Flick, zap, catalysis!
A flick of a switch to apply an external electric field can accelerate a chemical reaction, a collaboration between Welsh and Swiss researchers has shown.
Using antimalarials to treat osteoporosis
Chinese researchers have used AI algorithms to show that an antimalarial drug could treat osteoporosis. In studies on mice, the drug appeared to reverse bone loss related to the disease.
Like flu-less chickens
Researchers have used gene editing techniques to limit the spread of bird flu in chickens, although further gene edits would be needed to produce chickens resistant to the disease.
Climate costs for craft beer and coffee snobs
Many farmers are facing a challenging future as climate change reshapes the agricultural landscape. Now, a new study has found that rising temperatures and more droughts are driving down the yield of European hops, which give beer its distinctive taste and aroma.
UK plans for pharma price control
UK Government’s plans to amend a scheme that controls the prices of branded medicines for the NHS has drawn fire from the pharmaceutical industry. It warns that some proposals are likely to reduce patient access to medicines, harm UK clinical research, and undermine investment in UK life sciences.
Solar energy to grow 32%
Global solar energy capacity is forecast to grow by 32% in 2023, compared with 2022, according to consultant Wood Mackenzie. In its latest report: Global solar PV market outlook update, this growth is being driven by the strong policy support, attractive pricing and technology’s modular nature.
New UK funding being offered to combat AMR
Innovate UK has joined with medical research organisation LifeArc and Medicines Discovery Catapult to accelerate early-stage innovation in antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Innovate UK and LifeArc have each invested £15m in PACE (Pathways to Antimicrobial Clinical Efficiency), which will be delivered by the Medicines Discovery Catapult.
Yeast linked to Alzheimer’s
A US group has shown how a yeast can access the brain and set up an infection that is linked to the subsequent development of Alzheimer’s disease. The yeast, Candida albicans, is commonly found in the human gut.
Wearables track Parkinson’s better
Scientists have shown that a combination of digital wearables and machine learning can detect subtle movement changes in Parkinson’s patients better than standard rating scales. The findings could help clinicians better track the progression of the disease.
The nanozyme that detects then disappears
A greener nanozyme, made from organic compounds and designed to break down easily, can detect the herbicide glyphosate without leaving toxic residues.