Clean energy for India
In January 2023, the Norwegian Climate Investment Fund announced plans to invest over $62m in Indian waste-to-energy company SAEL.
Free cancer treatment
Some 29.8m Indians will suffer from cancer by 2025, up from 26.7m in 2021. With the country’s cancer burden expected to rise, India’s parliamentary panel has recommended free cancer treatment for middle-class households through a government-run programme.
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.
Biosecurity strategy
A new five-year biosecurity strategy to protect plants in the UK includes tackling threats such as pests, diseases and climate change as well as boosting science and technology capabilities.
Prostate cancer target
Prostate cancer can be treated by lowering levels of testosterone and other male sex hormones, but roughly 10–20% of cases resist treatment within five years. Now, researchers have discovered that prostate cancer can be killed by targeting a single enzyme, PI5P4Kα.
Roman concrete surprise
An international team believes they have discovered how Romans managed to build such long-lasting concrete structures. The work could improve durability in novel 3D-printed concrete formulations.
Methane eating bug
Australian researchers have identified the complex lifecycle of a methane-consuming microorganism vital for maintaining the Earth’s climate.
Space skin for satellites
A new ‘space skin’ has been developed to protect satellites against conditions beyond our atmosphere. The lightweight nanocoating comprises a buffer polymer layer made of poly(p-xylylene) and a diamond-like carbon superlattice layer.
Collapse of Britishvolt
As C&I went to press, there was further news on Britishvolt, the company planning to build the first UK gigafactory to make electric car batteries. The company went into administration in January after months of financial struggles. Now, administators EY have announced Scale Facilitation Partners and its Australian subsidiary Reliance Industries as the preferred bidder, according to Reuters.
Glaucoma sensing lens
A smart contact lens has been developed for monitoring and control of intraocular pressure (IOP) in glaucoma sufferers. Glaucoma is a common eye condition often caused by fluid building up in the front of the eye, increasing pressure inside the eye and potentially damaging the optic nerve connecting the eye to the brain. High IOP is an indicator of glaucoma, which left untreated can lead to blindness.