5.28.2010
5.25.2010
Goodbye LOST
Bill Simmons breaks down the series finale and wonders if 'The Wire' was both the greatest and worst thing to happen to television.
http://www.hitfix.com/blogs/whats-alan-watching/posts/lost-the-end-see-you-in-the-other-life-brother#
TV critic Alan Sepinwall's review of the series finale.
http://www.hitfix.com/blogs/whats-alan-watching/posts/lost-the-end-see-you-in-the-other-life-brother#
TV critic Alan Sepinwall's review of the series finale.
5.24.2010
One small step for man, One giant leap for cancer treatment
(PhysOrg.com)
-'DNA -> RNA -> Protein' is the central dogma of genetics.
-A good way for me to remember complex scientific concepts is to put them in context with something simpler that I understand.
-For me the best context for this genetic concept is comparing it to opening a zip file on the computer.
-Say you have a zip file (DNA). You cannot simply open the zip file, because it is only useful for storage.
-In order to open the zip file you must first unzip it (transcription) into a readable file (RNA).
-Now, when you try and open the unzipped file (RNA) it results in something usable such as a word document, pdf, or mp3 (protein).
-Most anticancer drugs target certain proteins unique to the growth and survival of tumor cells.
-These therapeutics have some limitations because of the 3-D shapes of proteins and the possibility of mutations which 'hide' the protein from the drug without changing the protein's use for the cell.
-A new approach using small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) targets a type of RNA in the cell called messenger RNA (mRNA).
-Unlike protein, mRNA is linear in shape (no bends/folds to hide itself) and has fewer potential mutations.
-This therapy is very exciting because it allows for the indirect targeting of virtually every protein.
-A major hurdle of this therapy (other than getting the siRNA into the cell is targeting only the tumor cell(s).
-Solution = packing the siRNA into nanoparticles which bind only to cancerous cells, then release the siRNA into the bound tumor cell.
-Most importantly, this combined treatment was found to be effective in a human patient during a phase I clinical trial.
-This therapy is being developed for treating cancer, but I can see it being utilized for treating nearly every disease.
-'DNA -> RNA -> Protein' is the central dogma of genetics.
-A good way for me to remember complex scientific concepts is to put them in context with something simpler that I understand.
-For me the best context for this genetic concept is comparing it to opening a zip file on the computer.
-Say you have a zip file (DNA). You cannot simply open the zip file, because it is only useful for storage.
-In order to open the zip file you must first unzip it (transcription) into a readable file (RNA).
-Now, when you try and open the unzipped file (RNA) it results in something usable such as a word document, pdf, or mp3 (protein).
-These therapeutics have some limitations because of the 3-D shapes of proteins and the possibility of mutations which 'hide' the protein from the drug without changing the protein's use for the cell.
-A new approach using small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) targets a type of RNA in the cell called messenger RNA (mRNA).
-Unlike protein, mRNA is linear in shape (no bends/folds to hide itself) and has fewer potential mutations.
-This therapy is very exciting because it allows for the indirect targeting of virtually every protein.
-A major hurdle of this therapy (other than getting the siRNA into the cell is targeting only the tumor cell(s).
-Solution = packing the siRNA into nanoparticles which bind only to cancerous cells, then release the siRNA into the bound tumor cell.
-Most importantly, this combined treatment was found to be effective in a human patient during a phase I clinical trial.
-This therapy is being developed for treating cancer, but I can see it being utilized for treating nearly every disease.
5.21.2010
Nuclear fusion power - the ultimate clean energy
(PhysOrg.com) -- Imagine if you could generate electricity using nuclear power that emitted no radioactivity: it would be the answer to the world's dream of finding a clean, sustainable energy source.
Solar cells - I think they can, I think they can
Solar cells: UQAM researcher solves two 20-year-old problems
Thanks to two technologies developed by Professor Benoit Marsan and his team at the Universite du Quebec a Montreal (UQAM) Chemistry Department, the scientific and commercial future of solar cells could be totally transformed. Professor Marsan has come up with solutions for two problems that, for the last twenty years, have been hampering the development of efficient and affordable solar cells.
http://www.er.uqam.ca/nobel/dep_chim/rindex.php?dossierprof=prof&pagehtm=marsan.htm
Thanks to two technologies developed by Professor Benoit Marsan and his team at the Universite du Quebec a Montreal (UQAM) Chemistry Department, the scientific and commercial future of solar cells could be totally transformed. Professor Marsan has come up with solutions for two problems that, for the last twenty years, have been hampering the development of efficient and affordable solar cells.
http://www.er.uqam.ca/nobel/dep_chim/rindex.php?dossierprof=prof&pagehtm=marsan.htm
How many scientists does it take to replace a light bulb? None, cause it never burns out
(PhysOrg.com) -- Light bulbs that last 100 years and fill rooms with brilliant ambiance may become a reality sooner rather than later, thanks to a National Renewable Energy Laboratory discovery.
