This week on radio, Tim Thwaites is talking about electronic tattoos, bacterial wires, symbiotic threesomes, sensing date-rape drugs, and more…
Galaxy defined—“A long time ago, in a ‘galaxy’ far, far, away” 1600 people have voted on their choice between five different definitions of a galaxy, which were posted on the web by Melbourne astronomer and his Canadian colleague. The pair were trying to head off repetition of the outraged public response when an updated definition of a planet led to Pluto’s demotion. And the overwhelming majority so far have voted for… (If you want to add your voice, go to www.surveymonkey.com/s/wlrjmws)—Australasian Science
A story on this topic can be found in the July/August edition of Australasian Science magazine (www.australasianscience.com.au)
Electronic “tattoos” to monitor vital signs—Rub-on electronics that stick to the skin like a temporary tattoo could revolutionise medical monitoring, from heart beat to blood sugar to brain activity. The tattoo becomes even more flexible if a wireless transmitter is incorporated. And if it is stuck on the neck near the voice box, it can be used to control a computer as well.—Science
A Nature story on this topic can be found at http://www.nature.com/news/2011/110811/full/news.2011.473.html
Experimental drug could defeat any virus—Viruses might soon meet their nemesis, according to American researchers. It’s an experimental drug that can kill or mark out for death any cell infected by a virus, without harming its uninfected neighbours. The new drug targets a molecule common to all virus-infected cells, but not produced in healthy ones.—PLoS ONE
A New Scientist story on this topic can be found at http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn20788-experimental-drug-could-defeat-any-virus.html
Bacterial ‘wires’ an electronic dream—The hair-like threads, known as pili, which grow out of some species of bacteria may hold the secret to powerful microelectronics and circuits which function underwater, say US researchers. The pili are used to connect with other bacteria that live in water, and they conduct electricity.—Nature Nanotechnology
A New Scientist story on this topic can be found at http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg21128254.900-bacterial-wires-an-electronic-dream.html
Plants and fungi share fair-trade underground market—Beneath your feet, plant roots and the fungi are busy trading nutrients—carbon for phosphorous. British researchers have shown that they have even evolved ways of ensuring fairness in the transaction.—Science
A New Scientist story on this topic can be found at http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn20786-plants-and-fungi-share-fairtrade-underground-market.html
Portable sensor detects date-rape drugs—Not only do date-rape drugs incapacitate victims and affect their memories of an assault, they also tend to be broken down quickly in the body, leaving few traces. Israeli researchers have now developed a sensor that, when dipped into a drink, will instantly detect their presence.—New Scientist
A New Scientist blog on this topic can be found at http://www.newscientist.com/blogs/onepercent/2011/08/portable-sensor-detects-date-r.html
Not a pleasant zephyr—The winter breezes in large midwestern US cities are never accused of being benign. And here’s another reason. A new study has shown that most of the airborne bacteria they carry come from dog faeces.—Applied and Environmental Microbiology
A New Scientist story on this topic can be found at http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg21128254.200-your-faeces-my-furry-friend-are-blowin-in-the-wind.html
As snug as a bug in a bug—Mealybugs are the living Russian babushka dolls of the animal world. Their bodies harbour bacteria which help them break down plant sap into usable nutrients. And inside the bacteria are even smaller bacteria which play a role in the process, US researchers have found. The system could be an important link with the evolution of our own cells.—Current Biology
A Science story on this topic can be found at http://news.sciencemag.org/sciencenow/2011/08/three-snug-bugs.html?ref=hp
The little sanctuary that could—An American marine biologist has documented what he calls “the best marine protected area in the world”. The Cabo Pulmo National Park, just off Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula, is only about the size of Manhattan Island, but in ten years has led to a fourfold increase in fish and a tenfold increase in sharks.—PLoS ONE
A Nature story on this topic can be found at http://www.nature.com/news/2011/110812/full/news.2011.479.html
Lost the plot? The pill might help—Hormonally-based contraceptives might inadvertently change how the brain functions. A new US study show that taking the pill alters the way women recall an emotional story. Those on the pill remember the central plot better, while those who are not are superior at recalling peripheral details.—Neurobiology of Learning and Memory
A New Scientist story on this topic can be found at http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg21128254.800-lost-the-plot-the-contraceptive-pill-might-help.html
Engineering a bacterial suicide bomber to fight infection—Researchers in Singapore have genetically engineered a bacterium that can infiltrate infectious foreign invaders and explode, spreading deadly toxins, just like a suicide bomber. In laboratory experiments it has taken up to 99 per cent of the enemy with it.—Molecular Systems Biology
A Science story on this topic can be found at http://news.sciencemag.org/sciencenow/2011/08/suicide-bombing-bacteria-could-f.html?ref=hp