Brave new bacterial world
Article Abstract:
New tools and techniques for studying microorganisms have been developed. These include polymerase chain reaction for gene amplification, rapid sequencing technology, quick computer processing of gene-sequence data and accurate electrophoresis technology. These developments, which primarily target the DNA and RNA of cells, will help in the identification and differentiation of many previously unknown bacteria. Knowledge gathered from these studies will lead to the development of new enzymes, foods, drugs, chemicals, materials and processes.
Publication Name: MIT's Technology Review
Subject: Science and technology
ISSN: 1096-3715
Year: 1997
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Harnessing Brownian motion
Article Abstract:
Studies made by University of Chicago biochemist R. Dean Astumian have revealed that small particles in Brownian motion could be biased to move with a pattern. This is made possible with the use of a tilted pipe, containing a fluid with negatively charged particles. When electricity is introduced through negative and positive electrodes, a downward movement of the bigger particles, and an upward movement of the smaller particles, is generated. This is very useful in creating devices for the biological or chemical processing of molecules.
Publication Name: MIT's Technology Review
Subject: Science and technology
ISSN: 1096-3715
Year: 1997
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Hunting the wild neutrino
Article Abstract:
A new neutrino detector called Amanda or Antarctic Muon and Neutrino Detector Array is being built 2 km. below the Antarctic ice cap. The project aims to prove that the study of astronomy can be conducted based on neutrinos aside from light or any form of electromagnetic radiation. Amanda utilizes commercial photomultiplier tubes placed inside thick glass globes. Neutrino astronomy could give insights into astronomic processes such as quasars and active galactic nuclei and the sources of gamma radiation.
Publication Name: MIT's Technology Review
Subject: Science and technology
ISSN: 1096-3715
Year: 1997
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
- Abstracts: The new age of wireless. Building the next-generation collider. The diamond age of spintronics
- Abstracts: Telling Florida's water story. Hovering over the harbor. Air-supported roof redux
- Abstracts: Back to bacteria: a more natural filtration. Tracking a serial filter. From pikes peak to mars
- Abstracts: All Creatures Great and Small. Exploring the Systems of Life. Complementary DNA for 12-kilodalton B cell growth factor: misassigned
- Abstracts: Court ruling creates regulatory turmoil. How to hire the best. Clinton's new term and the 105th Congress