The expression of genes of biogeochemical interest in calcifying and noncalcifying life stages of the coccolithophore Emiliania huxleyi was investigated. Transcripts potentially involved in calcification were tested through a light-dark cycle. These transcripts were more abundant in calcifying cells and were upregulated in the light. Their application as potential candidates for in situ biogeoc...

We herein report a rare case of extraosseous calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumor with local aggressive behavior. CT and MR imaging showed the distinctive appearances of this histologic entity. We briefly discuss the radiologic features of calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumor and the relevant literature.

Calcifying fibrous pseudotumor has recently been described in the soft tissues. It is a rare benign lesion characterized by the presence of abundant hyalinized collagen with psammomatous or dystrophic calcifications and lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate. We report a case of a young woman with a mediastinal mass treated by a complete resection. The mass had all the pathologic features of calcifying f...

Using three different microscopy techniques (epifluorescence, electronic and atomic force microscopy), we showed that high-Mg calcite grains in calcifying microbial mats from the hypersaline lake "La Salada de Chiprana", Spain, contain viruses with a diameter of 50-80 nm. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer analysis revealed that they contain nitrogen and phosphorus in a molar ratio of ~9, whi...

Current models predict that the elevation of the Earth's surface temperature due to global warming is accompanied by a warming of the troposphere, and a thickening cloud cover associated with longer-lasting clouds, in particular over land. These effects can have an instant impact on the vitality level of microorganisms in clouds and the spreading of airborne diseases. Microorganisms could origi...

We explored the cytotoxic effects of nanobacteria (NB) and nanohydroxyapatites (nHAPs) against human choriocarcinoma cells (JAR) and the mechanisms of action underlying their cytotoxicity. JAR cells were co-cultured with NB and nHAPs for 48 h, and ultrastructural changes were more readily induced by NB than nHAPs. Autophagy in the plasma of JAR cells were observed in the NB group. The rate of a...

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this preliminary study is to evaluate the effect of various wavelengths of light on nanobacteria (NB). BACKGROUND DATA NB and mitochondria use light for biological processes. NB have been described as multifunctional primordial nanovesicles with the potential to utilize solar energy for replication. NB produce slime, a process common to living bacteria. Slime release ...

"Nanobacteria" are nanometer-scale spherical and ovoid particles which have spurred one of the biggest controversies in modern microbiology. Their biological nature has been severely challenged by both geologists and microbiologists, with opinions ranging from considering them crystal structures to new life forms. Although the nature of these autonomously replicating particles is still under de...

A model using nanospheres to allow the simulation of the nonspecific interaction of nanobacteria (NB), one with another or with body tissues, is established. Depending primarily on their concentrations and stress levels, these apatite nanovesicles may nucleate thrombogenic conglomerates in blood, or self-assemble to dense nanoclay layers on surfaces in the body. Partial or total encapsulation o...

Nanobacteria-like objects evidenced at the surface of the orthopyroxenes of the Tataouine meteorite in South Tunisia have been studied by scanning and transmission electron microscopies. A method of micromanipulation has been developed to ensure that exactly the same objects were studied by both methods. We have shown that the nanobacteria-like objects are spatially correlated with filaments of...