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Here is your customized PHYSorg.com Newsletter for March 15, 2011:
Spotlight Stories Headlines
- Physicists demonstrate conditions for laser-driven fusion- Room-temperature spintronic computers? Silicon spin transistors heat up and spins last longer
- Fundamental discovery could lead to better memory chips
- All wrapped up: Researcher's graphene cloak protects bacteria
- Large Hadron Collider could be world's first time machine
- AMD's Bulldozer architecture to battle Intel's Core i7
- Finding of long-sought drug target structure may expedite drug discovery
- Tying the knot with computer-generated holograms: Winding optical path moves matter
- New laser technique opens doors for drug discovery
- Unprecedented view of protein folding may help develop brain disease therapies
- Malaria drug slows pancreatic cancer growth in mouse models
- The Virus Turns 40
- New device holds promise of making blood glucose testing easier for patients with diabetes
- evoMouse and Magic Cube: New mouse and projector keyboard devices (w/ Video)
- See Mercury at sunset
Space & Earth news
Natural sequence farming: Turning back the climatic clock in Australia
Improving land management and farming practices in Australia could have an effect on global climate change, according to a study published in the International Journal of Water.
Combine carbon consensus with income tax cuts: study
A carbon pricing proposal can find consensus and would allow income tax cuts, as long as industry handouts can be kept in check, according to a new report from The Australian National University.
Golf courses that reuse water irrigate too much
Irrigation is one of the most controversial aspects in the sustainable management of golf courses. Researchers from the Canary Islands have spent 25 years analysing the practices relating to reclaimed water at one of the oldest golf courses in Spain. The results show that plants on the course receive 83% more water than they need.
Modern Magellans: New grant uses the power of the masses to map dark matter in the galaxy
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute astronomer Heidi Newberg is using a new grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to begin mapping the distribution of dark matter in our galaxy. The more than $382,000 grant will utilize the massive computing power of the international MilkyWay@Home project to help uncover the whereabouts of the elusive dark matter and provide another piece in the puzzle to map the Milky Way.
LLNL gamma ray spectrometer aboard spacecraft due to start orbiting around Mercury
(PhysOrg.com) -- When a NASA spacecraft goes into orbit around Mercury Thursday evening, a team of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory researchers will be paying close attention.
Northern peatlands a misunderstood player in climate change
University of Alberta researchers have determined that the influence of northern peatlands on the prehistorical record of climate change has been over estimated, but the vast northern wetlands must still be watched closely as the planet grapples with its current global warming trend.
Airborne chemistry measurements used to assess flow rate, fate of spilled gases and oil during Gulf oil spill
NOAA scientists and academic partners have found a way to use air chemistry measurements taken hundreds of feet above last year’s BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill to estimate how fast gases and oil were leaking from the reservoir thousands of feet underwater. The scientists also determined the fate of most of those gas and oil compounds using atmospheric chemistry data collected from the NOAA WP-3D research aircraft overflights in June. The study, accepted for publication in Geophysical Research Letters, a publication of the American Geophysical Union, is available online as a paper in press.
West Antarctic ice sheet 'could be more stable than thought'
Whether global warming may cause the giant West Antarctic Ice Sheet to melt and raise sea-levels by several meters is one of the most contested debates in climate science.
Where the winds blow: Experts ponder fallout risks
Experts monitoring weather patterns for any fallout from Japan's stricken nuclear plant said Tuesday the winds had so far been favourable but they were less confident about the outlook later this week.
Fukushima triggers new look at mega-quake threat
The disaster that has befallen Fukushima is prompting some experts to cast a worried eye at the risk of massive earthquakes to nuclear plants in seismic zones.
Aqua satellite spots rare Southern Atlantic sub-tropical storm
NASA's Aqua satellite spotted some strong convection in a recently formed low pressure area that strengthened into Sub-Tropical Storm Arani in the South Atlantic. Arani formed near the coast of Brazil and is now moving away from it. Tropical cyclones in the Atlantic are a rare occurrence and since 2004 there have only been three of them, Arani being the third.
Space scientists ready for orbital insertion of Mercury spacecraft
NASA's MESSENGER mission, launched in 2004, is slated to slide into Mercury's orbit March 17 after a harrowing 4.7 billion mile journey that involved 15 loops around the sun and will bring relief and renewed excitement to the University of Colorado Boulder team that designed and a built an $8.7 million instrument onboard.
