Articles
Chemical synthesis to tackle tuberculosis
Tuberculosis (TB) – the world’s most deadly bacterial infectious disease – kills around 1.5 million people every year, and its treatment remains challenging. Dr Jeffrey Buter at the University of Groningen, the Netherlands, has been researching the chemical biology of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), the parasite that causes TB. Buter believes that understanding the structure–activity relationship of the components, in particular […]
Predicting the origin of mutations from tumour and germline data
Genetic sequencing is an affordable screening process that helps people understand the risks of developing a specific form of cancer in their lifetime. They can learn about the impending risks and make conscious lifestyle choices, take a few radical decisions if required, and even work out ways to stop the hereditary transfer of such genes to their offspring. Dr Israel […]
Read More… from Predicting the origin of mutations from tumour and germline data
Quantum carpets from tumbling molecules: Manipulating molecular rotation by electromagnetic fields
Molecules are comprised of charged particles whose spatial distribution is or could be distorted, lending the molecules a handle by which they can be manipulated via external electromagnetic fields. Dr Burkhard Schmidt at the Freie Universität Berlin and Professor Bretislav Friedrich at the Fritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society in Berlin, along with their affiliates Dr Marjan Mirahmadi and […]
Designing disorder at the atomic scale
The crystal structures of solids can exhibit a vast array of different atomic arrangements, which may also change depending on conditions, temperature, pressure, etc. In new research, a team led by Dr Daniel Chaney, based at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) in France, have used cutting-edge techniques to show for the first time how some materials display exciting new […]
The TO-10 site in NW Italy is unsuitable for hosting the national nuclear waste repository
The storage and disposal of radioactive waste is an issue of global concern. Italy has recently started the procedure of identifying suitable sites for its national repository of low- and medium-activity nuclear waste. This task was assigned to state-owned company, Sogin SPA, which recently published a national map of potentially suitable areas. 67 sites were identified, including TO-10, in Northwest […]
Managing paediatric aneurysms using three-dimensional stereolithographic modelling and surgical simulation
This article focuses on the current research work by Dr Michael Levy, Chief of Paediatric neurosurgery at Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego and Professor at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine. By investing in futuristic surgical simulation techniques like preoperative, 3D virtual and stereolithographic modelling, Dr Levy is paving the way for improved surgical practice outcomes for all […]
Understanding the initiative paradox
For any organisation to function, its staff must work together – but humans are complex creatures with different personalities. Proactive behaviours can drive innovation and meaningful change, but they can also pose a threat or a source of worry to leaders who display high levels of neuroticism. Antje Schmitt, an assistant professor of organisational psychology at the University of Groningen, […]
A novel method shaping the future of oral hygiene
The two leading causes of poor oral health – caries and periodontal disease – affect more than 3.5 billion people. Oral prophylaxis helps to reduce the risk of gum and tooth disease. Minimally invasive and pain-free, Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) is a systematic, predictable, and scientifically proven treatment for professional prophylaxis. GBT involves the combination of warm water, air, and […]
Read More… from A novel method shaping the future of oral hygiene
The role of gut microflora in mucosal immunity
The microbiome is of recent interest in mucosal immunity. Dr Gary Huffnagle and colleagues at the University of Michigan have identified a variety of intestinal microflora members which can metabolically communicate with host cells and regulate mucosal immunity. Accumulating evidence suggests that various metabolites produced by hosts and microbiome members and their crosstalk are more important than previously thought. Understanding […]
Read More… from The role of gut microflora in mucosal immunity
Energy transformation in living cells: The role of vitamin C
The biochemical processes responsible for energy production in cells and for its utilisation in cellular metabolism have been studied extensively. Although several details of how these complex chemical reactions take place have progressively been clarified, far less is known about the structure of the biomolecules involved and their interactions. Professor emeritus János Hunyady, from the University of Debrecen, Hungary, is […]
Read More… from Energy transformation in living cells: The role of vitamin C