Articles
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.
[ + ]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.
[ + ]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.
[ + ]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.
[ + ]Patent filings dip in 2009
Pharmaceuticals and medical technology were two fields that experienced a significant drop in international patent filings in 2009.
[ + ]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.
[ + ]Copper-free click chemistry used in mice
The widely used molecular synthesis technique known as click chemistry has been safely applied to a living organism for the first time. [ + ]
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.
[ + ]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.
[ + ]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.
[ + ]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.
[ + ]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.
[ + ]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.
[ + ]Vitamin C aids in producing induced pluripotent stem cells
Finding may aid in the development of regenerative medicines and produciton of iPSCs. [ + ]
Ancient koalas had booming voices
A study of the ancestors to modern koalas shows they had a different diet but could produce 'bellowing' calls. [ + ]