Successful genetic test trial guides personal cancer therapy
A trial genetic test involving lung cancer genes will help to tailor drugs to cancer patients’ individual tumours.
BioNews: 14 November 2011
Tuning E. coli to churn out biodiesel
E. coli bacteria have what it takes to efficiently produce high volumes of biofuel. They just need a bit of a tweak to kick them into high gear.
Futurity.or: 11 November 2011
Lab-grown blood given to volunteer for the first time
Red blood cells generated in a lab have been successfully injected into a human volunteer for the first time.
New Scientist: 11 November 2011
Ageing process slowed down in fruit flies
Activating a gene in a fly’s intestine that affects mitochondrial activity has increased its lifespan. The same gene is found in humans.
University California LA. 8 November 2011
Using light waves to advance solar energy
Instead of using light as a particle to convert to electricity, researchers have found a way to use nano-sized antennae to catch light waves to do the same thing.
Nanowerk: 10 November 2011
Tweaked gene makes muscles twice as strong
Reducing the function of a tiny inhibitor that acts on specific muscle genes has created super mice and worms.
Eurekalert: 10 November 2011
Successful results from diabetes stem cell trial
Stem cell treatment has significantly lowered blood sugar levels for up to eight weeks in non-human primates with Type 2 diabetes.
Australian Life Scientist: 10 November 2011
World’s tiniest electric vehicle rolls out
European scientists have created the world’s smallest four-’wheel’ drive nanocar.
ABC Science News: 10 November 2011
Image: 3D geometry of the four-wheeler on the copper surface in motion.(Source: Randy Wind/Martin Roelfs)
Re-programmable cells key to creation of new life forms
A project to develop a biological cell-equivalent of a computer operating system could pave the way for scientists to create completely new and useful forms of life.
University of Nottingham: 7 November 2011
Risk Science Unplugged. Why do smart people believe dumb things
Check out our own Dr Craig Cormick in conversation with Dr Di Bowman about the social values that govern much public perception of risk, and how they affect the decisions people make.
Risk Science Unplugged presents Risk Rage from UM Risk Science Center on Vimeo.