Ocean-studying satellite 'no longer recoverable'
Astronauts famously call Earth the blue planet, a reflection of its watery surface. But, if you want to understand the other special thing about our planet -- its life -- you need to look at the green. Plants produce the green pigment chlorophyll to harvest the sun's energy and make the food on which nearly all life depends.
Arachnophobes beware: Hubble snaps close-up of the Tarantula (w/ Video)
(PhysOrg.com) -- The wispy arms of the Tarantula Nebula were originally thought to resemble spindly spider legs, giving the nebula its unusual name. The part of the nebula visible in this image from Hubble's Advanced Camera for Surveys is criss-crossed with tendrils of dust and gas churned up by recent supernovae. These supernova remnants include NGC 2060, visible above and to the left of the centre of this image, which contains the brightest known pulsar.
US, Russia sign deal to transport astronauts until 2016
The US space agency has renewed a contract to use Russian spaceships to ferry astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS) up to 2016, the Russian space agency said Tuesday.
Japan quake may have shortened Earth days, moved axis
(PhysOrg.com) -- The March 11, magnitude 9.0 earthquake in Japan may have shortened the length of each Earth day and shifted its axis. But don't worry-you won't notice the difference.
See Mercury at sunset
The timing couldn't be better. Just as NASA's MESSENGER probe is about to enter orbit around Mercury, the innermost planet is popping out of the twilight for its best apparition of 2011.
Technology news
Teen cancels Facebook party with 200,000 'guests'
An Australian schoolgirl had to cancel her 16th birthday party after her Facebook invitation went viral and close to 200,000 people said they would turn up at her house, reports said Tuesday.
Epson Toyocom halves the size, consumption of new SAW Oscillators
Epson Toyocom Corporation, a leader in crystal devices, today announced the development of a new series of differential-output SAW oscillators that offer both excellent stability and high-frequency oscillation, from 100 MHz and up. Measuring just 5.0 mm x 3.2 mm along the edges and only 1.4 mm thick, the SAW oscillators in the new EG-2121/2102CB series are believed to be the smallest of their type in the world. Samples are currently available for evaluation. Commercial development is scheduled for December 2011.
Quiet area for sensitive devices
Devices for precise analysis or manufacturing are very sensitive to ambient vibrations. The German experts at Fraunhofer have developed an insulation unit that actively counteracts these effects emanating from the environment. This compact and flexible system can be viewed at the Hannover Messe trade fair at the booth of the Fraunhofer Adaptronics Alliance in Hall 2, Booth D18.
Strategies for improved collection of national travel data
Good travel data are essential to measure and monitor the performance of the U.S. transportation system and to help guide policy choices and investments in transportation infrastructure, says a new report from the National Research Council that calls for the creation of a national travel data program. Current data are inadequate to support decision making in the transportation sector.
Japanese light up Twitter on govt quake response
Japan's Twitter users have sent an endless stream of messages of support to survivors of the quake-tsunami disaster, but they also have plenty to say -- good and bad -- about the country's leaders.
Japan quake, tsunami could hit global production
The economic aftershocks from the massive earthquake off the coast of Japan, the resulting tsunami and a feared nuclear meltdown could hit global production of everything from aircraft to iPads.
Zynga players raise $1 million for Japan relief
Zynga, maker of popular social networking games such as "FarmVille," said Monday that its players have raised $1 million for Save the Children's Japan relief efforts.
Hewlett-Packard hikes dividend, outlines strategy
(AP) -- Hewlett-Packard Co. said Monday it plans to raise its dividend for the first time in over a decade and one day soon sell "cloud computing" services to the public.
Asia's nuclear drive on despite Japan crisis
Asian governments that are ramping up nuclear power will face huge pressure to curb their programmes in the wake of Japan's atomic crisis, but dozens of reactors will still be built in the near future.
Online social game star Zynga adds new lure
The startup behind hit online social games Farmville, Zynga Poker, and Mafia Wars ramped up the pay-off for its more than 250 million players.
Get SMART in cyberspace: Protect your data
A virtual 'guard' that gives you greater control over your personal data has been developed by experts at Newcastle University.
The state of solar
Arizona has more sunny days per year than any other state in the U.S. Phoenix residents enjoy more than 300 sun-filled days per year, according to the city’s official website. Given this seemingly endless supply of sunlight, why isn’t the state completely powered by solar electricity? ASU researchers explain why Arizona has yet to see a complete solar overhaul, and what projects are underway to make solar electricity more accessible to everyone.
