Articles
Exploring Mars in search for life before it is too late
In the next few decades, space agencies are hopeful that humanity may take its first steps on Martian soil. Yet according to Alberto Fairén at the Astrobiology Centre in Madrid, Spain, these missions could have disastrous consequences for our ability to study any life which may be present on Mars. Through his research, Fairén proposes a ‘New Deal’ for Mars […]
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Predictive Analytics in the world of big data with application for targeting decisions
Predictive Analytics (PA) models are an increasingly important method for predicting future events in big data applications based on past observations for which the response values are known. One of the most popular applications is targeting decisions, which is commonly used in many domains, such as marketing and banking. The leading prediction models still belong to the realm of regression. […]
From T-patterns to T-strings to T-societies: What makes humans unique?
Over half a century ago, Professor Magnus S Magnusson, now at the Human Behavior Laboratory of the University of Iceland, set out to define what separates humans from all other animal species. By detecting and analysing interaction patterns of behaviour from the nanoscale to human scales, he discovered T-societies in both proteins and humans. This breakthrough led to the realisation […]
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The plasma physics of grapes in the microwave
Ever wondered why sparks fly when you microwave two closely spaced grapes? While this simple way of generating a spectacular plasma has intrigued the general public, there has also been a long-running debate about exactly what physics is involved in the process. Dr Kwo Ray Chu and his team at National Taiwan University have recently unraveled the physics behind it. […]
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Controlling Salmonella in the poultry gut: Diversity is key
When microorganisms that interact in a specific environment suppress the growth of pathogens, researchers call this ‘pathogen exclusion’. Salmonella is found in poultry intestines and can harm both the birds and humans. To control Salmonella growth, a balance between microorganisms that colonise the poultry gut is necessary. This involves complex interactions between microbes that we don’t yet fully understand. Dr Margie […]
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Water, water everywhere, not a drop to drink: Political stagnation and water fragility in South Africa’s Free State
After 30 years of post-Apartheid single-party rule, corruption and ineffective governance are widespread in South Africa. In the Free State Province, the situation with respect to water and sanitation provision is so dire that it amounts to a human rights crisis. Reinstating water rights and addressing Free State water fragility will require a paradigm shift in the political landscape, not […]
How to get out of the debt trap? Navigating the global financial turmoil
Global economies faced a precarious cycle of recovery pre-pandemic, marked by currency imbalances and interest rate cuts, resulting in a staggering 300 trillion USD global debt burden. Urgent reform of the international monetary system is necessary to address escalating geopolitical crises and economic vulnerabilities, requiring coordinated efforts and a shift towards inclusive and resilient frameworks. Renowned French experts Jean-François Serval, […]
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Manijeh Razeghi: The curious life of communication physics
Professor Manijeh Razeghi of Northwestern University, USA, is a pioneer in the world of semiconductors and optoelectronic devices. She was central to the optical fibre telecommunication revolution in the 1980s and 1990s – an integral part of the subsequent information age. In this interview with Research Outreach, Razeghi reveals why she is just as passionate and curious now as when […]
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The National Physical Laboratory: Driving innovation with new quantum standards
In today’s world, establishing global standards for quantum is paramount. The National Physical Laboratory (NPL), alongside several partners, have launched the Quantum Standards Network Pilot, focusing on quantum in industry, new quantum technologies, and skills and training opportunities for the future. Rhys Lewis, head of Quantum Programmes at NPL, discusses aligning quantum advancements with industry standards and collaborations across sectors, […]
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A special bond: How equine-assisted services helps families impacted by domestic abuse
For millennia, humans and horses have enjoyed a special relationship. Recent research shows that working with horses can improve human mental health and wellbeing. Professor Ann Hemingway is part of a multidisciplinary team that has demonstrated that equine-assisted services can improve outcomes for families impacted by domestic abuse and mitigate the conditions that fuel it, and believes that the benefits […]