chance discovery

Luminescence shines new light on proteins

admin — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 23:00:00 -0600

(Durham University) A chance discovery by a team of scientists using optical probes means that changes in cells in the human body could now be seen in a completely different light.

Molecule Created That Nudges Nerve Stem Cells To Mature

admin — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 10:00:41 -0500

Inspired by a chance discovery during another experiment, researchers have created a small molecule that stimulates nerve stem cells to begin maturing into nerve cells in culture.

Bright Lights: Mystery Of Glowing Antibody Solved

admin — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 13:00:00 -0600

A chance discovery of a uniquely luminescent monoclonal antibody nearly ten years ago has proven to be far more interesting -- and far more tenacious -- than anyone might have suspected. Now, scientists have shown that one of a panel of fluorescent monoclonal antibodies that were first reported in 2000, produces its distinctive bright blue glow through a rare and highly complex recombination of electrical charge. This charge recombination involves an electron hole -- the gap left by the electron as it is transferred from one molecule to the other.