Source: Eurekalert, November 29, 2017 Researchers at Caltech used directed evolution method, where enzymes are evolved in a lab to perform desired functions, to coax the bacteria into making boron-containing compounds. They mutated the DNA that encodes the protein and then put the mutated DNA sequences into thousands of bacterial cells. The DNA of successful mutant proteins was then mutated again, and the cycle was repeated until the bacteria making the proteins were highly proficient at assembling the boron-carbon compounds. Their final bacterial creations were up to 400 times more productive than synthetic chemical processes used for the same reaction. […]
Author Archives: Hema Viswanath
Single-photon detector can count to 4
Source: Nanowerk December 15,2017 A team of researchers in the US (Duke University, Ohio State University, industry) used the superconducting nanowire single-photon detector (SNSPD) method to show multi-photon detection indicating number resolution up to four photons. They paid special attention to the specific shape of the initial spike in the electrical signal to correctly count at least four photons traveling together in a packet. Photon-number-resolution is very useful for a lot of quantum information/communication and quantum optics experiment; it could greatly increase the speed of quantum encryption techniques… read more. Open Access TECHNICAL ARTICLE
Creating surfaces that repel water and control its flow
Science Daily, December 13, 2017 To gain better control over the flow of water on superhydrophobic materials, scientists have been etching paths into coatings for the liquid to follow. And although water will take the designated path, it can leave behind a wet trail as the rolling droplets have a different contact angle at the front and back. An international team of researchers (China, US – UMass Amherst) has developed a technique to make the tracks hydrophobic which is critical for keeping water droplets’ spherical shape and minimizing the difference in the front and back contact angles. Testing showed that […]