Mice get in shape.(Brief article)
Mice that remain slim regardless of what they eat have been
created. They were genetically engineered to lack the inhibitory
neurotransmitter GABA in the hypothalamus. They remained slim even . . .
Yeast to brew up complex drugs.(Synthetic biology)(Brief
article)
Yeast could one day become factories churning out complex drug
molecules that are too expensive to make using conventional synthesis
techniques.
Researchers from the California Institute of . . .
Strigolactone: trees but no shoots or leaves.(Plant
science)(Brief article)
Scientists have discovered a hormone that literally stops trees
branching. The hormone, strigolactone, could be used to improve
productivity in industries such as forestry, horticulture or . . .
Eye-shaped camera could prove all-seeing.(Environment)(Brief
article)
Researchers in the US have developed an eye-shaped camera that, as
well as offering new camera designs, could lead to such diverse
applications as smart surfaces, bionic retinas and health . . .
Designer RNA fights high bad cholesterol levels.(RNA
interference)
RNA interference (RNAi) has been successfully used to reduce the
level of bad cholesterol in preclinical tests.
Scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, in
conjunction with . . .
Exotic materials bring invisibility nearer.(Metamaterials)(Brief
article)
Invisibility cloaks are a step closer to reality thanks to two
pieces of recent research demonstrating new materials that can bend
visible light the wrong way in three dimensions.
In one . . .
Israeli concern HCL CleanTech has developed an HCI recovery
process that makes the Bergius cold hydrolysis cellulosic ethanol
pr
Israeli concern HCL CleanTech has developed an HCI recovery process
that makes the Bergius cold hydrolysis cellulosic ethanol process more
economically attractive. The process, which was used . . .
The US Department of Energy is providing funding of up to $40m
over five years for two small scale cellulosic refinery
projects.
The US Department of Energy is providing funding of up to $40m over
five years for two small scale cellulosic refinery projects: a refinery
to be built by Flambeau River Biofuels in Park Falls, . . .
Japanese auto manufacturer Mazda has signed a collaborative
research agreement with Hiroshima University to develop a bioplastic
Japanese auto manufacturer Mazda has signed a collaborative
research agreement with Hiroshima University to develop a bioplastic
based on non-cellulosic biomass for use in its vehicles by 2013. . . .
US senators Dick Lugar and Tom Harkin have introduced bipartisan
legislation to give ethanol pipeline owners the same tax benefi
US senators Dick Lugar and Tom Harkin have introduced bipartisan
legislation to give ethanol pipeline owners the same tax benefits as
petroleum pipeline owners. An ethanol pipeline linking the US . . .
Mixed performance around the world.(H1 results)
While the US chemical sector is still reporting strong financial
performances in H1 2008, the picture is very mixed across other chemical
markets. Despite benefiting from soaring energy prices with . . .
Farmers bid to halt pesticide bans.(EU regulations)
A campaign opposing EU legislation that could potentially ban as
much as 80% of pesticides currently on the market is gathering pace.
Farmers Weekly, the Leading farming industry magazine in the . . .
Medical powerhouse for London.(UCL Partners)
The largest biomedical research centre in Europe has been created
in London and will start operating in September.
The new organisation, called UCL Partners, is formed from five of
Britain's . . .
Biofuel failing eco-standards.(Brief article)
Biofuel failing eco-standards: Less than a fifth of the biofuel
used on UK roads meets environmental standards. According to a report by
the Renewable Fuels Association, 19% of biofuel supplied . . .
New car smell.(Brief article)
New car smell: That unmistakable smell of a new car is about as
healthy as sniffing glue. But automobile makers have been trying to
reduce cabin emissions, some of which are toxic to humans. A . . .
Phthalate ban.(Brief article)
Phthalate ban: This month, the US Senate overwhelmingly passed
legislation to ban six types of phthalates in children's products,
three permanently and three temporarily, until they are proved to . . .
Plastic under more pressure in US.(Environment)(Brief
article)
The US chemical industry and the American Chemistry Council (ACC)
have gone on the offensive in the US to protect the plastic bag.
Once thought to be a green alternative to tree-consuming . . .
Genentech rejects Roche.(Biotechnology)(Brief article)
Biotech heavyweight Genentech has turned down Roche's
unsolicited acquisition bid, but says it would consider a bid that
recognises the value of the company and reflects the significant
benefits . . .
Saving the bridge.(Leader)
It was to be expected that the US Environmental Protection
Agency's denial of a waiver of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS)
would provoke vocal reactions from both sides of the biofuel debate. . . .
SCI event diary.(Calendar)
Practical crystallisation: The black art solved
Wed 10-11 Sep 2008
12.00
SCI Young Chemists' Panel
University of Strathclyde, Glasgow
Contact: SCI Events
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