Medicine

Scientists in China identify its powerful antioxidant properties. Other research highlights include fish-oil supplements for healthy hearts, incubation of turtle eggs, a new class of bisimides for transistors, non-viral gene carrier for p53 and fabricated metal-organic microtubes.

Keio University receives approval from MEXT for its merger with Kyoritsu University of Pharmacy and establishment of the Faculty of Pharmacy and Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Multipolar-to-biopolar neuronal transition is essential during brain development. A team of Japanese scientists have determined that a protein called cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) is required for neurons to develop their proper shape.

Serotonin is used faster in the winter by people suffering from seasonal depression when compared with a control group, according to research to be published in Neurpsychopharmacology this month. The research also shows that serotonin usage returns to normal both where depression is treated effectively and during the summer months.

Infectious bursal disease (IBD) also known as Gumboro disease is the second most important poultry disease after Newcastle disease. In this study, we reported for the first time the use of Sybr Green I based real-time PCR to differentiate different strains of IBD virus.

A RIKEN-led team of researchers from Japan and the US has used an innovative combination of genome survey techniques in live Drosophila fruit flies to reveal a previously unknown master gene involved in setting circadian rhythms.

In rice-producing Malaysia, rice bran is a rice-milling by-product that is normally considered wasteful. However, researchers at University Putra Malaysia have developed antioxidant neutraceutical formulations from rice bran oil and palm oil.

Two researchers from RIKEN’s SPring-8 Center in Harima have demonstrated the conversion of x-rays into longer wavelengths that preserves some of their useful properties, such as high spatial resolution.

Scientists in China have developed a small and robust device for screening genetic mutations, reduced the size of antibodies to effectively target and penetrate solid tumours, and unveiled the process by which pathogens trigger a plant's immune system

Researchers establish a causative link between mutations in a single gene and the pathology of psychiatric illnesses

Highlights from Nature China include - Scientists have developed a non-invasive prenatal detection method for Down's syndrome, Calculations predict that a diamond-like boron-carbon compound could be the hardest known conductor and more

A grant has just been awarded to University Malaysia Sarawak for the development of a microarray which will allow simultaneous detection of all enterovirus serotypes in a single test, allowing rapid public health decisions on EV71 outbreaks. Current technologies are slow and tedious in that each virus serotype must be ruled out one by one.

Repairing damaged retinas is now a possibility. Japanese researchers from RIKEN and Kyoto University have demonstrated retinal regeneration in a mammalian model. It is a discovery that may ultimately lead to new therapies for retinal diseases including the degenerative disease called retinitis pigmentosa.

Japanese researchers identify genes controlling health-giving compounds in common food crops. Vegetables like cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower are anti-carcinogenic with antioxidant properties and offer a natural defense against crop pests, potentially reducing the need for synthetic pesticides.

This recently completed project aimed to develop a mobile telemedicine system in Indonesia using existing Internet communication technology. This system will allow remote patients to receive a routine check-up using a mobile phone and local hospitals to respond faster by being able to contact specialists in spite of geographic barriers.

Various organizations and government agencies involved in the fight against HIV/AIDS in the country gathered to share success stories and challenges at a workshop that launched the latest Asian Development Bank (ADB)-funded project against the epidemic.

A team of Japanese molecular biologists has determined the structure of a protein complex that plays a key role in the initiation of one of the most fundamental of biological processes: the replication of DNA.

Prof. Dr. Peter M. Palese of Mount Sinai School of Medicine will be speaking on improvements of vaccines at the upcoming Bangkok International Conference on Avian Influenza 2008: Integration from Knowledge to Control (23-25 January 2008) in Bangkok, Thailand. Registrations are now open.

An exclusive interview in this week's Nature Podcast with Simpsons head writer Al Jean, also includes Homer, Lisa and, er, Stephen Hawking. Together they explain why the Simpsons is the most scientifically literate show on TV, and now at the movies. The interview is supported by a feature in this week's issue of Nature.

Summaries of newsworthy papers include Climate change: Don’t blame the weatherman, Pressure in the Amazon, Tectonics: Rift of difference, Materials: Graphene oxide ‘paper’ is super strong and Quantum physics: Entangling atom pairs

Highlights from Nature China include Organogels: Stick and shine, Autoimmune disease: A balanced approach, Forestation: Carbon storage in soil, Papaya ringspot virus: Coat variations, Frustrated magnets: Seeking stardom

Many countries in the Asia-Pacific region are collecting and analysing large amounts of biological data but have their progress is impeded by low network bandwidths. This project addresses the problem of low bandwidth and reliability through the introduction of third generation P2P protocols.

Researchers in Universiti Teknologi Mara are working on pre-nanoemulsion gel from coconut oil which can help repair skin damage and chewable vitamin C tablets and herbal tea made from hibiscus.

The RIKEN Brain Science Institute (BSI) is currently accepting applications for two full-time laboratory head and/or unit leader positions in the Intellectual Brain Function Research Group. Closing date is July 31, 2007

RIKEN invites applications for the position of Chief Scientist (Laboratory Director) to head a new laboratory for theoretical biology or bioinformatics. Applications from overseas are welcome.

From the empowerment of women to managing their health — information and communication technologies (ICTs) have changed the lives of thousands of Indian villagers.

This new journal will address peripheral issues related to biotechnology that are that are of paramount importance to the development of biotechnology industries in OIC countries.

Developmental biologists from RIKEN working with Japanese and Canadian colleagues have located an important gene that regulates the establishment of the head-to-tail or anterior-to-posterior (A–P) axis in mice. The future development of the whole embryo is orientated to this point of reference.

The annual World Brain Awareness Week campaign was held from March 12 to 18 for the purpose of promoting a general understanding of the meaning of brain science and its social importance, and 15 regions in Japan took part.