Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for August 17, 2008


Improved technique determines structure in membrane proteins

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new technique to determine the atomic-scale structure of membrane proteins using solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. This breakthrough enables high-resolution structural information, which is crucial for understanding protein function.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 17, 2008

Researchers create safer alternative to heparin

Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed a fully synthetic heparin alternative that is safer and more pure than traditional heparin. The new version uses a process called chemoenzymatic synthesis to replicate the natural biosynthesis of heparin, resulting in a higher dose and lower risk of contamination.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 17, 2008

Mount Sinai researchers discover technology that silences genes

Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine have developed a new gene silencing technology that can effectively suppress transcriptional expression of targeted genes in human cells, including those linked to various diseases. This breakthrough could pave the way for preventing diseases where gene dysfunction plays a role.

Toward plastic spin transistors

Researchers successfully controlled an electrical current using the 'spin' within electrons, a step toward building plastic semiconductor switches. However, highly efficient organic LEDs may only convert up to 25 percent of electricity into light, contrary to earlier estimates.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature Materials·DateAug 17, 2008