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Nanoparticles loaded with bee venom kill HIV

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have developed nanoparticles carrying melittin, a toxin found in bee venom, that can destroy human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) while leaving surrounding cells unharmed. This finding offers an important step towards developing a vaginal gel that may prevent the spread of HIV.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalAntiviral Therapy·DateMar 7, 2013

Silver nanoparticles may adversely affect environment

Researchers at Duke University found that silver nanoparticles can have adverse effects on plants and microorganisms in low doses, leading to reduced biomass and altered enzyme activity. The study's findings highlight the need for further research into the environmental impact of these particles.

SourceDuke University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 27, 2013

Titanium dioxide nanoreactor

Researchers at Helmholtz Centre Berlin have developed a method for producing titanium dioxide nanoparticles at room temperature in a polymer network. The analysis showed that the nanoparticles are homogeneously distributed over the polymeric nanoreactors and have a crystalline structure, enabling their use as catalysts.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNano Letters·DateFeb 21, 2013

New taxonomy of platinum nanoclusters

Researchers have catalogued the structural diversity of metallic nanoclusters into families using a new numerical simulation method. This breakthrough enables tailoring of specific properties and has potential applications in nanocatalysis and magnetic storage.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateFeb 20, 2013

INRS develops a nanohybrid with remarkable properties using a new laser-plasma process

Researchers at INRS Énergie Matériaux Télécommunications Centre developed a novel nanohybrid structure combining carbon nanotubes and lead sulfide nanoparticles using pulsed laser ablation technique. The new material exhibits strong photoresponse, fast photocurrent response time and spectrally wide photoactivity.

Putting the squeeze on cells

Researchers at MIT have created a device that can deliver RNA, proteins and nanoparticles through cell membranes by deforming cells. The technique has shown success in delivering reprogramming proteins and generating induced pluripotent stem cells with improved efficiency compared to existing methods.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 23, 2013

Oh, Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree

Scientists have created a self-sterilizing composite material derived from Douglas fir needles that can coat medical implants and surgical devices to prevent microbial growth. The material uses silver nanoparticles generated from the plant extract, which acts as a natural chemical reducing agent.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Biomedical Nanoscience and Nanotechnology·DateJan 2, 2013

How silver turns people blue

Researchers at Brown University have discovered how ingesting too much silver leads to argyria, a rare condition where skin turns grayish-blue. The study shows that silver nanoparticles are broken down into silver salt in the stomach, which is then absorbed into the bloodstream and deposited in the skin.

SourceBrown University·JournalACS Nano·DateOct 29, 2012

UGA researchers boost efficacy of drugs by using nanoparticles to target 'powerhouse of cells'

Researchers at UGA have developed a new method for delivering drugs to mitochondria, increasing the effectiveness of cancer, Alzheimer's, and obesity treatments. The approach uses biodegradable nanoparticles to target the 'powerhouse of cells', resulting in improved survival rates for brain cells and reduced fat production.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 19, 2012

Newly demonstrated capabilities of low-powered nanotweezers may benefit cellular-level studies

Scientists at the University of Illinois have developed a new technique for manipulating nanoparticles using low-power optical nanotweezers. The method, which operates at average power levels 100x lower than standard laser pointers, enables precise trapping and probing of fragile biological samples.

Mercury in water, fish detected with nanotechnology

Researchers developed a nanoparticle system that can detect even the smallest levels of heavy metals in water and fish, offering an inexpensive alternative to existing cumbersome techniques. The device is capable of measuring low concentrations of mercury, a toxic metal that can accumulate in predatory fish and harm human health.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Materials·DateSep 12, 2012

Improved nanoparticles deliver drugs into brain

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have designed nanoparticles that can safely and predictably infiltrate deep into the brain, delivering chemotherapy drugs to treat brain cancer. The breakthrough allows for controlled release of medication over time, reducing dosage challenges and improving treatment outcomes.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateSep 11, 2012

Nanoparticles reboot blood flow in brain

Researchers at Rice University have discovered a nanoparticle that can restore balance to the brain's vascular system after an injury. The PEG-HCC nanoparticles immediately quench superoxide activity and allow the autoregulatory system to regain its balance, potentially treating mild brain trauma by preventing further damage.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateAug 23, 2012

Ions, not particles, make silver toxic to bacteria

Researchers found that silver nanoparticles are less toxic to bacteria than their released ions. The team's study suggests that controlling the rate of ion release can enhance antibacterial properties and mitigate environmental impacts. They also discovered hormesis, where low doses of silver ions stimulate bacterial growth.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·DateJul 11, 2012

Paints and coatings containing bactericidal agent nanoparticles combat marine fouling

Scientists at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz discovered that vanadium pentoxide nanoparticles can inhibit the growth of barnacles, bacteria, and algae on surfaces in contact with water. This could lead to the development of new protective coatings that are less damaging to the environment than current ship coatings.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJul 2, 2012

Selenium suppresses staph on implant material

Researchers at Brown University found that selenium nanoparticles can reduce Staphylococcus aureus bacteria on implant materials by up to 90%. The coating is more effective than current silver-based alternatives, which are less biocompatible and expensive.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Biomedical Materials Research·DateJun 21, 2012

From pomegranate peel to nanoparticles

Researchers have developed a method to produce silver nanoparticles using pomegranate peel as a reducing agent, avoiding the use of harsh chemicals and industrial solvents. The process produces nanoparticles with a diameter of 5 nanometers and has potential applications in various fields.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Nanoparticles·DateJun 19, 2012