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Nitrous oxide: definitely no laughing matter

The Nitrous Oxide Focus Group brings together influential organizations to address the potent greenhouse gas's significant impact on agriculture and industry. Key research findings suggest that nitrous oxide is 300 times more potent than carbon dioxide, making its longevity in the atmosphere a potentially more damaging legacy.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateFeb 18, 2008

Horphag's Prelox provides over-the-counter solution

Prelox, a patented blend of Pycnogenol and L-Arginine, shows significant improvement in men with ED after just one day, increasing nitric oxide production for enhanced blood flow. The study achieved almost 100% increase in orgasmic function, sexual desire, and overall satisfaction.

SourceMWW Group·JournalInternational Journal of Impotence Research·DateDec 3, 2007

WFU researchers discover new hemoglobin function

A team of researchers from Wake Forest University has discovered a previously undetected chemical process within the oxygen-carrying molecule hemoglobin that converts nitrite salt to the vasodilator nitric oxide. This reaction mechanism could have far-reaching implications for treating cardiovascular diseases.

SourceWake Forest University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateNov 4, 2007

Inhaling helps heal liver transplant recipients

A new study suggests that inhaling nitric oxide during liver transplantation can decrease hospital stay time and improve liver function. The authors found increased levels of nitrite in circulation, which may mediate the beneficial effects of NO inhalation.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 23, 2007

New clues to ozone depletion

A team of atmospheric chemists found high concentrations of halogens, including bromine and iodine oxides, which persist throughout the Antarctic winter. These chemicals cause substantial ozone depletion and form tiny particles that can impact local climate.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalScience·DateJul 26, 2007

Better insight into brain anatomical structures

Researchers have developed a new, biocompatible MRI contrast agent using manganese oxide nanoparticles that produces clear images of mouse brains. The agent allows for high-contrast views of brain anatomy and has potential applications in diagnosing brain diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

SourceWiley·DateMay 30, 2007

Reducing side effects of painkillers

Researchers at Cardiff University have found a link between low nitric oxide levels and increased risk of heart attack and stroke in patients taking NSAIDs. Lower nitric oxide levels may make individuals more susceptible to cardiovascular side effects from these medications.

SourceCardiff University·JournalBlood·DateSep 12, 2006

Problem: implant infection, solution: nanotech surfaces

Researchers at Brown University have developed a technique to coat implants with zinc or titanium oxide nanosurfaces, significantly reducing bacterial growth and promoting bone growth. The new method has the potential to lead to safer, longer-lasting implants for millions of Americans undergoing joint replacements.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Biomedical Materials Research·DateJul 6, 2006

Water and nanoelectronics will mix to create ultra-dense memory storage devices, researchers say

Scientists have discovered a new method to stabilize ferroelectricity in nanostructures using fragments of water, leading to ultra-dense memory storage devices with unprecedented capacities. This breakthrough could enable the creation of storage devices small enough to hold massive amounts of data, such as music or video libraries.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNano Letters·DateApr 26, 2006

Rice University researchers create 'nanorice'

The Rice University team created nanorice particles with improved properties for chemical sensing and biological imaging. The particles, made of non-conducting iron oxide and metallic shell, offer greater structural tunability than previous optically useful shapes.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·DateMar 14, 2006

Controlling algal blooms

Researchers investigated the role of diatom-derived aldehydes as 'infochemicals' regulating population dynamics. Low doses induced resistance, while high concentrations triggered cell death, suggesting a stress surveillance system that determines phytoplankton community fitness and succession.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateFeb 20, 2006

Heart-healthy compound in chocolate identified

The study found that epicatechin, a flavanol present in cocoa, is directly linked to improved circulation and other hallmarks of cardiovascular health. Volunteers from the Kuna Indians, who consume large amounts of flavanol-rich cocoa, had higher levels of urinary nitric oxide compared to their mainland counterparts.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 19, 2006

Snapshots at the atomic border

Researchers use high-resolution transmission electron microscope to study interactions at solid-liquid interfaces, observing density fluctuations and atom ordering in liquid aluminium. The findings suggest that crystals can induce the ordering of atoms in liquids, even in metal-ceramic systems at high temperatures.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateNov 28, 2005

American Thoracic Society journal news tips for October 2005 (first issue)

A study in children with moderate to severe allergic asthma found that measuring nitric oxide levels in the breath can determine the most effective inhaled corticosteroid dose. The results showed a significant reduction in inflammation level compared to symptom-based treatment. Additionally, an increase in a specific stem cell subtype ...

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateOct 3, 2005

Flavanols key to potential chocolate benefits

A recent study suggests that flavanol-rich cocoa drinks can significantly improve blood vessel function in smokers, potentially reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. The researchers observed increases in nitric oxide levels and blood vessel responses after consumption of flavanol-rich drinks.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateSep 28, 2005

Nitric oxide could extend fertility

Researchers found that exposing egg cells to nitric oxide can slow the hardening of their outer shells and increase the release of cortical granules, potentially extending their fertilizable time window. This could lead to improved fertility in women and reduce the risk of chromosomal abnormalities during early embryonic development.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalBiochemistry·DateSep 7, 2005