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Bio.com -- Biotech, Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical News and Featured Articles |
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| Topic: Science |
11:22 pm EDT, Sep 10, 2002 |
In a paper published this week in the journal Nature Cell Biology, UC Berkeley molecular biologists describe a significant difference between the way normal and cancerous cells handle an enzyme called telomerase, which is critical to unrestricted cell growth. The enzyme maintains the telomeres that cap the ends of each chromosome, keeping them long enough so that DNA replication and cell division go without a hitch. [An interesting new find in the realm of cancer research. Originally from biogeek. - Nano] Bio.com -- Biotech, Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical News and Featured Articles |
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Albuquerque Tribune Online- |
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| Topic: Science |
6:12 pm EDT, Aug 28, 2002 |
"A potential AIDS treatment has been floating around in the most unusual place.
It has been clogging nuclear waste filters at the Department of Energy.
May Nyman, 35, a scientist at Sandia National Laboratories, accidentally discovered a material that can attach itself, like a tiny straitjacket, to the AIDS virus in the blood stream, rendering it unable to hurt other cells." I know, I know...we hear about these so called cures every day. But this one is actually very original, so it must be memed. Albuquerque Tribune Online- |
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| Topic: Science |
2:09 pm EDT, Aug 25, 2002 |
"At InnoCentive, scientific problems called InnoCentive Challenges are posted online to be solved by a pool of leading scientific talent. Scientists receive access to world-class scientific problems and significant financial awards. Solution-Seekers gain unparalleled access to skilled global talent resulting in innovative solutions to their tough R&D challenges. " Hrm... Science problems are posted online along with a bounty. Solve the problem, get the cash... [wow...this is cool...of course, the solvers get cash and not patent rights...-Nanochick] InnoCentive |
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New Scientist - 'Handmade' cloning cheap and easy |
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| Topic: Science |
2:02 am EDT, Aug 18, 2002 |
"Handmade cloning, a new way to create genetically identical copies of animals, is not only cheaper and simpler than existing methods, but appears to work better too." Interesting...I would love to see a more technical article about this. New Scientist - 'Handmade' cloning cheap and easy |
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Sept. 11 Strikes at Labs' Doors |
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| Topic: Science |
2:11 am EDT, Aug 16, 2002 |
University officials and leading scientists are warning that new government regulations on biological research adopted in the wake of Sept. 11, and simultaneous efforts to inhibit publication, threaten to undermine the fundamental openness of science and campus life. "This has the potential for changing the definition of science, the way people do science, and even what we mean when we say science." Under the new laws, only researchers with a "legitimate need" may have access to "select agents." If research could prove useful in making biological weapons, does it belong in the public forum, or should it be suppressed by scientists or the government? Dr. Atlas contends that censoring bits of research erodes the very bedrock of science: the ability of other scientists to replicate results. Leaving out data, he noted, is "not new to cryptographers and not new to physicists, but it's new to biologists; biologists have never seen this before." Sept. 11 Strikes at Labs' Doors |
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Molecular evolution of FOXP2, a gene involved in speech and language |
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| Topic: Science |
9:48 pm EDT, Aug 15, 2002 |
Language is a uniquely human trait likely to have been a prerequisite for the development of human culture. The ability to develop articulate speech relies on capabilities, such as fine control of the larynx and mouth, that are absent in chimpanzees and other great apes. FOXP2 is the first gene relevant to the human ability to develop language. A point mutation in FOXP2 co-segregates with a disorder in a family in which half of the members have severe articulation difficulties accompanied by linguistic and grammatical impairment. This gene is disrupted by translocation in an unrelated individual who has a similar disorder. Thus, two functional copies of FOXP2 seem to be required for acquisition of normal spoken language. We sequenced the complementary DNAs that encode the FOXP2 protein in the chimpanzee, gorilla, orang-utan, rhesus macaque and mouse, and compared them with the human cDNA. Here we show that human FOXP2 contains changes in amino-acid coding and a pattern of nucleotide polymorphism, which strongly suggest that this gene has been the target of selection during recent human evolution. Subscription required for full text. [This is interesting..I will have to check out this article at the library when I go back to school next week because I no longer have my subscription to Nature. So, I guess this gene has something to do with the development of our mouth and larynx? Or maybe parts of the human brain that have to do with human language and speech? I wonder if there is a study out there done to compare the areas of human versus ape brains that control speech? Hmmm...anyway..enough ranting. - Nanochick] Molecular evolution of FOXP2, a gene involved in speech and language |
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CNN.com - New clues about what gives caffeine its kick - August 15, 2002 |
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| Topic: Science |
9:17 pm EDT, Aug 15, 2002 |
This is an article that talks about how caffeine works. Its pretty interesting stuff. I think I have somehow overloaded my DARPP-32-like-protein, because I can drink caffeine right up until I fall asleep. CNN.com - New clues about what gives caffeine its kick - August 15, 2002 |
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New Scientist- Carbon dioxide turned into hydrocarbon fuel |
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| Topic: Science |
4:40 pm EDT, Aug 4, 2002 |
"A way to turn carbon dioxide into hydrocarbons has caused a big stir at an industrial chemistry conference in New Brunwick, New Jersey. Nakamichi Yamasaki of the Tokushima Industrial Technology Center in Japan says he has a process that makes propane and butane at relatively low temperatures and pressures." New Scientist- Carbon dioxide turned into hydrocarbon fuel |
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The MIT Press - Envisioning Science |
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| Topic: Science |
3:38 pm EDT, Aug 3, 2002 |
A crucial element of science and engineering communication is visual. In Envisioning Science, science photographer Felice Frankel provides a guide to creating dynamic and compelling photographs ... ... from the large to small ... capturing new material and biological structures at the microscopic level. Full-color illustrations, many side-by-side comparisons, an extensive gallery of fine science photography. Benoit Mandelbrot: "In the beginning were the image and the eye. Then man-the-scientist became enamored of the word and neglectful of the image. Now the small group of those who fight back welcomes Felice Frankel as a marvelous addition, both as skillful performer and as experienced and patient teacher. Her book is priceless." Eric Lander, Director at the Whitehead Institute: "Felice Frankel's work conveys the tremendous beauty and excitement of science." At the site, you can read an interview with the author and view pages from the book. Do you like Escher, and the fusion of art and science? [This looks so neat....ok...who wants to buy Nano a gift;)-Nanochick] The MIT Press - Envisioning Science |
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