Binding of molecules to a protein simulated for the first time
A single molecule, adenosine triphosphate (ADP), is the primary energy source for most human cellular functions. For the first time, scientists can show how a portion of this process—involving more than 100,000 atoms over 0.1 μsecs—is accomplished.
Genetically identical stem cells to greatly aid laboratory research
Previous experiments successfully used viruses to induce pluripotency (IPS) in adult skin cells. But the variability in the programmed cells limited lab utility. Now IPS cells can be created from a variety of tissue types using a method that helps guarantee an identical DNA insertion location for each cell.
Study: eco-friendly cows use metabolic protein growth hormones
Despite some controversy, dairy farmers nationwide use recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) to boost milk production in cows. A Cornell Univ. study agrees, and also finds a substantial savings in land, energy and feed, in part because fewer cows are needed to meet demand.
Electrostatic DNA microarray offers alternative to fluorescent labeling
After hybridizing negatively-charged DNA in a well chamber, Lawrence Berkeley National Lab scientists disperse silica microspheres, which adhere at varying heights to a positively-charged microassay substrate. The patterns are easily visible, allowing disease or genetic diagnostics without a microscope.
Naturally-occurring nanotubes may protect viruses and bacteria
A result of the latest labeling techniques and confocal microscopy is the discovery of natural nanotubes, which scientists now believe play a role in helping propagate infections in the body. They may also be chemical communication conduits.
Gene vector gets job done without unwanted immune response
Genetically-modified viruses are terrific but dangerous gene delivery tools. Synthetic analogues are safer, but much less efficient. However, a new self-assembly method is allowing scientists to tailor the shape by altering peptide density.
Biotechnology is a battlefield
As reported in yesterday’s R&D Daily, the British biotech sector is slumping, but they aren’t taking it without a fight. A UK bioscience group is using military-inspired wargame strategies to pinpoint innovations that could help the industry.
Quantum dots help RNA quash protein production
Fifteen years after its discovery, RNA interference has possibly its first effective gene-silencing application in living cells. The method, up to 20 times better than previous methods, neutralizes the electrical charge of RNA strands to allow them to pass into cells.
Lancelet genome confirms long-debated notion of gene quadrupling
The recently sequenced genome of the lancelet, which closely resembles the ancestor of all chordates, shows us how vertebrates managed a four-fold gene duplication in the past 550 million years. In short, vertebrates found new, complex ways to use old duplicate genes.
Stem cell pathway adjustments let muscles flex anew Our bodies are constantly rebuilding, but as we age the rejuvenation process slowly shuts down. Scientists experimenting with stem cell pathways in the muscles of mice have discovered a way to restart that process in older animals. The discovery, though exciting, is not exactly a fountain of youth.
Targetted nanocapsules knock down persistent tumor defense Despite the existence of anti-cancer drugs, tumors show a persistent ability to resist treatment. Polymer-based nanoparticles containing mixtures of these drugs are now being used to good effect for a variety of cancer. Encapsulated ceramide, in particular, is performing well in several studies.
“Serendipitous” molecule prods nerve stem cells into action Researchers filtered through nearly 150,000 compounds to find just five molecules which stimulated nerve cell creation. One variant, Isx-9, is now being used for study, suggesting a day we might grow nerve cells outside the body to be implanted for the treatment of disease.
Researcher fools bacteria that depend on slime Biofilm is a nice name for what can be an unpleasant substance. About 90% of infections rely on this slimy substance, which resists traditional antibiotics methods. Studies of E. coli's biofilm have two different ways in which bacteria create biofilm, as well as a way to trick into not forming in the first place.
MIT scientists unlock bacterial communication In the process of understanding how bacteria function, an MIT team altered the cellular communications network of bacterial responses, giving us a hint of a future in which engineered microorganism could serve as biosensors. They did this by pinpointing the subset of amino acids that allow histidine kinase, an important enzyme, to find the correct response regulator protein.
Life’s secrets are locked away in folded proteins The most complicated and crucial proteins are little understood, particularly during the process of folding. Stanford Univ. scientists are, for the first time, opening up barrel-shaped chaperonin—so-called “chaperone”—molecules to see the folding that occurs inside. The goal is to control the process and eliminate harmful mis-folded proteins.