Can you hold your breath forever?
(PhysOrg.com) -- Oxygen may not be the staple of modern complex life that scientists once thought. Until now, the only life forms known to live exclusively in anoxic conditions were viruses, bacteria and Archaea. But in a new study, scientists have discovered three new multicellular marine species that appear to have never lived in aerobic conditions, and never metabolized oxygen.
Putting oil profits to good use
(PhysOrg.com) -- A new eco-city being built in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Masdar City, will be the world’s first clean technology city, relying entirely on renewable energy sources, and being free of cars, skyscrapers and waste.
'Organic Electronics' coming soon to a Whole Foods near you
(PhysOrg.com) -- A new technique developed by Princeton University engineers for producing electricity-conducting plastics could dramatically lower the cost of manufacturing solar panels.
Bacteria don't like getting poked
ScienceDaily (2010-03-15) -- For two decades, scientists have been pursuing a potential new way to treat bacterial infections, using naturally occurring proteins known as antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). Now, scientists have recorded the first microscopic images showing the deadly effects of AMPs, most of which kill by poking holes in bacterial cell membranes.
I love gooooold. But cancer sure doesn't
ScienceDaily (2010-03-16)
-"Magic Bullets" are highly targeted medical treatments which are the ultimate goal for drug development.
-Cancer has evaded these so-called bullets because of drastic changes in tumors between (1) different stages of cancer development, (2) different organs/tissues of the body, and (3) different patients.
-A new treatment developed at Washington University in St. Louis may be able to target cancer cells and selectively kill them with minimal damage to healthy cells.
-The technique is called 'Photothermal Therapy' and involves injecting gold nanocages into a patient's bloodstream (gold is inert and therefore nontoxic at low levels).
-Some of these 'golden bullet' nanocages accumulate at the tumor site (~6%) through leaky blood vessels (a commonality between tumor).
-A laser is then shone on the tumor site and the nanocages present convert light into heat which leads to the death of the tumor cells and has little/no effect on the surrounding healthy cells.
-This treatment was shown to work in a mouse model, but with the way things are currently for translating developments from the lab-to-clinic, this technology should be available in 100 years or so.
-This treatment isn't perfect yet, more research has begun on actively targeting cancer cells so fewer particles need to be injected, but is a huge tool in treating cancer which could be effective right now!
Frogs, foam and fuel: Solar energy converted to sugars
ScienceDaily (2010-03-17) -- In natural photosynthesis, plants take in solar energy and carbon dioxide and then convert it to oxygen and sugars. The oxygen is released to the air and the sugars are dispersed throughout the plant -- like that sweet corn we look for in the summer. Unfortunately, the allocation of light energy into products we use is not as efficient as we would like. Now engineering researchers are doing something about that.
Splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen, sort of like the Moses of chemistry
ScienceDaily (2010-03-18) -- Chemists have developed the most potent homogeneous catalyst known for water oxidation, considered a crucial component for generating clean hydrogen fuel using only water and sunlight.
5.20.2010
Primary care doctors - an endangered species
Can a patient-centered medical practice help ease the crisis in primary care?
Laser-ignited nanoparticles, oh the possibilites
ScienceDaily (2010-03-19)
-By hitting carbon nanoparticles with a relatively weak laser, University of Florida engineers could release their stored energy causing light, heat, or burning depending on the conditions.
-Potential uses:
-By hitting carbon nanoparticles with a relatively weak laser, University of Florida engineers could release their stored energy causing light, heat, or burning depending on the conditions.
-Potential uses:
- Identification and specific-killing of cancer cells without damaging normal cells.
- Ignition of powerful explosives used by mining, tunneling, or demolition crews instead of time-consuming and expensive electrical lines currently used.
- Replacing traditional sparkplugs for more efficient gasoline burning in cars.
