Digitizing and replicating the world of materials

Is it possible to digitally replicate the way light shines off silk, the kaleidoscope of colors on butterfly wings, or the structure of fabrics, plastics, and stones? A team of researchers at EPFL's Realistic Graphics Lab, headed by Wenzel Jakob, is developing computer models to do just that. Their process begins by meticulously digitizing any material they can lay their hands on, using a sophisticated machine called a gonio-photometer.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-news-blog/digitizing-and-replicating-the-world-of-materials

Team's study reveals details of new DNA repair pathway

A team of Vanderbilt investigators has discovered how a DNA repair pathway protein shields sites of damage to avoid mutations and maintain genome integrity.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-news-blog/teams-study-reveals-details-of-new-dna-repair-pathway

Just how resilient are biofilms?

Biofilms hold promise for generating electricity and removing contamination from groundwater, but they also threaten many industrial processes and human health. As the environment changes in which these biofilms thrive, it is unclear how well these living systems will function. Earlier studies proved that certain biofilms were more resilient to changes in their environment, but how they survived was unclear. To help resolve the issue, researchers examined the molecular workings of model biofilms exposed to the toxic chemical, hexavalent chromium. Their work is helping understand biofilms' responses to stress.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-news-blog/just-how-resilient-are-biofilms

Microfluidics: 2-D fingerprints of heterogenous proteins in solution

Microfluidic systems are used in molecular biology, biochemistry and biotechnology to rapidly analyze heterogenous biomolecular mixtures with high recovery rates and minute sample volumes. However, it is challenging to combine preparative and analytical processes within a single device for fast integrated analysis. In a recent study now published on Microsystems and Nanoengineering, Kadi L. Saar and co-workers at the interdisciplinary departments of chemistry, physics, and Fluidic Analytics Limited in Cambridge, U.K., have developed a chip combining the two steps of preparation and analysis.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-news-blog/microfluidics-2-d-fingerprints-of-heterogenous-proteins-in-solution

Resilient shark spines may inform treatment for human bone disease

Sharks don't only have powerful jaws. They also have enviably strong spines. Their spines constantly flex when they swim, but never wear out during the fish's lifetime.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-news-blog/resilient-shark-spines-may-inform-treatment-for-human-bone-disease

Next satellite in the European Data Relay System is fueled

The second satellite to join the constellation that forms the European Data Relay System (EDRS) has finished fueling and is days away from launch.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-news-blog/next-satellite-in-the-european-data-relay-system-is-fueled

Research team develops technology for creating flexible sensors on topographic surfaces

At the Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Dr. Hyunjung Yi of the Post-Silicon Semiconductor Institute and her research team have developed a transfer-printing technology that uses hydrogel and nano ink to create high-performance sensors on flexible substrates of diverse shapes and structures.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-news-blog/research-team-develops-technology-for-creating-flexible-sensors-on-topographic-surfaces

Could viruses affect climate? New study probes effects on global nutrient cycle

Nowadays we're getting more used to the idea that entire ecosystems of tiny bacteria are living on our skin, in the soil of our gardens and within the oceans where we catch dinner.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-news-blog/could-viruses-affect-climate-new-study-probes-effects-on-global-nutrient-cycle

Scientists film rotating carbonyl sulphide molecules

Scientists have used precisely tuned pulses of laser light to film the ultrafast rotation of a molecule. The resulting "molecular movie" tracks one and a half revolutions of carbonyl sulphide (OCS)—a rod-shaped molecule consisting of one oxygen, one carbon and one sulphur atom—taking place within 125 trillionths of a second, at a high temporal and spatial resolution. The team headed by DESY's Jochen Küpper from the Center for Free-Electron Laser Science (CFEL) and Arnaud Rouzée from the Max Born Institute in Berlin are presenting their findings in the journal Nature Communications. CFEL is a cooperation of DESY, the Max Planck Society and Universität Hamburg.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-news-blog/scientists-film-rotating-carbonyl-sulphide-molecules

NASA's Mars 2020 rover does biceps curls

The robotic arm on NASA's Mars 2020 rover does not have deltoids, triceps or biceps, but it can still curl heavy weights with the best. In this time-lapse video, taken July 19, 2019, in the clean room of the Spacecraft Assembly Facility at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, the rover's 7-foot-long (2.1-meter-long) arm handily maneuvers 88 pounds' (40 kilograms') worth of sensor-laden turret as it moves from a deployed to a stowed configuration.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-news-blog/nasas-mars-2020-rover-does-biceps-curls

