Microcins: Small antimicrobial proteins that could tackle big diseases
An antimicrobial that hits cholera bacteria has been discovered by researchers in Texas, US. Called a microcin, this is a type of small antimicrobial protein – less than 10kDa – secreted by Gram-negative bacteria. Only a handful have been described, almost all from gut bacteria.
Booming market for sulfone polymers
Mega trends that will continue to drive sulfone polymer consumption include, but are not limited to, a sustained and increased penetration of sulfone polymers in aircraft and automobiles, supported by ongoing efforts in reducing weight to improve fuel efficiency and meet CO2 emission standards.
Precision medicines get funding boost
Innovate UK and the Office for Life Sciences (OLS) are investing £4m in six projects in order to advance precision medicines. The OLS funding is part of the Life Sciences Vision Cancer Mission, designed to support the development and commercialisation of a new generation of cancer diagnostics and medicines.
Decline in UK animal research continues
The number of UK scientific procedures involving living animals carried out in 2023 was the lowest since 2001 (2.68m) continuing the downward trend over the past decade, according to the Home Office (Annual statistics of scientific procedures on living animals, Great Britain 2023).
The unexpected impacts of noise pollution
Living with traffic noise could increase the risks of infertility, particularly in women, a new Danish study has found. It also found an association between small particulates in air pollution and a higher risk of infertility in men.
Upturn for EU chemicals?
The EU27 chemicals sector started to show a slight upturn after Q2 2023, a trend that has continued in 2024 with a steady but small improvement. According to the latest figures from the European Chemical Industry Council (Cefic), chemical production in the EU27 increased for the fourth consecutive quarter since Q2 2023, which Cefic believes was the sector’s ‘ultimate low’.
CCUS: Carbon capture and hydrogen projects in line for billions in funding
The UK Government has confirmed up to £21.7bn in funding over 25 years for carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) and hydrogen projects.
BASF sets out it new strategy
BASF has set out a new corporate direction - including dividing its businesses into ‘core’ and ‘standalone’ units. The company’s CEO Markus Kamieth said: ‘We are convinced that BASF is at a turning point.’
Applied chemistry
Read the latest applied chemistry highlights for October 2024 by Nigel P Freestone | University of Northampton, UK.