DNA origami system creates tiny, self-assembling pots and vases

Researchers have developed a new open-source program that can convert drawings or digital models into nanoscale sculptures made of DNA. In tests, the system nailed rounded objects like vases and bowls.Continue ReadingCategory: ScienceTags: DNA, Nano, N… Continue reading DNA origami system creates tiny, self-assembling pots and vases

Glassfrogs turn transparent by moving red blood cells into liver

Glassfrogs are so-named because when they sleep, they turn their bodies transparent in order to evade predators. Scientists have now discovered that they do so by moving their red blood cells into their liver – and the finding could have implications f… Continue reading Glassfrogs turn transparent by moving red blood cells into liver

Chimp study refutes prevailing theory on origins of bipedalism

It has long been believed that our prehistoric ancestors started walking on two legs as they moved from the trees into the more open environment of the African savanna. A new study of chimpanzees, however, suggests that such may not have been the case…. Continue reading Chimp study refutes prevailing theory on origins of bipedalism

3D microscope video tracks virus zipping around in real time

Scientists at Duke University have created a real-time video that captures the frantic movements of a single virus as it tries to infect a cell. The video shows a part of the process that’s normally hard to see.Continue ReadingCategory: Biology, Scienc… Continue reading 3D microscope video tracks virus zipping around in real time

Radioactive implant wipes tumors in unprecedented pre-clinical success

Engineers at Duke University have developed a novel delivery system for cancer treatment and demonstrated its potential against one of the disease’s most troublesome forms. In newly published research in mice with pancreatic cancer, the scientists show… Continue reading Radioactive implant wipes tumors in unprecedented pre-clinical success

Hydrogel that outperforms cartilage could be in human knees in 2023

Joint pain is a common ailment of aging, thanks to cartilage’s tendency to wear out. Now, researchers at Duke University have developed a new hydrogel that’s stronger and more durable than the real thing, which could make for longer lasting knee implan… Continue reading Hydrogel that outperforms cartilage could be in human knees in 2023

Childhood lead exposure cut IQ of over half of US population, study finds

Striking new research published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences estimates lead exposure, primarily from car exhaust, has negatively affected the IQ of about half the population of the United States. The study calculated c… Continue reading Childhood lead exposure cut IQ of over half of US population, study finds

Eco-friendly plastics made from sugars boast “unprecedented” properties

The search for sustainable alternatives to common plastics has researchers investigating how their building blocks can be sourced from places other than petroleum, and for scientists behind a promising new study, this has led them straight to the sweet… Continue reading Eco-friendly plastics made from sugars boast “unprecedented” properties

High-tech fabric opens cooling vents when made wet with sweat

When we’re hot and sweaty, we prefer cool mesh-like clothing, but otherwise … mesh just doesn’t keep us warm enough. A new dual-purpose fabric was designed with that conundrum in mind, as it features cooling vents that open upon absorbing sweat.Continu… Continue reading High-tech fabric opens cooling vents when made wet with sweat

Experimental cancer drug offers clues to new kind of pain therapy

New research published in the journal Nature Communications has identified a potential treatment for chronic pain in an old experimental cancer drug. The research homed in on the drug by screening over a thousand different molecules in the search for o… Continue reading Experimental cancer drug offers clues to new kind of pain therapy