Carnegie Mellon first to measure energy released from virus during infection

Feb 8 | News

In an effort to better understand how a virus works to design better antiviral treatments, scientists have now quantified part of the physics of the virus. Specifically, they have measured the pent-up energy released when a virus enters a host cell and expels its viral DNA, turning the cell into a virus factory.

A world first: Vaccine helps prevent HIV infection(2)

9/24/2009 | News

For the first time, an experimental vaccine formed from two unsuccessful varieties has prevented infection with the AIDS virus, a watershed event in the deadly epidemic and a surprising result. Recent failures led many scientists to think such a vaccine might never be possible. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, which performed the study with the U.S. Army, was pleased by findings, but warned that this is “not the end of the road".

New adjuvant could hold future of vaccine development

9/15/2009 | News

Adjuvants, which are substances that increase immune response when used in combination with a vaccine, are currently limited to just one approved example for human use: aluminum hydroxide, or alum. But it’s a weak example, and researchers at Oregon State Univ. now say they’ve developed a much more powerful adjuvant based on nanoparticles prepared with lecithin.

Two new antibodies found to cripple HIV

9/14/2009 | News

The first such antibodies to found in more than a decade, PG9 and PG16 were isolated from donors in developing countries by Scripps Research Institute scientists. Unlike previously identified promising antibodies which function by binding in places that have been difficult to exploit by vaccine, these new targets attach to more promising sites on the HIV virus.

Argonne researchers strive to stabilize antibodies

9/3/2009 | News

Stable antibodies could be used in stockpiled diagnostic and detection kits that can survive in tough environments for years at a time. The could also be used in durable pathogen-finding bionsensors, which is why researchers at Argonne National Lab have been looking for ways to accomplish stability without loss of function. They report that they are close to this goal.

Microneedle patch may take the sting out of shots

8/19/2009 | News

Good news for people fearful of needles and squeamish of shots: scientists report the design of a painless patch that may someday render hypodermic needles—as well as annual flu shots—a thing of the past. Lined with tiny “microneedles,” these patches could make treatment of diabetes and a wide range of other diseases safer, more effective and less painful. Used as tiny hypodermic needles, they could improve treatment of macular degeneration and other diseases of the eye.

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Much ado about next to nothing

Mar 15

The recent review of the past 10 years of the National Nanotechnology Initiative--as presented by the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology--suggested the rise of nanomanufacturing as the near future of nanotechnology. But the actual proposed funding reflects a cautious approach, even about nanotech in general.

Lunar tires, space MRSA, and resonating microfluidics

Mar 5

I typically attend the annual Pittsburgh Conference on Analytical Chemistry and Applied Spectroscopy each year in pursuit of specific coverage. This year, I sought out candidates for coverage in a vacuum technology article, and pulled together some instruments for a spectroscopy guide. But as busy as that kept me, it wasn’t all mass spectrometers and vacuum pumps on the show floor.  

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NuGard Coating Ashburn Hill

Jan 7

NuGard First Response Protective Clothing are lightweight coveralls, jackets, and pants that provide protection from heat and flame while keeping the wearers body temperature constant.

Multi-Touch Music Maker

Jan 7

Professor David Wessel shows his multi-touch interface that uses computer technologies that allow him to experiment with fine controls to "caress" the instrument.