Monday, March 16, 2015

Spherical nucleic acids set stage for new paradigm in nanomedicine drug development

Researchers have shown that spherical nucleic acids (SNAs) can be used as potent drugs to effectively train the immune system to fight disease, by either boosting or dampening the immune response. The initial treatment triggers a cell-specific immune response all over the body.

Molecular ruler sets bacterial needle length

A step in understanding how microbes infect target cells. The findings have potential long-term applications for developing new antibiotics against salmonella and certain other disease-causing bacteria, for designing bacteria that could inject cancer cells with chemotherapy drugs, and for helping people how to design machines at the nanoscopic or molecular scale.


PETA Science Consortium seeks laboratories to develop nanomaterial toxicity test

Today, the PETA International Science Consortium put out a request for proposals to identify facilities that can develop an in vitro test that, when used in an integrated approach, has the potential to replace the current test conducted on animals to assess the inhalation toxicity of nanomaterials.

Metal-organic framework destroys common toxic nerve agents quickly

Scientists have developed a robust new material, inspired by biological catalysts, that is extraordinarily effective at destroying toxic nerve agents that are a threat around the globe.

Antibiotic nanoparticles attack respiratory infection

Researchers have shown that the use of nanoparticles to carry antibiotics across biological barriers can be effective in treating lung infections. Doing so allows better delivery of the drug to the site of infection, and hence prevents the development of antibiotic resistance which may be caused by too large and continued doses of antibiotic.


Scientists move closer to 'two for one deal' on solar cell efficiency

The causes of a hitherto mysterious process that could enhance the power of solar cells have been explained in a new study.

Symmetry matters in graphene growth

What lies beneath growing islands of graphene is important to its properties, according to a new study.