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Science News for October 14, 2005


What mutations tell us about protein folding

Small single-domain proteins, often referred to as 'two-state folders', fold into their three-dimensional structures by crossing only a single barrier. A new interpretation of mutational data suggests that this process involves a fully formed helix in the transition state.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 14, 2005

Preventing fetal exposure to popular acne drug

A survey of pregnant women taking isotretinoin found that many failed to comply with key requirements for preventing birth defects. The study's results highlight the need for improved pregnancy prevention programs to prevent isotretinoin-related birth defects.

SourceWiley·DateOct 14, 2005

Pillows - a hot bed of fungal spores

A recent study by the University of Manchester discovered that pillows can contain a substantial fungal load, with some samples having over 1 million fungal spores per pillow. The research highlights the potential for fungal contamination to exacerbate respiratory diseases like asthma and sinusitis in adults.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalAllergy·DateOct 14, 2005

How to braid nanoropes

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces investigated the assembly of filament networks and bundles. They found that thermal motion prevents bundle formation unless crosslinker concentration exceeds a certain threshold value.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 14, 2005