A different look at science and the periodic table
17 March, 2010
According to uncyclopedia, the periodic table was invented in 1974 by Mendeleev, a science teacher in Wellington, New Zealand. (On a related note, Mendeleev also insists he invented the Occasional Table, but this claim occasionally goes into great dispute.)
Thieves need to beware as bacterial ‘signatures’ linger
17 March, 2010
Skin bacteria left behind on keyboards and computer mice can be used to identify who was using the object. Human microbiome researchers are testing if such leftovers can be used forensically or by law enforcement agencies.
Mathematical innovation turns blood draw into information goldmine in Stanford study
10 March, 2010
Scientists at the Stanford University School of Medicine have devised a software algorithm that could enable a common laboratory device to virtually separate a whole-blood sample into its different cell types and detect medically important gene-activity changes specific to any one of those cell types.
Detecting fish disease
10 March, 2010
A new test is available for the nervous necrosis virus - a serious disease affecting more than 35 species of fish worldwide. The new PCR method was first achieved through research and development funded by the Australian Research Council at the University of Sydney.
Blood test for rheumatoid arthritis
04 March, 2010
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
01 March, 2010
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.
New invention set to unlock environmental secrets
19 February, 2010
IRMS++, invented by Dr Mike Hotchkis and Dr Chris Waring at the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, uses a newly developed, patented microwave-driven plasma source to generate large signals directly from very small volumes of liquid or gas for measurement of their isotopic composition.
Nanomagnetics enhances green chemistry
18 February, 2010
McGill University researchers have developed a nanotech catalyst which uses magnetics that may reduce the need for heavy metals in processes.
Bacteria-killing proteins cover blood-type blind spot
17 February, 2010
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.
Miniature GC for environmental testing
17 February, 2010
Dolomite has used microfluidic miniaturisation to produce portable, robust and low-power GC systems suitable for environmental applications such as atmospheric monitoring.
Antibodies implicated in severe dengue virus-induced disease
15 February, 2010
The La Jolla Institute for Allergy & Immunology has validated the longheld theory that antibodies actually contribute to severe dengue virus-induced disease.
Molecular causes of genetic diseases
15 February, 2010
A new study using bioinformatics, led by scientists at the Buck Institute for Age Research, reports the ability to predict the molecular cause of many inherited genetic diseases. These predictions involve tens of thousands of genetic disease-causing mutations and have led to the creation of a web-based tool available to academic researchers who study disease.
Consequences of viral insertions
13 January, 2010
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.
New quantum cascade lasers emit more light than heat
12 January, 2010
Mid-infrared laser diodes that generate more light than heat, developed by researchers at the McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science, are an important step towards the use of quantum cascade lasers in a variety of applications.
What came first in the origin of life?
12 January, 2010
A study carried out by three European researchers contradicts the 'metabolism first' hypothesis in the origin of life.
