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Monday, August 4, 2014

ScienceDaily: Top Technology News

ScienceDaily: Top Technology News


Self-assembling anti-cancer molecules created in minutes: Like a self-assembling 'Lego Death Star'

Posted: 03 Aug 2014 04:35 PM PDT

Researchers have developed a simple and versatile method for making artificial anti-cancer molecules that mimic the properties of one of the body's natural defense systems. The chemists have been able to produce molecules that have a similar structure to peptides which are naturally produced in the body to fight cancer and infection.

Electronic reminders can help patients prevent surgical site infections

Posted: 01 Aug 2014 02:09 PM PDT

The use of electronic reminders such as text messages, emails or voicemails is highly effective at getting surgical patients to adhere to a preadmission antiseptic showering regimen known to help reduce risk of surgical site infections, according to a first-of-its-kind study.

See-through organs and bodies will accelerate biomedical discoveries

Posted: 31 Jul 2014 11:57 AM PDT

The ability to see through organs and even the entire body has been a long-time dream of biologists. A new study has now made that dream a reality, revealing simple methods for making opaque organs, bodies, and human tissue biopsies transparent, while keeping the cellular structures and connections intact. The protocols could pave the way for a better understanding of brain-body interactions, more accurate clinical diagnoses and disease monitoring, and a new generation of therapies.

Surprise: Biological microstructures light up after heating

Posted: 31 Jul 2014 07:25 AM PDT

Physicists have investigated tubular biological microstructures that showed unexpected luminescence after heating. Optical properties of bioinspired peptides, like the ones investigated, could be useful for applications in optical fibers, biolasers and future quantum computers.

Engineering a protein to prevent brain damage from toxic agents

Posted: 31 Jul 2014 06:51 AM PDT

New research may help prevent brain damage for those exposed to pesticides and chemical weapons. The work centers on proteins called phosphotriesterases, which are able to degrade chemicals known as organophosphates -- found in everything from industrial pesticides to sarin gas. They permanently bond to neurotransmitters in the brain, interfering with their ability to function and causing irreversible damage. The researchers re-engineered the protein to make it sufficiently stable to be used therapeutically.

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