Articles
Cryo-electron tomography and synaptic transmission in the brain
The transmission of information between brain cells is regulated by complex loops of biochemical processes. Neurotransmitter molecules are released in the intercellular space by an electrically stimulated neuron and bind to receptors in a different neuron, thus establishing a connection between these cells. By combining cryo-electron microscopy and tomography of vitrified brain samples, Dr Vladan Lučić at Max Planck Institute […]
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Bunker jails: Providing application level firewall protection for Bank IT infrastructure security
The increase in cyber-attacks on leading financial institutions highlights the need for secure Bank IT infrastructures. Dr Alin-Adrian Anton and Dr Razvan-Dorel Cioarga, Lecturers at the Department of Computer and Information Technology, Politehnica University of Timisoara in Romania, have developed Bunker jails that provide application level firewall protection for Bank IT infrastructure security. Bunkers operate as prison level firewalls, enabling […]
Religiosity, crime and drug use among juvenile offenders
Sung Joon Jang is Research Professor of Criminology and Co-director of the Program on Prosocial Behavior at the Institute for Studies of Religion at Baylor University. His research focuses on the effects of religion on criminal offending and desistance and the rehabilitative effects of faith-based programmes on prisoners. Here, we take a closer look at Dr Jang’s research, which demonstrates […]
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xAI-EWS — an explainable AI model predicting acute critical illness
Early clinical predictions of acute critical illness have a vital influence on patient outcomes. For clinical medicine to benefit from the higher predictive power of Artificial Intelligence, however, explainable and transparent systems are essential. Simon Meyer Lauritsen and his collaborators at Enversion, Aarhus University, and Regional Hospital Horsens in Denmark have developed xAI-EWS – an explainable AI early warning score […]
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Consciousness and Quantum Mechanics wherein Planck’s constant becomes a variable
In his new book Generalized Lagrangian Approach and Behavior of Living Systems Professor Uziel Sandler, from the Jerusalem College of Technology, takes the reader on a journey from the conception of Quantum Mechanics through the development and application of a new extended Quantum Mechanics. An unexpected finding led him to a natural extension of the Hamiltonian Action and makes describing […]
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Thickeners: The evidence for their appropriate use in dysphagia management
Swallowing difficulties, known as dysphagia, can impact a patient’s nutritional status, as well as their quality of life. If not managed correctly, dysphagia can lead to serious complications. Speech and language therapists are central to managing dysphagia and they often recommend the use of thickeners in fluids and foods to reduce the risk of aspiration pneumonia. Thickeners are also used […]
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Capturing three-dimensional cell structure with X-ray tomography
Seeing cells is no easy task. Most cells are smaller than a tenth of the size of a human hair, making them impossible to see by eye. Optical microscopes, with the help of cell-staining to colour cells, can help us peer into the invisible world of cells. However, they only show us a 2D image of a very thin slice […]
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Could cool sensations from the eyelids and eye surface boost brain power?
Our brains work best when the temperature around us is between 18 and 22oC. Any hotter than this, and productivity, motivation and short-term memory all begin to suffer. In exciting new work, Professor Edward Wei identified a group of molecules called cryosims, which can create a cooling effect without reducing body temperature. As well as treating conditions like dry eye […]
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That’s disgusting! How primates decide what not to eat
All animals need to find a way to avoid contact with pathogens when they are eating. For primates, Dr Cécile Sarabian, based at Kyoto University Primate Research Institute in Japan, shows that many species either avoid food contaminated with faeces or thoroughly handle the food, trying to clean it before eating. For the researcher, this is proof that this behaviour […]
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Controlling hydrate crystallisation for block-free pipes
Hydrate formation is a major problem in the oil & gas industry, leading to blocked pipes and increased costs. Hydrates are crystals formed by ‘trapped’ gas in water, under specific temperature and pressure conditions. Using surfactants can inhibit and control hydrate formation, but this research area is still young. Professor Liat Rosenfeld from San José State University sheds light on […]
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