Cambridge scientists convert CO2 and plastic into fuels
In the UK, University of Cambridge researchers have developed a solar-powered reactor that captures carbon dioxide from the air or industrial emissions and converts it into sustainable fuels. The system also turns plastic waste into another valuable chemical product.
Superbug antibiotic unlocked by AI
Artificial intelligence has been used to screen almost 7000 chemical compounds, identifying a potent and novel class of antibiotics capable of killing one of the most problematic superbugs. The researchers focused on a hospital-acquired bacterial pathogen that causes meningitis, pneumonia and blood infections and which is often resistant to many current antibiotics.
Second wave for graphene – is the wonder material finally arriving?
Graphene was first isolated at the University of Manchester, UK, in 2004, where it was heralded as the next ‘wonder material’. With very high thermal and electrical conductivity, electron mobility and tensile strength in its portfolio of excellent material properties, graphene made headlines as a material that could revolutionise everything from computing to construction.
Researchers identify blast and blight resistance genes for rice
Rice is the most widely grown crop in the world, but it suffers from serious bacterial and fungal diseases such as rice blast and bacterial blight. Now, an international team of researchers has identified a new gene variant in a type of rice that is resistant to many common diseases, but still produces good yields. Higher yields are needed to meet growing global demand and the researchers believe these findings could help shore up food supply in the future.
It’s gel-ectrifying! A breakthrough in flexible bioelectronics
Whatever their form and function, nearly all implants include electrodes, which are small conductive elements that attach to, and electrically stimulate, muscles and nerves. Researchers have developed a flexible hydrogel material intended to replace metal electrodes in medical devices.
The innovators tackling persistent plastics
The volume of plastic waste generated from the fast fashion industry has been declared an ‘environmental and social emergency’ for the planet by the United Nations. While biodegradable plastic materials have been marketed as potential solutions to the problem, new research has shown that this is no guarantee the fibres will decompose at the end of their life.
From green to blue: new material upgrades low-energy light
A new class of material can absorb low-energy light and transform it into higher energy light.
Better strategy could deliver £230bn boost
New research commissioned by SCI highlights the urgent need for an ambitious industrial strategy to secure the country’s economic growth. The study, conducted by LEK Consulting, emphasises the necessity of capitalising on the UK’s strengths in science and innovation for commercialisation and scalability.
Seaweed-based material stores heat for reuse
A material derived from seaweed could be used to store heat for re-use, UK researchers report.
Swedish study finds antibiotic resistance in the wild
Antibiotic resistance genes are abundant in the environment, many in forms that could easily move into bacteria causing disease in people, according to a Swedish study. The researchers trawled through thousands of genetic sequences seeking suspected antibiotic resistance genes.