Team | Page 166 of 218 | SpiritIndia.com

DNA :: Brown scientists map structure of DNA-doctoring protein complex

Mobile DNA, which inserts foreign genes into target cells, is a powerful force in the march of evolution and the spread of disease. Working with the lambda virus and E. coli bacteria, Brown University biologists have solved the structure of a six-protein complex critical to performing this gene-grafting surgery. The technique they developed could be used to reveal the structure of other critical protein complexes, landing the work on the cover of Molecular Cell.

Alcoholism :: Sleep problems get in the way of alcoholism recovery

The first few months of recovery from an alcohol problem are hard enough, and they’re often made worse by serious sleep problems. Now, a new study gives further evidence that insomnia and other sleep woes may actually get in the way of recovery from alcohol problems.

Allergy :: All itches not created equal – Different parts of brain activated depending on cause

Different reactions in the brain to two common allergy triggers — allergens (pollen and dust) and histamine (allergy cells within the body caused by foods, drugs or infection) — may shed some light on the itch-scratch cycle. Allergen-induced itch intensity ratings were higher compared to histamine and perception of itch and changes in blood flow were significantly greater when allergen induced. Itch intensity and changes in blood flow were perceived to exist for significantly longer periods.

Magnetic whirlpools feed Earth’s magnetosphere

Giant whirlpools of electrically charged gas, some 40 000 kilometres across, have been witnessed above the Earth by a team of European and American scientists. Using data from ESA’s Cluster quartet of spacecraft, the researchers have shown that these whirlpools inject electrified gas into the magnetic environment of the Earth.

Do galaxies follow Darwinian evolution?

Using VIMOS on ESO’s Very Large Telescope, a team of French and Italian astronomers have shown the strong influence the environment exerts on the way galaxies form and evolve. The scientists have for the first time charted remote parts of the Universe, showing that the distribution of galaxies has considerably evolved with time, depending on the galaxies’ immediate surroundings. This surprising discovery poses new challenges for theories of the formation and evolution of galaxies.

Respiratory Infections :: Rockhampton part of worldwide fight against respiratory infections

CQU Rockhampton is now the headquarters of an Australian research team seeking better ways to prevent respiratory infections which kill millions of people worldwide every year.

DNA :: Stretch a DNA loop, turn off proteins

It may look like mistletoe wrapped around a flexible candy cane. But this molecular model shows how some proteins form loops in DNA when they chemically attach, or bind, at separate sites to the double-helical molecule that carries life’s genetic blueprint.

Auction :: Carnegie Mellon researchers uncover online auction fraud

Computer scientists at Carnegie Mellon University are using data mining techniques to identify perpetrators of fraud among online auction users as well as their otherwise unknown accomplices.The new method analyzes publicly available histories of transactions posted by online auction sites such as eBay and identifies suspicious online behaviors and dubious associations among users.

Osteoporosis :: Biocompatible glass helping damaged bone regenerate

Researchers from Lehigh and Princeton Universities join with colleagues from Egypt and Portugal to take aim at osteoporosis and other bone disorders. Their goal is to tailor a biocompatible glass so it can serve as a scaffold that promotes the regrowth of damaged or diseased bone.

Brain :: Psychopaths’ brains different

A new study by researchers in the UK has found that psychopaths have biological brain differences that make them stand apart from other normal people. The research appears in the British Journal of Psychiatry.