USA Archives

What can Occam’s razor principle tell us about theories of dark matter?

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Professor Oks compares the dark matter theory, based on the second flavour of hydrogen atoms, with other theories.

Today, physicists have devised dozens of theories to explain the nature of dark matter. So far, however, not one of them has gained concrete proof through experiments. To narrow these theories down, Professor Eugene Oks at Auburn University, USA, advocates applying an important philosophical concept, which is often used when considering complex problems with many candidate solutions. Using Occam’s razor, […]

Exiguobacterium degradation of polystyrene: Enlisting bacteria in the war against plastic

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Dr André Hudson and his team uncover the mechanism by which the bacteria genus Exiguobacterium degrades polystyrene.

Polystyrene is a chemically stable recalcitrant plastic that pollutes many natural environments. Unfortunately, few mechanisms can break down this man-made polymer into its naturally occurring components. Research into the polystyrene-digesting capabilities of the bacteria genus Exiguobacterium sp RIT 594 by Dr André Hudson and his team at the Rochester Institute of Technology in New York, USA, has uncovered the specific […]

How electrons and phonons promote heat transfer in material systems

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Chris Perez’s research focuses on thermal energy transport in novel materials and nanostructures using an interdisciplinary approach at the intersection of material science, optics, and electron microscopy to understand and tune thermal properties. He aims to conceive strategies for thermal sensing and control key components to realise an additional degree of freedom for materials integration.

Miniaturisation is one of the key features of current and future technologies for information processing and control. However, the ability to reduce the size of an electronic component is limited by a decrease in electrical conductivity and an increase in thermal energy dissipation as the device approaches the nano-scale regime. By studying the electronic and vibrational characteristics of high-purity iridium […]

Making organic chemistry fun, meaningful, and accessible

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Using relevant day-to-day examples and applications, Dr Irosha Nawarathne aims to make organic chemistry meaningful and accessible.

Many undergraduate students perceive organic chemistry modules as make-or-break courses in their university career. They often resort to rote memorisation, which not only alienates them but prevents them understanding the discipline in depth. Social and economic factors may also be significant barriers in the study of this fundamental subject. With examples drawn from her extensive teaching experience, Dr Irosha N […]

Microbiomes – the key to a healthier planet?

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Andrew Bartlow and colleagues are researching the importance of microbiomes to animal and human health.

Microbiomes are communities of microorganisms living on or in animals, helping to keep them healthy. Changes in the composition of microbiomes could make wildlife more vulnerable to diseases which may be zoonotic – transmissible to humans – so monitoring them could help us to predict outbreaks of disease and protect global health. Dr Andrew Bartlow and colleagues at the Los […]

FAME – the green revolution of conventional biodiesel

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Dylan Karis researches the potential for non-fuel uses for conventional biodiesel.

The global shift away from petrochemical production towards bio-based solutions has given a boost to conventional biodiesel producers. However, they’re facing a challenger ‘from the inside’ – renewable biodiesel. Undaunted, a team of chemists and engineers from Airable Research Lab in the USA, led by Dr Dylan Karis, has revealed that conventional biodiesel – or fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) […]

Unlocking iodine’s true potential

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Despite it being a cornerstone antibacterial application in hospitals, ‘iodine’ is often used with reservations about staining and toxicity. Such reservations have historical roots founded on unfortunate misconceptions that also mask the remarkable properties of an iodine solution’s active agent – molecular iodine. Dr Jack Kessler, Douglas C Spitz, and colleagues at I2Pure, USA, have demonstrated that molecular iodine is […]

Do bees farm microbes? Rethinking what it is to be a bee

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A bee on a purple flower. Dr Dharampal and Dr Steffan study bee–microbe symbioses.

Bees have not been eating what we thought they were. The work of Dr Prarthana Dharampal and Dr Shawn Steffan, University of Wisconsin, USA, shows bees are not strict vegetarians requiring just pollen and nectar for food. Larval bee health is also reliant on eating the microbes that are feeding on the pollen supplies. The bee larvae are further up […]

Pushing boundaries: Peter McLaren on the importance of critical pedagogy inside and outside the classroom

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An interview with Peter McLaren on how critical pedagogy has evolved and where he sees this social movement and philosophy progressing.

Peter McLaren is Distinguished Professor in Critical Studies and Co-Director and International Ambassador for Global Ethics and Social Justice of the Paulo Freire Democratic Project at Chapman University in the USA. Regarded as one of the leading architects of critical pedagogy, McLaren re-envisions the philosophy of Freire in the context of contemporary issues, including the struggle of the LGBTQ community, […]

SecurePortIV^®: The cyanoacrylate adhesive providing a new gold standard for all vascular access care

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Dr Sheng Zhang has developed SecurePortIV, a [ioneering cather-securement and catherter-insertion site sealing adhesive that could help reduce the incidence of failed catheter insertion and associated complications such as bacteria infection or rejection.

Around two billion peripheral intravenous catheters are inserted each year globally. However, a large percentage of these lead to complications, such as infections or becoming dislodged, requiring replacement in order for therapy to continue. Dr Sheng Zhang at Adhezion Biomedical, USA, has been involved in developing an adhesive, SecurePortIV®, which secures intravenous catheters by holding them in place and sealing […]