By precisely measuring tiny fluctuations in mass, carbon nanotubes will allow chemists to follow reactions of individual proteins atom by atom, predict Spanish researchers. Their recently published nanotube device, which can weigh protein molecules to a resolution of around 1 zeptogram (10-21 g), or three atoms of gold, is the latest in a glut of [...]
Entries from November 10th, 2008
Can feces save the species?
November 10th, 2008 · 2 Comments · Biology
In the Cerrado region of Brazil, some dogs have been trained to find feces by following a scent so that researchers can analyze it. The researchers can learn about where the threatened species are and how they live. This is very important because, “The data and results serve as a warning to develop conservation strategies [...]
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Forced Evolution: Can We Mutate Viruses To Death?
November 10th, 2008 · 1 Comment · Biology
In the words of Bob the Builder, “Yes we can!” At least it may very well become a reality. According to a new study by Rice University bioengineers, they predict exactly how evolution is affected by the exchange of entire genes and sets of genes. Now when most people think of a virus they think [...]
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New Laser Could Change the Medical World
November 10th, 2008 · 5 Comments · Chemistry
Professor Abraham Katzir of the Tel Aviv University recently announced that he and his team have come up with a laser that can heal cuts on our skin and outside our bodies. Before, it was impossible to control the temperature of the laser and the result was scorched tissue or tissue that wasn’t bonded together. [...]
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Grapes And Grape Extracts May Lower Cardiovascular Disease Risk, Review Article Suggests
November 10th, 2008 · No Comments · Biology
A body of studies has shown that food rich in polyphenols can help to reduce the risk of heart disease. Polyphenols are found in things like grapes, and red wine. Eating grapes and red wine may be beneficial in preventing degenerative diseases, like cardiovascular disease. Grape seeds, graped juice, and grape skin contain several different [...]
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Pros and Cons of GM Food: Is This the Answer?
November 10th, 2008 · 1 Comment · Biology
The worlds population is growing rapidly and our land is slowly diminishing. These controversial “GM” foods could be the answer according to some scientists. GM foods is any food item that has had it DNA modified in a lab. Only 18% of our land mass is cultivated for agriculture. By 2040 the worlds population is [...]
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A Plant’s S.O.S.
November 10th, 2008 · No Comments · Biology
Most people think that plants, although they are alive, cannot defend themselves. In an experiment, scientists injected plants with a pathogenic bacterium. After several days, the plants began to yellow and show signs of being diseased. However, some of the plants’ roots had been injected with a microbe called Bacillus subtilis, and those plants were completely healthy. Farmers usually add [...]
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Sea Snakes and Freshwater
November 10th, 2008 · 1 Comment · Biology
Sea snakes are the only snakes in the world that can live out in the salty ocean. You may have even thought that they drink the salt water. A recent study shows differently. An experiment showed that sea snakes will only drink fresh or heavily diluted saltwater. The saltwater, they found, will actually dehydrate them. [...]
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Saving the Reefs: Diversity of Plant-Eating Fishes May be Key to Recovery of Coral
November 9th, 2008 · 1 Comment · Biology
In a study done by Mark Hay and Linda Teasley, it was found that the key to recovering coral reefs may be having the proper balance of herbivorous fishes in the reef. Seaweed is what coral reefs battle against the most. If not enough of the seaweed is eaten by fish, the plant then starts [...]
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Light Weight Hydrogen ‘Tank’ Could Fuel Hydrogen Economy
November 8th, 2008 · 2 Comments · Chemistry
An alloy of the metals magnesium, titanium, and nickel that is excellent at absorbing hydrogen could possibly be the beginning of using hydrogen in cars. It is also very light, about sixty percent less then a battery pack for a car. One problem of using hydrogen as a fuel source is that the gas is [...]
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