No idea is off limits in cancer fight against cancer Recent breakthroughs in cancer research (detailed after the jump) have yielded a new therapy against colon cancer and an important prostrate cancer oncogene. In unrelated research, Rutgers Univ. scientists show that beta-endorphin peptide produced by the brain itself can battle tumor growth. Such results could complement future therapies.
No idea is off limits in fight against cancer Recent breakthroughs in cancer research (detailed after the jump) have yielded a new therapy against colon cancer and an important prostrate cancer oncogene. In unrelated research, Rutgers Univ. scientists show that beta-endorphin peptide produced by the brain itself can battle tumor growth. Such results could complement future therapies.
Glass: a boon for bones Neutron beam studies in the UK have revealed how calcium releases soluble silica and calcium ions when in contact with human bone, offering a potential medical solution for bones and joints that weaken with age. Further development will focus on load-bearing glass/polymer hybrids, with an eye toward clinical trials in just a few years.
Clean water requires the right genetic key Compared to a new genetic tool developed at Duke Univ., prevailing efforts at purifying water—chlorine and UV rays, for example—look like crude brute force. The method draws on RNA interference technology that makes use of short segment of genetic material matching up with a similar target, thereby neutralizing a common fungus.
Bizarre bacteria makes home inside Greenland’s ice sheet More than two miles beneath the surface of Greenland immense ice cap lives previously unknown bacteria long accustomed to low oxygen, high pressure and few nutrients. This extremophile has such a small cell size that, in addition to explaining its hardiness, could explain unknown contaminants in filtered medical solutions.
Special “magnet” gene could be next big tool for MRI Magnetic labels require the creation of magnetic signature, and researchers have discovered that MagA, a single magnetotactic bacterial gene which transports dissolved iron across cell membranes, is just the ticket. Its developers say the gene could become the green fluorescent protein of magnetic resonance imaging.
Cartilage responds to high pressure situations Clinical trials are still several years away, but the importance of this breakthrough is unmistakable. Until Rice Univ.’s breakthrough, researchers’ attempts to grow cartilage was without success. Oddly, the intense pressures, combined with growth measures, tripled the biomechanical properties of the engineered tissues.
Scientists find proteins responsible for cellular ion flow In plants, mechanosensitive channels respond to gravity, pressure or touch. The recent discovery of proteins that control the process is exciting because the mechanism that controls these channels—which can carry calcium or potassium ions—is probably similar to the one in animals. However, unanswered questions remain.
Seizure drug reverses alcohol addiction The drug gabapentin has already been determined to help the brain recover from chronic alcohol abuse. But a new study has uncovered details of the biological pathway of this drug, which interacts at the cellular level in the central amygdala, an area known for influencing stress-related behaviors.
Celery and green peppers could help our brains as we age Yesterday’s R&D Daily discussed the beneficial potential for isofavonoids in medicine. In a similar way, the flavonoid luteolin, widely found in vegetables, may be useful, say scientists, in helping reduce the harmful effects of inflammation. Though a necessary bodily function, inflammatory response can be particularly damaging to the brain, specifically the hippocampus.
Last Thursday, the R&D Daily made one of its occasional forays into the fast-paced world of semiconductor technology, specifically extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUVL). According to new measurements from the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the photoresists designed for use with this hotly-anticipated new technology are twice as effective is previously thought.
The discrepancy was caused by an older measurement method. Unfortunately, it’s not great news for EUV developers because it strongly indicates existing optics are only half as effective as previously thought.
However, judging from a recent conversations with technical leaders at Cymer, a major U.S. maker of radiation sources for semiconductor lithography, the rolling ball that is EUVL won’t be stopped anytime soon.
Cymer is one of just a few companies at the forefront of a race to develop a viable EUV scanner to replace existing 193 nm argon-fluoride-based devices which now dominate the semiconductor industry. Like other companies, it pushing to design a powerful light source in the about 13 nm wavelength range. So far, it has achieved 25 W of continuous power and intends to break 100 W by year’s end. And, like other companies, it must deal with the intense heat generated by such light and design robust optics which are efficient enough to achieve conversion goals.
Only with adequate conversion efficiency will developers of EUVL be in a position to deliver the performance needed when the market wants it.
It remains to be seen whether EUVL is the new standard in 2012 (the target date for widespread adoption of new scanners). But R&D Magazine will be closely following the progress of this and other technologies aimed at the next-generation of microchips; the push to keep us on the path of that oft-cited economic law of Gordon Moore will continue to surprise us.
