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News | Archive (21 January 2011)
How the hat fits: Structural biology study reveals shape of epigenetic enzyme complex
— 20:32 GMT | BiologyTo understand the emerging science of epigenetics - a field that describes how genes may be regulated without altering the underlying DNA itself - scientists are deciphering the many ways in which enzymes act on the proteins surrounding DNA within cells…
Scripps Research scientists find measles' natural nemesis
— 20:29 GMT | HealthScientists at The Scripps Research Institute have found that a known enzyme in cells protects against measles virus, likely by altering the virus's genetic material, RNA. Cells lacking the enzyme become highly vulnerable to the virus's destructive effects. The enzyme also protects against several other respiratory viruses, including influenza A…
Breastfeeding - added protection for cancer survivors?
— 20:26 GMT | HealthWomen who have survived childhood cancer should be advised to breastfeed if they can, in order to offset some of the negative health effects of their earlier cancer treatment. According to Susan Ogg and colleagues from St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, making women aware of the benefits of breastfeeding should be part of routine post-cancer diet and healthy lifestyle recommendations. Their work is published online in Springer's Journal of Cancer Survivorship…
Scientists unveil unexpected properties in superconducting material
— 20:23 GMT | PhysicsIn 2008, an international team of scientists studying an exotic new superconductor based on the element ytterbium reported that it displays unusual properties that could change how scientists understand and create materials for superconductors and the electronics used in computing and data storage…
Insect eyes inspire improved solar cells
— 20:20 GMT | TechnologyThe eyes of moths, which allow them to see well at night, are also covered with a water-repellent, antireflective coating that makes their eyes among the least reflective surfaces in nature and helps them hide from predators in the dark. Mimicking the moth eye's microstructure, a team of researchers in Japan has created a new film, suitable for mass-production, for covering solar cells that can cut down on the amount of reflected light and help capture more power from the sun…
Swift survey finds 'missing' active galaxies
— 20:17 GMT | AstronomySeen in X-rays, the entire sky is aglow. Even far away from bright sources, X-rays originating from beyond our galaxy provide a steady glow in every direction. Astronomers have long suspected that the chief contributors to this cosmic X-ray background were dust-swaddled black holes at the centres of active galaxies. The trouble was, too few of them were detected to do the job…
NASA prepares to launch next Earth-observing satellite mission
— 20:14 GMT | EnvironmentNASA's newest Earth-observing research mission is nearing launch. The Glory mission will improve our understanding of how the sun and tiny atmospheric particles called aerosols affect Earth's climate. Glory also will extend a legacy of long-term solar measurements needed to address key uncertainties about climate change…
Stretching the truth: JILA biophysicists help unravel DNA stretching mystery
— 20:11 GMT | BiologyUsing a new experimental test structure, biophysicists at JILA have unravelled part of a 15-year mystery in the mechanics of DNA - just how the molecule manages to suddenly extend to almost twice its normal length. The new test structure should support research on DNA elasticity as a standard for tiny forces and help refine studies of how drugs and other substances bind to DNA…
Real-world graphene devices may have a bumpy ride
— 20:08 GMT | TechnologyElectronics researchers love graphene. A two-dimensional sheet of carbon one atom thick, graphene is like a superhighway for electrons, which rocket through the material with 100 times the mobility they have in silicon. But creating graphene-based devices will be challenging, say researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), because new measurements show that layering graphene on a substrate transforms its bustling speedway into steep hills and valleys that make it harder for electrons to get around…
New wave: JILA develops efficient source of terahertz radiation
— 20:05 GMT | TechnologyJILA researchers have developed a laser-based source of terahertz radiation that is unusually efficient and less prone to damage than similar systems. The technology might be useful in applications such as detecting trace gases or imaging weapons in security screening…
Astronomers find cause of 'dicky tickers'
VLT detects first superstorm on exoplanet