Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for September 18, 2009


Antioxidant controls spinal cord development

Researchers at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine discovered that the antioxidant protein Prdx1 controls the activity of GDE2, a critical protein for spinal cord neuron development. The study found that Prdx1 breaks a chemical bond between amino acids in GDE2, activating it to promote motor neuron differentiation.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCell·DateSep 18, 2009

Portable and precise gas sensor could monitor pollution and detect disease

A team of Princeton and Rice University researchers has developed a new method to identify nitric oxide using lasers and sensors, making it possible for large-scale deployment. The device can detect tiny amounts of the gas in the air or human breath, monitoring pollution and detecting disease such as asthma.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 18, 2009

Diamonds are a laser's best friend

Researchers in Australia have developed the first efficient diamond Raman laser, achieving an efficiency of 63.5%, comparable to existing lasers built with other materials. This technology has potential applications in defense technologies, trace gas detectors, medical devices, and satellite mapping.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Letters·DateSep 18, 2009

Invading black holes explain cosmic flashes

Mathematicians at the University of Leeds propose that black holes are directly responsible for producing gamma ray bursts, contradicting the orthodox model. The theory suggests that rotating black holes can devour nearby stars, creating long-lasting jets of plasma that produce the high-energy radiation.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateSep 18, 2009