Articles
Size matters:The link between social groups and human evolution
Humans are social creatures; we live in family groups, socialise with friends, and work with colleagues. Evolutionary psychologist Robin Dunbar’s ‘social brain hypothesis’ suggests that brain size is directly related to social group size in mammals. The bigger the group, the bigger the brain. In this interview with Research Outreach, we find out how Dunbar developed his theory as well […]
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CyberHER: Bridging the gender gap in cybersecurity
The CyberHER: Bridging the Gender Gap in Cybersecurity project, led by Dr Mohammad Haseeb Zafar, director of the Cybersecurity and Information Networks Centre at Cardiff Metropolitan University, UK, colleague Dr Fiona Carroll, and Dr Sumaira Johar of the Institute of Management Sciences (IMSciences), Peshawar, Pakistan, addresses the global gender gap in cybersecurity. By promoting cybersecurity awareness for women, international collaboration, […]
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Photonic Inc: Creating relevant, scalable, and distributed quantum computing
Quantum technologies are an exciting prospect for our future and naturally interdisciplinary in solving complex questions. Dr Stephanie Simmons, Founder and Chief Quantum Officer at Photonic, is at the forefront of driving the technical vision for next-generation quantum technologies. Photonic is a leader in distributed quantum computing in silicon and designs and manufactures large-scale, distributed, and fault-tolerant quantum computers – transforming material […]
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Peatlogy in tropical peatland: A new transdisciplinary science
The Earth Anomaly – climate change, global warming, and ecological and environmental (E&E) degradation of land – presents a complex existential crisis for mankind. Based on field studies in tropical peatlands, Professor Mitsuru Osaki and his collaborators have developed an innovative transdisciplinary peatland science – Peatlogy – to address this complexity. Peatlogy in tropical peatland offers a holistic approach that […]
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Symbiotic Realism: A Transdisciplinary International Relations theory
Informed by neuroscientific findings about human predispositions and insights from the life sciences, Symbiotic Realism is predicated on the notion that the contemporary landscape of International Relations is shaped by seven novel and interdependent forces: disruptive technological advancements; the changing role, independence, threats, and capacities of non-state actors; the emergence of novel strategic domains; the rise of collective civilisational frontier […]
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Unravelling the links between substance use and binge-like eating disorders
Binge eating disorder (BED) and substance use disorders (SUD) are characterised by maladaptive responses in the reward system of the brain. Dr Mary C Olmstead at Queen’s University, Canada, and Dr Katia Befort, University of Strasbourg, France, are using rodent models to explore how a part of the reward system, called the endocannabinoid system (ECS), affects the two conditions. They hope […]
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Understanding neonatal brain injury proteinopathy: Implications for adult-onset neurodegenerative disease
Neonatal encephalopathy is damage to the brain caused by the disruption of its blood supply before and during childbirth and other reasons such as prematurity and maternal-foetal infection. It can often lead to death. Survivors can have long-term cognitive, emotional, and behavioural effects. Lee J Martin, Professor of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine and Pathology at Johns Hopkins University, USA, […]
Data-sharing for a greener future: How can JIDEP contribute?
As the global push toward sustainability moves beyond a trend to becoming necessary, we must address the inertia and challenges in securing a circular economy. JIDEP – a joint project by manufacturers, technology companies, and leading research organisations – proposes an ambitious but technically astute way to encourage companies to share valuable data. Industrial progress has long been defined by […]
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Psychotropic medications for behavioural disorders in children: Are we getting it right?
Psychotropic medications are used to treat mental health conditions by regulating the levels of certain chemicals in the brain. In children, they are often used to treat behavioural issues including attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). As one of many treatment options, psychotropic medicines should not always be the first choice for children, especially since their effects on their developing brain are […]
Lightweighting the future with aluminium crossover alloys
Before the transport sector can reduce its carbon emissions, the metal alloys used to manufacture vehicles will need to become more lightweight, while maintaining their useful properties. To tackle this challenge, the CrossAlloy team – a collaboration between AMAG Austria Metall AG and Montanuniversität Leoben, Austria – is developing aluminium crossover alloys. These alloys combine strength and formability into sustainable […]
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