Climate costs for craft beer and coffee snobs
Many farmers are facing a challenging future as climate change reshapes the agricultural landscape. Now, a new study has found that rising temperatures and more droughts are driving down the yield of European hops, which give beer its distinctive taste and aroma.
Yeast linked to Alzheimer’s
A US group has shown how a yeast can access the brain and set up an infection that is linked to the subsequent development of Alzheimer’s disease. The yeast, Candida albicans, is commonly found in the human gut.
Wearables track Parkinson’s better
Scientists have shown that a combination of digital wearables and machine learning can detect subtle movement changes in Parkinson’s patients better than standard rating scales. The findings could help clinicians better track the progression of the disease.
Solar energy to grow 32%
Global solar energy capacity is forecast to grow by 32% in 2023, compared with 2022, according to consultant Wood Mackenzie. In its latest report: Global solar PV market outlook update, this growth is being driven by the strong policy support, attractive pricing and technology’s modular nature.
Pharma fortunes
The CPHI Pharma Index – a collateralised metric of all small molecule categories – reported its second highest ever total, just 2.5% down on the 2022 all-time high. This result highlights the medium-term trajectory of the industry and the underlying strength of market fundamentals. The Index was released in full at CPHI Barcelona in October 2023.
Artificial Intelligence: the dark side
Fears that AI may be misused to discover and design new chemical and biological weapons appear to be well founded, Katrina Megget reports. But how do we minimise the risks while harnessing the technology to make better drugs and other benign chemicals faster and with lower environmental impact?
Global Cancer Challenge
A new international scientific partnership has been agreed between the UK, the US and France, designed to fund the drive of cancer research. France’s Institut National Du Cancer (INCa) is providing funding to help researchers tackle cancer’s toughest challenges through the global Cancer Grand Challenge initiative.
Recycling value for batteries
The challenge to recover high-value components from EV batteries at the end of their life is a focus for research groups and organisations around the world. Now, researchers at the University of Birmingham, UK, have developed a new approach for recycling high-value battery cathodes in a less energy-intensive way.
Microwave spots honey fraud
Researchers have developed a microwave sensor that can detect water added to honey by unscrupulous producers. They say its simple design, compact size and low cost offers potential for food quality analysis.
The nanozyme that detects then disappears
A greener nanozyme, made from organic compounds and designed to break down easily, can detect the herbicide glyphosate without leaving toxic residues.