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    Gamma-ray Burst captured in unprecedented detail

    July 27, 2017, Categories  Uncategorized

    This image shows the most common type of gamma-ray burst, thought to occur when a massive star collapses, forms a black hole, and blasts particle jets outward at nearly the speed of light. An international team led by University of Maryland astronomers has constructed a detailed description of a similar gamma-ray burst event, named GRB160625B. Their analysis has revealed key details about the initial 'prompt' phase of gamma-ray bursts and the evolution of the large jets of matter and energy that form as a result. Credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center

    This image shows the most common type of gamma-ray burst, thought to occur when a massive star collapses, forms a black hole, and blasts particle jets outward at nearly the speed of light. An international team led by University of Maryland astronomers has constructed a detailed description of a similar gamma-ray burst event, named GRB160625B. Their analysis has revealed key details about the initial ‘prompt’ phase of gamma-ray bursts and the evolution of the large jets of matter and energy that form as a result. Credit: NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center

     
    Data from multiple telescopes used to address long-standing questions about the universe’s most powerful explosions. Gamma-ray bursts are among the most energetic and explosive events in the universe...
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    Plant reveals Anti-Alzheimer’s compounds

    June 21, 2017, Categories  Health/Medical, Biology/Biotechnology, Uncategorized

    A Systematic Strategy for Discovering a Therapeutic Drug for Alzheimer’s Disease and Its Target Molecule. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2017; 8 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00340

    A Systematic Strategy for Discovering a Therapeutic Drug for Alzheimer’s Disease and Its Target Molecule. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2017; 8 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00340

    Japanese scientists have developed a method to isolate and identify active compounds in plant medicines, which accurately accounts for drug behavior in the body. Using the technique, they have identified several active compounds from Drynaria Rhizome, a traditional plant medicine, which improve memory and reduce disease characteristics in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease.

    Traditional plant medicines have been used by humans for a long time, and these therapies are still popular in many countries...

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    Physicists find a way to Control Charged Molecules – with Quantum Logic

    May 10, 2017, Categories  Uncategorized

    Preparation and coherent manipulation of pure quantum states of a single molecular ion. Nature 545, 203–207 (11 May 2017) doi:10.1038 (link is external)/nature22338. Chemistry, Metrology, Ato Credit: N. Hanacek/NIST

    Preparation and coherent manipulation of pure quantum states of a single molecular ion. Nature 545, 203–207 (11 May 2017) doi:10.1038 (link is external)/nature22338. Chemistry, Metrology, AtoCredit: N. Hanacek/NIST

    NIST physicists have solved the seemingly intractable puzzle of how to control the quantum properties of individual charged molecules, or molecular ions. The solution is to use the same kind of “quantum logic” that drives an experimental NIST atomic clock. The new technique achieves an elusive goal, controlling molecules as effectively as laser cooling and other techniques can control atoms. Quantum control of atoms has revolutionized atomic physics, leading to applications such as atomic clocks...

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    New Eye Test Detects earliest Signs of Glaucoma

    April 27, 2017, Categories  Uncategorized

    A patient’s retina showing hyperfluorescent signals – each white spot is single 'sick' retinal nerve cell

    Credit: UCL/Western Eye Hospital A patient’s retina showing hyperfluorescent signals – each white spot is a single ‘sick’ retinal nerve cell.

    A simple, inexpensive diagnostic tool DARC (Detection of Apoptosing Retinal Cells) has been developed. In clinical trials it allowed for the first time visualization of individual nerve cell death in patients with glaucoma. Early detection means doctors can start treatments before sight loss begins. Ongoing trials are investigating the potential of the test for other neurodegenerative conditions.

    Glaucoma affects 60 million people in the world, with 1 in 10 suffering total sight loss in both eyes. Early detection means doctors can start treatments before sight loss begins...

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