Science

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Souped-up Remote Control Switches Behaviors On-and-off in Mice

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The updated DREADD (Designer Receptors Activated Exclusively by Designer Drugs) achieves bidirectional remote control of a neuron (bottom) and behavior by introducing a synthetic, experimental chemical messenger system into specific brain circuits in mice. It consists of a receptor protein (top) and matching inert chemical (middle) for increasing neuronal activity (red) and another set for reducing activity (blue).

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Time Dependant Spectroscopy of Microscopic Samples: CRAIC TimePro™ software is used with CRAIC Technologies microspectrometers to measure the kinetic UV-visible-NIR, Raman and fluorescence spectra of microscopic sample areas

CRAIC Technologies, a leading innovator of UV-visible-NIR microanalysis solutions, is proud to introduce CRAIC TimePro™ kinetic spectroscopy software. This software package is designed to be used with CRAIC Technology’s microspectrophotometers and their controlling Lambdafire ™ software. CRAIC TimePro™ allows the user to monitor changes in the spectra over time. The most unique feature is that this software will allow users to measure the time dependant changes in full UV-visible-NIR range reflectance, absorbance and even emission spectra of microscopic samples. This will provide a unique and valuable tool for everything from chemistry to biological research.

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Novel superconducting undulator provides first x-ray light at ANKA

Synchrotron radiation facilities provide insights into the world of very small structures like microbes, viruses or nanomaterials and rely on dedicated magnet technology, which is optimized to produce highest intensity beams. The ANKA synchrotron radiation facility at KIT and Babcock Noell GmbH now took a technological leap forward: They have successfully developed, installed, and tested a novel full-length superconducting undulator, for the first time providing higher peak magnetic fields for the production of x-rays than traditional permanent-magnet undulators currently in use in facilities around the world.

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SCU15 is a unique superconducting undulator for production of high-brilliance x-rays installed in the ANKA storage ring.

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NASA Completes MESSENGER Mission with Expected Impact on Mercury's Surface

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ORNL researchers probe chemistry, topography and mechanics with one instrument

The probe of an atomic force microscope (AFM) scans a surface to reveal details at a resolution 1,000 times greater than that of an optical microscope. That makes AFM the premier tool for analyzing physical features, but it cannot tell scientists anything about chemistry. For that they turn to the mass spectrometer (MS).

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For a 500-nanometer-deep polymeric thin film made of polystyrene (lighter) and poly-2-vinylpyridine (darker), one multimodal instrument imaged, from left, surface topography, elasticity of the bulk material and buried chemical behavior.

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Production of Industrial Nano-Membrane for Water, Wastewater Purification Device in Iran

Ab Roobesh Rosoob (Mahsar) Engineering and Productive Company produced and presented to the market water and wastewater purification devices using nanotechnology.

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Rock Spire in 'Spirit of St. Louis Crater' on Mars

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An elongated crater called "Spirit of St. Louis," with a rock spire in it, dominates a recent scene from the panoramic camera (Pancam) on NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity.

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Artificial photosynthesis could help make fuels, plastics and medicine

The global industrial sector accounts for more than half of the total energy used every year. Now scientists are inventing a new artificial photosynthetic system that could one day reduce industry's dependence on fossil fuel-derived energy by powering part of the sector with solar energy and bacteria. They describe a novel system that converts light and carbon dioxide into building blocks for plastics, pharmaceuticals and fuels -- all without electricity.

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The raw materials for everyday products could someday be produced by bacteria and solar energy.

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Research seeks alternatives for reducing bacteria in fresh produce using nanoengineering

Nearly half of foodborne illnesses in the U.S. from 1998 through 2008 have been attributed to contaminated fresh produce. Prevention and control of bacterial contamination on fresh produce is critical to ensure food safety. The current strategy remains industrial washing of the product in water containing chlorine. However, due to sanitizer ineffectiveness there is an urgent need to identify alternative antimicrobials, particularly those of natural origin, for the produce industry.

A team of researchers at Wayne State University have been exploring natural, safe and alternative antimicrobials to reduce bacterial contamination. Plant essential oils such as those from thyme, oregano and clove are known to have a strong antimicrobial effect, but currently their use in food protection is limited due to their low solubility in water.

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New Ceramic Material Improves Properties of Hydroxyapatite Nanoparticles

Iranian researchers proposed a simple and cheap method to produce hydroxyapatite nanoparticles and improve its mechanical properties.

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