New therapy for H. pylori
H. pylori bacteria are commonly known to be the cause of stomach ulcers. Less well known, however, is the fact they are the strongest known risk factor for gastric cancer – the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide.
Organic cows better for birds
Organically farmed cows are good for birds, according to a study of EU agri-environment schemes and birds in Finland. Organic cattle farming has a positive impact on the abundance of insect eating birds and birds such as swallows and martins that migrate over long distances.
Protein supplement for autism
Dietary supplementation with certain amino acids may be of benefit for some children with autism, according to researchers. The suggestion follows the discovery that one group of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) share a similar profile of amino acid metabolites in their blood: with lower levels of so-called ‘branch chain’ amino acids – leucine, isoleucine and valine – and higher levels of ornithine, glutamine and glycine than usual.
Recyclable food packaging
Current food packaging, such as crisp and coffee packets, contain materials that act as a barrier against oxygen and moisture, essential for food preservation.
Regeneration for astronauts
The human body is not well adapted for life beyond the Earth’s atmosphere. Without exercise, astronauts can lose 20% of muscle mass in a space flight lasting just five to 11 days, while bone density is depleted at a rate of 1-2% a month, according to Ruth Globus of Nasa’s Ames Research Center in CA, US.
Smart Cities
The world’s population is booming and more of us are living in cities. But could the future lie in smart sustainable cities that minimise their environmental impact with the help of computers
Sugar stabilised vaccines
Researchers have reported a method to stabilise fragile vaccines for weeks at a time at temperatures up to 40°C – potentially allowing life-saving medicines to reach remote regions of the world.
The banana skin that is Brexit
Brexit has been one of the most changeable and divisive of political issues in recent decades. Throughout the UK, and indeed the EU, you could almost hear the collective sigh as yet another Brexit deadline passed. Businesses are still trying to prepare for the future without knowing how exactly to proceed. This is affecting the science and chemical sectors in ways you might expect, and also some you might not.
Vaccine for coeliac disease
Coeliac disease is one of the world’s most common genetic autoimmune diseases. Currently, there is no cure and the only option is strict adherence to a life-long gluten free (GF) diet. Now, however, researchers at Cambridge, MA-based ImmusanT say they have a therapeutic vaccine that could restore immune tolerance in those with the most common underlying genetic risk factor for the disease.