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Understanding natural compounds

Researchers develop computer-based method to predict mechanism of action of natural substances, identifying potential target structures for 210,000 compounds. The software breaks down molecules into smaller fragments, discovering essential parts for the mechanism of action, which can be used to design less complex and easier-to-synthes...

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Chemistry·DateNov 12, 2014

York leads the way in carbohydrate research

The University of York has secured a £320,000 grant to purchase the UK's first automated carbohydrate synthesizer, transforming glycoscience in the country. This technology will enable researchers to synthesize complex sugars, which have been challenging to produce due to their complexity and chemical synthesis challenges.

Advanced X-ray, neutron beam imaging reveal workings of powerful biochemical switch PKA

A University of Utah-led study used advanced imaging techniques to understand the inner workings of Protein Kinase A (PKA), a master switch regulating cellular functions. The research found that PKA changes shape with only one sensor, revealing new insights into its unique biological functions and potential targets for disease treatment.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateOct 9, 2014

The physics of lead guitar playing

Physicist Dr David Robert Grimes has derived equations to explain how guitar techniques manipulate pitch, shedding light on string bending, vibrato, and whammy bars. His research provides insights into the physics behind iconic guitarists' sounds.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 23, 2014

A versatile joystick for animation artists

A Swiss research team created an innovative joystick for animation artists, consisting of modular building blocks that can be assembled into any virtual character shape. The device features integrated sensors that track joint movements, enabling smooth character articulation.

Swell new sensors

Researchers at MIT's Quantum Photonics Laboratory have developed novel optical sensors with predicted detection levels in the parts-per-billion range. The sensors use microscopic polymer light resonators that expand in the presence of specific gases.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJun 17, 2014

Guarding against 'Carmageddon' cyberattacks

Researchers at Vanderbilt University are developing tools to identify and counter cyber attacks on smart transportation systems, which could mitigate the impact of a potential 'Carmageddon' attack. The goal is to create algorithms that can automatically detect intrusions and take effective steps to counteract them.

A lab in your pocket

Researchers at Michigan Technological University have developed software to design lab-on-a-chip hardware, enabling the simultaneous testing of dozens of medical conditions with a single drop of blood. The technology could revolutionize medical diagnostics by providing fast and accurate results miles from the nearest clinic.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalIEEE Transactions on NanoBioscience·DateMay 7, 2014

Terahertz imaging on the cheap

Researchers at MIT describe a new technique that could reduce the number of sensors needed for terahertz or millimeter-wave imaging by a factor of 10, enabling more practical high-resolution imaging systems. The technique exploits the sparsity of scenes in certain ranges, allowing for efficient reconstruction without aliasing.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalIEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation·DateMay 5, 2014

Democratizing data visualization

Researchers found that 69% of Exhibit sites use the JSON format for storing data, and users often exploit complex relationships among data beyond spreadsheet capabilities. The study suggests that spreadsheet designers should offer tools to make it easier for novice developers to organize their data in more sophisticated ways.