EDITORS PICK
HEALTH & MEDICINE Latest
Dr Uwe Grether – Targeting the Cannabinoid CB2 Receptor for Novel Anti-inflammatory Therapeutics
On the surface of many of our cells, intriguing receptors called cannabinoid receptors reach out into their environment. The CB2 subtype of this receptor family is expressed largely on our immune cells and plays an...
The Biomedical Entrepreneurship Skills Development Program (BEEP): Educating a New Generation of Medical Innovators
Innovative, new technologies are rapidly being introduced into the medical world, as scientists and inventors continually discover solutions to all kinds of health issues. However, comprehensive education in medical product development, business process and...
Dr Richard Hayes – Bringing an End to the HIV Epidemic Through Universal Testing and Treatment
Worldwide, an estimated 38 million people are living with HIV. Many are still unaware of their status and so are not linked to care and treatment which can prevent them from passing HIV onto their partners and infants and keep them healthy. Dr Richard Hayes...
Dr Hans-Rudolf Weiss – Developing Innovative and Effective Non-surgical Therapies for Scoliosis
Scoliosis, the curving of the spine, is a relatively common condition that develops in early adolescence. Whilst there are surgical options to neutralise the curve, there is no solid evidence for its long-term impact. Dr Hans-Rudolf Weiss is an expert in...
EARTH & ENVIRONMENT Latest
Jenna Rackovan – Helping Fish Near Power Plants to Just Keep Swimming
Cleaner, greener electricity is imperative to meet the demands of a burgeoning population. Many power plants rely on vast quantities of water to cool their systems and maintain proper operation. But sucking up vast quantities of water can pose a risk for fish and other aquatic animals. Balancing the operational efficiency of power plant cooling systems with environmental protection requires a dedicated team of engineers and fisheries biologists. In their recent research, Jenna Rackovan and her colleagues at Alden Research Laboratory in Massachusetts optimise the use of travelling water screens for fish protection.
Dr Sebastian Weber – Exploring Steel Alloys for Hydrogen Storage Technology
Hydrogen fuel presents a promising route towards a carbon-free energy source for vehicles – but the technology still faces challenges relating to storage. Dr Sebastian Weber at Ruhr University Bochum, alongside collaborators Dr Gero Egels, Dr Robert Fussik and...
Dr Prajvala Kurtakoti – Simulating Circulations in Earth’s Coldest Seas
Climate models typically use mathematical equations that govern geophysical fluid dynamics to describe the behaviours of the ocean, atmosphere, sea ice and land ice. Computer simulations that use climate models are an essential tool for capturing the complex,...
Dr Alexandra (Sasha) Pavlova | Professor Paul Sunnucks – Genetic Rescue Saves Species from Extinction
Human impacts on plant and animal populations can be striking. Landscape-level transformation of pristine habitats means less room for plants and animals and the inevitable decline and extinction of many species. However, human impacts can also act on...
SCI-COMM CORNER
SciComm Corner – Can science communicators help to protect endangered species?
Over the past few decades, the pace at which animal species are becoming extinct has accelerated considerably. Estimates by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) suggest that over 16,000 animal species are now at risk, while in 2007 the red list of endangered animals included 7,851 species.
SciComm Corner – Three things to consider when communicating science to people with sensory impairments
While there have been numerous efforts to improve the quality of life of people with sensory impairments, there are still many instances in which visual or hearing impairments can limit one’s experiences. This includes the communication of information online or through other media platforms.
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PHYSICAL SCIENCE Latest
Dr Sebastian Weber – Exploring Steel Alloys for Hydrogen Storage Technology
Hydrogen fuel presents a promising route towards a carbon-free energy source for vehicles – but the technology still faces challenges relating to storage. Dr Sebastian Weber at Ruhr University Bochum, alongside collaborators Dr Gero Egels, Dr Robert Fussik and Dr Mauro Martin, studies the capabilities and limitations of specialised steel alloys for heavily stressed components in high-pressure hydrogen storage systems. Using a combination of simulations and analytical techniques, the team aims to provide a detailed picture of how the atomic-scale structures of these materials relate to their brittleness when exposed to hydrogen. Their discoveries could eventually lead to the development of new materials, which can be used as high-performing components in hydrogen storage systems.
ENGINEERING & TECH Latest
Jenna Rackovan – Helping Fish Near Power Plants to Just Keep Swimming
Cleaner, greener electricity is imperative to meet the demands of a burgeoning population. Many power plants rely on vast quantities of water to cool their systems and maintain proper operation. But sucking up vast quantities of water can pose a risk for fish and other aquatic animals. Balancing the operational efficiency of power plant cooling systems with environmental protection requires a dedicated team of engineers and fisheries biologists. In their recent research, Jenna Rackovan and her colleagues at Alden Research Laboratory in Massachusetts optimise the use of travelling water screens for fish protection.
