X-ray Spectrometry / Ezine
Journal Highlight: Advantages and limitations of X-ray and computed tomography systems for the study of the skeleton in meagre (Argyrosomus regius)
Date: Jun 11, 2012
Author: spectroscopyNOW
The skeleton of a meagre (Argyrosomus regius) was examined by means of standard X-rays and computerized X-ray tomography and both imaging methods were compared.
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Focus on X-rays: No more data sacrifice
Date: Jun 1, 2012
Author: David Bradley
The equivalent of a new pair of spectacles has come in the form of an advanced method for analysing the so-called "discarded" X-ray data from a crystallographic study. The analytical technique could help improve structural studies on biopolymers including proteins and nucleic acids.
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X-ray solution to obesity: Structural target revealed
Date: May 15, 2012
Author: David Bradley
Researchers at the University of Sheffield, UK, have used X-ray crystallography to obtain a detailed structure of a key component of the human obesity receptor, the binding domain for the satiety hormone leptin.
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Journal Highlight: Chemical analysis of very small-sized samples by wavelength-dispersive X-ray fluorescence
Date: May 7, 2012
Author:
A set of methods was developed for the chemical characterisation of very small-sized samples by wavelength-dispersive X-ray fluorescence and validated using reference materials.
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Protein breakdown: X-ray clues in disease
Date: Apr 15, 2012
Author: David Bradley
X-ray crystallography has been used to investigate the protein machinery that medical researchers say goes awry in uncontrolled or inaccurate degradation of cellular proteins. The research offers new clues on how cancer or Alzheimer's disease might develop.
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Journal Highlight: A miniature X-ray emission spectrometer (miniXES) for high-pressure studies in a diamond anvil cell
Date: Apr 9, 2012
Author:
A miniature X-ray emission spectrometer based on a coarsely diced approximant of the Johansson optic has been developed to study volume collapse in Pr metal and compounds.
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Complex answer: Finding hepatitis C antivirals
Date: Apr 1, 2012
Author: David Bradley
Hepatitis C is a chronic infectious disease that afflicts some 170 million people worldwide, causing chronic liver disease and liver cancer. Chemists at the University of California, San Diego have finally obtained the first high- resolution crystal structure of a compound that binds to the genetic material of the hepatitis C virus and blocks its replication.
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Resisting resistance: Exposing sulfa drug mechanism
Date: Mar 15, 2012
Author: David Bradley
X-ray diffraction has been used to pin down the mode of action of the sulfa antibiotics, which were first used 70 years ago. The work could provide clues to developing a new generation of antibiotics that would have fewer side effects and could stave off bacterial drug resistance at least temporarily.
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Journal Highlight: PIXE-RBS survey of a Meissen porcelain snuff box: first version or not?
Date: Mar 12, 2012
Author:
The combination of proton-induced X-ray emission and Rutherford backscattering spectrometry was used to make both bulk composition and surface characterization data simultaneously available, to study the provenance of a Meissen snuff box.
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Drugs enmeshed: Superhydrophobic slow delivery
Date: Feb 15, 2012
Author: David Bradley
X-ray computed tomography can be used to look closely at superhydrophobic polymer meshes. These experimental materials have been shown to trap drug molecules with a barrier of air between them and an external aqueous environment.
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