The complex pictured, [(η6-Tha)Ru(bipy(OH)O)(9-EtG-N7)][PF6], contains the bipy(OH)O chelating ligand, and showed a large increase in the cytotoxicity toward human ovarian and human lung cancer cells. The tetrahydroanthracene (tha) “faces” protect the RuII against oxidation. Examining the crystal structures shows CH/π interactions between the bipyridine ligand and tetrahydroanthracene are important for stabilizing the interaction between [(η6-Tha)Ru(bipy(OH)O)(9-EtG-N7)][PF6] and proteins. Although this complex was not tested for activity against ovarian and lung cancer cell lines, A2780 and A549 respectively, other complexes with the tetrahydroanthracene (tha) moity were tested and proved to be most active against the ovarian cancer cell line. Ruthenium complexes such as [(η6-Tha)Ru(bipy(OH)O)(9-EtG-N7)][PF6] have been shown to mimic iron binding in the human body and the ligand, bipy(OH)O, helps the complex bind to DNA in ways that another antitumor compound, cisplatin, cannot. This shows extreme promise as a therapeutic as cisplatin tumor toxicity is not as high with some types of tumors.

This comes soon after IBM researchers imaged a single molecule using AFM.

To create these images, the researchers used a field-emission electron microscope, or FEEM. They placed a rigid chain of carbon atoms, just tens of atoms long, in a vacuum chamber and streamed 425 volts through the sample. The atom at the tip of the chain emitted electrons onto a surrounding phosphor screen, rendering an image of the electron cloud around the nucleus.

[insidescience via slashdot]

This isn’t my new pet, rather it is a giant sea worm that was recently ‘found’ in a living reef exhibit at Newquay’s Blue Reef Aquarium in the UK. Seems the curator could not figure out why their prize reef exhibit was being destroyed. On dismantling the exhibit, this sweet guy was found and named Barry. Barry is over 4 feet long and is no longer allowed near the coral. [via zooillogix]

and our very own, Dr. Amanda Grannas, is now a ‘pro’ blogger for the Discovery Channel’s earthlive blog!

And you thought the Wii was all fun and games?

I found this article and technique very interesting.  I think that it could have applications in forensic science and even in drug testing at sporting events such as the Olympics.  The article also stated that at some point it will be possible to known a person’s medical history from his or her fingerprint.  This, as well as its drug testing applications, raises some questions about privacy laws.  I think that this technology, if used for the correct purposes and not for exploitation, can be a convenience tool for forensic scientists.

It was found that the food intake of mice could be controlled though injections of NAPE.  In large doses (1000 mg/kg body weight), the mice would almost completely stop eating.  The effects of the NAPE injection was found to last for 12 hrs for this high dose of NAPE.  It was found that the NAPE acumulates in the hypothalamus, and it is believed that this direct interaction with the central nervous system is how the NAPE reduces appetite.  It was determined that NAPE treatment supresses the neurotransmitter neuropeptide y, which is involved in stimulating the desire to eat.  It was also found that a high fat diet reduced the ability of the mice’s body to produce NAPE.

This research could lead to a new insight into reasons for obesity in humans.  It also may lead to a novel treatment for obesity using injections of NAPE and related compounds.  However, the research is still years away from human application.

The notebook has been rated at the highest level by the EPEAT, an agency that helps electronics manufacturers environmentally evaluate their products.  Apple seems to explain a lot of the information regarding the new Macbook’s environmental safety well to the average consumer, but I think the sales pitch of environmentalism still comes into play a bit.  Although the notebook can’t be free of all harmful materials whatsoever, it seems like a better (and cooler) option than most of the other notebook computers on the market.