Chemistry News

Host or foreign — the body’s frontline defense mechanism understood (University of Helsinki) Researchers at the University of Helsinki, Finland, have now described how the first line of defense of the human immune system distinguishes between microbes and the body’s own structures. The basis of this recognition mechanism has been unclear since the key protein components were discovered over 30 years ago — and has now finally been cracked.Sugar boost for Oxfordshire scientists who are planning ahead for future medicines (Science and Technology Facilities Council) Scientists continuing to investigate a 50 year mystery have discovered another vital clue that could help pave the way for improved medicines. The results feature in a special edition of Nature celebrating the International Year of Chemistry. The findings reveal an important insight into the way carbohydrates (sugars) bond and this will influence the way drugs are designed in the future.A loose grip provides better chemotherapy (Case Western Reserve University) Case Western Reserve University researchers find that cancer patients may get a bigger bang and fewer side effects with a new take on a drug delivery system. By using noncovalent bonds to link light-activated anti-cancer drugs to coated gold nanoparticles, they were able to activate treatment in two hours instead of two days. The scientists expect the targeted delivery system will cut dosage by a factor of 10 or more.HHMI launches documentary film unit to create science features for television (Howard Hughes Medical Institute) The Howard Hughes Medical Institute is launching a $60 million documentary film initiative that aims to bring high quality, compelling science features to television. Sean B. Carroll, HHMI’s vice president for science education, unveiled the project today at the “Summit on Science, Entertainment and Education” in Los Angeles.Engineering at Virginia Tech to team with University of Nottingham (Virginia Tech) Virginia Tech’s Center for Power Electronics Systems and the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute are partnering with the University of Nottingham’s Transportation Engineering Centre and its Power Electronics, Machines and Control Group to offer Ph.D. scholarships, exchanges, and postdoc research appointments. The groups have common research sponsors and both also have interests in aerospace engineering.Digest powered by RSS Digest