Study finds the bulk of shoes’ carbon footprint comes from
manufacturing processes. MIT researchers have developed a means
to detect nitric oxide that could help improve scientists'
understanding of this molecule's role in neurological signaling
and other biological functions. Professor Stephen Lippard (head
of the Department of Chemistry), postdoctoral fellow Katherine
J. Franz and chemistry senior Nisha Singh synthesized a nitric
oxide sensing system that consists of a molecule whose
fluorescence switches on when nitric oxide is present. They
reported their findings in the June 16 international edition of
the German publication Angewande Chemie. Nitric oxide plays a
major role in the regulation of blood pressure, the prevention
of blood clotting, the dilation of blood vessels and the
destruction of pathogens. It is used extensively in medical
treatment; for example, nitroglycerin ameliorates the pain of
angina by supplying nitric oxide to the blood vessels that
supply the heart. The popular drug Viagra cont