In the UK and Western Europe, there is a high level of concern about the ethics of trade in human tissue, so brokers find it much easier to source samples in other parts of the world. Read the comment from Robert Hewitt, founder of Biosample Hub
This new breed of data-driven service engineer will be able to identify and fix potential problems with machinery before they cause an issue on the line, and, potentially, before a manufacturer even realises there is a problem. Read the comment from Eddie Storan, Head of Global Service, Domino Printing Sciences.
An artificial intelligence system has predicted the 3D structures of more than 360,000 proteins, representing a ‘quantum leap for biology’ and paving the way for an acceleration in scientific research, according to experts.
A fungus that inflicts the most damaging disease of oilseed rape in the UK is becoming increasingly resistant to azole fungicides. This fall-off was confirmed in a new study of light leaf spot at Rothamsted Research, which reported that a mixture of azole plus QoI (pyraclostrobin) or SDHI (penthiopyrad) fungicides is required for robust disease control (Plant Pathology, doi: 10.1111/ppa.13441).
Farnesol, found in herbs and fruits, prevents and reverses brain damage linked to Parkinson’s disease in mice, report US researchers. It does this by deactivating a key protein associated with disease progression.
Ladybirds produce a volatile scent that causes their principal food – aphids – to move away to avoid predation. The same smell can also slow aphid reproduction rates. Now, researchers have identified components of ladybird odour that could pave the way to managing aphids – and the crop viruses they spread – without recourse to traditional pesticides.
Much of the discussion on plastic waste has focused on recycling and reuse, as well as replacement by other materials or approaches, like refillable containers. While these discussions are entirely relevant and worthwhile, the whole issue ultimately comes down to the willingness of consumers to sort and collect plastic waste or take their own refillable containers to supermarkets or other retail outlets to restock their preferred products.
During WWII, German scientists Heisenberg and Diebner both experimented with converting uranium to plutonium, needed for the atomic bomb. Roughly 12 cubes of uranium said to originate from this programme in early 1940s Germany remain from approximately 1000 produced.
Further easing of import restrictions by the UK Government will provide faster access to patients prescribed cannabis-based medicines — removing yet another barrier in a market expected to grow in the coming years. The use of legal cannabis-based products for medicinal use in humans (CBPMs) is expected to be worth £2.3bn by 2024.