A few little cells that are different from the rest can have a big effect. For example, individual cancer cells may be resistant to a specific chemotherapy—causing a relapse in a patient who would otherwise be cured. In the journal Angewandte Chemie, scientists have now introduced a microfluidics-based chip for the manipulation and subsequent nucleic-acid analysis of individual cells. The technique uses local electric fields to highly efficiently “trap” the cells (dielectrophoresis).
articles
Research Focuses on Factors that Fuel New Plant Invasions
A new research study published in the journal Invasive Plant Science and Management tackles those questions and provides insights that can benefit land managers.
India Mounts Awareness Campaign as Maize-Eating Moth Detected
Indian agriculture officials have launched an awareness campaign among farmers about the fall armyworm moth and its management following the confirmation late last month that the voracious maize-eating pest has reached India.
‘Abrupt Thaw’ of Permafrost Beneath Lakes Could Significantly Affect Climate Change Models
Methane released by thawing permafrost from some Arctic lakes could significantly accelerate climate change, according to a new University of Alaska Fairbanks-led study.
How Forests Improve Kids' Diets
A first-of-its-kind global study shows that children in 27 developing countries have better nutrition--when they live near forests.
Statins Associated with Improvement of Rare Lung Disease
FINDINGS
In the first study of its kind, researchers have found that cholesterol-lowering statins may improve the conditions of people with a rare lung disease called autoimmune pulmonary alveolar proteinosis. The research also suggested that two new tests could help diagnose the condition.