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X-raying ion channels

Researchers at SISSA and Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste have used x-ray crystallography to demonstrate that the selectivity filter of ion channels is dynamic, not rigid. This discovery contributes to solving a long-standing debate among biophysicists and neurobiologists.

SourceInternational School of Advanced Studies (SISSA)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 22, 2015

Honors for HFSP

Five Human Frontier Science Program (HFSP) grantees were awarded Nobel Prizes in Physiology or Medicine and Chemistry for their groundbreaking work. This achievement underscores the value of supporting innovative research projects and fosters collaboration among scientists.

Nations that consume a lot of milk... also win a lot of Nobel prizes

A study found that countries consuming large amounts of milk have a higher number of Nobel laureates, possibly due to the boost in vitamin D levels which can enhance cognitive function. However, the relationship may not be solely driven by education, as some nations with high milk consumption also exhibit strong educational systems.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalPractical Neurology·DateJan 14, 2013

First images of Landau levels revealed

Scientists at the University of Warwick and Tohoku University have directly imaged Landau Levels, showing concentric rings that increase according to energy level. The discovery uses scanning tunnelling spectroscopy to overcome material disorder, shedding light on the quantum Hall effect.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 1, 2012

Nobel Laureate Bruce Beutler on molecular sensors as a trigger for autoimmune disease

A novel molecular mechanism discovered by Bruce Beutler and colleagues suggests that the body's molecular sensors may trigger autoimmune disease. The researchers' findings have important implications for understanding the initiation of both protective and inflammatory immune responses, as well as autoimmune diseases.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Interferon & Cytokine Research·DateOct 27, 2011

Attention, please -- how innovations and Nobel Prize winners make it

A recent publication by Dirk Helbing and Santo Fortunato shows that innovations can overcome the rich-gets-richer dynamics in scientific achievements through the boost factor, identifying landmark papers with sharp peaks. This finding suggests that science undergoes phase transitions, where sudden systemic shifts occur, and citation av...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 4, 2011

American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology honors 11 outstanding scientists

The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology honored 11 researchers with various awards for their groundbreaking contributions to the life sciences. Axel T. Brunger, Michael Brown, Joseph Goldstein, Charles E. Chalfant, Job Dekker, Christine Guthrie, Arthur Gutierrez-Hartmann, Yusuf Hannun, and Arthur E. Johnson received...

Bottomless bowls are an Ig Nobel winner

Brian Wansink's research on bottomless bowls of creamy tomato soup found that people eating from soup bowls with hidden refills ate 73% more soup than those in normal bowls, without feeling fuller. The study suggests that cues around us influence not only what we eat but also how much and when we feel full

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalObesity·DateOct 11, 2007

Nobel prize in physics for Helmholtz scientist

Peter Grünberg's discovery of Giant Magnetoresistance led to increased storage capacity in hard disks and the development of spintronics, a new research field exploiting quantum spin states. The award marks the Helmholtz Association as a leader in providing an excellent working environment for exceptional researchers.

Experts debate the future of nanotechnology

Experts K. Eric Drexler and Richard E. Smalley disagree on the possibility of molecular assemblers, devices that can precisely manipulate atoms and molecules. Drexler proposes guiding chemical synthesis with reactive molecules, while Smalley questions the feasibility of such devices.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateDec 2, 2003