- More than a dozen other potential applications.
'Glow-in-the-dark' sperm
ScienceDaily (2010-03-19) -- By genetically altering fruit flies so that the heads of their sperm were fluorescent green or red, biologists were able to observe in striking detail what happens to live sperm inside the female. The findings may have huge implications for the fields of reproductive biology, sexual selection and speciation.
Frozen boobies
ScienceDaily (2010-03-20)
-Once again, an article that hits close to home since my mom was diagnosed and treated for breast cancer over 2 years ago.
-Women (and some men) diagnosed with breast cancer have many treatment options which usually involve invasive surgery to remove the tumor(s) and chemotherapy to ensure the death of any remaning cancerous cells.
-Unfortunately, these treatments can be expensive, uncomfortable, and long-lasting as well as resulting in drastic physical changes after a mastectomy (breast removal) most often leading to further plastic surgery.
-A new technique called 'image-guided multiprobe cryotherapy' solves most/all of those complications.
-Needles small enough to be inserted into the body through a small skin nick instead of a surgical operation are guided to the tumor site using ultrasound, CT, or MR imaging before releasing "ice balls" which selectively destroy tumor cells.
-Once again, an article that hits close to home since my mom was diagnosed and treated for breast cancer over 2 years ago.
-Women (and some men) diagnosed with breast cancer have many treatment options which usually involve invasive surgery to remove the tumor(s) and chemotherapy to ensure the death of any remaning cancerous cells.
-Unfortunately, these treatments can be expensive, uncomfortable, and long-lasting as well as resulting in drastic physical changes after a mastectomy (breast removal) most often leading to further plastic surgery.
-A new technique called 'image-guided multiprobe cryotherapy' solves most/all of those complications.
-Needles small enough to be inserted into the body through a small skin nick instead of a surgical operation are guided to the tumor site using ultrasound, CT, or MR imaging before releasing "ice balls" which selectively destroy tumor cells.
What's wrong with my heart doc? Too much fat
ScienceDaily (2010-03-20)
-This article is particularly relevant to me because some of the research my lab is doing involves studying adipose(fat) tissue in mice and the immune/inflammatory cells associated with different fat pads.
-By measuring the layer of fat around the heart with CT scanning or MRI, doctors are able to better predict ischemia, diminished blood flow in the heart.
-One hypothesis for this correlation is that the fat cells release certain inflammatory molecules/chemicals which results in the build-up of 'atherosclerotic plaques', specifically non-calcified plaques, believed by cardiologists to carry increased risks of heart problems.
-This article is particularly relevant to me because some of the research my lab is doing involves studying adipose(fat) tissue in mice and the immune/inflammatory cells associated with different fat pads.
-By measuring the layer of fat around the heart with CT scanning or MRI, doctors are able to better predict ischemia, diminished blood flow in the heart.
-One hypothesis for this correlation is that the fat cells release certain inflammatory molecules/chemicals which results in the build-up of 'atherosclerotic plaques', specifically non-calcified plaques, believed by cardiologists to carry increased risks of heart problems.
5.11.2010
How to handle climate change, before it's too late
After the crash - a new direction for climate policy
-Interesting article written by Mike Hulme, professor of climate change at the University of East Anglia, which summarizes the main arguments of 'The Hartwell Paper: A new direction for climate policy after the crash of 2009'.
-3 over-arching goals: (1) Access to energy for all, (2) Sustainability of viable environments, and (3) Resilience to the risks and dangers due to climate.
-Interesting article written by Mike Hulme, professor of climate change at the University of East Anglia, which summarizes the main arguments of 'The Hartwell Paper: A new direction for climate policy after the crash of 2009'.
-3 over-arching goals: (1) Access to energy for all, (2) Sustainability of viable environments, and (3) Resilience to the risks and dangers due to climate.
5.10.2010
Magnesium: Alternative Power Source
PhysOrg.com) -- There is enough magnesium to meet the world's energy needs for the next 300,000 years, says Dr. Takashi Yabe of the Tokyo Institute of Technology.Harnessing Sunlight to Convert Carbon Dioxide to Liquid Fuel
(PhysOrg.com) -- A startup company, Joule Biotechnologies, Inc., has developed an alternative solution of producing liquid fuel by harnessing sunlight to directly convert carbon dioxide (CO2) into liquid energy (SolarFuel).
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