Researchers have developed a new type of water purifier that mimics the way mangrove trees remove salt from salt water. This study not only offers a better understanding of the plants’ plumbing system, it could also lead to creating new desalination technologies. An engineering feat that has long baffled scientists is how mangroves survive their environments … Continue reading Water purifier inspired by mangrove trees can remove salt from water
From trash to treasure: Scientists to turn food waste into “high-value products” for new markets like cosmetics and packaging
Scientists from the University of Adelaide in Australia are leading an $11 million research consortium aimed at converting food waste into “high-value products” for markets like cosmetics and packaging. The Research Consortium Program for Agricultural Product Development is a joint research effort from the South Australian government, academic institutions and various stakeholders from the agriculture and food sector industries. The researchers … Continue reading From trash to treasure: Scientists to turn food waste into “high-value products” for new markets like cosmetics and packaging
New blood filtering system claims to use magnetic nanoparticles to remove pathogens
Researchers designed a new blood filtration system that uses magnetic nanoparticles to remove pathogens and cancer cells from the blood. Called MediSieve, the system works by connecting a patient to the same machine used for hemodialysis. As blood passes through the machine, magnetic particles selectively bind to harmful molecules present in the blood. The researchers are currently testing the technology on malaria, … Continue reading New blood filtering system claims to use magnetic nanoparticles to remove pathogens
EPA approves release of GMO mosquitoes in the Florida Keys despite safety concerns
Britain-based biotech company Oxitec has received approval from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to release genetically modified (GM) mosquitoes in the Florida Keys this spring. The firm claims that the technology is safe and effective at eradicating dengue fever and other mosquito-borne diseases in the area – a claim that scientists and residents dispute. Oxitec, which is U.S.-owned but U.K.-based, says … Continue reading EPA approves release of GMO mosquitoes in the Florida Keys despite safety concerns
Breakthrough (and scary) technology allows scientists to collect DNA from the air
A breakthrough technology allows scientists to obtain DNA samples from the air. The new technology collects environmental DNA (eDNA) shed by animals and humans for identification. Previously used to study fish, animals and invasive species, eDNA now shows promise in fields such as infectious disease epidemiology and forensics. Prior to the study, eDNA had been … Continue reading Breakthrough (and scary) technology allows scientists to collect DNA from the air
Scientists develop an electrochemical process that removes toxic mercury from contaminated water
Researchers from the Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden developed a method that can remove nearly 100 percent of toxic mercury from contaminated water. In a study published in the journal Nature Communications, the researchers said that the electrochemical process works by encouraging mercury ions to form an alloy with another metal. This effectively draws the heavy metal out of the … Continue reading Scientists develop an electrochemical process that removes toxic mercury from contaminated water
Researchers develop incredible new material from silver tungstate that has antifungal and antitumor properties
An international team of researchers has developed a new material from silver tungstate that can eliminate fungi and protect against cancer. In a study published in the journal Science Advances, the researchers exposed silver tungstate to radiation and found that doing so increased the material’s antifungal and anticancer properties. Irradiated silver tungstate is anti-fungal, anti-cancer Silver tungstate is an inorganic compound that … Continue reading Researchers develop incredible new material from silver tungstate that has antifungal and antitumor properties
Researchers look to nanopores for new water treatment methods
For a while now, scientists have been looking into the use of nanomaterials as a way to clean water. The idea is that nanofilters made from these materials would be able to remove even the smallest impurities and contaminants in water. In a recent study published in The Journal of Physical Chemistry, a team led by researchers at the Massachusetts Institute … Continue reading Researchers look to nanopores for new water treatment methods
How does the immune system know which microorganisms to attack? Turns out, it’s similar to speed dating
Researchers from the University of Freiburg have found evidence to suggest that the immune system could distinguish between self and non-self molecules through interacting with them. This team, led by biologists Wolfgang Schamel and Wilfried Weber, provided data that supported a hypothesis scientists have long held concerning how T cells differentiate between pathogens and the body’s cells. One … Continue reading How does the immune system know which microorganisms to attack? Turns out, it’s similar to speed dating
Single-use no more: Plastic bottles can be upcycled to more durable materials
Single-use plastics cause plastic pollution, a problem that affects rivers, lakes, and oceans. To address this concern, researchers from the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) developed a recycling process that turns various materials made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) into other useful products that will last longer. NREL’s research was published in the journal Joule. What is polyethylene terephthalate (PET)? Polyethylene terephthalate … Continue reading Single-use no more: Plastic bottles can be upcycled to more durable materials
Dr. Eddy Bettermann MD 