Alzheimer’s vaccine progress
German and UK researchers are pioneering a new approach to treating Alzheimer’s disease (AD) using an engineered form of a protein associated with the disease. It could potentially be used both as a treatment and a vaccine.
Ammonia as engine fuel
There are no easy replacements for kerosene jet fuel. Yet aviation contributes more than 2% of global carbon emissions and this figure is increasing. Shipping adds another 2-3%.
Engineered probiotics
Researchers are making advances in genetically engineering bacteria to detect important biological signalling molecules in our gut. Their aim is to adjust levels of important neurochemicals by synthesis or degradation.
Mary Rose under attack
Analysis of wood from the Mary Rose, Henry VIII’s favourite warship, has revealed surprising and potentially harmful amounts of zinc sulfide nanoparticles.
Net zero boost
The Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy’s (BEIS) Industrial Energy Efficiency Accelerator (IEEA) says that 16 new energy efficiency technologies could significantly boost UK industry’s competitive and rapid transition to net zero.
Super jelly withstands high pressures
A jelly-like material comprising 80% water can withstand the equivalent of an elephant standing on it and completely recover to its original shape (Nature Mat., doi: 10.1038/s41563-021-01124-x).
Maize threat
A study of the recently arrived fall armyworm in Africa suggests that the pest has formed one single interconnected population on the continent. An examination of highly variable parts of their genomes suggested the fall armyworms were using long-distance flight and prevailing winds to frequently move throughout Africa, resulting in population mixing (Sci. Rep., doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-00298-3).