Articles
The not-so-constant presence of Dark Energy
The accelerated expansion of the universe has remained one of the greatest unsolved mysteries in physics for over a century. In his research, Dr Yoshihisa Kitazawa at the High Energy Accelerator Research Organization in Japan proposes an idea that could unify the mysterious driving force of this acceleration with the principles of quantum mechanics. If his line of reasoning is […]
Directed evolution of CRISPR-Cas9 to increase specificity
Building upon previous CRISPR research and gene editing methods found in nature, Dr Lee and colleagues from ToolGen have developed a method of screening multiple Cas9 variants. Their method seeks to quickly and effectively screen many mutations of Cas9 to find one which possesses maximised on-target activity and minimised off-target activity. After successful development and implementation of the system, Sniper-Screen, […]
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Functionality of a novel follitropin alfa pen injector: Results from human factor interactions by patients and nurses
Helen Saunders, working at Gedeon Richter/PregLem, a Hungarian/Swiss based biopharmaceutical company, has focused her research on the benefits of a novel Follitropin alfa pen injector known as Bemfola®, which uses follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), a reproductive hormone for the treatment of infertility in women and men. Bemfola® has numerous benefits that make it an exciting alternative to other more complicated treatment […]
A conceptual approach for interpreting the expanding instances of the internationalisation of education
The internationalisation of education (IE) has accelerated across the past two decades. Although there are now a range of representations and discussions of IE, lacking is a historically-informed framework to connect domains and levels of IE practices. Dr Paul Tarc from Western University argues for a conceptual approach to IE, one that includes theorising past and present enabling conditions of international education […]
Modern techniques for analysing solar activity
After studying the Sun’s activity for many centuries, astronomers are well aware that its magnetic field changes over faithfully repeating cycles. So far, however, they haven’t figured out why. Dr Yusuke Iida at Niigata University, Japan believes that new strides towards a solution to the mystery could be made by moving away from purely theoretical models. Through a combination of […]
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European Citizen Science Association: How citizen science is changing the face of research
The European Citizen Science Association was set up six years ago in the hope of engaging people and organisations across Europe to take part in citizen science projects and research, providing support, resources and a network of like-minded people. That influence has now gone global, and the association is engaging not just scientists and citizens, but NGOs and policymakers too. Scientific […]
Football data intelligence: It’s in the game
SciSports is a world-leading provider of groundbreaking football data intelligence. Their machine-learning algorithm provides actionable data to professional football organisations, football players, media and entertainment to help them stay one step ahead of the game. Here, Giels Brouwer, Founder & Chief Innovation Officer of SciSports, explains how his company originated from his love of the game Football Manager, and how […]
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Protein structure prediction with machine learning
Shuichiro Makigaki and Dr Takashi Ishida, from the Department of Computer Science at Tokyo Institute of Technology, are developing a new sequence alignment generation model that employs machine learning and dynamic programming to predict protein structures. This novel methodology can also be applied to homology detection which is fundamental to bioinformatics. A protein’s function is dictated by its three-dimensional structure. If the structure is […]
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Flowering phenology of spring ephemerals in the Appalachians
The historical records of when plant species burst into flower can highlight changes in seasonal events (phenology) that may mirror ecosystem responses to climate change. A team of four researchers, Jim Anderson (Professor of Forestry and Natural Resources at West Virginia University), Lori Petrauski (Field Ecologist for the National Ecological Observatory Network), Sheldon Owen (Extension Wildlife Specialist for the West […]
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Earthquake forecasting: Small earthquakes show when big ones are more likely
Accurate earthquake forecasting is still a major challenge for geophysicists. The sudden and intense shaking of major earthquakes can cause severe damage to infrastructure and loss of life. Dr David Rhoades and Dr Annemarie Christophersen at GNS Science in New Zealand have developed a forecasting model using the seismicity patterns of earthquake precursors. They hope to make earthquake forecasts more […]
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