Bacterial dynamics during the burial of starch-based bioplastic and oxo-low-density-polyethylene in compost soil.

Background: Plastic waste accumulation is one of the main ecological concerns in the past decades. A new generation of plastics that are easier to degrade in the environment compared to conventional plastics, such as starch-based bioplastics and oxo-biodegradable plastics, is perceived as a solution to this issue. However, the fate of these materials in the environment are unclear, and less is known about how their presence affect the microorganisms that may play a role in their biodegradation.

Effect of Sauropus androgynus leaf extracts on the expression of prolactin and oxytocin genes in lactating BALB/C mice.

Sauropus androgynus is traditionally consumed by Indonesians and is believed to increase breast milk production during lactation. Lactation, a process of milk synthesis and secretion, occurs with the help of 2 hormones, prolactin and oxytocin. The expressions of genes encoding prolactin and oxytocin were analyzed in lactating BALB/C mice brains using qRT-PCR.