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Tropical cyclones to cause greater damage

Researchers at Yale University predict that tropical cyclones will cause $109 billion in damages globally by 2100, with climate change exacerbating the issue. The US and China are expected to bear the brunt of the damage, while small island nations like those in the Caribbean will be disproportionately affected.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateFeb 1, 2012

NPL models the extracellular matrix

Scientists at NPL developed a functional model of the native extracellular matrix, providing structural support for cells to aid growth and proliferation. The model could lead to advances in regenerative medicine by mimicking the complex nano-to-microscale structure of the ECM.

SourceNational Physical Laboratory·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateDec 20, 2011

Visualization of DNA synthesis in vivo

A new substance, F-ara-Edu, labels DNA with little to no impact on genome function, allowing for the visualization of DNA synthesis in vivo. This approach enables the identification of virus infection and cancerous growth sites due to abundant DNA replication in these tissues.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 13, 2011

Fast new method for mapping blood vessels may aid cancer research

Researchers have developed a fast new method for mapping blood vessels that could aid cancer research by analyzing the vascular network of organs in less than two days. The technique uses knife-edge scanning microscopy to create detailed 3D maps of blood vessels, from arteries and veins to smallest capillaries.

SourceOptica·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateOct 31, 2011

Regulatory process for organ scaling discovered

A new study has identified Dpp and Pentagone as key players in the scaling process of a fruit fly's wing. The research found that the feedback loop between Dpp and Pentagone regulates proportional tissue growth, keeping body proportions constant despite external factors like nutrition and temperature.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 25, 2011

Restoring blood flow

A novel nanostructure mimics vascular endothelial growth factor to promote blood vessel growth, potentially treating conditions like peripheral arterial disease. The nanostructure shows promise in restoring blood flow and has a longer half-life compared to the natural protein, enhancing its potency.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 1, 2011

How the dragon got its 'snap'

Researchers use snapdragon flower as model to study genetic and chemical cues that shape biological structures, revealing key role of genes in controlling cell growth and orientation. The study also suggests evolutionary tinkering played a role in shaping complex forms.

SourceNorwich BioScience Institutes·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 9, 2010

Report describes the physics of the 'bends'

A new study published in the Journal of Chemical Physics suggests that decompression sickness is caused by the formation and loss of small gas bubbles in soft tissues. The researchers propose a model where these bubbles are stabilized by pockets of reduced pressure, allowing them to persist despite their expected collapse.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateJun 22, 2010

Pressure testing tiny cell samples

Researchers have developed a new technique to study the structural properties of tissues by sucking cells into a pipette, providing information on adhesion and elasticity. This approach complements existing methods and allows for measurements on living tissue in its natural environment.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 25, 2010

Bioengineered materials promote the growth of functional vasculature, new study shows

Researchers at Georgia Tech have developed bioengineered hydrogels that induce significant vasculature growth in damaged tissue. The hydrogels release VEGF, stimulating blood vessel formation, and degrade in a controlled fashion, allowing for functional vascularization and integration with host circulatory system.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 21, 2009

Magnetic nano-'shepherds' organize cells

Researchers at Duke University have developed an approach using magnetism to manipulate human cells, forming chains that can promote the growth of blood vessels. The iron-containing nanoparticles used by the researchers are suspended within a liquid known as a ferrofluid, allowing them to readily manipulate the chain formation.

SourceDuke University·JournalNano Letters·DateMar 31, 2009

UC Riverside biochemists devise method for bypassing aluminum toxicity effects in plants

Researchers at UC Riverside have discovered a mechanism that allows plants to bypass the negative effects of aluminum toxicity, enabling them to grow normally in soils with high levels of toxic aluminum. By manipulating a DNA surveillance system called AtATR, scientists can enhance aluminum tolerance and increase crop productivity.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 2, 2008

Elastic stresses influence formation of leaf veins

A joint Argentinian-French study suggests that elastic stresses may play a crucial role in determining leaf venation patterns. By developing a numerical model, the researchers found simulated patterns with statistical properties similar to natural ones, challenging the existing view of auxin's role in vein formation.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateApr 10, 2008

Light-activated therapy targets DNA components

Researchers at Virginia Tech have introduced a DNA targeting component in light-activated molecular systems, allowing for more selectivity in attacking cancer cells. The new system uses visible light to signal the synthesized bioactive molecules to cleave DNA, reducing damage to healthy tissue.