Yu Min – Asian Scientist Magazine

Last Alkane Standing Finally Yields Its Bonds

A powerful combination of computational and experimental chemistry has yielded a catalyst which can break the extremely strong bonds of methane.

In the Lab

Turning Gut Bacteria Into Bioplastic Factories

E. coli, a common gut bacteria, can be engineered to produce biodegradable polymers for use in surgical sutures, among other applications.

Health

Tai Chi May Help Reduce Blood Pressure

Traditional Chinese exercises such as Tai Chi, Qigong and Baduanjin have been found to have beneficial effects on blood pressure in people living with heart disease.

Technology

Researchers Develop World’s Thinnest Lens

At one two-thousandth the width of a human hair, this lens could have potential applications in miniature cameras and flexible computer displays.

In the Lab

New Bird Lineage From Early Cretaceous Period Found

A specimen named Chongmingia zhengi, recently found in China, sheds light on the early evolution of birds.

In the Lab

Pac Man-Like Enzyme Protects Germ Cells From ‘Jumping Genes’

Scientists have identified an enzyme that shields the genome of germ cells from transposons, small segments of DNA that can disrupt the host gene.

In the Lab

Shaping Epithelial Tubes By Sheer Force

Scientists have discovered how the formation of arteries, intestines and other epithelial tubes is guided by mechanical forces.

In the Lab

Brown Fat Transplants Reverse Polycystic Ovary Syndrome In Rats

Not all fat is bad; in fact, brown fat could even treat polycystic ovary syndrome, a condition for which there is currently no cure.

In the Lab

What The Editing History Of Wikipedia Reveals

Wikipedia is edited by volunteers worldwide but still has a surprising order, according to an analysis of its edit history.

The Asian Scientist 100