Connecting Science and Society

Although often described simply as the cell’s powerhouse, mitochondria began life as bacteria and still carry many bacterial traits. Dr George Stefano, Visiting Professor at Charles University, Prague, explores whether mitochondria should be seen not only as symbiotic partners but also as the most successful chronic infection in history. He highlights how this perspective sheds light on human resilience, viral tolerance, and long-term health. By reframing mitochondria in this way, Dr Stefano and colleagues invite a broader conversation about ageing, disease, and the fine balance between host and microbe that continues to shape human biology today.

Brewers worldwide rely on accurate yeast cell counts and viability determinations to achieve consistent, high-quality, tasty fermentations. To ensure the perfect pint every time, precise measurements are crucial, as inaccurate estimates can lead to unwanted variations in beer flavour and production. Determining the correct amount of live yeast needed to start fermentation, known as the ‘yeast pitch’, is vital. Research from Dr Matthew T. Cottrell revealed the main sources of variability in these measurements, aiming to empower brewers with more reliable data and a predictable brew.

In 2016, a team of three researchers based at Stanford University —Beatriz Magaloni, Vanessa Melo, and Gustavo Robles— conducted a groundbreaking experiment in Rocinha, Rio de Janeiro’s largest favela (informal settlement), to test whether body-worn cameras (BWC) could reduce police violence and improve community relations.
The findings reveal that body cameras hold great promise, but they also come with serious challenges. Before the experiment started, one police unit commander ominously told the researchers: “If you give body cameras to my officers, this will stop them from doing their job.”

Personality and social psychology researchers must consider a number of ethical factors when conducting research involving marginalised populations. These considerations may differ depending on whether the researcher belongs to the community they are researching or not. Dr Hannah Snidman from Marymount University sought to explore the experiences of researchers who work with underrepresented groups. Her work provides insights into current concerns and best practice recommendations when conducting research with marginalised populations.

Dr Carolina Montero Orphanopoulos contends that contemporary Catholic moral theology has become mired in combative debates around personal health choices and sexuality, losing sight of broader ethical challenges. She proposes a radical renewal through three key categories for progress: vulnerability, corporality, and recognition. Drawing on Pope Francis’s vision of ‘theology in exit’ (the Church actively engaging with the world), she argues for a public-facing moral framework that addresses 21st-century crises such as climate change, artificial intelligence, and political fragmentation, while remaining grounded in traditional Catholic values.

Histology is the science dealing with the structure and analysis of cells and their formation into tissues and organs. The profession is responsible for the preparation of all pathological tissue samples removed and collected from the human body for the microscopic detection of tissue abnormalities for disease diagnosis and treatment. Despite advances in immunohistochemistry, molecular diagnostics, and digital pathology, the US Clinical Laboratory Improvements Amendments (CLIA) regulations from 1988 have not evolved to reflect histology’s scientific demands, including performing complex diagnostic tasks essential to patient care. Elizabeth Chlipala from Premier Laboratory (LLC), Longmont, Colorado and colleagues argue for a national certification requirement and regulatory oversight for histologists. Citing current problems including quality issues, workforce shortages, and the need for standardized practices, these experts argue that recognizing histologists under CLIA would elevate the profession, ensure competency, and improve patient outcomes, challenging the current position of the College of American Pathologists.

Dr Masumi Kamiyama, Associate Professor at Jumonji University, Saitama, Japan, leads research into the early detection and prevention of diabetic nephropathy, which is kidney damage caused from long-term high blood sugar that makes it harder for the kidneys to filter waste, and can potentially lead to kidney failure. Dr Kamiyama and colleagues are exploring the role of a protein called angiotensinogen (AGT) as an early biomarker of kidney damage. The team studies the potential of plant-based antioxidants, called isoflavones, to slow or halt kidney damage from highly reactive molecules, such as oxygen free radicals. Ongoing research by Professor Han Lamers (University of Oslo) and Professor Bettina Reitz-Joosse (University of Groningen) reveals how Fascist Italy weaponized ancient Rome’s language to legitimise its power and connect Mussolini’s regime to Italy’s imperial past. Their projects involve collaboration with an international team of mostly junior researchers based in Norway, the Netherlands, Austria, and Italy.

It’s difficult to communicate with someone when neither of you speak the same language; apps and online tools like Google Translate can help to bridge the gap, but they hardly make for a natural conversation. However, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has opened the door for the development of speech-to-speech technology, where spoken language is translated instantly in real time. To bring this idea closer to reality, a collaboration of European researchers led by Professor Cristell Maneux at the University of Bordeaux have proposed concepts for a 3D artificial neural network accelerator. This ultra-compact, highly efficient design could enable the construction of standalone earpieces capable of translating spoken language instantly, with no need for internet access.
Ongoing research by Professor Han Lamers (University of Oslo) and Professor Bettina Reitz-Joosse (University of Groningen) reveals how Fascist Italy weaponized ancient Rome’s language to legitimise its power and connect Mussolini’s regime to Italy’s imperial past. Their projects involve collaboration with an international team of mostly junior researchers based in Norway, the Netherlands, Austria, and Italy.

When wandering through Italian cities today, visitors will encounter Latin inscriptions on all manner of buildings and monuments. While many date back to ancient Rome, the Middle Ages, or the Renaissance, others were created during Benito Mussolini’s Fascist regime (1922–1943). These Latin texts weren’t merely decorative — they were deliberately crafted political tools that helped forge connections between Fascist Italy and ancient Rome, embedding the regime’s ideology into the very fabric of Italian society.

Ongoing research by Professor Han Lamers (University of Oslo) and Professor Bettina Reitz-Joosse (University of Groningen) reveals how Fascist Italy weaponized ancient Rome’s language to legitimise its power and connect Mussolini’s regime to Italy’s imperial past. Their projects involve collaboration with an international team of mostly junior researchers based in Norway, the Netherlands, Austria, and Italy.

In today’s competitive airline industry, providing personalised services to passengers is becoming increasingly important for customer satisfaction and business success. Gopal Ranganathan from Quad Optima Analytics has developed an innovative artificial intelligence system to help airline executives implement and govern personalisation programmes. This cutting-edge technology aims to increase profits by tailoring services to individual customers while maintaining sound revenue management principles.