Peer Reviewed

Molecular sensors based on nanoholes in metallic films are shown to be ideal for medical diagnosis

Will Further Accelerate Research toward Realization of High Performance Quantum Dot Devices

New insights into the stable magnetism of phase-change semiconductors could enable the development of ultra-high-speed data storage

A simple new method of extracting viral RNA from blood samples allows quick, on-the-spot identification of dengue fever in patients

Nanoparticle gels that deliver an immunostimulatory molecule and an inhibitor of an immunosuppressive factor to tumours over a period of a few days are reported this week in Nature Materials. When injected in melanoma tumours in mice, the nanoparticles delay tumour growth and significantly increase the survival time of the mice.

Microbiota variation in the intestine correlates with health as well as with diet in elderly individuals, reports a paper in Nature this week. The work suggests that dietary adjustments could promote healthier ageing by modulating the gut microbiota.

The fluorescent molecular nanocapsules have potential applications as sensors, displays, and drug delivery systems (DDS).

Research comparing 52 Native American populations along with 17 Siberian populations provides insight into migrations within the New World and is published online in Nature this week. David Reich and colleagues’ data suggest that the controversial hypothesis that the Americas were peopled in three migration waves may be true.

805 engineers or 2322 SOAs (number of trainee-module) have been successfully trained through the 8 WSQ training programmes, funded by the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA), and developed by the Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology (SIMTech), a research institute of the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR).

Dr. Kazunari Yamaura, a Principal Researcher of the NIMS Strongly Correlated Materials Group, Superconducting Properties Unit, in joint work with a research group at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (United States), has succeeded in developing a Slater insulator which functions at room temperature.

A study led by Associate Prof. Kenji Nakahara at Hokkaido University in Japan has found　a component in tobacco that makes crop immune systems more resistant to viral attacks.

The cellular migration that occurs in our bodies during early development works on the same principle as the healing of wounds in adulthood: cells move in large monolayer sheets responding to chemical cues. A paper in Nature suggests that there is an additional feedback mechanism at work in cell migration involving physical forces.

Sequencing of a fetal genome using genetic material found circulating in the mother’s blood is described in Nature this week. Unlike a similar recently reported technique, the approach described this week doesn’t require knowledge of the father’s genetic information.

Computer simulations reveal how rhodium catalysts with ‘stepped’ surface structures break ethanol molecules into hydrogen atoms and why they are so efficient

Waveguides that combine metallic and semiconductor structures can be made more compact

Exploiting the early immune response in Chikungunya fever promises to provide protection.

A new lithography technique enables the production of nanoscale patterns of titania for high-tech applications.

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has released some observation images on the Earth acquired by the Global Change Observation Mission 1st – Water “SHIZUKU” (GCOM-W1).

A*STAR scientists transform vast amounts of data into applications and systems that are able to analyse crowd behaviour, allow remote energy management or even tell where some of the windiest spots in the city centre are.

Greater functional connectivity between two brain regions previously implicated in the experience of pain predicts which back-pain patients will still be in pain a year after reporting problems, according to an article published in Nature Neuroscience this week.

The 2012 G20 Seoul Summit has addressed a number of global challenges. Among them, energy and climate change issues brought about one of the most heated discussions. Through some changes in regulations, Hanyang University (HYU) has been dealing with energy consumption and conservation fast yet effectively.

How do individuals conceive their world and their place in it? In an attempt to identify the worldview of the Batek tribe, a team of researchers from the Academy of Language Studies at the Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) embarked on a comprehensive study to document the characteristics and elements found in Batek folklore.

The discovery of a new drug for liver cancer by researchers of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and local medical practitioner has borne fruit. After completing clinical trials locally, the new drug known as "BCT-100" has become Hong Kong's first "Investigational New Drug" (IND) granted by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Analysis of the teeth of a 2-million-year-old hominin known as Australopithecus sediba, a relative of modern humans, reveals that they ate leaves, fruits and bark. The results, reported in Nature this week, suggest that these early hominins lived in a woodland environment.

Toyohashi Tech eNewsletter: From the digital generation of true random numbers for computer security, to real-time monitoring the health of milk cows to gallium nitride ultraviolet detector with an integrated silicon amplifier, the Toyohashi Tech e-Newsletter describes a diverse range of research activities.

Speech Translation in 23 Languages will allow up to 5 users to chat simultaneously. International Research Consortium (U-STAR) with members from 23 Countries unveils a Speech Translation Application, “VoiceTra4U-M”.

Nearly one out of 10 people between 21 to 30 years old have astigmatism more than 200 degrees (2.00D), according to the latest findings on a clinical population by optometry experts at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU).

Singapore’s Data Storage Institute (DSI), a research institute of the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) has developed a big data software that enables travel companies and hotels to tap the growth potential of online travel bookings.

This issue is themed “ICT Development and ICT for Development” with the purpose of providing us with an understanding of developing information technologies. It aims to disseminate the vast wealth of knowledge on Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) to a wider audience and to generate interests beyond core technical components.

The latest edition of Nanotech News showcases new technologies and events for nanotechnology researchers. Please note: in July 2012 Nanotech News will become the new "Nanotechnology Platform Program" under the support of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sport, Science and Technology (MEXT).