Publications by authors named "M Bracken"
The loss of consumers threatens the integrity of ecological systems, but the mechanisms underlying the effects on communities and ecosystems remain difficult to predict. This is, in part, due to the complex roles that consumers play in those systems. Here, we highlight this complexity by quantifying two mechanisms by which molluscan grazers-typically thought of as consumers of their algal resources-facilitate algae on rocky shores.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCanopy-forming kelps are essential foundation species, supporting biodiversity and providing ecosystem services valued at more than USD$500 billion annually. The global decline of giant kelp forests due to climate-driven ecological stressors underscores the need for innovative restoration strategies. An emerging restoration technique known as 'green gravel' aims to seed young kelps over large areas without extensive underwater labor and represents a promising restoration tool due to cost-effectiveness and scalability.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- Nitrate levels are typically low in summer due to high macroalgal growth, while ammonium and urea, which are less studied, can be found at higher concentrations in regions like Southern California.
- A study measured nitrogen uptake rates in two kelp species, Macrocystis pyrifera and Eisenia arborea, across different locations to see how they utilize nitrate, ammonium, and urea during the summer months of 2021 and 2022.
- Results showed that both kelp species can efficiently absorb all three nitrogen forms, with M. pyrifera showing greater efficiency for nitrate and ammonium, while urea uptake improved as internal nitrogen levels in the kelp declined.
High fat diet is associated with gut microbiota dysbiosis and decreased gut microbial derived metabolites related to metabolic health in young Göttingen Minipigs.
PLoS One
March 2024
Article Synopsis
- The study aimed to analyze the gut microbiota of Göttingen Minipigs with metabolic syndrome and compare the effects of high-fat diets (HFD) on ovariectomized females and castrated males.
- The results showed that pigs on an HFD gained more weight, had higher plasma insulin and dyslipidemia, while their gut microbiota composition significantly changed compared to those on a standard chow diet.
- The findings indicate that high-fat diets led to reduced beneficial gut metabolites and altered gene expression in the liver and adipose tissue, mirroring conditions found in human obesity and insulin resistance.
Human serum albumin (HSA) efficiently transports drugs in vivo: most are organic. Therefore, it is important to delineate the binding of small molecules to HSA. Here, for the first time, we show that HSA binding depends not only on the identity of the d metal ion, Ni or Pd, of their complexes with bis(pyrrole-imine), HPrPyrr, but on the pH level as well.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF