Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Purdue University


Purdue researchers discover basis for biological clock

Researchers at Purdue University have discovered a single protein that sets the length of periods of activity and inactivity within cells, known as the biological clock. The discovery has significant implications for medicine, including minimizing jet lag and determining optimal cancer treatment timing.

SourcePurdue University·JournalBiochemistry·DateJan 6, 2003

Infants go to school early on grammar

A Purdue University psychology professor's research reveals infants can comprehend words and grammar from a young age, defying the common notion of gradual learning. By analyzing infant responses to language experiments, Hollich's study shows that babies as young as 5 months old demonstrate surprising linguistic savvy.

'Stippling' speeds 3-D computer imaging

Engineers at Purdue University have created a new kind of computer-imaging software that uses stippling to quickly produce complex pictures of internal organs and other renderings. The method is 10 times faster than some conventional methods, enabling real-time previewing of medical images.

Ag economist calculates value of knowing that food's safe

A study by Purdue economist William Masters found that African mothers are willing to pay a premium of 30% for infant food with guaranteed quality and safety information. This could lead to reduced child malnutrition rates if generic options were made available, saving up to 6 million lives annually.

SourcePurdue University·JournalAmerican Journal of Agricultural Economics·DateNov 20, 2002

Researchers close in on natural solution to PCB contamination

A research team from Purdue University and the University of British Columbia has identified a bottleneck in the degradation of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), a persistent and hazardous industrial chemical. By breeding bacteria to overcome this hurdle, the team hopes to develop an environmentally friendly solution for cleansing the ...

SourcePurdue University·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateNov 4, 2002

Experiment could reveal 'extra dimensions,' exotic forces

Researchers at Purdue University are conducting an experiment to measure the Casimir effect, which could reveal new forces beyond the three spatial dimensions of length, width, and height. The study uses plates made of isotopes of nickel to test for a potential 'fifth force' that could interact with extra dimensions.

SourcePurdue University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 29, 2002

New screening method may speed hunt for disease-causing genes

Researchers have developed a new genetic screening method that narrows the pool of candidate genes from thousands to fewer than 100, potentially saving time and money. The technique uses a combination of quantitative trait locus mapping and microarray technology to identify genes with differential expression, which are more likely to b...

SourcePurdue University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 21, 2002

Researchers: Protein family key to helping plants adapt

Researchers at Purdue University have discovered a crucial protein family in plants that helps them adapt to stressful conditions. The AtCPL family, which controls gene activation, plays a vital role in regulating plant responses to environmental stresses such as salinity, cold, and drought.

SourcePurdue University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 11, 2002

Discovery could bring widespread uses for 'nanocrystals'

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a process to produce metal nanocrystals in large quantities at low cost, containing valuable nanocrystals in common machining processes. The discovery could lead to widespread uses of nanocrystals in various industries, including automotive and electronics.

SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of Materials Research·DateAug 16, 2002

Purdue marshals new approach to protect software

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new approach to protect software by placing hundreds of tiny 'guards' throughout the code, making it harder for hackers to use the program without permission. The system has shown promising test results and is being licensed to a startup company, Arxan Technologies Inc.

Tomato packs more cancer-fighting punch

Researchers at Purdue University and the USDA have developed tomatoes with significantly higher levels of lycopene, a key cancer-fighting antioxidant. The genetically modified tomatoes contain up to 3.5 times more lycopene than conventional varieties, which may help reduce the risk of certain cancers and heart disease.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJun 18, 2002

Lasers coax large molecules to change their shape

A research team led by Professor Timothy Zwier has demonstrated how laser light can be used to prompt large molecules to make alterations in their three-dimensional structure. By choosing different infrared wavelengths, the laser can selectively choose the molecule's new shape, favoring the formation of one conformation over another.

SourcePurdue University·JournalScience·DateMay 23, 2002

Researchers say trees could affect land use, reduce skin cancer

A Purdue University method estimates how much UV-B radiation people receive under different amounts of tree cover, affecting land use and skin cancer risk. The model suggests that even partial shade provides significant protection against skin cancer, with 90% tree-canopy coverage offering the equivalent of SPF 10 sunblock.

SourcePurdue University·JournalPhotochemistry and Photobiology·DateApr 22, 2002

HIV/AIDS impact on education intensifies economic downfall

The HIV/AIDS epidemic in Mozambique is taking a toll on education, leading to reduced school enrollments, graduation rates, and quality of education. The report predicts that the country's economy will be smaller than expected by 2010 due to reduced productivity growth, population growth, human capital accumulation, and physical capita...

New method speeds up discovery of materials

A new method developed by Purdue University's chemical engineers uses artificial intelligence to simultaneously test thousands of formulations, drastically speeding up the discovery process. The technique has the potential to significantly improve catalyst performance and result in substantial economic benefits.