27/11/2008

Keeping chromosomes from cuddling up

If chromosomes snuggle up too closely at the wrong times, the results can be genetic disaster. Now researchers have found the molecular machines in fruit flies that yank chromosomes, the DNA-carrying structures, apart when ...

Speed matters for ice-shelf breaking

It won't help the Titanic, but a newly derived, simple law may help scientists improve their climate models and glaciologists predict where icebergs will calve off from their parent ice sheets, according to a team of Penn ...

Fast molecular rearrangements hold key to plastic's toughness

(PhysOrg.com) -- Plastics are everywhere in our modern world, largely due to properties that render the materials tough and durable, but lightweight and easily workable. One of their most useful qualities, however - the ability ...

Mother of Pearl Secret Revealed

(PhysOrg.com) -- In addition to its iridescent beauty, mother of pearl, or nacre, the inner lining of the shells of abalone, mussels and certain other mollusks, is also renowned for an amazing strength and toughness that ...

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