Light-emitting diodes (LED) are rapidly replacing traditional light-bulbs in many applications. Organic LED (OLED) is an efficient LED technology, as it supplies the light only when needed and in the color that is desired. However, the production of OLED is expensive. It requires a deposition of small molecules in vacuum, and the application on large surfaces is limited. Solution-processed LEDs, …
PM series: human naïve embryonic stem cells
In a short series, we will focus on various topics on personalized medicine in China. Third in this series: the on-going search for naive human stem cells. At a cellular level, controlling multiplication and specialization drives growth and development. The less a cell is specialized, the more directions it can develop into. For instance, once a cell has started to …
CHInano: NOST and HHTCC stimulate Sino-Dutch high tech partnering
CHInano China, organized by Nanopolis in the Suzhou Industry Park (SIP), took place this year from September 24 to September 26. The NOST offices in Shanghai and Suzhou have participated in the extracurricular program of Dutch high-tech participants, in cooperation with the Holland High Tech Center China (HHTCC), also located in Suzhou. Dutch participants included Advanced Packaging Center, Business Cluster …
CHInano: MESA+ director celebrates the Dutch spin offs
By Maarten den Dekker As part of CHInano, the Netherlands participated in the International Roundtable on Nanotechnology (IRN 2014). The second IRN highlighted the business side of nanotechnology around the world. How can science and technology be translated in business and ‘global synergy’ and collaboration help to commercialize nanotechnology? Professor Dave Blank, Scientific Director of the MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology …
Endlessness in genetic info: circular RNA.
Researchers at the Partner Institute for Computational Biology (PICB), established by the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the German Max Planck Gesellschaft, unraveled the existence and mechanisms behind circular RNA molecules. RNA usually carries information from cellular DNA. This information is used to produce proteins and to regulate all kinds of cellular processes. Historically, DNA and RNA are approached as …
PM series: Nanoporphyrin
In a short series, we will focus on various topics on personalized medicine in China. Second in this series: personalized nano-medicine. A group of Chinese and American researchers recently published a paper in Nature Communications on a nano-particle with a high potential in diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. The investigators designed particles, consisting of nanoporphyrins, to specifically target tumors in mice. …
Cystic fibrosis links to diabetes
Researchers from Hong Kong, Chengdu, Beijing and Tokyo recently reported a functional link between diabetes and cystic fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis occurs when mutations in the CFTR gene hamper the function of the Cystic Fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator. This leads to a “tough mucus” secretion in the lungs, and its most acute symptoms are therefore shortness of breath. Indigestion is also …
BGI and Edinburgh start to synthesize
Following a MoU (memorandum of understanding) earlier this year, the University of Edinburgh and the BGI in Shenzhen have now started a collaborative project on synthetic biology. This emerging discipline combines techniques in the sequencing and DNA synthesis fields to re-create and re-model entire chromosomes, that can replace the original chromosomes in host organisms such as yeast. As such, new …
nanoparticles as catalysts
A group of scientists lead by the Xiamen-based investigator Nanfeng Zheng have developed nanoparticles that act as catalysts for the oxidation of CO (carbon monoxide) to CO2 (carbon dioxide). Bringing two catalytic materials close to each other enables two separate reactions to occur simultaneously at almost the same location. The scientists used platinum nanocrystals covered with thin layers of iron …
China supercomputer world’s fastest
China has the world’s most powerful supercomputer for the third time in a row as the country once again ups its presence in the global top 500 of powerful computers. The computer with the name Tianhe-2 was top of the twice-yearly list that keeps tabs on supercomputer development and growth. The top performing computer, Tianhe-2, had its power measured at …