Global scheme to cut price of expensive hepatitis drugs boosts treatment rate

An initiative to improve access to high-cost hepatitis C treatments in poorer countries has resulted in more people being treated for the disease.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-news-blog/global-scheme-to-cut-price-of-expensive-hepatitis-drugs-boosts-treatment-rate

Prosthetics for retinal stimulation

In a study recently published in Advanced Biomedical Engineering, researchers at Okayama University report a thin photoelectric film which can stimulate degenerated retinal tissues of the eye.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-news-blog/prosthetics-for-retinal-stimulation

Radio galaxy 3C 236 investigated with LOFAR

Using the LOw Frequency ARray (LOFAR) astronomers took a closer look at the giant radio galaxy 3C 236. The observations, detailed in a paper published July 22 on the arXiv pre-print repository, shed more light on the morphology and structure of 3C 236, which could be helpful in advancing our knowledge about radio galaxies in general.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-news-blog/radio-galaxy-3c-236-investigated-with-lofar

Discovery could lead to new treatments for Parkinson's, other brain diseases

A small protein previously associated with cell dysfunction and death in fact serves a critical function in repairing breaks in DNA, according to new research led by scientists at Oregon Health & Science University.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-news-blog/discovery-could-lead-to-new-treatments-for-parkinsons-other-brain-diseases

It pays to explore in times of uncertainty

When making choices, people tend either to go with what they know or try something new. We experience this trade-off every day, whether choosing a route to work or buying breakfast cereal. But does one strategy have an advantage over another? Researchers decided to examine this question by looking at fishing boat captains, who face this choice again and again when deciding where to fish.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-news-blog/it-pays-to-explore-in-times-of-uncertainty

Every transistor has a unique quantum fingerprint—but can it be used as a form of ID?

We might imagine that electric current flows as a smooth, even stream of electrons through our electronics devices, but at the quantum scale the flow of electric current might be more accurately pictured as a bubbling brook containing many tiny ripples. These ripples can be caused by single-electron effects, which arise due to the repulsion among electrons confined in very small spaces, such as trap sites in transistors. Single-electron effects can lead to tiny changes in the current-voltage characteristics of these devices.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-news-blog/every-transistor-has-a-unique-quantum-fingerprint-but-can-it-be-used-as-a-form-of-id

High levels of estrogen in the womb linked to autism

Scientist have identified a link between exposure to high levels of oestrogen sex hormones in the womb and the likelihood of developing autism. The findings are published today in the journal Molecular Psychiatry.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-news-blog/high-levels-of-estrogen-in-the-womb-linked-to-autism

Researchers develop novel imaging approach with potential to identify patients with CAD

Coronary artery disease (CAD) - caused by plaque buildup in the artery walls that constricts the flow of blood to the heart—is the most common form of heart disease and the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. Non-invasive imaging such as cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging is often used to diagnose coronary heart disease. However, current techniques are cumbersome, costly and expose patients to adverse health risks.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-news-blog/researchers-develop-novel-imaging-approach-with-potential-to-identify-patients-with-cad

Earth's 2019 resources 'budget' spent by July 29: report

Mankind will have used up its allowance of natural resources such as water, soil and clean air for all of 2019 by Monday, a report said.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-news-blog/earths-2019-resources-budget-spent-by-july-29-report

28 days later, French deep-sea divers back from the depths

After 28 days below the sea at a crushing depth of 120 metres, a team of four researchers emerged into the sunshine at the French Mediterranean port of Marseille on Sunday.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-news-blog/28-days-later-french-deep-sea-divers-back-from-the-depths

Msholo the African elephant leaves San Diego for Atlanta

An African elephant that spent a decade at San Diego Zoo Safari Park has moved across the country to a new home at Zoo Atlanta.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-news-blog/msholo-the-african-elephant-leaves-san-diego-for-atlanta

Most deaths related to noncardiac surgery occur after surgery and after discharge from hospital

It's not the operating room that is risky for patients undergoing noncardiac surgery; it's the recovery period. According to a large international study, only 0.7% of deaths in these patients occurred in the operating room, whereas 29% of deaths occurred after discharge from hospital. The study, which included patients at 28 centres in 14 countries, was published in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal).

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-news-blog/most-deaths-related-to-noncardiac-surgery-occur-after-surgery-and-after-discharge-from-hospital

Beds are leading cause of non-fatal head injuries in infants

A vast report, looking at the products and activities associated with non-fatal traumatic brain injuries for youngsters aged up to 19, in 66 US hospitals' emergency departments, has revealed that floors, beds and American football are posing some of the greatest risks.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-news-blog/beds-are-leading-cause-of-non-fatal-head-injuries-in-infants