Popular Mechanics gave a “Breakthrough Award” to MIT researchers who reprogrammed a virus to instead form a tiny, tiny battery anode. The researchers, lead by Dr. Angela Belcher, used the bacteriophage M13, which is a workhorse of molecular biology to incorporate cobalt oxide and gold, forming a nanowire. M13 grows in a tight cylindrical spiral, and I suspect that the scientists exploited this property in convincing the virus to grow a nanowire. As Popular Mechanics recognized with their award, this is a very interesting development.

[Read more →]

The Texas Longhorns are headed to our first BCS bowl: The Rose Bowl on January 1, where we'll face the Michigan Wolverines. We ended up fourth in the BCS standings, behind three undefeated teams. This is a big win for Mack Brown, especially following 4 consecutive losses to OU. The game itself should be great, I can hardly wait. Hook 'em, Horns!

More details at the Longhorn Football site.