Blue-green algae efficient in 'harvesting' light

Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, have an ingenious system to prepare themselves for the coming daylight when it is dark by setting up a large 'antenna'. This antenna helps them capture light energy in an efficient ...

A radical signal to the progeny

In biology, free radicals are often regarded as the source of all evil and the major cause of molecular damage and aging. However, free radicals are indispensable as signaling molecules governing important functions in the ...

Flame retardant breakthrough is naturally derived and nontoxic

Inspired by a naturally occurring material found in marine mussels, researchers at The University of Texas at Austin have created a new flame retardant to replace commercial additives that are often toxic and can accumulate ...

Ants self-medicate to fight disease

We humans have been using self-medication to cure the illnesses since the dawn of our species. There is some evidence that also other animals can exhibit this type of behavior, but the evidence has been hard to come by.

Salt-tolerant herb rich in antioxidant compounds

Epidemiological studies have emphasised the importance of eating foods high in antioxidants to reduce the risk of developing cancer and cardiovascular disease, two leading causes of death worldwide. Inside the body, antioxidants ...

Durable, washable and high-performance conductive textiles

In a new method for preparing electrically conductive textiles, the textile surface is modified with a negatively charged polyelectrolyte poly(methacrylic acid sodium salt) (PMANa) or poly(acrylic acid sodium salt) (PAANa) ...

Innovative light therapy reaches deep tumors

Light long has been used to treat cancer. But phototherapy is only effective where light easily can reach, limiting its use to cancers of the skin and in areas accessible with an endoscope, such as the gastrointestinal tract.

Nano-antioxidants prove their potential

Injectable nanoparticles that could protect an injured person from further damage due to oxidative stress have proven to be astoundingly effective in tests to study their mechanism.

page 13 from 19