Sunscreen stability
Combining chemical sunscreen mixtures with zinc oxide may limit protection against UVA, according to a new study. Sunscreen mixed with zinc oxide was also found to cause toxic effects when tested in zebrafish embryos.
Manufacturing investment for UK jobs and growth
A network of UK advanced manufacturing organisations has published a joint report setting out policy recommendations to maximise the potential of UK manufacturing to generate and sustain high value jobs and growth.
Gene therapy consortium
Gene therapy development for rare diseases is complex, time consuming and expensive. While there are approximately 7000 rare diseases, only two heritable diseases currently have US FDA-approved gene therapies.
Biopolymer synthesis
The microbial compound cyanophycin is of commercial interest as a biodegradable biopolymer with high levels of nitrogen. It is used as a store for nitrogen when bacteria fix more of the element from air than they can use. Bacteria can later use this store to manufacture biomolecules.
Faster telecoms with phosphorous
Scientists in the US have used three layers of phosphorus (P) atoms to create an ultrathin material that can polarise light in a precise and tunable way (Science, doi: 10.1126/science.abj7053). It could lead to advances in telecommunications by allowing fibre optic cables to carry more data than they do now, the researchers say.