The Institute of Food Science & Technology (IFST) in London, UK, has elected David Gregory as its president. David has a portfolio of non-executive roles in food and science-related businesses and organisations; he is also a visiting professor at the University of Reading Centre for Food Security and a fellow of IFST.
There is a seemingly insatiable appetite for TV dramas about forensic science. While most of these involve an element of toxicology to determine cause of death, they give a false impression of the most important work carried out in contemporary forensic science labs. Title: Forensic toxicology, Editors S. Davies, A. Johnston and D. Holt, Publisher RSC Publishing, Year 2016, Pages 569, Price £86.99, ISBN 978-1-78262–156-0
If one was asked to think of an expression that covered the extent of forensic science in criminal justice, then ‘from crime scene to court’ would seem to fit the bill. From the recovery of items, through to experimental analysis, interpretation and finally the expression of opinion in a courtroom, forensic science is a significant factor in the detection of many different offences.
In this book, Hayley Birch lays out her 50 favourite/best/most relevant chemistry concepts in, what appears to me, no particular order. Each one is dealt with in four easy-to-read pages with monochrome diagrams where relevant. I’m guessing the book is aimed at the general reader with an interest in science. Title 50 ideas you really need to know about chemistry, Author Hayley Birch, Publisher Quercus Books Year 2016, Pages 208, Price £11.99, ISBN 978-1-84866-667-2
With the populations of cities around the world burgeoning, eco-friendly electric buses are becoming more important to transport the masses, Kathryn Roberts reports
Article 50 has been triggered. And with it come many questions abound on the future of research and innovation in the UK as the country enters a period of inevitable change and uncertainty. Will Brexit open up opportunities for collaborative innovation beyond the EU or will it dampen it? Could Brexit be the catalyst the country needs to exploit and nurture its strong and internationally renowned science base, and importantly encourage world class talent to come, not leave, the UK?
Researchers have restored the power of movement to paralysed mice, they reported at the ACS meeting in San Francisco in April – by re-educating wayward immune cells to stop attacking the protective sheath that insulates nerve cells in the brain. The approach may one day help to combat MS and other autoimmune diseases such as Type 1 diabetes.
Microfluidics doesn’t have to be about laboratory on a chip. It could take the shape of a diagnostic toolkit in a sheet of paper, or a soft toy that behaves like a real animal. One day, it may be as widespread as modern electronics, Michael Gross reports
Reprogramming biology isn’t easy, but - with the right tools - synthetic biology could be poised to trigger the fourth industrial revolution, Cath O’Driscoll reports
Shear thickening of fluids is something that engineers usually try to avoid, but the effect is now being put to good use in applications from football helmets to space suits, Lou Reade reports