Tool

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.

Infectious Disease :: GreeneChip – New diagnostic tool identifies multiple pathogens

Researchers in the Greene Infectious Disease Laboratory at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health and their colleagues in the WHO Global Laboratory Network have developed a new tool for pathogen surveillance and discovery — the GreeneChip System. The GreeneChip is the first tool to provide comprehensive, differential diagnosis of infectious diseases, including those caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi or parasites.

November/December 2006 Annals of Family Medicine tip sheet

This tip sheet provides summaries of the studies published in the November/December issue of Annals of Family Medicine and cover topics such as antibiotic use for rhinosinusitis and sore throat, the impact of the 2004 flu vaccine shortage and other clinical topics.

Stent :: Saint Luke’s PREDICT helps patients weigh use of heart stents

Saint Luke’s Mid America Heart Institute is using a new software tool PREDICT to help angioplasty patients weigh the risks and benefits of drug-coated stents.

Aviation :: Steering clear of icy skies

Beginning next week, the aviation industry will receive detailed updates on potentially hazardous in-flight icing conditions. Graphical displays, developed by NCAR, will improve flying safety, reduce delays and save airlines millions of dollars by guiding aircraft away from icing areas.

Gene :: Living view in animals shows how cells decide to make proteins

Scientists at Duke University Medical Center have visualized in a living animal how cells use a critical biological process to dice and splice genetic material to create unique and varied proteins.

New information technologies to tackle isolation on campus

Integrating new location-aware computer networks with old-fashioned human networks, researchers at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) have developed an innovative solution to the problem of isolation that faces women in the academic science and engineering workforce.