Coating of tightly packed particles on bubble surface supports stresses to stabilize shape
Researchers at Harvard University have demonstrated that gas bubbles can exist in stable non-spherical shapes without the application of external force. The micron- to millimeter scale peapod-, doughnut- and sausage-shaped bubbles, created by coating ordinary gas bubbles with a tightly packed layer of tiny particles and then fusing them, are described this week on the web site of the journ
Unsafe levels of lead have been found in soil and sediments left behind in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina and could pose a heightened health threat to returning residents, particularly children, according to a new study published in the American Chemical Society’s journal Environmental Science & Technology. In some soil samples collected from the area, lead levels were as much as two-thirds higher than what the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency considers safe, according to rese
Research, published in the journal Nature, may lead to insight on human organ regeneration
The stem cells that produce bird feathers have been visualized and analyzed for the first time, signifying the initial step in a scientific journey that may ultimately shed light on human organ regeneration.
The research, published in the December 15 issue of the journal Nature, was performed by a group of prominent stem-cell researchers from the Keck School of Medicine of the Uni
According to a letter published in Nature, widespread culling of badgers caused a 19 per cent reduction in the incidence of cattle TB in the areas culled, but also led to a 29 per cent increase of TB in surrounding areas. The researchers suggest the increase is caused by the remaining badgers roaming more widely.
The team had previously found that localised ’reactive’ culling increased TB incidence in cattle by 27 per cent. Ecological data suggests that increased badger
Alcoholism is a complex behavior that draws from both environmental and genetic factors. Researchers have found in a sample of smokers chromosomal regions that affect patterns of drinking behavior. These findings support results from previous research that link alcohol metabolism genes on chromosomes two and four with alcohol consumption. Researchers firmly believe that alcoholism is a complex behavior that draws from both environmental and genetic factors. A rece
Drs. Elisavet Maniataki and Zissimos Mourelatos (UPENN School of Medicine) report on the pathway of human RISC assembly from pre-microRNAs (miRNAs), highlighting important differences from the siRNA-fueled RISC assembly pathway in Drosophila.
The authors identified a protein complex between Dicer and Argo2 – the “microRNA loading complex” (miRLC) – that lacks miRNAs. Without a requirement for ATP, miRLC catalyzes RISC assembly and disassembly to release the miRNP.
“This study dem
An EU project hopes to realise the ultimate potential of Grid computing by creating a network that is intelligently aware of its components and of the domain it addresses, enabling quick and easy virtual collaboration.
With funding from the European Commission’s IST programme, the project aims to deploy this type of ’smart Grid’ for a complex industry like aerospace, shipbuilding or construction, where large numbers of partners need to come together for a single, one-off pr
Short Gamma-Ray Burst Confirms Formation Scenario
An international team of astronomers reports the discovery of a third short gamma-ray burst, associated with a nearby elliptical galaxy. The low level of star formation in such galaxies and the detection of a second long-lasting flare indicate that this gamma-ray burst is most likely the final scream of a neutron star as it is being devoured by a black hole.
Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs), the most powerful type of explosio
The second satellite in the Meteosat Second Generation family is due to be launched on 21 December at 23:33 CET onboard an Ariane 5 (generic version) from Europe’s spaceport at Kourou, French Guiana. The launch window will last 28 minutes.
This is the second launch for the Meteosat Second Generation series of satellites operated by Arianespace and provided to Eumetsat by ESA. The second passenger onboard Ariane 5 will be the Insat4A multipurpose satellite (telecom, broadcasting an
Proteins are large molecular chains that move around cells carrying vital information on the activity of the organism. The role of each protein depends largely on the form it takes, but the proteins occasionally lose this form when they collide and bind with other proteins. They aggregate, and lose their function, growing continuously to form what are known as amyloid fibres. This causes neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and forms of spongiform encephalopathy, such as ma
Drivers know whether or not their cars are running properly by observing the dashboard. Physicians can check vital parameters such as the pulse even when their patients are at home. The data can be recorded with the wireless monitoring device VitaSENS.
The modern automobile relies on sensors to monitor the vehicle’s operating condition. Whether it’s the speed, RPM, open doors, oil pressure, coolant temperature or fuel level, the driver constantly receives information about th
A group of professors from the departments of Chemistry, Soil Science, Physics and Applied Mathematics of the University of Navarra is working together in the preparation and characterization of a type of material termed “photonic crystals”, which has optical properties with many uses. Thanks to these crystals, in the future more powerful and effective lasers will be able to be constructed. Indeed, the Nobel prize winner of 2005 has made specific mention of recent progress in laser technology, wh
When oil is produced, water accounts for about 60 per cent of the pumped volume. Today, a high percentage of this briny water is polluted. In response to the authorities’ target of pollution-free produced water, a new cleaning technology will be developed over the next three years.
Water volumes are increasing, and purification requirements are becoming far more stringent. In response, we are making broad-based efforts to develop a whole new technology, comments the project man
An electronic nose is so sensitive that it can distinguish between cigarette smoke and smoke from an office or factory fire. Developed by a European research consortium the device will help to end the vast number of false alarms recorded by fire brigades each year.
The researchers developed a demonstrator of the new device and now hope to complete a viable commercial product by October 2006.
The Intelligent Modular, multi-Sensor (IMOS) and networked fire detection system
Some of the country’s foremost experts on stroke are gathering at the University of Reading on Wednesday 14 December to discuss the latest research into stroke, which is the third biggest killer and the leading cause of disability in the UK.
A wide range of research areas will be discussed at the workshop, called ‘The Biology and Business of Stroke’. Speakers will consider the latest approaches to the diagnosis and management of stroke, such as the role of diet and medical drugs.
Skin cancer studies around the world will be brought together to help people understand how at risk they from the disease thanks to a Leeds-led consortium which has been awarded over £7m of funding.
Led by Leeds’ dermatologist Professor Julia Newton-Bishop, the international Genomel consortium brings together teams from around the world who are working on the genetics of melanoma and identifying who is prone to developing the cancer.
The funding from the European Un
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