Articles
In the wake of catastrophe Japanese media after the Fukushima nuclear disaster
The Fukushima nuclear disaster in 2011 saw a clamour among the Japanese media calling for the phase-out of nuclear power plants. In his research, Professor Katsuyuki Hidaka at Ritsumeikan University looks at the discussions around denuclearisation since the catastrophe, and how they reveal tensions within Japan’s social narrative. On 11 March 2011, an earthquake measuring 9.0 on the Richter scale […]
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A valid and reliable clinical outcome measure for patellofemoral instability
Patellofemoral instability can be an extremely debilitating and painful condition. Recognising that the previous outcome measures used to assess patients after treatment were not ideal for patellofemoral instability, Dr Laurie Hiemstra, based at Banff Sport Medicine in Alberta, Canada, designed a new assessment questionnaire specifically for these patients. After testing and researching an initial version, the research team completed further […]
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pKa prediction from ab initio calculations
Most drugs, along with many other metabolically active compounds, behave in water solution as weak acids or bases. Their function and therapeutic activity are linked to their ability to exchange hydrogen ions with other molecules in physiological conditions. Professor Paul Popelier and Dr Beth Caine at the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology have developed a powerful and accurate method to predict the acid/base […]
Probing surface morphology with virtual plasmonic dimers
Nanoparticles exhibit electronic and optical properties that may significantly differ from those of bulk materials or small molecules. By exploiting the optical generation of plasmon dimers of nanoparticles in the vicinity of semiconducting surfaces, Dr Ingo Barke from the University of Rostock, Germany and his collaborators are proposing a new class of ultrasensitive sensors to probe the morphology of surfaces […]
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Controlling UAV networks in uncertain environments
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) look set to play an increasingly important part in our everyday lives in the coming years, but the technology faces a unique set of challenges before it can become fully integrated into our infrastructures. In her research, Dr Yan Wan at the University of Texas in Arlington considers how these challenges can be addressed; paying particular attention […]
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New photosensitisers for photodynamic therapy
Light plays an important role in the fight against cancer. Phototherapies, that work by shining light at the cancerous tumours, are effective treatments for some malignant cancers. However, for photodynamic therapy to destroy only cancerous cells, photosensitisers have to be used before surgery, so the light is mostly absorbed by the tumour, not the healthy tissue. Professor Hideya Yuasa at the Tokyo Institute of Technology has […]
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Oral rehearsal: Teaching English as a foreign language in Japan
Teaching second languages is big business, and the biggest second language of all is English. Language teaching methods have come a long way in the last century, and in Japan Associate Professor Mutsuko Nagasaki (English Education Centre, Ehime University) has been looking into how ‘oral rehearsal’ at home might supplement classroom learning and improve second language communication and ability in […]
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Whole-body MRI more efficient than multiple scans at assessing spread of cancer
For most patients, a cancer diagnosis means some tough times ahead. Standard assessments to determine the best treatment can be time-consuming, adding to the patient’s stress and anxiety. Professor Stuart Taylor, based at the University College London Hospital, wants to see a more widespread use of whole-body MRI scans in cancer patients. He proposes this as a faster and cheaper […]
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Crisis management techniques transform adolescent behaviour
Adolescence is a transitional period following childhood, during which we begin to comprehend what it means to be an adult. Heartbreakingly, children growing up in highly stressful, violent and abusive circumstances can be left behind at this stage. They often develop coping strategies that do not prepare them well for adolescence and which can lead to three serious crises: suicide, aggression […]
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Core outcome set for infant gastroesophageal reflux disease
The research of Dr Merit Tabbers, Amsterdam UMC, The Netherlands, focuses on functional gastrointestinal disorders, home parenteral nutrition and evidence-based clinical guideline development. In particular, she has been involved in the analysis and development of consensus definitions, research recommendations and specified outcome measures to guide clinical trials, thus improving quality of care for infant gastroesophageal reflux disease. Gastroesophageal reflux is […]
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