EU to mull 'stress tests' for nuclear plants
The European Union will discuss Tuesday whether to conduct "stress tests" on atomic power plants to check their safety in light of Japan's nuclear crisis, a European Commission spokeswoman said.
Germany shuts down seven reactors
Germany announced Tuesday the temporary shutdown of the oldest seven of its 17 nuclear reactors pending a safety review in light of Japan's atomic emergency.
EBay adjusts rules for avoiding 'listing' fees
(AP) -- EBay Inc. has tweaked the requirements for avoiding "listing" fees when auctioning items on its site, letting users list up to 50 items each month at any starting price and allowing them to add the "Buy it Now" option to listings for free.
Netflix shares surge on analyst call, research
Netflix shares soared on Wall Street on Tuesday as a financial analyst rated the US video company a buy and market research showed it trouncing its rivals in the home digital movie market.
Online anonymity icon dislikes Facebook model
The founder of Internet anonymity haven 4chan thinks Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg is mistaken when it comes to online identities.
'Rigged' cooling may fail at Japan nuke plant: US scientist
If radiation levels continue to rise around Japan's earthquake-hit nuclear facilities, all remaining workers would have to evacuate and attempts to manually cool the reactor could fail, US scientists said Tuesday.
Verizon Wireless to start selling first 4G phone
(AP) -- Verizon Wireless says it will start selling its first phone capable of using its new, faster "4G" data network.
Ubisoft music videogame uses real guitars
French videogame titan Ubisoft on Tuesday revealed plans to release a "Rocksmith" videogame that uses real electric guitars as controllers.
Microsoft releases new Internet Explorer 9 browser
Microsoft released the latest version of its Internet Explorer Web browsing software free online late Monday, hoping to fend off recent challenges by Firefox and Google Chrome.
The Virus Turns 40
(PhysOrg.com) -- Today we have the dubious honor of wishing a happy birthday to the computer virus. It is hitting its 40th birthday, so get out the grim reaper cake and "Over the Hill" balloons. While we certainly won't be wishing the virus many happy returns, we can get a look at how the virus has evolved over time.
Medicine & Health news
Nursing home boom in China has little government involvement
A nursing home industry is booming in China as a rapid increase in the proportion of its elderly population forces a nationwide shift from traditional family care to institutional care, according to new research by Brown University gerontologists.
HIV tool launched in Indonesia
A team of Indonesian and Australian researchers has developed a new computerised tool to help authorities reduce HIV infection and track disease burden across the Indonesian archipelago.
Prof: Tips to help children cope with earthquake, tsunami tragedy
The damage from the Japan earthquake and Pacific Ocean tsunami may be thousands of miles away, but the disaster can affect children around the world, says a Purdue University children's expert.
Shock and shame: Graphic messages increase hand washing compliance
Graphic messages and reminders that use a shock-and-shame approach may get more people to wash their hands, according to a Kansas State University professor and his colleagues.
Book helps medical students to keep patients in mind
(PhysOrg.com) -- Why does the rate of heart attacks increase during the World Cup football finals? How do you break bad news to a cancer patient? How can you help an obese patient to lose weight?
Detection of early gastric cancer using hydro-stomach CT
A research team from South Korea evaluated the difference in diagnostic performance of hydro-stomach computed tomography (CT) to detect early gastric cancer (EGC) between blinded and nonblinded analysis and to assess independent factors affecting visibility of cancer foci. They found that the diagnostic performance of hydrostomach CT to detect an EGC was not significantly different between blinded and nonblinded analysis. The tumor size and invasion depth were independent factors for visibility.
Side effects of prophylactic percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy placement
A research team from United States determined the rate of use and non-use of prophylactic percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tubes among patients with head and neck cancer patients. They found that there is a high rate of unnecessary PEG placement when done prophylactically in patients with head and neck cancer.
Unusual treatment of colonic perforation
A research team from Italy described a case of a sigmoid perforation repaired with endoclips and endoloops, and sealed with fibrin glue. The effectiveness of this approach was confirmed on laparoscopic examination.
Vitamin D deficiency in cirrhosis
A research team from Denmark examined the vitamin D status in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis compared to those with primary biliary cirrhosis. They found that vitamin D deficiency in cirrhosis relates to liver dysfunction rather than etiology, with lower levels of vitamin D in alcoholic cirrhosis than in primary biliary cirrhosis.
