Posted: Mar 4, 2010  |  By:

The proteins of memory loss

A research team has found three proteins that dismantle ‘bridges’ within brain cells which may explain memory loss. Read more »

Posted: Mar 4, 2010

Detecting the proteins that make us age

Chemists and biologists from the University of Bath have developed a new technique that could be used to diagnose and develop treatments for age-related conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes and cancer. Read more »

Posted: Mar 4, 2010  |  By: Vaisala Pty Ltd

Humidity measurement in cleanrooms

Thoughts on selecting and using appropriate humidity measurement equipment for cleanrooms. Read more »

Posted: Mar 4, 2010

Detecting bad data

An innovative computational technique that draws on statistics, imaging and other disciplines has the capability to detect errors in sensitive technological systems ranging from satellites to laboratories to weather instruments. Read more »

Posted: Mar 4, 2010

Blood test for rheumatoid arthritis

Researchers from University Hospital in Umea, Sweden, have identified several cytokines, cytokine-related factors and chemokines that increase significantly prior to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disease onset; confirming earlier studies which suggested that the risk of developing RA can be predicted and disease progression may be prevented. Read more »

Posted: Mar 4, 2010

Aberrant proteins and prions

Scientists have determined how a normal protein can be converted into a prion, an infectious agent that causes fatal brain diseases in humans and mammals. Read more »

Posted: Mar 1, 2010

Genetic link between misery and death

Most people who are exposed to adverse life events strong enough to trigger depression have an increased risk of dying for the following 11 years. However, some people have a varient gene that makes them immune to this risk. Read more »

Posted: Feb 17, 2010

Bacteria-killing proteins cover blood-type blind spot

A set of proteins found in our intestines can recognise and kill bacteria that have human blood-type molecules on their surfaces, scientists at Emory University School of Medicine have discovered. Read more »

Posted: Feb 12, 2010

Patent filings dip in 2009

Pharmaceuticals and medical technology were two fields that experienced a significant drop in international patent filings in 2009. Read more »

Posted: Feb 3, 2010

Geometry rules RNA shapes

It seems that the rules that dictate the three-dimensional shapes of RNA molecules are based simply on geometry and not on complex chemical interactions. Read more »

Posted: Jan 13, 2010

Consequences of viral insertions

Cell mutation and psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and mood disorders may be caused by the insertion of bornaviruses, RNA viruses whose replication takes place in the nucleus of cells. Read more »

Posted: Jan 12, 2010

What came first in the origin of life?

A study carried out by three European researchers contradicts the 'metabolism first' hypothesis in the origin of life. Read more »

Posted: Jan 3, 2010

The DNA transistor

In an effort to build a nanoscale DNA sequencer, IBM scientists are drilling nano-sized holes in computer-like chips and passing DNA strands through them in order to read the information contained within their genetic code. Read more »

Posted: Jan 2, 2010

Monitoring protein-tissue interactions in real time

Ridgeview Instruments AB’s LigandTracer Grey facilitates kinetic measurements on living cells by enabling researchers to follow protein-cell interactions in real time. Read more »

Posted: Jan 2, 2010

Miniaturised analysis of complex samples

The goal of a ‘lab-on-a-chip’ - an integrated, miniaturised laboratory analysis system - is sample in, answer out. However, researchers wanting to use these microfluidic devices to analyse complex solutions containing particulates or other contaminating materials often find that the first part of the process isn’t so easy. Read more »

Posted: Jan 1, 2010  |  By:

Poo power and disease diagnosis

Researchers have taken high-tech gas sensors normally used to test components for premium cars and applied the same techniques to human blood, human urine and even cow dung samples. The results could lead to a new high-tech medical tool that could provide a fast diagnosis for some of the most difficult gastrointestinal illnesses and metabolic diseases. Read more »

Posted: Dec 16, 2009

The science of the sleigh

Some of the secrets of Santa's sleigh are revealed by Prof Larry Silverberg. Read more »

Posted: Dec 16, 2009

Data disputing Santa's existence

Without some new science, the facts in this article cause us to wonder if Santa exists. Read more »

Posted: Dec 2, 2009

Magnetic Curie valve

Senior Scientist Christian Bahl and Development Engineer Dan Eriksen from Risø DTU have invented a three-way valve that controls the flow through a magnetic material which is attracted by an external magnet when the liquid reaches a certain temperature. The design is promising and the group is now looking for a partner in the industry who would like to join them in this work. Read more »

Posted: Dec 2, 2009  |  By: DKSH Pty Ltd

Microwave-assisted extraction

Extracting compounds from various samples using traditional methods involves some give and take. Read more »