An academic-industrial collaboration of researchers has described how they designed a new molecule to target a specific receptor protein in the brain, which plays a central role in memory and cognition.
An EU panel of scientists has given the thumbs-up to a feed additive that reduces methane emissions from cows. It could significantly lower the environmental footprint of meat, milk and dairy products, its developers claim.
Crispr-Cas9 gene editing has been harnessed for yet another novel application – to create female-only and male-only mice litters with 100% efficiency. The development could significantly improve animal welfare in scientific research and agriculture (Nature Commun., doi: 10.1038/s41467-021-27227-2).
Scientists have created novel carbon-based organic molecules to improve the ‘glow-in-the-dark’ effect (Nature Mat., doi: 10.1038/s41563-021-01150-9). The new organic long-persistent luminescent (OLPL) materials have the potential to be more easily formed into paints and fibres than traditional rare earth metal-based compounds.
The European Commission plans to launch a harmonised system to certify the carbon footprint of hydrogen and other low-carbon fuels as part of a package of EU laws aimed at decarbonising the gas sector to be announced in December 2021.
A therapy consisting of two signaling peptides and a special polymer scaffold has repaired severe spinal injuries in mice. A single injection into tissues surrounding the damaged spinal cord enabled the mice to regain their ability to walk within four weeks (Science, 2021, 374, 848).
Retrofitting a ‘living wall’ to a 1970s masonry cavity walled building can reduce heat loss through the structure by over 30%, according to a new study (Building & Env., doi: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2021.108491).
UK-based R&D company Pulsar Fusion has successfully tested its first high-powered chemical rocket engine in the UK and Switzerland. But the UK company’s ambition stretches further – to develop a propulsion engine based on nuclear fusion capable of going to Mars.
Hong Kong-based Insilico Medicine has announced a first-in-human microdose trial of ISM001-055, a drug candidate for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
Antivirals offer another promising route to reduce Covid risks, alongside vaccination. When administered within three days of Covid-19 symptoms appearing, the Pfizer antiviral Paxlovid cut the risk of hospitalisation or death by 89%, the company has reported in interim results.