Go with the flow
Our home planet has famously been described as a pale blue dot in the immense darkness of the Universe. It looks like that because 70% of its surface area is water, with an increasing tendency as pole caps are melting and sea levels rise. Water is essential for life, and its movements determine the fate of life on Earth.
The power of RNA
Cech’s book opens up new vistas of exciting opportunities for RNA researchers. He explains, for instance, how the common presumption that the 74% of the human genome not involved in coding for proteins is no more than junk DNA is misinformed.
PFAS degraded using sunlight
Researchers at the University of Adelaide, Australia, have developed a sunlight-activated material that can degrade per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in water, breaking down the pollutant into harmless components, including fluoride. Their discovery is a promising low-energy solution for PFAS remediation, with potential applications in water treatment and environmental cleanup.
Comment: A rising demand, a shrinking footprint
The Government is pushing for the UK to become a ‘science superpower’, but infrastructure is not keeping pace. Several factors contribute to the shortage, but the most significant is the rapid growth of the scientific research sector. Scientific publications are increasing at an exponential rate of 5.6%/year.
BASF looks at options for its coatings business
BASF has confirmed that it is looking at options for its Coatings business including joint ventures or a sale.
Machine learning and inky footprints help identify elusive pests
Researchers have used machine learning tools to analyse inky footprints left by rats in order to help identify different species. The team said that the techniques could play an important role in the identification and biosecurity management of invasive rodents.
More delays for UK REACH
The decision by the UK’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to consult on an extension to UK REACH deadlines has increased concerns about the Government’s support for the chemicals industry.
Making light of photochemistry
An international team is challenging a long-held assumption in photochemistry with potential implications for fields ranging from medicine to manufacturing. They suggest that the effectiveness of light in triggering chemical reactions is not solely determined by how strongly a molecule absorbs it.