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.
Inflated opinion
Each January, business leaders and politicians from across the world gather in Davos, Switzerland, for the World Economic Forum (WEF), to look at what the coming year may hold for the global economy. And 2023 is no exception, with a focus on the inflation that is hitting every national economy, driven by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine just after the 2022 WEF and its impact on energy costs, as well as the ongoing problem of Covid and decarbonisation.
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.
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.
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.
Jumping elastomer
Researchers in the US have discovered a liquid crystal elastomer that can suddenly leap high into the air when heated. The snapping of this layered liquid crystal could find interesting applications in soft robotics or in physically responsive touch screens.
Business digest
The latest business digest for C&I Issue 2 2023 with all the latest mergers and acquisitions in the chemical industry.
From flue to consumer
A UK project is under way to convert industrial waste gases into the chemical ingredients needed to make surfactants essential to many consumer products. The Flue2Chem collaboration aims to show how 15 to 20m t of carbon dioxide emissions could be cut annually.
Broken heart fix
Researchers in Australia have developed a strategy they hope can help repair damaged hearts following a heart attack.
Green H2 from seawater
Electrolysis of abundant seawater is a promising way to generate sustainable or ‘green’ hydrogen, by harnessing renewable energy sources such as wind or solar. However, seawater electrolysis is still in early development because of electrode side reactions and corrosion.