Articles
Quantum molecular modelling for efficient chemical synthesis
Computer Aided Design informs the world around us, but it has taken a long time to have a significant impact on the chemical synthesis industry. Professor Martín Jaraíz at the University of Valladolid in Spain has proposed a novel approach to using a quantum mechanical tool called Density Functional Theory (DFT) in combination with microkinetic modelling to more accurately predict […]
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Legumes can help to eliminate trace element deficiency in Africa
Nutrient-poor soils in Africa is a pressing issue. As a result, many people in the African continent suffer from nutrient deficiency due to not being able to access nutritious foods. This is what makes the work of Professor Felix D. Dakora of Tshwane University of Technology so important. His pioneering research into finding foods that will enable increased nutrient consumption […]
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Targeted protein degradation: A new direction for treatment of diseases
Many illnesses are currently treated with drugs that block the action of disease-causing proteins. Often, these drugs work well initially, but over time can become toxic or less effective. A new class of therapeutics called protein degraders, including proteolysis targeting chimeras (‘PROTACs’) and molecular glues shows promise to overcome these challenges. They do so by targeting the disease-causing protein for destruction, […]
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Human learning: A story of identity and communication
Anna Sfard is a Professor Emerita at the University of Haifa, Israel. In her role as a learning scientist, she investigates relations between thinking and communication. Linking learning with the notion of identity, her work has already provided several innovative acumens including understanding how identities encompass culture in learning processes; the identification of emotions as a principal factor responsible for the […]
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Solidarity and the study of migrants and refugees
The study of 21st century migrants and refugees is leading academics to challenge historic assumptions about citizenship and nationalism. The increasing number of people taking perilous journeys across land and sea in search of better lives attracts global media coverage. Seen as “illegals” and rejected by some, they are helped by others, for example on transit routes in Europe and […]
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Understanding the impact of Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae in domestic sheep
Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae is frequently present in domestic sheep operations and is associated with negative effects on productivity and profitability. Infection of a flock with this pathogen may increase frequency of pneumonia, reduce lambing rates, and impair feed efficiency, resulting in significant financial costs. In addition, presence of this pathogen is associated with increased risk for nearby wild bighorn sheep, which […]
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Sender-controlled private email Electronic privacy with EPRIVO
Dr Csaba Andras Moritz, Founder and Chairman of BlueRISC Inc. and Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at University of Massachusetts Amherst, together with Senior Research Scientist Dr Santosh Khasanvis, Technical Director Kristopher Carver, and research staff, are addressing digital privacy issues. In particular, the team are exploring the vulnerability of communication to privacy violations, and enabling private collaborations with […]
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STEM field-to-field transitions for a better workforce
A new scheme called OPEN-NJ at Montclair State University (MSU) means more students will be able to gain interdisciplinary research skills by transitioning from Biology to Chemistry or Biochemistry subjects for graduate-level study. Students in New Jersey with an interdisciplinary education are at an advantage when entering the STEM workforce because the state is home to some biochemical industry giants. […]
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Concept mapping as a learning strategy: Impact on undergraduate biology students’ achievement, self-efficacy, and metacognition
Concept mapping is an active learning technique that involves representing connections between ideas in a diagrammatic way. Director of the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning at Morgan State University, Dr Catherine Martin-Dunlop has been carrying out research into the learning strategy to confirm whether it could be the key to improving the academic performance, self-efficacy and metacognitive skills of, […]
Electron storage and transfer in biochar materials
Biochar is receiving considerable attention because of its potential use in carbon capture, crop production, water quality control and environmental restoration. For a long time, its activity has been attributed to its adsorption properties. Recent work, however, indicates that biochar plays a much more active role in promoting abiotic and microbial transformations in water and soils, acting as a powerful […]
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