sources

4th Quarter Chemwatch Links

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110518141710.htm

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110511193252.htm

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110516121533.htm

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110517132637.htm

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110520125049.htm

4th quarter chemwatch 5

High iron, copper levels block brain-cell DNA repair

According to the article, high levels of iron and copper create reactive oxygen species that attack DNA and interrupt the repair of DNA. Reactive oxygen species are responsible for the DNA damage, which leads to diseases such as Parkinson's disease. Damaging the strands of DNA's double helix is very fatal. The article mentions that curcumin, an Asian spice, protected an enzyme used for DNA repair. The issue of interrupted DNA repair can be solved by protecting the enzymes involved. Iron and copper are common in the human body. However, as human beings, we need to be careful and prevent having excessive amounts of these metals in our bodies.

University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. "High iron, copper levels block brain-cell DNA repair." ScienceDaily, 20 May 2011. Web. 23 May 2011.

4th quarter chemwatch 4

New method of unreeling cocoons could extend silk industry beyond Asia

Silk is created from a fine thread that originates from the cocoons of silkmoths. Modern silk comes from the cocoons of silkworms. The researchers created a new way to safely make the strands loose.  The cocoons has a mineral layer coating. Through the process of demineralizing, the mineral layer is removed. As a result, continuous strands are produced, making the new silk longer and more durable. The effect will be positive. With this research, the silk industry could expand to other places in the world. The silk industry will thrive.

American Chemical Society. "New method of unreeling cocoons could extend silk industry beyond Asia." ScienceDaily, 22 May 2011. Web. 23 May 2011.

4th quarter chemwatch 3

Work with RNA silencing and plant stem cells may lead to controlling fruit, seed and leaves

The amount of seeds and fruit(s) in a plant can be contrilled by manipulating the plant's stem cells. Researchers worked with the rock cress plant. Argonaute 10 is a gene found in the rock cress plant. Once microRNA is not put into an argonaute 10 gene, target genes would be shut off. MicroRNA plays a significant role in the expression of genes. I think this will have a positive effect on the world. It will lead to many possible "mutations" of plants. Plant features can be regulated with manipulating the cells.

Texas A&M AgriLife Communications. "Work with RNA silencing and plant stem cells may lead to controlling fruit, seed and leaves." ScienceDaily, 20 May 2011. Web. 23 May 2011.

4th quarter chemwatch 2

How Ants Tame the Wilderness: Rainforest Species Use Chemicals to Identify Which Plants to Prune

Ants that can be found in the Peruvian rainforest are able to determine their host tree based on the surface wax of the Triplaris americana tree. The surface of this tree contains a chemical that attracts a particular ant species. Leaves of plants that did not serve as the ants' hosts were removed by the ants. I like this article because it shows how chemistry creates a symbiotic relationship between the ants and the Triplaris americana tree.

Wiley-Blackwell. "How ants tame the wilderness: Rainforest species use chemicals to identify which plants to prune." ScienceDaily, 22 May 2011. Web. 23 May 2011.

4th quarter chemwatch

Lichens May Aid in Combating Deadly Chronic Wasting Disease in Wildlife

According to the article, lichens can limit and reduce prions. Prions are proteins that can cause a disease known as chronic wasting disease. Chronic wasting disease is common in the U.S. and Canada. It has affected animals such as deer and sheeps. One of the diseases associated with prions is mad cow disease. Lichens contain an enzyme called a protease enzyme. This enzyme is natural, and it can break down prions. I think this research can have a positive effect. Animals similar to sheeps and cows are being infected with diseases containing prions. The risk of getting such diseases is reduced because of lichens.

United States Geological Survey. "Lichens may aid in combating deadly chronic wasting disease in wildlife." ScienceDaily, 18 May 2011. Web. 23 May 2011.