling the issues of contamination and food waste.