Science & Technology
Graphene binds drugs which kill bacteria on medical implants
Bacterial infections relating to medical implants place a huge burden on healthcare and cause great suffering to patients worldwide. Now, researchers have developed a new method to prevent such infections, by covering a graphene-based material with bac…
Researchers find a ‘fearsome dragon’ that soared over outback Queensland
Australia’s largest flying reptile has been uncovered, a pterosaur with an estimated seven-meter wingspan that soared like a dragon above the ancient, vast inland sea once covering much of outback Queensland.
Potential COVID-19 medication found among tapeworm drugs
From a collection of molecules inspired by anti-parasitic medicines comes a potential drug candidate against COVID-19.
A microRNA network is the putative mediator of reductive stress in the heart
Last year, researchers reported that reductive stress — an imbalance in the normal oxidation/reduction homeostasis — caused pathological changes associated with heart failure in a mouse model. Now, researchers describe the putative molecular regulato…
Starving pneumonia-causing bacteria of its favorite ‘food’ holds promise for new antibiotics
Researchers have revealed how the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) obtains the essential nutrient, manganese, from our bodies, which could lead to better therapies to target what is a life-threatening, antibiotic-resistant pathogen.
Uncovering fragmentation differences in chiral biomolecules
New research published in EPJ D combines mass spectroscopy with a range of other simulation and analytical techniques, allowing researchers to distinguish between two chiral forms of a dipeptide biomolecule.
Understanding the ionization of proton-impacted helium
In a new study published in EPJ D, researchers have clearly identified particular areas where discrepancies arise between theoretical and experimental measurements of helium ionization by an impacting proton.
Using particle accelerators to investigate the quark-gluon plasma of the infant universe
A new special edition of EPJ Special Topics brings together several papers that detail our understanding of Quark-Gluon Plasma (QGP) and the processes that transformed it into the baryonic matter we around us on an everyday basis.
Ovarian cancer: Potential therapeutic target identified
A gene called DOT1L appears to play a role in progression and severity of ovarian cancer, and inhibitors of the DOT1L enzyme may offer a new therapeutic approach for the disease, researchers say in a new study. The need is clear — despite decades of w…
All in your head: Exploring human-body communications with binaural hearing aids
Wearable technology seems all poised to take over next-generation electronics, yet most wireless communication techniques are not up to the task. To tackle this issue, scientists have delved deep into human-body communications, in which human tissue is…
An action agenda for Africa’s electricity sector
A new scientific article outlines how to undertake the much-needed expansion and modernization of Africa’s electricity sector. The article highlights the crucial role that international partnerships such as the Sustainable Energy for All Initiative hav…
Researchers discover new factor in preventing phenylketonuria, offering new treatment strategy
Researchers have discovered a critical new factor in regulating metabolism of the amino acid phenylalanine and, therefore, in preventing the inherited metabolic disorder phenylketonuria. The research suggests a possible avenue for new treatments.
Corn’s genetic diversity on display in new genome study
A new study details the genomes of 26 lines of corn from across the globe. The genomes can help scientists piece together the puzzle of corn genetics. Using these new genomes as references, plant scientists can better select for genes likely to lead to…
Wearable technology can help in at-home assessment of myoclonic jerks
A new study shows that wearable sensor technology can be used to reliably assess the occurrence of myoclonic jerks in patients with epilepsy also in the home environment.