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Purdue University


Scientists unraveling lice genome to halt blood-sucking pest

Researchers at Purdue University have identified the first gene in lice that kills bacteria threatening the insect. The study also found genes involved in digesting human blood and fighting off infections. Understanding lice genetics could lead to novel pest control strategies, potentially benefiting public health.

SourcePurdue University·JournalInsect Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·DateOct 31, 2003

New scheduling method raises efficiency of electronics recycling

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new scheduling method for electronics recycling that optimizes the flow of incoming products from storage to disassembly. By prioritizing large products with quick disassembly times, recyclers can reduce storage space needs by up to half and increase productivity.

SourcePurdue University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Electronics Packaging Manufacturing·DateOct 14, 2003

Purdue team solves structure of West Nile virus

Purdue University biologists have determined the structure of the West Nile virus, a development that could greatly augment our understanding of the virus' life cycle. The research uses cryoelectron microscopy and advanced imaging techniques to understand how the major surface proteins interact with each other.

SourcePurdue University·JournalScience·DateOct 9, 2003

Purdue researchers solve decades-old corn, sorghum problem

A team of Purdue University researchers has identified the genetic mechanism responsible for dwarfed appearance in corn and sorghum plants. This finding may help develop dwarf forms in other crops, improving food production in certain regions. The study also reveals a genetic phenomenon involving direct duplication that causes instabil...

SourcePurdue University·JournalScience·DateOct 2, 2003

Purdue food scientists improve testing of health supplements

Researchers at Purdue University have discovered a new method using infrared spectroscopy and statistical analysis to classify dietary supplement oils and common food oils. The study found that the FT-IR method could identify adulteration levels down to 2%, allowing for faster and less expensive quality control.

SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateSep 4, 2003

Chicken embryo research tunes into inner ear

Researchers control the development of stem cells in the inner ears of embryonic chickens by introducing new genes, leading to the growth of balance-related hairs instead of sound-detecting ones. This breakthrough could potentially improve our understanding of inner ear disorders and lead to therapies for deafness and vertigo.

SourcePurdue University·JournalDevelopmental Biology·DateSep 2, 2003

Purdue research plots new field in plant genomics

Purdue University researchers have developed a new field called 'ionomics,' which studies how genes regulate all the ions in a cell. This research holds promise for creating mineral-efficient plants that need little fertilizer, crops with better nutritional value, and plants that can remove contamination from the soil.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateAug 31, 2003

New tool helps researchers bone up on osteoporosis

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new tool using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) to accurately determine bone mineral density in hens. The study found that more calcium resulted in greater bone mineral density and stronger bones, leading to potential improvements in egg production.

SourcePurdue University·JournalPoultry Science·DateAug 18, 2003

Purdue instrument to fashion custom-made proteomics chips

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new method to separate proteins in the gas phase, allowing for faster analysis and enabling the study of hundreds of proteins simultaneously. The technique uses a mass spectrometer to collect ions onto different locations on a chip's surface, producing highly pure protein samples.

SourcePurdue University·JournalScience·DateAug 14, 2003

Purdue scientists discover why we're all lefties deep down

Recent research by Purdue University scientists suggests that the first building blocks of life were left-handed and that a single amino acid called serine set the standard eons ago. This led to all living things evolving using only amino acids of the left-handed variety, forcing other biological molecules to follow suit.

SourcePurdue University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateAug 5, 2003

Eating peanuts helps keep heart healthy without weight gain

Research by Richard Mattes and Corinna Alper found that regular peanut consumption reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease without causing significant weight gain. The study involved three trials where participants added peanuts to their diet, with no increase in body weight detected despite adding 500 calories a day.

SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of the American College of Nutrition·DateJul 31, 2003

Abnormal plant shows scientists path to plant, animal development

Researchers at Purdue University have identified nine specific genes that are shut off in plants before they develop from embryos to adults. These genes, part of the LEAFY COTYLEDON (LEC) class, are controlled by a master regulator called PKL, which turns them off to allow plants to develop root and leaf systems. The study's findings m...

SourcePurdue University·JournalThe Plant Journal·DateJul 8, 2003

Purdue research: Better pharmaceuticals cost more

A study by Purdue University researchers found that patients experience more improvement in quality of life when taking more expensive pharmaceuticals, regardless of the ailment. The study suggests that government interference with market prices may reduce long-term drug development and potentially lead to fewer quality drugs.

SourcePurdue University·JournalDrug Information Journal·DateJun 26, 2003

Gene may produce drought-resistant plants

Researchers at Purdue University have identified a gene that controls the production of plants' outermost protective coating. By manipulating this gene, they may be able to create crops with increased drought resistance. The study found that altering the gene's expression can result in thicker or more rigid cuticles, reducing water los...

SourcePurdue University·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateMay 21, 2003

Tiny bubbles are key to liquid-cooled system for future computers

Purdue University researchers have created a 'pumpless' liquid-cooling system that removes nearly six times more heat than existing miniature pumpless systems. The system uses microchannels and dielectric liquids to form smaller bubbles, which flow easily through the channels and carry heat away from computer chips.

SourcePurdue University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Components and Packaging Technologies·DateApr 11, 2003