Science News
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| | Elusive protein protects malaria parasite from heme, 1 hour ago
Hemozoin crystals in the food vacuole of the malaria parasite. Color was added using imaging software. |
Researchers at the Virginia Bioinformatics Institute at Virginia Tech have identified Heme Detoxification Protein, a unique protein encoded in the malaria genome that represents a potential target for developing new malaria drugs.
| | | Researchers uncover mechanism of action of antibiotic able to reduce neuronal cell death in brain, 2 hours ago
Virginia Commonwealth University researchers have discovered how an antibiotic works to modulate the activity of a neurotransmitter that regulates brain functions, which eventually could lead to therapies to treat Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease, epilepsy, stroke, dementia and malignant gliomas.
| | | Retailers can use DNA tracing to track meat, 2 hours ago
IdentiGEN president Donald Marvin looks over his facility in Lawrence, Kan., Wednesday, April 9, 2008. The Ireland-based company that uses DNA technology to test and track meat to the original animal is now targeting U.S. retailers. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner) |
(AP) -- Meat retailers can now trace their wares from the ranch to the refrigerator case using DNA analysis. IdentiGEN Ltd., based in Ireland with U.S. offices in Lawrence, Kan., said its DNA TraceBack technology can boost consumer confidence, as well as the value of the hamburger, steak, pork cuts and other meat.
| | | 'Early birds' adapt to climate change, 5 hours ago
Great tits are able to change their behaviour from year to year. |
Individual birds can adjust their behaviour to take climate change in their stride, according to a study by scientists from the University of Oxford.
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| | Quantum computers take step toward practicality with demonstration of new device, 2 hours ago
Computers based on the powerful properties of quantum mechanics have the potential to revolutionize information technology and security, but for decades they have remained more theoretical than practical, and difficult to scale up. That is changing, however, as demonstrated in a report this week in the journal Science.
| | | Made-to-order isotopes hold promise on science's frontier, May 08
Designer labels have a lot of cachet -- a principle that’s equally true in fashion and physics. The future of nuclear physics is in designer isotopes -- the relatively new power scientists have to make specific rare isotopes to solve scientific problems and open doors to new technologies, according to Bradley Sherrill, a University Distinguished Professor of physics and associate director for research at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory at Michigan State University.
| | | New technique measures ultrashort laser pulses at focus, May 08
Georgia Tech physics professor Rick Trebino and graduate student Pam Bowlan make slight adjustments to SEA TADPOLE, a device that allows nonlaser scientists to easily measure complicated ultrashort pulses.Georgia Tech Photo: Gary Meek |
Lasers that emit ultrashort pulses of light are used for numerous applications including micromachining, microscopy, laser eye surgery, spectroscopy and controlling chemical reactions. But the quality of the results is limited by distortions caused by lenses and other optical components that are part of the experimental instrumentation.
| | | FSU researchers make observing cell functions easier, May 08
This image illustrates fluorescence resonance energy transfer works. With FRET, the illuminated yellow molecules come together, signaling that they are transferring energy in the living cell. Credit: Courtesy of Michael Davidson, National High Magnetic Laboratory |
Now that the genome (DNA) of humans and many other organisms have been sequenced, biologists are turning their attention to discovering how the many thousands of structural and control genes -- the “worker bees” of living cells that can turn genes on and off -- function.
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Physics News
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Nanotechnology News
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| | Scientists demonstrate method for integrating nanowire devices directly onto silicon, May 08
The basic structure of the nanowire devices is based on a sandwich geometry in which a nanowire (n-type zinc oxide) is placed between the substrate (heavily doped p-type silicon) and a top metallic contact, using spin-on glass as an insulating spacer layer to prevent the metal contact from shorting to the substrate (as shown in (a) and (b)). This allows for uniform injection of current along the length of the nanowire. A finished wafer using the team's method is shown in (c), with a typical device shown in (d). Note that a stray nanowire intercepts the device on the upper part of (d). The oval feature surrounding the stray nanowire is due to the varying thickness of the spin-on glass film. When a voltage is applied to this device, it emits ultraviolet light (as shown in image (e) obtained with a CCD camera) with a peak wavelength of ~380 nm. Credit: Courtesy of the lab of Federico Capasso, Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences |
Applied scientists at Harvard University in collaboration with researchers from the German universities of Jena, Gottingen, and Bremen, have developed a new technique for fabricating nanowire photonic and electronic integrated circuits that may one day be suitable for high-volume commercial production.
| | | Researchers identify pressure effects on nanomaterials, May 08
Fluorescence from CdSe quantum dot solids in environments varying from stable to high unstable show that small deviations from uniform stress distribution greatly affect the electronic properties. The blue represents cadmium, the yellow represents selenium and the red represents a cloud of electrons in their excited state. Image by Sebastien Hamel/LLNL |
Transistors, lasers and solar-energy conversion devices may be easier to manipulate because of recent research by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory scientists. The researchers defined the role high pressure plays in precisely tuning the fundamental properties of nanomaterials and, in particular, nanoparticle assemblies that are important for device applications.
| | | Chemists measure chilli sauce hotness with nanotubes, May 07
Indispensable in hot kitchens: the nanotube |
Oxford chemists have found a way of using carbon nanotubes to judge the heat of chilli sauces. The technology might soon be available commercially as a cheap, disposable sensor for use in the food industry.
| | | Researchers target tumors with tiny 'nanoworms', May 07
Segmented “nanoworms” composed of magnetic iron oxide and coated with a polymer are able to find and attach to tumors. Credit: Ji-Ho Park, UCSD |
Scientists at UC San Diego, UC Santa Barbara and MIT have developed nanometer-sized “nanoworms” that can cruise through the bloodstream without significant interference from the body’s immune defense system and—like tiny anti-cancer missiles—home in on tumors.
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