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UCSD scientists establish connection between life today and ancient changes in ocean chemistry

Researchers discovered that present-day organisms use trace metals derived from ancient changes in ocean chemistry. Protein structures revealed a major influence of geochemistry on life, leading to diversification and complexity. The study links biology and geology, shedding light on co-evolutionary processes.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 6, 2006

The power behind insect flight: Researchers reveal key kinetic component

Researchers have discovered a key molecular mechanism allowing tiny flies to whirl their wings at high speeds, revealing new insights into heart disease and the evolution of flight. The findings provide a better understanding of how chemical energy is converted into muscle movements, including human heart muscle pumping blood.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 30, 2006

Learning to live with oxygen on early Earth

Microbes adapted to living with oxygen around 2.7 billion years ago, as indicated by changes in fossil isotopes of carbon in rocks from the late Archean period in Western Australia. This finding supports the idea that oxygen-producing photosynthesis evolved and enriched the atmosphere over time.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 16, 2006

When biology gets 'Quirky,' scientists turn to math

Ohio State University researchers used mathematical simulations to study chemical reactions in cells, finding that many graphs indicate quirky behavior. This 'quirkiness' may be essential for biology and could help explain why cells sometimes react unexpectedly to medicines.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 24, 2006

California's model skies

Researchers from the UK Met Office and the University of Leeds have developed computer models to predict rotor winds, which can be devastating for aircraft. The T-REX project uses these models to check accuracy and improve predictions, ultimately enhancing safety at mountainous airports.

Virginia Tech student selected to meet Nobel Laureates

A Virginia Tech student is selected to meet with Nobel laureates to discuss his research on bioremediation using bacteria-mineral interaction. The study aims to understand the fundamental reactions that dictate how bacteria interact with minerals, potentially leading to a safe and cost-effective means of environmental remediation.

'Yanking' chemical bonds with molecular wires speeds reactions

Researchers used atomic force microscopes to 'yank' chemical bonds, accelerating reaction speeds while maintaining the order of bond formation and breaking. This discovery may aid in developing self-healing polymers and lead to a better understanding of fundamental energy exchange in chemical reactions.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMar 14, 2006

When is a mouse like a test tube?

Researchers use a novel chemical reaction in living mice to tag cells and attach tracer molecules to sugars on cell surfaces. This technique could help doctors pinpoint inflamed or cancerous cells for diagnosis. The method allows for the exploration of biosynthetic pathways and the examination of functional consequences.

Missing chemical important to air pollution estimates

Researchers at Penn State have found a missing chemical that plays a significant role in ozone and aerosol production in the lower atmosphere. The discovery was made through a two-year study of hydroxyl radical reactivity in a forested area, which found that a temperature-dependent chemical was reacting with the hydroxyl radical.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience·DateApr 30, 2004

UCSD pharmacologists collaborate on new approach to drug design

Researchers at UCSD and TSRI have developed a method for creating highly specific inhibitors of the AChE enzyme, a key target for treating neuromuscular and cognitive disorders. The new approach utilizes click chemistry to bring reactant components into proximity on an enzyme template, resulting in potent and selective inhibitors.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 22, 2004

Chaos in the heart

A team of scientists has discovered that chaotic wave patterns in the heart's electrical pulses can be controlled and potentially terminated using a weak periodic modulation. This discovery could lead to new methods for treating cardiac fibrillation, a life-threatening condition.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateJan 31, 2003

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