Team ameliorates insulin resistance in Type 2 diabetic rats
A research team from China investigated the effects of the Chinese herbal decoction, Yi-Qi-Zeng-Min-Tang (YQZMT), on insulin resistance in Type 2 diabetic rats. The results showed that YQZMT, which ameliorates insulin resistance and does not cause increase in body weight, may be a suitable therapeutic adjunct for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes.
The relationship between body mass index and age at hepatocellular carcinoma onset
A research team from Japan identified factors associated with the age at onset of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The results showed that increased body mass index (BMI) is associated with increased risk for early HCC development in HCV-infected patients. Achieving recommended BMI and reducing alcohol intake could help prevent hepatic carcinogenesis.
Apnea may be cause for awakening and voiding for those with enlarged prostates
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) researchers have shown that a significant number of patients with benign prostate enlargement (BPE) may have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), which may be the reason for their night awakenings and urination.
Potential new treatment to reduce the burden of atherosclerosis in acute coronary syndrome patients
The Montreal Heart Institute today announced the start of the Phase 2 CHI-SQUARE (Can HDL Infusions Significantly QUicken Atherosclerosis REgression?) study of CER-001 in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), in collaboration with Cerenis Therapeutics, a biopharmaceutical company developing novel high-density lipoprotein (HDL) therapies to treat cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.
US health care reforms should use new model
A model of health care developed by a Queen's University doctor should be studied and copied as a way to reform health care in the U.S.
An early age at first drink combined with stressful life events can lead to heavy drinking
Researchers believe that an early age at first drink (AFD) may lead to greater stress-induced drinking. A new study examines interactions between AFD and stressful life events on drinking during young adulthood. Findings indicate a strong link between an early AFD and later heavy drinking when confronted by a high load of stressful life events.
Study examines outcomes of high-dose antiplatelet drug after stent placement
Modifying a patient's dosage of the antiplatelet drug clopidogrel for 6 months depending on the patient's level of platelet reactivity did not result in combined lower rates of nonfatal heart attack, stent thrombosis (clot) and cardiovascular death in patients who had a procedure such as balloon angioplasty and received a drug-releasing coronary stent, according to a study in the March 16 issue of JAMA.
Evidence poor for link between biomarkers and risk of CV events for patients with kidney disease
Even though clinical practice guidelines for patients with chronic kidney disease recommend specific treatment target levels for serum phosphorus, parathyroid hormone, and calcium to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, an analysis of data from previous studies did not find a strong association between these biomarkers and the risk of death and cardiovascular events, except for higher serum phosphorus levels, according to an article in the March 16 issue of JAMA.
Standard retreatment regimen for TB is inadequate
The standard retreatment regimen for tuberculosis has low treatment response rates and is associated with poor long term outcomes in certain subgroups of patients, particularly those infected with both HIV and multi-drug resistant TB. These findings from a study by Edward Jones-López from Boston University Medical School, Boston, USA, and colleagues and published in this week's PLoS Medicine, indicate that the standard retreatment approach to TB as implemented in low and middle-income settings, with a high prevalence of HIV, is inadequate and stress the importance of a new, more effective, strategies.
Proteins may affect behavior and physiology of female mosquitoes
Researchers have identified 93 seminal fluid proteins and 52 sperm male-derived proteins that include candidates likely to affect the behavior and physiology of female mosquitoes of the species, Aedes aegypti. The results of this research, conducted by Laura Sirot (now at the College of Wooster) and fellow researchers in the labs of Laura Harrington and Mariana Wolfner at Cornell University and José Ribeiro at the National Institutes of Health, will be published on March 15th in the open-access journal PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases.
Association found between industry funding and promotional pieces on menopausal hormone therapy
There may be a link between receiving industry funding for speaking, consulting, or research, and the publication of apparently promotional opinion pieces on menopausal hormone therapy. Furthermore, such publications may encourage physicians to continue prescribing these therapies to women of menopausal age. These are the key findings of a study by Adriane Fugh-Berman from Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington D.C., USA, and colleagues, published in this week's PLoS Medicine.
Fears of health risks rise amid Japan crisis
(AP) -- Fears about health risks rose dramatically in Japan Tuesday with news of a greater radiation release and renewed warnings to remaining residents within 20 miles to stay indoors.
