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 »
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 »
Humidity measurement in cleanrooms
Thoughts on selecting and using appropriate humidity measurement equipment for cleanrooms. Read more »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
The science of the sleigh
Some of the secrets of Santa's sleigh are revealed by Prof Larry Silverberg. Read more »
Data disputing Santa's existence
Without some new science, the facts in this article cause us to wonder if Santa exists. Read more »
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 »
Microwave-assisted extraction
Extracting compounds from various samples using traditional methods involves some give and take. Read more »