Silver can be used to treat cancer

Silver is not just something you can make jewellery and cutlery with. A study from the University of Leeds revealed that it has anti-cancer potential. Silver atoms can be used as basis for drugs that react with DNA of cancer cells, killing them in the process. Crucially, they seem to have less side effects than similar anti-cancer drugs. Silver was already shown to have antibiotic properties, making it a useful agent to kill bacteria.

Malaria may kill far more people than we think

When it comes to diseases caused by parasites, malaria is by far the most deadly. The World Health Organisation estimates that about 655.000 people died from the disease in 2010, but new models show this figure may need to be doubled. Because malaria is most common in Africa and a lot of countries there have poor healthcare and lack statistics, there is still a lot of uncertainty. However, it does highlight the need for scientific efforts in order to eradicate the disease.

Beautiful pictures of the cellular world

Every year, GE Healthcare is hosting a competition for the most beautiful pictures made of the microscopic world. While it is basically an advertisement for their image analysis products, the submissions provide a stunning look into the world of cells, that normally is invisible to us, or looks rather dull when we look through the microscopes ourselves.

Earth-like planet found that may be able to host life

Somewhere in space, 22 million light years away, there is a planet in a solar system of three stars. According to a team of scientists, it has many of the right characteristics to bring about life. Though we do not know for sure, it is the best candidate to have liquid water, which is one of the prerequisites for life we are accustomed to.

One step closer to creating a mind-reading device

A device to read people's minds sounds like science fiction, but it is actually getting closer to reality. Scientists from the University of Berkely have developed a device that is able to discern words from analysing brain waves. It is the first step to getting a machine to retrieve people's thoughts. Luckily it does not work wireless, yet.

Stem cells found to be effective in brain injury

Stem cells are often described as a therapeutic that can work wonders by regrowing damaged tissues. They are of special interest in neurology, because nerves are barely being repaired by the body itself. Recently, we have been able to get some success by using stem cells, especially for treating neurological disorders. Now, an animal study has revealed that stem cells are able to restore functionality after brain injury. It may help us heal otherwise permanent brain damage.

Plant enzyme gathers energy day and night

Plants are renown for their capability of creating energy out of sunlight; a process called photosynthesis. At night, there is no sun which means the energy creating process lays dormant. However, plants appear to have an enzyme that does not only aid in photosynthesis during the day, but also gathers energy during the night. During its night shift, it aids in taking up nutrients and transporting energy from the roots. It is peculiar how one particular enzyme can have two distinctive functions, which depend on time of day.