Health experts sound warning over iodine rush
Japan's nuclear crisis has sparked panic buying of iodine pills, with online bids exceeding $500 for a single packet, but health experts hosed down the hysteria and warned the pills are of limited use.
Parental monitoring of opposite-gender child may decrease problem drinking in young adults
Young adults whose parents monitor their social interactions may be less likely to display impulsive behavior traits and to have alcohol-related problems, a new study suggests. The level of monitoring is linked to parenting style, and the link is stronger with the parent of the opposite gender.
Inflammation behind heart valve disease
Research from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden shows, that a specific inflammatory factor may be important in the development of the heart valve disease aortic stenosis. The results suggest that anti-inflammatory medication could be a possible new treatment.
New research may lead to therapy that delays onset, reduces severity of MS symptoms
People suffering from multiple sclerosis may benefit if patent-pending research conducted at Purdue University shows that a decades-old drug approved by the FDA to treat hypertension also can delay the onset and reduce the severity of MS symptoms.
Brain injuries rise sharply in minor hockey after bodychecking rules relaxed: study
Minor league hockey players in the Atom division are more than 10 times likely to suffer a brain injury since bodychecking was first allowed among the 9 and 10-year-olds, says a study led by St. Michael's Hospital neurosurgeon Dr. Michael Cusimano.
The five hospital factors that affect heart attack survival
A new Yale University study looks at why there is such a big difference in the mortality rates among patients treated for heart attacks in hospitals across the country. The study appears in the March issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine.
The new adulthood: Extended parental support as a safety net
A new study from the Journal of Marriage and Family shows that contrary to popular anxieties about slacker young adults who refuse to grow up, or indulgent parents who stifle their adult children's development by continuing to support them, there is evidence that parental assistance in early adulthood promotes progress toward autonomy and self-reliance.
WHO says ready to help Japan in nuclear crisis
The World Health Organization said Tuesday it was ready to help Japan, which is grappling with a nuclear emergency after some reactors were damaged by last week's deadly earthquake.
New gene identified as a cause of male infertility
An international research collaboration - including the University of Dundee - has identified a gene responsible for one of the causes of male infertility.
Chasing the pot of gold: Researchers study gambling subtypes and treatment outcomes
Approximately two million adults in the United States meet criteria for pathological gambling, and another four to six million are considered problem gamblers, according to the National Council on Problem Gambling. A study by researchers at Wayne State University reveals that gambling addiction treatment is not one-size-fits-all, but it is difficult to predict which style of treatment is best for the various forms of gambling addiction.
Comparing profiles of learning and memory impairments in two groups of children
While children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) are known to have deficits in verbal learning and recall, the specifics of these deficits remain unclear. This study compared the verbal learning and memory performance of children with heavy prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) with that of children with attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), finding that both groups of children have difficulty with learning and memory but in different ways.
Certain populations may benefit most from alcohol-dependence treatment naltrexone
Naltrexone is one of the most effective pharmacological treatments for alcohol dependence. However, naltrexone does not work for everyone. A new study has found that naltrexone is effective for women, and individuals with the A118G polymorphism of the mu opioid receptor gene.
Integrity of the brain's reward system is linked to relapse following treatment
The brain reward system (BRS) is involved in developing/maintaining addictive disorders, as well as relapse. New findings show that alcohol dependent individuals -- both future abstainers and relapsers -- have significantly thinner cortices in the BRS and throughout the entire brain. Findings support the influence of neurobiological factors on relapse.
Prevalence of heavy smokers in US decreases
From 1965 to 2007, the population prevalence of persons who smoked 20 or more cigarettes per day declined significantly, and there was also a decrease in the prevalence of smoking 10 or more cigarettes a day, with these declines greater in California than in the rest of the U.S., according to a study in the March 16 issue of JAMA.
Factfile: Health risks from radiation
Following is a primer on the health consequences of exposure to radiation:
Bilinguals get the blues
(PhysOrg.com) -- Learning a foreign language literally changes the way we see the world, according to new research.
Breastfed children do better at school, study finds
(PhysOrg.com) -- Researchers have shown that breastfeeding causes children to do better at school. The research conducted by Oxford University and the Institute for Social and Economic Research, Essex University, found that as little as four weeks of breastfeeding for a newborn baby has a significant effect on brain development, which persists until the child is at least 14 years old.
