Category Archives: Research
Alzheimer’s disease: SMILES to preserve wisdom
Simplified molecular input-line entry systems (SMILES) is informative representation of molecules. This representation gives possibility to compare molecules in their architecture and in their action. Molecules characterized by good pharmaceutical action can be modified in order to
Road traffic noise linked to deaths and increased risk of stroke
Traffic noise is a known environmental risk factor for health. Health effects of noise exposure are hypothesised to occur via several pathways. Exposure to noise may affect the autonomic nervous system increasing heart rate, blood pressure and
‘Fossil’ DNA – How many observed soil bacteria are actually alive?
In the first half of the 20th century, researchers studying soil bacteria had a problem: the number of organisms they could grow in the lab only accounted for ~1% of the total population that they could see under
Science and religion reconciled by the Information concept
In general, evolution is the process by which complexity arises from relative simplicity, and science sees no need to start the process with complexity, which religious people translate as “God.” However, science is increasingly recognizing an abstract
Diagnosis and management of bile leaks after hepatectomy
One of the most common complications of hepatic resection is biliary leak, which may happen from the cut-surface of the liver that is made by the surgeon during the operation. Biliary leak may be an important source
To beam or not to beam: Safely scanning mouse lungs for lung disease and therapy research
Lung diseases are among the most important causes of sickness and death in the world. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung fibrosis and emphysema are examples of such devastating and life-threatening conditions. Doctors can help by relieving symptoms,
Organic semiconductors for future photovoltaics
Organic semiconductors based photovoltaics devices are able to absorb light of different wavelengths and converted it into electricity or electrical signal. By converting the light into electricity, the organic solar cells represent a clean, cost-effective and easy
Botox injections: a “bittersweet” medicine
Despite being one of the most deadly neurotoxins known to man, Botox has become a popular cosmetic treatment for reducing facial wrinkles. Originally, Botox injections were used for reducing uncontrolled movements caused by neuromuscular disorders that impaired
Mason bees lose their ways after drinking the pesticide Clothianidin
Pesticides are widely used in modern agriculture to protect field crops, but are suspected to harm pollinating insects. In December 2013, the European Commission imposed a moratorium of using three neonicotinoid insecticides (imidacloprid, clothianidin and thiamethoxam) for
Time to tweak tremendously tiny trisoligonucleotide-tetrahedrons
DNA is most commonly known as the carrier of genetic information in all living beings on earth. For a chemist DNA is nothing more than a large molecule that can be artificially recreated in the lab on
The unappreciated role of the median eminence in energy balance regulation
Obesity results from a sustained imbalance between calorie intake and energy expenditure. It is associated with an increased risk of developing a variety of medical conditions that are widespread in Western countries, such as type 2 diabetes
Living on the edge: Planctomycetes at the oxic / anoxic interface in northern wetlands
Peat – accumulating northern wetlands make up approximately one-third of the global soil organic carbon pool. Nutrient – poor and acidic conditions, as well as low temperatures and decay – resistant Sphagnum moss-dominated vegetation, result in low
Building capacity where it is needed
Once thought to be affecting only affluent countries, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obesity and other life-style related diseases (collectively referred to as non-communicable diseases or NCD) are now the leading cause of death and disability also in developing
3D environment enhance cellular capacities
Although we live under the 3D (three-dimensional) environment, drug testing is carried out usually by using isolated cells cultured under the 2D (two-dimensional) environment. Liver is a very important organ which metabolizes glucose, alcohol, lipids (e.g. cholesterol)
A resource for studying the role of RNA-binding proteins in human disease
Advances in science and technology have not only made accessing and analyzing the personal genomic information a reality but also rapid and cost effective. Every living organism is made of cells and every cell is made of
Mothers of children with autism report worse immunity
Parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) report higher levels of parenting stress than almost any other group of parents of children with disabilities. In addition, parents of children with ASD often report high levels of
Tics in toddlers
Transient tics such as eyeblinks, grimacing or throat noises are a normal developmental phase that can be seen in many toddlers. When tics become chronic however, they can increase in severity until puberty and be harder to
An efficient and economical assay to screen for triclosan-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Triclosan is an effective inhibitor for an essential bacterial enzyme, the enoyl acyl carrier protein reductase (ENR/FabI), in fatty acid biosynthesis. Due to its value in inhibiting bacterial growth, including methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) (MRSA)
Ultraviolet lasing realized in ZnO via electrostatic doping method
Ultraviolet (UV) lasers have a variety of applications in many fields like machining, labeling, measuring, and guiding, etc. Wide bandgap semiconductors are one of the most promising candidates for efficient and robust UV lasers. ZnO has a
