Alchemy in pictures
In his book emerging from the Alchemy Research Project, which also produced two exhibitions, David Brafman outlines a brief history of alchemy mainly through its connections to art.
Climate conundrum
The author of this book, Ross Clark, is a professional journalist whose writings have appeared in The Times, The Daily Mail and The Spectator among other publications. In this, his fourth book, he argues that the consequences of climate change are not as dire as they are often made out to be and that adopting a more pragmatic approach could make our future situation quite manageable.
Supply chain resiliency
The past 18-24 months have seen seismic challenges to global supply chains. From a scarcity of ocean freight, a proliferation of force majeures and a blocked Suez Canal – we have often seen the ‘unprecedented’ in recent times. As a result, procurement strategies have become a growing focus for many businesses, and it is vital robust, effective, and efficient supply chains can be relied upon.
Smart clothes enhancing health and performance
Digital knitting machines and other manufacturing advances mean smart textiles are getting even smarter. One researcher has even made a remotely operated compression jacket for his dog – to provide ‘hugs’ when she’s anxious or upset. Maria Burke reports
Navigating sustainability
The European chemical industry showed remarkable resilience amid the economic turbulence and supply chain disruptions of the post-pandemic period, cushioning the impacts of global crises such as the Ukraine war and energy security issues. Yet, inevitably, growth has been impacted.
Iodine intervenes
A new cathode material developed by researchers at the University of California San Diego, US, could make solid state lithium-sulfur batteries a viable alternative to lithium-ion batteries.
Cow modified to produce human insulin in her milk
A brown Jersey cow has been genetically modified to produce human insulin in her milk. The Brazilian heifer became the first transgenic cow to make this important protein, needed by patients with diabetes. The technique relied on a virus to transfer the DNA recipe for insulin into an ordinary adult cell from a cow, a process resembling how Dolly the sheep was famously cloned in 1996.
Polyamides from sugar
Researchers from the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) in Switzerland have developed a novel method for producing polyamides using sugar derived from agricultural waste.
Sustainable "lightning" fertiliser trialled in UK
A system that simulates lightning could give farmers an on-the-spot supply of nitrate-based fertiliser using only air, water, and electricity. Its feasibility is currently being trialled in an 18-month project in the UK.