New vaccine candidate shows strong potential to prevent highly contagious norovirus
Scientists have shown that an experimental vaccine against the human norovirus – the bug behind about 90 percent of highly contagious nonbacterial illnesses that cause diarrhea and vomiting – can generate a strong immune response in mice without appearing to cause the animals any harm.
Finding of long-sought drug target structure may expedite drug discovery
Researchers have solved the three-dimensional structure of a key biological receptor. The finding has the potential to speed drug discovery in many areas, from arthritis to respiratory disorders to wound healing, because it enables chemists to better examine and design molecules for use in experimental drugs.
Malaria drug slows pancreatic cancer growth in mouse models
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute scientists report they have shrunk or slowed the growth of notoriously resistant pancreatic tumors in mice, using a drug routinely prescribed for malaria and rheumatoid arthritis.
New device holds promise of making blood glucose testing easier for patients with diabetes
People with diabetes could be helped by a new type of self-monitoring blood glucose sensor being developed by Arizona State University engineers and clinicians at Mayo Clinic in Arizona.
Insulin-releasing switch discovered
Johns Hopkins researchers believe they have uncovered the molecular switch for the secretion of insulin — the hormone that regulates blood sugar — providing for the first time an explanation of this process. In a report published online March 1 in Cell Metabolism, the researchers say the work solves a longtime mystery and may lead to better treatments for type 2 diabetes, the most common form of the disease.
Biology news
Zoo researchers provide African sanctuaries road map
Every year throughout Africa, primate rescue centers are flooded with chimpanzee orphans, primarily victims of the bushmeat trade. When adults are killed for meat the surviving infants are often offered for sale as pets, and those that get confiscated by law enforcement are taken to sanctuaries for care.
Dairy farmer finds unusual forage grass
A U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) grass breeder has rediscovered a forage grass that seems just right for today's intensive rotational grazing.
Maquipucuna cloud forest in Ecuador yields new species of yeast
In a unique collaboration between scientists from the UK, Ecuador and Réunion, a new species of yeast has been discovered growing on the fruit of an unidentified and innocuous bramble collected from the biodiversity-rich Maquipucuna cloud forest nature reserve, near Quito, in Ecuador.
Could there be more than lunch lurking on your retainer?
Insufficient cleaning could allow build-up of microbes on orthodontic retainers, researchers at the UCL Eastman Dental Institute have found. Dr Jonathan Pratten and colleagues looked at the types of microbes which live on retainers. This study, which found potentially pathogenic microbes growing on at least 50% of the retainers, is published today in the Society for Applied Microbiology's journal Letters in Applied Microbiology and could indicate a need for the development of improved cleaning products for orthodontic retainers.
New research aims to make proteins 'behave badly'
(PhysOrg.com) -- Researchers at Missouri University of Science and Technology are trying to get proteins to create the sticky plaque often associated with neurological diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and even Mad Cow. If successful, the study would better equip researchers to prevent or find a cure for these diseases.
Knee-high fence to halt rampaging Australian toads
Australia's popular Kimberley wilderness region has resorted to a long knee-high fence to keep out the poisonous cane toad, which is rapidly overrunning the tourist attraction.
The development of better biotech enzymes
Enzymes are proteins that speed up chemical reactions, such as laundry detergent digesting protein stains, which are otherwise very difficult to remove. A research team led by Professor Kam-bo Wong of the Centre for Protein Science and Crystallography, School of Life Sciences at The Chinese University of Hong Kong demonstrated a fundamental principle in changing the activity of enzymes by means of protein engineering. The findings provide potential insights into the future design of biotechnologically important enzymes, and will be published in next week's issue of the online, open access journal PLoS Biology.
Researchers reveal that sharks are hygienic
(PhysOrg.com) -- Scientists at Bangor University have shown for the first time, that sharks visit shallow tropical reefs or 'seamounts', to benefit from cleaning services and rid themselves of cumbersome parasites. The strategy is risky however, since by being there, they become vulnerable to interference from human activity.
New laser technique opens doors for drug discovery
A new laser technique has demonstrated that it can measure the interactions between proteins tangled in a cell's membrane and a variety of other biological molecules. These extremely difficult measurements can aid the process of drug discovery.
Unprecedented view of protein folding may help develop brain disease therapies
Misfold an origami swan and the worst that happens is you wind up with an ugly paper duckling. Misfold one of the vital proteins in your body – each of which must be folded in a particular way to perform its function – and the result can be a debilitating neurodegenerative disease such as Alzheimer's or Huntington's.
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