Article Archive

Article archive

Processes at the surface of catalysts

In chemical industry, heterogeneous catalysis is of crucial importance to the manufacture of basic or fine chemicals, in catalytic converters of exhaust gas, or for the chemical storage of solar energy. Scientists of Karlsruhe Institute of Technology and Ruhr-Universität Bochum have developed a new infrared spectroscopy method in order to study processes at surfaces of oxides used as catalysts.

Research offers new clues to prevent infection in cardiac devices

Bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, the ‘superbug’ behind MRSA, can be a major problem for patients who have a medical implant, such as a replacement heart valve or pacemaker. Researchers at the University of York have shed light on how these bacterial colonies are formed.

Cutting edge trial puts Sheffield research top of the league

A clinical trial developing a revolutionary technique to diagnose oral cancer more quickly and effectively has helped to send Sheffield to the top of a national league table.

Innovative screening tools accelerate drug discovery

Exclusively available in the UK from Cambio, Transcreener® HTS Assays and iuvo Microconduit array technology meet a demand for high performance tools which will speed discovery of new therapies.

Cost saving laser-based process for manufacturing free-form optics

There is a growing demand for non-spherical glass optics. Currently, these optical elements - for example lenses for cameras or multifocal glasses - are still very costly to manufacture. The Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT has developed a process for manufacturing optical glass components, which should be particularly suitable for the cost-effective production of aspheres and free-form optics.

Omega-3 continues to astound award-winner

After decades of research, scientists continue to uncover the health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids – and there are many more discoveries yet to come, according to a University of Adelaide nutrition researcher being honoured for his lifetime of achievement in this field.

Monolithic focusing optics for single emitter diode lasers

Dortmund-based LIMO Lissotschenko Mikrooptik GmbH is far from being a greenhorn when it comes to blue laser light. The new trend is towards single emitter diode lasers which, due to higher outputs of up to 1-2 W, are becoming increasingly popular in lithographicy, the structuring of flat panel displays and in measuring technology.

Approach to diabetes self-management too narrow, study suggests

A new study from researchers at Queen Mary, University of London reveals the many difficulties faced by people with diabetes in self-managing their disease.

What does a bacterial pathogen do after killing its host?

An INRA team of Jouy-en-Josas discovered that the insect pathogen Bacillus thuringiensis switches from a virulence state in the living host, to a survival state in the host cadaver by a cell-cell communication system called quorum sensing.

DIY drugstores in development at the University of Glasgow

A new 3D printing process developed at the University of Glasgow could revolutionise the way scientists, doctors and even the general public create chemical products.

Using maths to feed the world

In the race to breed better crops to feed the increasing world population, scientists at The University of Nottingham are using maths to find out how a vital plant hormone affects growth.

Contact-free analysis of chemical substances

Is it drugs, medicines or explosives? At the Analytica trade fair, Fraunhofer researchers, joined by the Hübner Company, are presenting a terahertz spectrometer that provides reliable, contact-free identification of substances.

Unique adaptations to a symbiotic lifestyle reveal novel targets for aphid insecticides

Aphids are pests that cause millions of pounds of damage to crops in the UK, but new research led by biologists at the University of York reveals potential new targets for aphid-specific insecticides.

Biomarker family found for chemo resistant breast cancers

Biomarkers which could help to predict resistance to chemotherapy in breast cancer patients have been identified by researchers from the University of Hull.

Discovery paves way for improved pain-killers

An international team of researchers has made a major discovery that could lead to more effective treatment of severe pain using morphine.

Green-glowing fish provides new insights into health impacts of pollution

Understanding the damage that pollution causes to both wildlife and human health is set to become much easier thanks to a new green-glowing zebrafish.

Bristol researchers solve 70 year old mystery

Chemists and biologists from the University of Bristol have finally cracked one of the longest standing chemical mysteries. In a paper published today in PNAS, the team demonstrate exactly how an unusual class of compounds known as tropolones are synthesised in fungi.

Fatty acids fight cancer spread

Tiny agents found in omega-3 could potentially be used to block the path of primary cancer tumors, preventing the advance to secondary stage cancers according to pharmacy researchers at the University of Sydney.

New spin-off develops cough monitor for pigs

The idea behind the Pig Cough Monitor, the first commercial product by SoundTalks, a new KU Leuven-University of Milan spin-off, is simple: microphones hung in a pigsty monitor bovine coughing patterns and alert the farmer if coughing becomes abnormal. The technology makes it possible to detect and treat respiratory problems quickly and efficiently, resulting in decreased antibiotic use and healthier pigs.

A bitter pill to combat obesity?

Bitter tastes may well be the key to a solution for the growing obesity epidemic. Administering a bitter substance to the stomach does initially stimulate the appetite, but then leads to faster satiation, doctoral research at KU Leuven has demonstrated.

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