Bacteriophage reconstruction
Researchers have achieved what they claim is the first computational reconstruction of a virus that includes its complete native genome. A breakthrough that could aid research into alternatives to antibiotics, they note. Although similar reconstructions are known, the team report this is the first to produce the exact chemical and 3D structure of a ‘live’ virus.
Five aids for pharma
Market disruptions created by the Covid-19 crisis have primed every aspect of the pharma industry for change. The innovation, collaboration and productivity the world experienced due to the scope and urgency of this crisis were remarkable, and the pharmaceutical industry will never be the same.
Nitrate pollution threat
Global pollution trends are of big concern for environmental research laboratories; however, certain environmental issues receive less attention than others. While much of the current focus centres on carbon emissions, for example, the role of the global nitrogen cycle in the planet’s ecological processes cannot be underestimated.
Applied chemistry
Applied chemistry highlights for February 2023 from Nigel P Freestone, University of Northampton, UK.
Period of growth for AI markets
The Artificial Intelligence market was valued at $68.1bn in 2021 and is expected to grow at 14.8% CAGR during the period 2021-2026. Growing popularity of the metaverse and its integration with AI is expected to bode well for growth over the period. Furthermore, increasing adoption of explainable AI (XAI) technique, in banking, financial services and insurance (BFSI), retail, e-commerce and advances in quantum computing is also expected to favour growth.
Greener fridges
Modern refrigerants rely on hydrofluorocarbons, potent greenhouse gases. New legislation means alternatives are urgently sought. So, could solid refrigerants be the answer? Jasmin Fox-Skelly reports
Plastic feast for bugs
Plastic waste generation has doubled over the past three decades, presenting huge environmental problems. But could plastic-eating organisms such as microbes and insect larvae hold the answer by converting our mountains of waste to useful biomass? Anthony King reports
Waste to chemicals
Researchers in the UK have simultaneously converted CO2 and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) – the plastic commonly used for bottles – into two valued chemical products. Their reactor uses catalysts and solar energy to drive conversion of the greenhouse gas into carbon monoxide, syngas or formate, and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastics into glycolate, a starter chemical used by the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.
Talking DNA purification
A voice-activated system to enable hands-free extraction and pre-treatment of bacterial DNA could help scientists avoid accidental infection when working with pathogens, according to its inventors. The approach may also prove useful to those with visual or other physical impairments who may find it difficult to manipulate tiny samples using complex instruments.