Plant virus recruited to save crops from root-eating nematodes

Plant parasitic nematodes are microscopic soil-dwelling creatures that damage crops by feeding on their roots. Scientists have now developed a greener and more efficient means of eradicating them, using a modified plant virus.Continue ReadingCategory: … Continue reading Plant virus recruited to save crops from root-eating nematodes

Nanoparticles and novel drug combine in breakthrough acne treatment

For the estimated 800 million people worldwide – and 45 million in the US alone – battling personal wars with acne, a new, broadly successful mode of treatment would have a profound impact on quality of life.Continue ReadingCategory: ScienceTags: Unive… Continue reading Nanoparticles and novel drug combine in breakthrough acne treatment

Microscopic magnetic beads could quickly detect pathogens

Dynabeads are commercially available microscopic magnetic spheres which scientists use to isolate certain types of cells and proteins. Now, MIT researchers are developing a method of using the beads to quickly spot pathogens in drinking water or blood … Continue reading Microscopic magnetic beads could quickly detect pathogens

“Hairy” magnetic rust particles used to remove estrogen from water

Estrogen can harm aquatic plants and animals when passed into waterways via human and agricultural waste streams. Researchers have now developed a new way of removing the hormone from water, however, using what’s known as “smart rust.”Continue ReadingC… Continue reading “Hairy” magnetic rust particles used to remove estrogen from water

Molecular manipulation stimulates hair growth in mice

Researchers have successfully stimulated hair growth in mice using microRNA to genetically manipulate hair follicle stem cells, meaning that balding pate may one day be sporting a mane of luscious locks.Continue ReadingCategory: ScienceTags: Hair, Bald… Continue reading Molecular manipulation stimulates hair growth in mice

Colorful crystals could warn of cold chain mishaps

While many goods simply have to be kept frozen until use, some – such as certain vaccines – will break down even if they get warmed but remain frozen. An inexpensive new technology could alert people to the fact that this has happened.Continue ReadingC… Continue reading Colorful crystals could warn of cold chain mishaps

Scientists use gold nanoparticles to get the stink out of wine

One thing that will definitely ruin a wine is an unpleasant aroma. Such malodorous wines could soon be saved, however, with a little bit of help from gold nanoparticles.Continue ReadingCategory: ScienceTags: Wine, Flinders University, Gold, Nanoparticl… Continue reading Scientists use gold nanoparticles to get the stink out of wine

Reusable nanoparticle-coated sponge removes heavy metals from water

Removing heavy metal pollutants from water could soon be easier than ever, thanks to an experimental new sponge. With just one treatment, the device brought contaminated water down to safely drinkable levels.Continue ReadingCategory: Environment, Scien… Continue reading Reusable nanoparticle-coated sponge removes heavy metals from water

Injectable synthetic blood clots stop internal bleeding to save lives

Scientists at MIT have developed a synthetic system that can stem internal bleeding, to help more people survive long enough to reach a hospital after a traumatic injury. Two components come together at the wound to form a clot, without doing so elsewh… Continue reading Injectable synthetic blood clots stop internal bleeding to save lives

Self-adjusting insulin proves promising for type 1 diabetics

Type 1 diabetics must constantly control their blood glucose with insulin. It’s a Goldilocks-type situation: administer too much insulin, and they risk low blood glucose (hypoglycemia), while too little can lead to high blood glucose (hyperglycemia). R… Continue reading Self-adjusting insulin proves promising for type 1 diabetics