Photodetectors to detect long wavelength infrared (LWIR) are highly sought after for applications in earth science and astronomy, remote sensing, night vision, optical communication, and thermal and medical imaging. Read the article in C&I magazine.
Adding a portion of mushrooms to the diet increased intake of important micronutrients, including vitamin D, a new study has shown (Food Sci. Nutrition, doi: 10.1002/fsn3.2120 ). Read the article in C&I magazine.
A testosterone-containing nasal spray has been tested as an anxiety medication in women by scientists in the US. The spray would be the first testosterone therapy licensed to treat anxiety disorders, say researchers at the University of Texas, Austin. The Austin group is preparing to publish results from two studies on the effect of the testosterone spray on women. Read more in C&I Magazine.
Battery scientists have described a selfheating battery that quickly reaches 60°C and is rapidly charged and discharged. The battery, based on lithium iron phosphate (LFP), could boast a range of 250 miles and be charged in 10 minutes.
A dab of chilli spice boosts the amount of energy solar cells can harvest from sunlight. The compound capsaicin, which puts the heat into chilli peppers, allowed the surface of a perovskite solar cell to reach an efficiency of 21.88% (Joule, doi: 10.1016/j.joule.2020.12.009).
Hydrogen sulfide – responsible for rotten egg odours – appears to protect brains from a key protein abnormality seen in Alzheimer’s disease, at least in mice.
A two-pronged antibiotic strategy has shown promise against difficult-to-treat bacteria. Researchers at The Wistar Institute in Philadelphia targeted an enzyme IspH used by bacteria to make isoprenoids, essential for cell walls and energy production
Microfluidic technologies are rapidly becoming the method of choice for micro- and nanoparticle production across a number of sectors, from cell biology research to drug development. This approach offers a number of advantages over traditional batch methods, including precise process control, enhanced reliability, and the ability to easily scale up production. Read more in C&I Magazine.
Chemicals major Ineos has donated £100m to the University of Oxford to establish a new antimicrobials research facility in the city – claimed to be ‘one of the largest ever donations to a UK university’. Read more in C&I Magazine.
All the latest mergers and acquisitions, major projects and investments throughout the chemical industry for February 2021.