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Technology provides means for studying neural circuits
Finding out which neurons are connected with which others, and how they act together, is a huge challenge in neuroscience, and it’s crucial for understanding how brain circuits give rise to perception, motion, memory, and behaviour. A Brown University-developed technology called “trans-Tango" allows scientists to exploit the connections between pairs of neurons to make such discoveries in neuroscience.
Nano-sized gold particles can behave as clones
Shaping nanometric gold particles - of the size of millionths of a millimeter - to improve their properties in biomedicine and photonics has been made possible thanks to a special laser system in a work carried out at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM) and now published in Science.
A possible effective treatment for autism spectrum disorder
Human chromosome 16p11.2 deletion syndrome is caused by the absence of about 27 genes on chromosome 16. This deletion is characterised by intellectual disability; impaired language, communication, and socialisation skills; and autism spectrum disorder or ASD. Research from the laboratories of Mark Bear at MIT and Jacqueline Crawley at the University of California at Davis, has identified a potential therapeutic for ASD.
Elucidation of bone regeneration mechanism
Fish have the extraordinary ability to regenerate lost fins and other appendages containing cartilage and bone. The cells responsible for the regeneration offer new clues on how to regenerate tissues in humans. Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology (Tokyo Tech) have found a dormant progenitor cell population in zebrafish that regenerates bone cells, or osteoblasts. The study can be read in Developmental Cell.
Scientists identify 27 novel cancer genes
Researchers from KU Leuven and the Francis Crick Institute have pinpointed 27 novel genes thought to prevent cancer from forming. Their findings could help develop personalised cancer treatments that target these genes. “Our cells have two copies of tumour suppressor genes that, when lost in mutated cells, cause cancer,” says Jonas Demeulemeester. “Using a new statistical model, we’ve uncovered 27 novel tumour suppres...
The path to high GNSS accuracy
Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers are used in many applications and were first developed in the 20th century, mainly to help military personnel. Location awareness soon meant that many civilian applications started to use GNSS - from automobiles and heavy equipment, to cyclists and hikers. As Thomas Nigg, Head of Product Strategy Position, u-blox explains, we are on the brink of a new era of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (...
igus say YES to supporting GlitterBomb robot-building team
A North Wales robot-building team is being aided by igus’ engineering support and engineering-grade plastic bearings through the company’s YES (Young Engineers Support) programme, established to foster and support design ideas of young people with a passion for engineering. Designed by 10-year old team captain, April, the pink, sparkly and very formidable GlitterBomb robot has competed in the BBC’s iconic Robot Wars, as wel...
Artificial beta cells could lead to latest diabetes treatment
Treating type 1 diabetes and some cases of type 2 diabetes has long required painful and frequent insulin injections or a mechanical insulin pump for insulin infusion. But researchers from the University of North Carolina and NC State have now developed what could be a much more patient-friendly option: artificial cells that automatically release insulin into the bloodstream when glucose levels rise.
Studying invisible magnetic bubbles in outer solar system
Space may seem empty, but it's actually a dynamic place populated with near-invisible matter, and dominated by forces, in particular those created by magnetic fields. Magnetospheres - the magnetic fields around most planets - exist throughout our solar system. They deflect high-energy, charged particles called cosmic rays that are spewed out by the Sun or come from interstellar space. Along with atmospheres, they happen to pro...
Pushing the research frontiers of electronic skin technology
An EU initiative brought together researchers to advance the novel, multidisciplinary field of flexible and large-area electronics and sensing. The EU-funded CONTEST (Collaborative network for training in electronic skin technology) project supported a pool of young researchers in the design, fabrication, characterisation and use of flexible and multifunctional electronic systems, particularly electronic or smart skin (e-skin).