Using an imaging technique developed at Princeton, researchers captured the moment when a segment of DNA — from genetic material that was once thought to be useless junk — turns on a target gene. Here, a time series of images reveals how a DNA segment known as an enhancer can turn on, or activate, its target gene. The enhancer (blue) must come in close proximity to the gene (green) to turn on gene activity (pink).
Credit: Hongtao Chen, Princeton University

Video shows DNA enhancers finding and activating a target gene in a living cell. Researchers have captured video showing how pieces of DNA once thought to be useless can act as on-off switches for genes. These pieces of DNA are part of over 90% of the genetic material that are not genes...

Illustration of nanosized device made of two joined silver single crystals that generate light by inelastical electron tunneling. Artwork by Steven Bopp

Using advanced fabrication techniques, engineers have built a nanosized device out of silver crystals that can generate light by efficiently ‘tunneling’ electrons through a tiny barrier. The work brings plasmonics research a step closer to realizing ultra-compact light sources for high-speed, optical data processing and other on-chip applications.

The device emits light by a quantum mechanical phenomenon known as inelastic electron tunneling. In this process, electrons move through a solid barrier that they cannot classically cross...

In this image, the Andromeda galaxy shreds the large galaxy M32p, which eventually resulted in M32 and a giant halo of stars. Credit: Richard D’Souza. Image of M31 courtesy of Wei-Hao Wang.
Credit: Image of stellar halo of M31 courtesy of AAS/IOP.

Scientists at the University of Michigan have deduced that the Andromeda galaxy, our closest large galactic neighbor, shredded and cannibalized a massive galaxy two billion years ago. Even though it was mostly shredded, this massive galaxy left behind a rich trail of evidence: an almost invisible halo of stars larger than the Andromeda galaxy itself, an elusive stream of stars and a separate enigmatic compact galaxy, M32...

Whole-brain low-intensity pulsed ultrasound therapy markedly improves cognitive dysfunctions in mouse models of dementia -Crucial roles of endothelial nitric oxide synthase Journal: Brain Stimulation. DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2018.05.012

Ultrasound waves applied to the whole brain improve cognitive dysfunction in mice with conditions simulating vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. The research, conducted by scientists at Tohoku University in Japan, suggests that this type of therapy may also benefit humans.

The team, led by cardiologist Hiroaki Shimokawa, found that applying low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) to the whole brain of the mice improved blood vessel formation and nerve cell regeneration without having obvious side effects...