Mass Attenuation Coefficient Measurements of Some Nanocarbon Allotropes: A New Hope for Better Low Cost Less-Cumbersome Radiation Shielding Over A Wide Energy Range

The mass attenuation coefficients of graphene, MWNTs and, SWNTs have been measured for gamma energy range 356 to 1332 keV from the radioactive sources 60Co, 133Ba and 137Cs using a well calibrated gamma ray spectrometer consisting of a 3 ́ ́x 3 ́ ́ NaI(Tl) scintillation detector coupled to a PC based 8K nuclear Multi Channel Analyser (MCA). In an interesting way results showed that MWNTs had the highest values of mass attenuation coefficients indicating their potential use as the best shielding material

Targeting Phosphopeptide Recognition by the Human BRCA1 Tandem BRCT Domain to Interrupt BRCA1-Dependent Signaling.

Intracellular signals triggered by DNA breakage flow through proteins containing BRCT (BRCA1 C-terminal) domains. This family, comprising 23 conserved phosphopeptide-binding modules in man, is inaccessible to small-molecule chemical inhibitors. Here, we develop Bractoppin, a drug-like inhibitor of phosphopeptide recognition by the human BRCA1 tandem (t)BRCT domain, which selectively inhibits substrate binding with nanomolar potency in vitro. Structure-activity exploration suggests that Bractoppin engages BRCA1 tBRCT residues recognizing pSer in the consensus motif, pSer-Pro-Thr-Phe, plus an abutting hydrophobic pocket that is distinct in structurally related BRCT domains, conferring selectivity. In cells, Bractoppin inhibits substrate recognition detected by Förster resonance energy transfer, and diminishes BRCA1 recruitment to DNA breaks, in turn suppressing damage-induced G2 arrest and assembly of the recombinase, RAD51. But damage-induced MDC1 recruitment, single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) generation, and TOPBP1 recruitment remain unaffected. Thus, an inhibitor of phosphopeptide recognition selectively interrupts BRCA1 tBRCT-dependent signals evoked by DNA damage

<span style="font-size:13.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Mangal;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB;mso-fareast-language:EN-US; mso-bidi-language:HI" lang="EN-GB">Antimicrobial efficacy of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Bridelia retusa</i> (Linn.) Spreng. and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Asclepias curassavica</i> Linn.</span>

589-593The in vitro bioassay of the bark extracts of Bridelia retusa Spreng. and root extracts of Asclepias curassavica Linn. was done by cold percolation and Soxhlet method against four bacterial species, viz. Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Proteus vulgaris and two fungal species Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger. The MIC and MBC values for the extracts obtained by both the methods were tested separately. The acetone extract of B. retusa showed MIC values ranging from 25, 42.5 to 85 mg/mL against the tested strains where as the bactericidal and fungicidal concentrations were found to be ≥170 mg/mL. The MIC value for root extract of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">A. curassavica was 3.06 mg/mL and the bactericidal concentration was found to be 100 mg/mL. The present work is an attempt to justify that the method of extraction influences the efficacy of the plant extracts

Exploring the Future of Agriculture through Nanotechnology: A Review

Agriculture, as one of the oldest and most essential human endeavors, has constantly evolved through the integration of technology. In recent years, nanotechnology has emerged as a pivotal tool, redefining traditional agricultural paradigms. This comprehensive review delves into the multifaceted implications and applications of nanotechnology within agriculture, providing a holistic view of its past, present, and future roles. Historically, nanotechnology's initial foray into agriculture sought to tackle prevalent challenges, from pest control to soil fertility. Despite some early obstacles, this merger has since showcased myriad successful applications, underscored by targeted and efficient solutions that significantly enhance crop yield and food quality. The present-day agricultural landscape is punctuated by nano-fertilizers ensuring optimal nutrient uptake, nanopesticides targeting pests with minimal off-target effects, nanosensors enabling precision agriculture, nano-based food packaging enhancing shelf life, and nanomaterials aiding in disease diagnosis and treatment. However, with innovation come challenges. The environmental and health ramifications of introducing nanoparticles into ecosystems remain a concern. While they promise reduced chemical usage and waste, potential issues like nanoparticle accumulation, unknown long-term effects, and possible toxicity necessitate rigorous research and regulation. Economically, the nano-agri sector promises substantial yield increases, but it also requires significant investments. As the technology permeates the agricultural supply chain, ramifications on job markets, trade dynamics, and global competitiveness become evident. Looking forward, anticipated advancements include smart nanodevices, potent nano-bio interfaces, and self-repairing materials. Nanobots, soil health rejuvenation techniques, and advanced nano-encapsulation are among the many potential R&amp;D avenues. The road ahead requires collaborative efforts from governments, research institutions, farmers, and the private sector. Public-private partnerships, in particular, could prove indispensable, merging public sector oversight with private sector innovation

Transforming Horticulture: The Influence of Nanotechnology on Crop Enhancement

Nanotechnology, a field of science and engineering focused on manipulating matter at the nanoscale, has garnered significant attention for its transformative potential across various industries. At the nanometer level, materials exhibit unique properties and behaviors, making it possible to engineer novel solutions with precision and efficiency. Nanotechnology finds applications in diverse areas, from medicine and electronics to energy and environmental remediation. Its ability to create nanoscale structures, devices, and materials has led to groundbreaking innovations, such as drug delivery systems for targeted therapies, ultra-efficient solar cells, and advanced water purification technologies. However, the rapid development of nanotechnology also raises important ethical, safety, and regulatory considerations that require careful attention. As nanotechnology continues to advance, it promises to reshape industries, enhance scientific understanding, and address some of the world's most pressing challenges

Implementation of the QUBE Force Field in SOMD for High-Throughput Alchemical Free Energy Calculations

The quantum mechanical bespoke (QUBE) force field approach has been developed to facilitate the automated derivation of potential energy function parameters for modelling protein-ligand binding. To date the approach has been validated in the context of Monte Carlo simulations of protein-ligand complexes. We describe here the implementation of the QUBE force field in the alchemical free energy calculation molecular dynamics simulation package SOMD. The implementation is validated by demonstrating the reproducibility of absolute hydration free energies computed with the QUBE force field across the SOMD and GROMACS software packages. We further demonstrate, by way of a case study involving two series of non-nucleoside inhibitors of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase, that the availability of QUBE in a modern simulation package that makes efficient use of GPU acceleration will facilitate high-throughput alchemical free energy calculations.</div