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Light signals from living cells

Researchers from Goethe University and MIT have developed a new method to deliver protein markers with nanometre precision into living cells. The technique, called cell squeezing, uses high pressure to incorporate fluorescent probes with an efficiency rate greater than 80 percent.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 4, 2016

New nanoscopic tools to study ligand-binding of receptors and quantifying two ligand-binding sites while imaging membrane receptors

A new high-resolution method allows precise identification and quantification of interactions between a receptor and two ligands. Scientists have developed a novel approach using atomic force microscopy, enabling the imaging of single membrane receptors while detecting their interactions with multiple ligands.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 16, 2015

Blood clots may complicate aortic valve replacements

A new study from the Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute shows that about 15% of patients with bioprosthetic aortic heart valves develop blood clots on the leaflets, which can impair valve motion. However, anti-coagulation medications like Warfarin quickly resolve the issue for all patients, regardless of the type of valve or procedure.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 5, 2015

High-performance microscope displays pores in the cell nucleus with greater precision

Researchers have developed a new method to display the spatial structure of nuclear pores in high resolution. This has led to a better understanding of how certain molecules are transported into or out of the nucleus. The discovery sheds light on various diseases, including cancer, that involve defective transport through nuclear pores.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 26, 2015

Discovery is key to metal wear in sliding parts

A team of researchers has discovered a previously unknown mechanism for wear in metals, which could lead to improved durability of metal parts. The findings show that tiny bumps and surface defects can form through a swirling, fluid-like behavior in solid metals, leading to cracks and wear particles.

Whales viewed from space

High-resolution satellite images successfully counted southern right whales off the Argentinian coast, using automatic detection methods that outperformed traditional manual detection. The study's findings suggest this new approach could be applied to other whale species and marine mammal populations.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 12, 2014

Satellites help spot whales

Researchers from British Antarctic Survey demonstrated a new method using Very High Resolution satellite imagery and image processing software to automatically detect and count whales breeding in the Golfo Nuevo, Peninsula Valdes. This semi-automated technique has been shown to achieve 89% accuracy in identifying probable whales.

SourceBritish Antarctic Survey·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 12, 2014

'Sensational' barrels in the brain

Researchers at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research have discovered a gene named Lhx2 that plays a crucial role in forming high-resolution neurocircuitry for touch in mice. The study reveals that this gene is essential for the formation of 'barrels' and 'cores' in the brain, which enable rapid whisking and environmental assessment.

SourceTata Institute of Fundamental Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 18, 2013

An atlas of the human heart is drawn using statistics

Researchers created a high-resolution atlas of the human heart using 3D images from 138 people, demonstrating its feasibility for comparing individual cases and differentiating healthy from pathologies. The study provides a statistical description of the heart's shape and variations, offering an advantage over existing cardiac models.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalIEEE Transactions on Medical Imaging·DateFeb 26, 2013

Songbird sings in 3D

A study published in BMC Biology has generated interactive 3D models of the zebra finch's syrinx, a complex vocal organ. The models reveal the delicate balance between strength and lightness required to control sound production at superfast speeds.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Biology·DateJan 7, 2013

Sharper, deeper, faster

A novel imaging technique combines high resolution, high penetration depth, and high imaging speed to capture detailed information from live biological samples without damaging them. The technique uses two-photon excitation in sheet-illumination mode, enabling fast imaging speed and reducing light-induced damage.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Methods·DateJul 25, 2011

Making a point

Researchers at Northwestern University developed a new method for rapidly prototyping nanoscale devices and structures, combining the benefits of scanning-probe lithography and polymer pen lithography. The technique, called hard-tip, soft-spring lithography, produces patterns with sub-50-nanometer resolution and scalability.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature·DateJan 26, 2011

New technique developed for tracking cells in the body

Researchers at Johns Hopkins developed a new technique for noninvasively tracking cells in the body using genetically encoded cells producing natural contrast visible via MRI. The method appears more effective than existing methods for detecting injected biomaterials, and offers high-resolution imaging without tissue removal.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateMar 20, 2007

Cassini's photo album from a season of icy moons

The Cassini mission has released a flood of new images of Saturn's icy moons, revealing detailed features such as plumes on Enceladus and compositional variation on the surfaces of Rhea, Dione, and Hyperion. The new views include large mosaics, movies, and false-color views, providing insights into the moons' intricacies.

Nanotech discovery could have radical implications

Researchers at Princeton University propose a new mathematical approach to produce desired configurations of nanoparticles by manipulating their interactions. This method could lead to radical implications in industries like telecommunications, computers, and aerospace engineering, as well as our understanding of life.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 30, 2005

Burning down the brewery

Researchers discovered an ancient brewery with a 1,800-liter capacity at Cerro Baúl, a sacred mountain in southern Peru. The brewery was abandoned and partially burned to the ground 1,000 years ago, along with a final batch of chicha, a fermented alcoholic drink central to the Wari culture.

SourceField Museum·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 14, 2005