Nano contact

Scientists at the US Department of Energy’s Brookhaven National Laboratory, New York, have developed a screening method to examine how newly made nanoparticles interact with human cells following exposure for various times and doses. This has led to the visualisation of how human cells interact with some specific types of carbon nanoparticles. “Our experiments may provide scientists with information to help redesign nanoparticles to minimise safety concerns, and to optimise their use in health-related applications. They may also lead to effective screening practices for carbon-based materials,” said a researcher.

Dark matter

Astronomers have discovered first direct proof that dark matter exists. University of Arizona astronomers and their colleagues got side-on views of two merging galaxy clusters in observations made with state-of-the-art optical and X-ray telescopes. “Nature gave us this fantastic opportunity to see hypothesised dark matter separated from ordinary matter in this merging system,” said UA astronomer Douglas Clowe, leader of the study.

Noisy depths

The underwater world is becoming a noisier place, with unknown effects on marine life, say researchers at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California, San Diego. The results of listening devices deployed at various locations around the world showed that noise levels in 2003-2004 were 10 to 12 decibels higher than in 1964-1966. The culprit behind the increase appears to be a byproduct of the vast increase in the global shipping trade, the number of ships plying the world's oceans and the higher speeds and propulsion power for individual ships.