Articles
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Glycomimetic peptides as powerful anti-inflammatory treatments
Glycan (sugar)-binding lectin-type receptors on immune cells have the potential to serve as therapeutic targets. However, many of these receptors are not targeted because of a lack of suitable binding agents. Professor J Kenneth Hoober and Dr Laura L Eggink, co-founders of Susavion Biosciences, Inc, and Wild Boar Biosciences, LLC, have created peptide mimetics of glycans that show greater flexibility […]
Meditation Without Expectations™: A novel meditation program
Levels of stress and worry have increased globally in recent years. This emotional strain paired with workplace pressures can negatively affect employee wellbeing and be detrimental to an organization’s performance. Developed by Dr. Annie Weisbrod, Meditation Without Expectations™ (MWE) is an eight-week live-streaming meditation program that has been scientifically proven to positively impact employee wellbeing. By offering access to the […]