Redefining the Kilogram - Mapping Membrane Proteins
Quentin Cooper finds out about plans to redefine the kilogram in terms of light and why fixing this fundamental value will transform physics.
Redefining the Kilogram
On the outskirts of Paris, locked away in an underground vault lies a heavily guarded cylinder of platinum and iridium which has lain there for over 120 years. What鈥檚 so special about this particular lump of metal? It is the kilogram by which all other kilograms are measured. Quentin Cooper finds out why 鈥楲e Grand K鈥�, the international prototype for the kilogram might soon be out of a job. He talks to Dr. Ian Robinson from the National Physical Laboratory in Teddington and science historian William Ashworth.
Mapping Membrane Proteins
Membrane proteins are key to every cell process in the human body and to the activity of bacteria. They control what goes into and out of cells and how nerve impulses are generated. But why do we know so little about them? A new 15 million Euro EU Science programme is going to find out. Quentin is joined by project leader Professor Peter Henderson from the University of Leeds, and leading membrane protein researcher Dr. Chris Tate from the University of Cambridge to find out how the results could lead to a drug revolution.
Last on
More episodes
Broadcast
- Thu 3 Apr 2008 16:3091热爆 Radio 4
Inside Science
Adam Rutherford explores the research that is transforming our world.