Articles
In-situ monitoring of microbial circuitry
Microbial metabolisms are valuable tools in industrial biotechnology. The ability to monitor and measure the productivity of microbes is essential, but many standard techniques are limited by issues of labour- and time-intensity. With funding from the Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office, Office of Science, and Environmental Management Program as well as the Department of Defense’s Defense Threat Reduction agency. Dr Charles (Chuck) […]
The materials making potassium-ion batteries possible
You are probably familiar with lithium-ion batteries that can be found everywhere from inside our mobile phones to electric cars. However, lithium’s larger brother potassium may soon find its way into the batteries that power our everyday lives. Dr Titus Masese at the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology in Osaka, Japan, has been developing new materials for electrodes to help […]
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Akatsuki: Pioneering the planetary meteorology of Venus
Venus may be the closest known planet to Earth in both size and distance from the Sun, but the atmosphere of our nearest neighbour is so thick that much of its dynamics remain shrouded in mystery. Professor Takehiko Satoh at the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) is exploring the Venusian atmosphere. His research utilises the orbiting probe, Akatsuki. Named after […]
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Going with the flow: Water quality and community health in Costa Rica
Water quality is one of the most pressing issues facing the world, with solutions to combat poor water quality remaining elusive. This is what makes the work of Dr Shahady and fellow researchers at the University of Lynchburg and the University of Georgia Costa Rica so important. Their pioneering work in promoting community engagement with a macroinvertebrate index to ensure […]
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The acidic brine lakes of Chile: A surprising microbial community
The Andean salt flats of Chile are well known for their vast natural beauty. Interspersed within their white salt-crusts, small lakes, springs and creeks can be found alongside the unique microbial communities that inhabit them. Drs Cecilia Demergasso and Guillermo Chong along with a multidisciplinary research team from the Universidad Católica del Norte of Chile, are currently investigating the […]
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EuroScience: Supporting scientists across Europe to work together for a brighter European future
EuroScience is a non-profit grassroots organisation that believes that science is an essential part of Europe’s cultural heritage and that it forms the basis for the continued health and prosperity of the continent and its citizens. By supporting European scientists at all levels of their career and promoting research and development, since 1997, the organisation has been enhancing the contribution of […]
The role of social capital in the health development of children
Social capital refers to networks and ties, which deliver support, information and trust for the members. Being part of such a network is your social capital, which in turn can improve health and wellbeing. Andreas Klocke and Sven Stadtmüller from Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences investigated the impact of social capital on the health of children in their developmental process. Researchers […]
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Machine metaphors: Ethical and philosophical challenges in synthetic biology
The emerging field of synthetic biology faces a growing need for conceptual clarification and ethical deliberation. Dr Joachim Boldt from the University of Freiburg has analysed the use of machine metaphors in describing biological systems, and how language affects the approaches we have towards synthetic biology research. In addition to oversimplifying biological systems, machine metaphors can create new biosafety risks and […]
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Sustainable water purification using biomass
Nanoscale cellulose materials obtained from the chemical treatment of biomass are very effective agents for the removal of toxic species from water, including heavy metal ions. Professor Benjamin S. Hsiao and his collaborators at Stony Brook University have developed a simple, inexpensive and environmentally friendly approach to preparing nanostructured cellulose for water purification, based on a nitro-oxidation reaction carried out […]
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Iridescent: Disrupting the classroom for the better
The education system has struggled to keep up with the constant evolution of technology. Iridescent, a global non-profit organisation, is revolutionising education by providing programmes that empower underserved children through technology and engineering. With a special focus on underrepresented young girls, Iridescent challenges the negative myths surrounding AI and uses technology to inspire children to become innovators. Research Outreach spoke […]
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