Potato genome sequenced
August 3, 2011
With the global population expected to reach 9 billion by 2050, an international consortium have sequenced the genome of the potato, which could lead to improved breeding and ensure food...
Improving cancer care
August 1, 2011
Molecular diagnostics testing has the ability to predict in advance how patients will respond to a given treatment, and now the UK could potentially become the world leader in personalised...
HIV weakness revealed
August 1, 2011
Developing a vaccine against HIV has proven difficult because the virus is capable of rapidly mutating. However, researchers in America think they’ve found a weakness which undermines the virus’ fitness.
$13m funding for robotics company
August 1, 2011
European robotics company Aldebaran Robotics SA has raised $13 million in venture funding, which will enable them to develop its range of humanoid robot that contribute to the well-being of...
Thermo acquire Sterilin and Phadia
July 30, 2011
Thermo Fisher Scientific has acquired Sterilin – a provider of consumable products for microbiology – and Phadia, a global allergy and autoimmunity diagnostics firm.
Paper solar cells
July 29, 2011
Imagine being able to print a solar cell onto newspaper, cloth, or plastic using special inks, which can be folded into a paper airplane, and still work at the end...
Double agent betrays pancreas
July 28, 2011
A star-shaped cell in the pancreas acts as a double agent – it helps the body respond to damage and disease, but also stimulates the growth of cancer and protects...
Hidden dangers of the dishwasher
July 27, 2011
Not only do dishwashers and washing machines leave your dishes and clothes sparkling clean, they also create the ideal conditions for pathogenic fungus to grow
Molecular fingerprinting for surgery patients
July 26, 2011
Real-time analysis of body fluids and tissues from patients on the operating table is possible thanks to researchers from Imperial College London, who hope to extend the process to the...
Exploding star at edge of galaxy
July 25, 2011
Astronomers believe they have observed the most distant explosion – and possibly the most distant object – ever seen in the Universe: an exploding star with a redshift of 9.4.
Meteor did wipe out dinosaurs
July 20, 2011
A newly discovered ceratopsian horn suggests a catastrophic meteor impact did cause the mass extinction of dinosaurs.
Sweet defence against C. difficile
July 20, 2011
A carbohydrate in the bacterial cell wall of Clostridium difficile has given scientists from the Max Planck Institute a point of attack for a potential vaccine against the pathogen.
