AN IMPROVED SCANOMETRIC IMMUNOASSAY BASED ON DUAL ENLARGEMENT OF GOLD NANOPARTICLES FOR RAPID AND LOW COST PATHOGEN DETECTION

In this study, we introduce a dual enlargement of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) for the scanometric detection of pathogenic
bacteria. After capturing the target bacteria (Campylobacter jejuni cells), the gold immunoprobes were added to create signal on a solid substrate. The signal was then amplified dually by a gold growth process and a silver enhancement resulting in stronger intensity which can easily be recognized by an unaided eye, or measured by an inexpensive flatbed scanner. The dual-enhanced nanocatalysis is herein reported for the first time, it provides valuable insight into the development of a rapid, simple and cost-effective detection format.

War, food rationing, and socioeconomic inequality in Germany during the First World War

Germany experienced a devastating period during the First World War due to severely restricted import possibilities and a general shortage of foodstuffs. This study uses the heights of some 4,000 individuals who served during the Second World War to quantify biological living standards from the 1900s to the 1920s, and focuses primarily on socioeconomic inequality during this period. The results suggest that generally the upper social strata, measured by fathers' occupation, exhibited the tallest average height, followed by the middle and lower classes. These socioeconomic differences became more pronounced during the First World War when the rationing system provided a limited food supply. Wealthier individuals were able to purchase additional foodstuffs on black markets. Therefore, children from upper-class families experienced only a small decline in average height compared to their counterparts from the middle and lower social strata.

Assessment of lux-marked Pseudomonas fluorescens for reporting on organic carbon compounds

Carbon-flow from plant roots to the rhizosphere provides a major source of nutrients for the soil microbial population. However, quantification of carbon-flow is problematic due to its complex composition. This study investigated the potential of lux-marked Pseudomonas fluorescens to discriminate between forms of carbon present in the rhizosphere by measuring the light response to a range of carbon compounds. Results indicate that bioluminescence of short-term carbon-starved P. fluorescens is dependent upon the source and concentration of carbon. This system, therefore, has the potential to both quantify and qualify organic acids present in rhizodeposits.