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.
Monitoring protein-tissue interactions in real time
02 January, 2010
Ridgeview Instruments AB’s LigandTracer Grey facilitates kinetic measurements on living cells by enabling researchers to follow protein-cell interactions in real time.
Poo power and disease diagnosis
01 January, 2010
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.
The science of the sleigh
16 December, 2009
Some of the secrets of Santa's sleigh are revealed by Prof Larry Silverberg.
2010 CRC Program selection round opens
16 December, 2009
Manufacturing and social innovation are the focus of the latest Cooperative Research Centres (CRC) Program selection round.
Champagne is good for your heart
16 December, 2009
University of Reading researchers suggest that two glasses of Champagne a day may be good for your heart and circulation.
Christmas cholesterol epiphany
16 December, 2009
Laboratory experiments suggest that myrrh, a resin obtained from several species of Commiphora and Balsamodendron trees, may have cholesterol-lowering properties.