Computational protein design has developed enzymes from scratch

In a major step forward for computational protein design, University of Washington scientists have built from scratch a handful of enzymes that successfully catalyze a specific chemical reaction. These proteins have no naturally occurring counterparts, and the reaction–which breaks down a man-made chemical–has no natural catalyst. David Baker and his colleagues at the University of …

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MIT cell sorting system

MIT has developed a simple, inexpensive system to sort different kinds of cells a process that could result in low-cost tools to test for diseases such as cancer, even in remote locations. The method relies on the way cells sometimes interact with a surface (such as the wall of a blood vessel) by rolling along …

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Variable sized quantum dots could lead to more efficient and partially transparent solar cells

Electron transport through a structure of nanoparticles (left) and more ordered nanotubes (center) is shown. At right, different wavelengths of light can be absorbed by different-sized quantum dots layered in a “rainbow” solar cell. Image credit: Kongkanand, et al. ©2008 ACS. Solar cells made of different-sized quantum dots, each tuned to a specific wavelength of …

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Proper framing of the transhumanist debate

Michael Anissimov has another article related to the defence of transhumanism from misguided attacks. Transhumanism (sometimes symbolized by >H or H+), a term often used as a synonym for “human enhancement”, is an international intellectual and cultural movement supporting the use of new sciences and technologies to enhance human mental and physical abilities and aptitudes, …

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Bakken oil update for Saskatchewan and Crescent Point

February’s sale of oil and natural gas drilling rights in Saskatchewan have smashed the record for single-sale revenues, bringing in a whopping $197 million in bonus bids, more than double the previous record of $85 milllion set in 1994. The overall Bakken oil play is across North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Manitoba and Saskatchwan. It …

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Uprating wind turbine blades and more efficient ceiling fans

WhalePower, based in Toronto, Ontario, is testing this wind-turbine blade at a wind-testing facility in Prince Edward Island. The bumps, or “tubercles,” on the blade’s leading edge reduce noise, increase its stability, and enable it to capture more energy from the wind.Credit: WhalePower I have talked frequently about nuclear power uprating (changes in fuel design …

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