Royal Jelly & Silkworm Droppings: The Buzz and the Poop of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Get ready, because we’re about to dive into the most unhinged yet scientifically fascinating duo in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): Royal Jelly (the queen bee’s secret sauce) and Silkworm Droppings (yes, bug poop, but make it medicinal). These two are the BeyoncĂ©
Bacillus thuringiensis: the James Bond of biological pest control
In the microscopic world of bacteria, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), a gram-positive, soil-dwelling microbe is the go-to secret agent for farmers and gardeners worldwide, thanks to its uncanny ability to produce crystal-clear killers. From Silkworms to Superbugs Our story begins in 1902 when Japanese
Testican
Testican is a type of proteoglycan. Testican-1 is a highly conserved, multidomain proteoglycan that is most prominently expressed in the thalamus, and is upregulated in activated astroglial cells of the cerebrum. Several functions of this gene product have now been demonstra
A Mad Scientist’s Dream – Rumpless Chickens (and more)
Today, we delve into the bizarre phenomenon of rumpless chickensâa feathered marvel characterized by caudal dysplasia, or as some like to call it, the ultimate chicken makeover! These quirky birds are missing their pygostyle, that charming little appendage known as the âparsonâs nose,â a mut
Effect of biotin deficiency on embryonic development in the domestic fowl (1944) with reference and cited by articles
The approximate biotin requirements of breeding hens have been established and the embryos examined for gross pathological symptoms and the approximate age at death are recorded. Cravens, W.W., W., & Sebesta, M.A. (1944). Effect of biotin deficiency on embryonic development in the domestic fowl.
Avidin is a tetrameric biotin-binding protein produced in the oviducts of birds, reptiles, amphibians
Dimeric members of the avidin family are also found in some bacteria. In chicken egg white, avidin makes up approximately 0.05% of total protein (approximately 1800 ÎŒg per egg). The tetrameric protein contains four identical subunits (homotetramer), each of which can bind to&nbs
Juvenile hormone (and Methoprene)
Juvenile hormones (JHs) are a group of acyclic sesquiterpenoids that regulate many aspects of insect physiology. The first discovery of a JH was by Vincent Wigglesworth. JHs regulate development, reproduction, diapause, and polyphenisms. The chemical formula for juvenile hormone is C18H30O3.
The Yolk’s On Us: Unraveling the Secrets of Vitellogenesis
Hold onto your ovaries, folks! We’re about to dive into the wild world of Vitellogenesis – the cellular rave where eggs get their groove on! Picture this: You’re a lonely liver cell, minding your own business, when suddenly – BAM! – you’re hit with a tsunami of es
Vitellogenin is a precursor of egg yolk that transports protein and some lipid from the liver through the blood to the growing oocytes where it becomes part of the yolk. Normally, it is only found in the blood or hemolymph of females…
Vitellogenin (VTG or less popularly known as VG) (from Latin vitellus, yolk, and genero, I produce) is a precursor of egg yolk that transports protein and some lipid from the liver through the blood to the growing oocytes where it becomes part of the yolk. Normally, it is only found in the blo
Vitellin is essential in the fertilization process, and embryonic development in egg-laying organisms
Vitellin is a protein found in the egg yolk. It is a phosphoprotein. Vitellin is a generic name for major of many yolk proteins. Vitellin has been known since the 1900s. The periodic acid-Schiff method and Sudan black B dye was used to help determine that Vitellin is a glycolipoprotein because i
The birds and the bees and the blister beetles
What on earth?
Buzz Pollination or Sonication
Buzz pollination or sonication is a technique used by some bees, such as solitary bees to release pollen which is more or less firmly held by the anthers. The anthers of buzz-pollinated plant species are typically tubular, with an opening at only one end, and
Sonication
Sonication is the act of applying sound energy to agitate particles in a sample, for various purposes such as the extraction of multiple compounds from plants, microalgae and seaweeds. Ultrasonic frequencies (> 20 kHz) are usually used, leading to the process also being known as ultrasonication
The lactating birds and the bees (gastrin, pepsin, etc)
Crop milk is a secretion from the lining of the crop of parent birds that is regurgitated to young birds. It is found among all pigeons and doves where it is referred to as pigeon milk. An analog to crop milk is also secreted from the esophagus of flamingos and the male emperor penguin. D
Megachile pluto aka king of the bees
Megachile pluto, also known as Wallace’s giant bee or raja ofu (lit.â’king of the bees’), is a large resin bee found in Indonesia. With a wingspan of 63.5 mm (2.5 in) it is the largest known living bee species. It was believed to be extinct until several specimens were
Daedalus (Greek mythology)
In Greek mythology, Daedalus (Greek: ÎαίΎαλοÏ; Latin: Daedalus; Etruscan: Taitale) was a skillful architect and craftsman, seen as a symbol of wisdom, knowledge and power. He is the father of Icarus, the uncle of Perdix, and possibly also the father of Iapyx. Among his most famous