A double murder investigation that has remained unsolved for almost a decade could be provided new impetus following a forensic breakthrough.

(University of Missouri-Columbia) “Happy Birthday, and oh by the way, an entire scholarly journal has been dedicated to your lifelong efforts in the chemical sciences.” This is the surprise message received by University of Missouri Curators’ Professor Jerry Atwood. The front cover of the New Journal of Chemistry proclaims “Issue Dedicated to Professor Jerry Atwood.”

(Penn State) Quicker microwave meals that use less energy may soon be possible with new ceramic microwave dishes and, according to the material scientists responsible, this same material could help with organic waste remediation.

(Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology) By manipulating the machinery used by our cells for quality control, researchers from the University of Pittsburgh have found a way to restore the function of cystic fibrosis (CF) airway cells. This could significantly reduce the sticky mucus that plugs the lungs of CF patients, which leads to antibiotic-resistant infections and untimely death. The study appears in the September 2008 print issue of the FASEB Journal.

University of Leicester experts have held discussions with military personnel in Afghanistan following the discovery of new technology to identify fingerprints on metal.

(University of Alabama at Birmingham) Intravenous magnesium sulfate supplementation before preterm delivery cuts the risk for handicapping cerebral palsy in half, according to research led by University of Alabama at Birmingham obstetrician Dwight Rouse, M.D., and published in the Aug. 28 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

(Iowa State University) Iowa State University researcher Robert Jernigan believes that his research shows proteins have controlled motions. Most biochemists traditionally believe proteins have many random, uncontrolled movements.

(University of Texas at Austin) Two chemical engineering professors from the University of Texas at Austin have been recognized by President George W. Bush as 2007 National Medal of Technology and Innovation laureates, the nation’s highest honor for technological achievement.

(University of Washington) Rose Ann Cattolico is convinced algae can be a major source of environmentally friendly fuels for everything from lawn mowers to jet airplanes. Now an investment company that works with universities to commercialize early-stage technology invested in the University of Washington biology professor’s work, forming a startup company called AXI.

(Indiana University) Indiana University School of Medicine researchers have developed Laboratree, a web-based solution to the complex problems of scientific collaboration. Laboratree will enable scientists to securely manage research papers and data, organize groups and projects, send group messages, author blogs, and customize personal and group profiles — all online.