Scientists have developed a new method for controlling the self-assembly of nanometer and micrometer-sized particles. Based on designed DNA shells that coat a particle's surface, the method can be used to manipulate the structure of numerous materials. Such fine-tuning of materials at the molecular level may lead to numerous applications, including cell-targeted systems for drug-delivery and bio-molecular sensing for environmental monitoring or medical applications.
A novel aerosol version of the most common tuberculosis vaccine, administered directly to the lungs as an oral mist, offers significantly better protection against the disease in experimental animals than a comparable dose of the traditional injected vaccine, researchers report.
While most recent research has focused on geckos' toes as the key to climbing walls and hanging from ceilings, UC Berkeley biologists have found that their tails play a critical role in preventing falls after a slip. The tail prevents pitch-back while the gecko regains traction. Unlike cats, which don't need their tail to right themselves in midair, geckos also rely on their tails to rotate face down and then maneuver to a secure perch. Tails are now being designed for robots, but could also aid astronauts.
Scientists have acquired a more dynamic picture of events that underlie the functions of a bacterial biological clock. New research shows how the simplest organism known to have a circadian clock keeps time and may enhance our understanding of how other organisms establish and govern chronological rhythms.
Does coffee in a flimsy cup taste worse than coffee in a more substantial cup? Firms such as McDonalds and Starbucks spend millions of dollars every year on disposable packaging, but a new study suggests that trying to skimp in this area might not be worth it -- and may negatively impact consumers' perceptions of taste and quality. The effect is most pronounced for those who do not usually like to touch things while shopping.
A drug that blocks production of an enzyme that enables ovarian cancer to gain a foothold in a new site can slow the spread of the disease and prolong survival in mice, but only if the drug is given early in the disease process.
The International Space Station's new robot, Dextre, is fitted out and ready for duty. Source: BBC News | Science/Nature | UK Edition | 18 Mar 2008 | 10:33 am
A more efficient way to shut down rogue genes raises hopes of new therapies for conditions like diabetes and HIV. Source: BBC News | Science/Nature | UK Edition | 18 Mar 2008 | 9:21 am
High-speed video shows a gecko's tail is crucial to the creature's acrobatic ability, scientists report. Source: BBC News | Science/Nature | UK Edition | 18 Mar 2008 | 9:11 am
Among luminous spots on Jupiter akin to Earth's Northern lights, scientists have observed a new type of spot. Generally, Jupiter's auroral spots result from waves generated by the giant planet's moon Io. The new discovery upsets previous models of how Jovian auroral spots form, and may have implications for our understanding of distant exoplanets which orbit other stars than the Sun.
Dopamine, a drug currently used to treat Parkinson's disease and other illnesses, also might work in cancer patients. The study, which was done in mouse and laboratory models, shows that dopamine could possibly prevent new blood vessels from growing and as a result, slow cancer progression.
Chronic sleep disruption can cause heart and kidney disease. The importance of circadian rhythms - the body's "hard-wired" 24-hour sleep-wake cycle, is well understood in the regulation of cardiovascular physiology. Earlier studies have suggested that renewal of cardiovascular tissues predominantly occur during sleep; therefore sleep interruption can directly damage organs.
Many people equate lasers with a sci-fi battle in a galaxy far, far away or, closer to home, with grocery store scanners and compact disc players. However, an ultra-fast, ultra-intense laser, with laser pulse durations of one quadrillionth of a second, otherwise known as one femtosecond, could change cancer treatments, dentistry procedures, precision metal cutting, and joint implant surgeries.
Most patients recovering from severe injuries are still in pain a year later, US researchers have found. Source: BBC News | Science/Nature | UK Edition | 18 Mar 2008 | 2:23 am
The pilot of a ship that spilt 58,000 gallons of oil into San Francisco Bay is charged with criminal negligence. Source: BBC News | Science/Nature | UK Edition | 18 Mar 2008 | 1:42 am
World's computing power should be moved to remote outposts where renewable energy is abundant, says Cambridge expert Source: guardian.co.uk Science | 18 Mar 2008 | 12:08 am
Reduced swelling hints at unexpected immunity link as research raises hope for rheumatoid patients Source: guardian.co.uk Science | 18 Mar 2008 | 12:05 am
Richard Leakey, the eminent African conservationist, gives qualifed backing to South Africa's elephant cull. Source: BBC News | Science/Nature | UK Edition | 17 Mar 2008 | 10:13 pm
Major firms should be asked to sign up to voluntary "responsibility deals" to cut waste, the Tories say. Source: BBC News | Science/Nature | UK Edition | 17 Mar 2008 | 2:03 pm
We discuss science, fiction and 'lablit' with biologist and science writer Dr Jennifer Rohn. Plus, Robin Ince on the relative merits of science and the arts. And, behind the scenes at the IgNobel awards tour Source: guardian.co.uk Science | 17 Mar 2008 | 2:03 pm
Rocket planes for space tourism will one day be turned out much like airliners are today, says EADS. Source: BBC News | Science/Nature | UK Edition | 17 Mar 2008 | 1:38 pm
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Overeating disrupts entire networks of genes in the body, causing not only obesity, but diabetes and heart disease, in ways that may be possible to predict, researchers reported on Sunday.
