Tiny Doctors for the Brain Cells

What could tiny, smaller-than-dust particles do? How could they ever be useful? Researchers have found potential use for the tiny, smaller-than-dust particles called the Quantum dots. A recent study by Professor Lin at the University of Washington shows that the light-activated quantum dots can be used to "trigger" neurons. Such "triggering" of neural cells is quintessential for nerve signalling, something which is degenerated in people with conditions like the Alzheimers, epilepsy etc. The study has been reported in the latest issue of Biomedical Optics Express and is available  here.

DNA Origami: Art into Action!

If you thought origami refers to the art of folding paper, it is time revise your vocabulary! Scientists have been, for quite sometime now, able to fold/construct various shapes with DNA. For some interesting pictures click here. And now, scientists have been able to put this 'art' into 'action'!

'Nanorobots' made out of DNA have been successfully targeted to kill cancer cells! This study, by Prof. Church at Harvard Medical School, has been reported in the latest issue of Science.

Successful Gene Therapy Restores Vision

The success of gene therapeutic techniques is increasing. Recently, Prof. Jean Bennet and her colleagues have used gene therapy to significantly improve vision in three women who were born virtually blind. The study has been published in the Feb 8 issue of Science Translational Medicine.