Graphene jellyfish
Particles of graphene with different shapes have been generated – and could be used to remove toxins from water. The discovery came about serendipitously when materials scientists were exploring the interactions between graphene oxide and a hydrocarbon surfactant. Graphene oxide is a mineral liquid crystal that forms stacked structures in water, while the surfactant CTAB (cetyl trimethylammonium bromide) is a molecular liquid crystal.
Vitamin D for dementia
Taking vitamin D supplements could stave off dementia, a new study has shown. People on vitamin D supplements were reported to have 40% fewer dementia diagnoses than those who did not receive them (Alzheimer’s & Dementia: Diag. Assess. & Dis. Mon., doi: 10.1002/dad2.12404).
Smart bionic finger
Chinese researchers have developed a bionic ‘finger’ that can create 3D maps of the shapes and textures of complex objects lying beneath a surface – useful in medicine and electronics.
Food footprints compared
Food production is a leading cause of environmental degradation globally, according to Australian researchers who examined the environmental pressures surrounding farmed chicken and salmon. Efforts to reduce the environmental footprints of these industries should focus on feed ingredients, they say.
Codes to combat fraud
As part of efforts to combat fake goods, the Indian health ministry has mandated quick response (QR) codes to facilitate tracking and tracing of pharmaceuticals. Effective from May 2023, the codes will operate at each level of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) packaging. Plans are also afoot to extend them to fertiliser packaging.