Catalyst breakthrough
Scientists have measured the charge on a single platinum nanoparticle on a surface of titanium dioxide in vacuum. A breakthrough that could help the development of new catalysts. While the number of electrons per area has been achieved by averaging many particles, this is the first example of measuring a single electron difference in a single particle.
BASF Q3 figures
BASF will start to make cost savings immediately following the announcement its third-quarter income will be significantly down on the same time last year. The company has warned that income will be hit by losses associated with its shareholding in a company involved with the Nord Stream pipelines, but high energy prices in Europe are also taking their toll.
Global energy changes
The supply of electricity from clean energy sources must double in the next eight years to limit global temperature increase, according to a new report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). Otherwise, there is a risk that climate change, more extreme weather and water stress will undermine global energy security and jeopardise renewable energy supplies.
Swab test for Parkinson’s
Analysis of the oily skin substance sebum has been developed into a simple skin-swab test for Parkinson’s disease. Under laboratory conditions, the test has been found to be 95% accurate. The sebum swab test can diagnose the disease in three minutes.
Wearable brain monitor
Brain activity is generally measured using large, expensive technology that limits its use to specific clinical settings. Small wearable devices could improve the diagnosis and monitoring of diseases like dementia or depression.
10 min EV recharge
Rapidly warming a lithium-ion EV battery allows it to be recharged in around ten minutes, researchers in the US have demonstrated. They charged a 265kWh battery to 75% charge in 12 minutes by rapidly heating an ultrathin nickel heating element.
Hydroquinine hope
A compound related to the antimalarial drug quinine has been found to inhibit and kill drug resistant bacteria responsible for serious blood and lung infections following surgery.
Bone fragility blood test
A new test for diagnosing bone fragility has been approved for marketing in Europe. This blood test is being launched by ProAxsis, a global diagnostics company based in Northern Ireland.