Chaperones enable newly synthesized proteins to adopt the precise three-dimensional conformation that is necessary for their biological function. Little is known about the changes in molecular structure of chaperones as they help substrate proteins to fold. Now, researchers have been able to follow in real time the structural changes that occur in an important type of chaperone as it coaxes an unfolded substrate protein into shape.
Apr 15th, 2010
Read more
Elkem Solar, a Norwegian producer of solar-grade silicon, has combined basic and applied research to develop production methods that cut costs and consume less energy than conventional silicon production.
Apr 15th, 2010
Read more
A natural product found in both coconut oil and human breast milk - lauric acid - shines as a possible new acne treatment. Thanks to a 'smart delivery system' capable of delivering lauric-acid-filled nano-scale bombs directly to skin-dwelling bacteria that cause common acne.
Apr 15th, 2010
Read more
University of Michigan computer engineer Wei Lu has taken a step toward developing this revolutionary type of machine that could be capable of learning and recognizing, as well as making more complex decisions and performing more tasks simultaneously than conventional computers can.
Apr 14th, 2010
Read more
Researchers have devised a new kind of random number generator, for encrypted communications and other uses, that is cryptographically secure, inherently private and - most importantly - certified random by laws of physics.
Apr 14th, 2010
Read more
An EU-funded research team at Norway's University of Bergen is using nanotechnology to find a way of mimicking the body's natural processes, including inducing cells to create new blood vessels for biomedically engineered tissues.
Apr 14th, 2010
Read more
Scientists are reporting first use of a new method that may make it easier for manufacturers to recover, recycle, and reuse nanoparticles, some of which ounce for ounce can be more precious than gold. The method, which offers a solution to a nagging problem, could speed application of nanotechnology in new generations of solar cells, flexible electronic displays, and other products, the scientists suggest.
Apr 14th, 2010
Read more
Minerva-FemmeNet, the Max Planck Society's mentoring programme for junior female scientists, has launched a new website: www.minerva-femmenet.mpg.de provides information on programmes for junior and senior female scientists, alumnae and anyone interested.
Apr 14th, 2010
Read more
A special bumper issue of NANO Magazine focuses on two topics - textiles and nanomedicine.
Apr 14th, 2010
Read more
Die Friedrich-Alexander Universitaet Erlangen-Nuernberg bekommt ein neues 'Auge', mit dem Wissenschaftler die Wunderwelt von Nanomaterialen untersuchen koennen: Am 30. April 2010 weiht die Universitaet das Transmissionselektronenmikroskop TITAN3 und das eigens dafuer errichtete Gebaeude in einem Festakt offiziell ein.
Apr 14th, 2010
Read more
Researchers at the Technische Universitaet Darmstadt have found a new method for generating tunable wavelengths, as well as more easily switching back and forth between two wavelengths, employing quantum-dot lasers. Prospective application fields are biomedicine and nanosurgery.
Apr 14th, 2010
Read more
Scientists at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have developed the world's most efficient single photon detector, which is able to count individual particles of light traveling through fiber optic cables with roughly 99 percent efficiency.
Apr 14th, 2010
Read more
Scientists here are taking the trial and error out of drug design by using powerful computers to identify molecular structures that have the highest potential to serve as the basis for new medications.
Apr 14th, 2010
Read more
Although it looks small and unassuming, the tiny origami crane sitting in a sample dish in University of Illinois professor Jennifer Lewis' lab heralds a new method for creating complex three-dimensional structures for biocompatible devices, microscaffolding and other microsystems.
Apr 14th, 2010
Read more
More accurate measurements of the forces that bind cells together have been made possible by a new computer model.
Apr 14th, 2010
Read more
To reduce patient discomfort and delay in vascular disease diagnosis, a team led by Yu Chen from the Institute of Microelectronics of A*STAR, Singapore, has developed a microfluidic device that rapidly detects low EPC levels in blood-cell samples.
Apr 14th, 2010
Read more