SOCIAL SCIENCIES & HUMANITIES Latest
Professor Peter Breunig – The Significance of Nok Culture Sculptures in Nigerian Prehistory
Peter Breunig is a Professor of Archaeology at Goethe University in Frankfurt, Germany. He has spent much of his recent career conducting in-depth analyses around the Nok culture, a prehistoric society based in central Nigeria. Much of his research has focused on uncovering the mystery surrounding elaborate terracotta sculptures, made by the Nok people over 2,500 years ago. Whilst there is much speculation around their purpose, Peter Breunig and his team have identified a spatial proximity to burial sites, indicating their usage in funeral rituals.
BIOLOGY Latest
Dr Alexandra (Sasha) Pavlova | Professor Paul Sunnucks – Genetic Rescue Saves Species from Extinction
Human impacts on plant and animal populations can be striking. Landscape-level transformation of pristine habitats means less room for plants and animals and the inevitable decline and extinction of many species. However, human impacts can also act on threatened species in less obvious ways, including on their genomes. Because of shrinking populations, many plants and animals are highly inbred, tipping the scales in favour of extinction. Dr Alexandra (Sasha) Pavlova and Professor Paul Sunnucks at Monash University, Australia, are at the forefront of applied research that seeks to increase genetic diversity to help populations rebound.
Complementing Plant Breeding Programs with Biotechnology
By Dr Tom Elmo Clemente, University of Nebraska-Lincoln There are three components that impact crop harvests: the genetics of the seed sown, the environment in which the crop is grown, and the inputs employed during the growing period. For most species, the...
Dr Keerti Rathore – Bioengineered Cotton Could Help Solve World Hunger
Humans have relied on cotton’s textile fibre for nearly seven millennia. However, utilising cottonseed as food has been a long and unfulfilled goal of many plant breeders. Along with its abundant, high-quality protein, cottonseed also contains gossypol – a toxic...
Dr Y. Peng Loh – Discovery of Neurotrophic Factor-α1 Reveals New Treatment Strategies for Stress-induced Neurodegenerative Diseases and Depression
Stress produces numerous negative effects on the human body. Lying deep within the brain, one particularly sensitive area is the hippocampus, where chronic exposure to stress hormones can lead to the degeneration and death of neurons. Thankfully, the brain holds...
Dr Madeleine Beekman – Unravelling A Biological Mystery: Why We Inherit More Maternal DNA
Around 1.5 billion years ago, our single-celled ancestor had a fateful snack – it engulfed another bacterium. The engulfed organism initially lived within the other, but slowly transformed over generations to give rise to mitochondria – an important organelle...
Dr Martin Schwarz – Mapping the Brain’s Neuronal Networks to Understand Behaviour
The human brain is wonderfully complex. Billions of neuron cells connect in unique ways to create networks that determine each individual’s brain function and consequent behaviour. Given the expanse and complexity of these networks, it is not surprising that...
The Biomedical Entrepreneurship Skills Development Program (BEEP): Educating a New Generation of Medical Innovators
Innovative, new technologies are rapidly being introduced into the medical world, as scientists and inventors continually discover solutions to all kinds of health issues. However, comprehensive education in medical product development, business process and strategy is distinctly lacking for science students who aspire to become commercial medical innovators and entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurially minded professionals at the New York University Grossman School of Medicine developed, implemented, and integrated programs to train early scientists in the business side of science to accelerate the pace of commercialisation and encourage individuals to pursue venture creation and entrepreneurship to impact highly relevant healthcare solutions.
Michael Wells – Merging Different Disciplines to Create a Sustainable School Garden
Increasing the engagement of high-school students in STEM disciplines and introducing them to real-world problems are two very important goals for educators worldwide. Michael Wells, principal of Munster High School in Indiana, recently directed the...
Chelsea Morales | Shauntae M. St Clair – Aaniiih Nakoda College Offers Engaging STEM Learning Experiences
In recent years, many educators have been creating academic initiatives aimed at increasing diversity in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM). Such programs aim to reduce the barriers faced by students from communities that are typically...
Dr Terry L. Mills | Dr J. K. Haynes – Increasing the Participation of African American Male Students in STEM
Despite recent efforts aimed at increasing diversity in STEM-related fields, many communities are still largely underrepresented in these disciplines, including African American students and professionals. Not only is this unfair on individuals who may...
Dr Verónica A. Segarra – Scientific Societies Team Up to Foster a Diverse STEM Workforce
The Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) communities have a long history of exclusion and underrepresentation of women, African American, Latinx, American Indian and LGBTQIA+ students. In order for our STEM enterprise to be truly equitable, everyone...
Dr Erin Kraal | Dr Laura Guertin – Increasing Engagement in Geoscience Through Storytelling
In recent years, educators have been trying to devise programs that could increase student engagement in courses related to science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM). These programs could help to reduce drop-out rates in higher education, encouraging...
PSYCHOLOGY & NEUROSCIENCE Latest
Dr Vanessa van Ast – Understanding the Malleability of Emotional Memories
Dr Vanessa van Ast from the University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands is driving forward understanding of how and why our emotional memories change over time. As well as elucidating how our memories of specific events and emotions influence behaviour, her most recent work is unveiling the impact that different contexts may have on the storage and recall of memories.
Dr Teresa Silva – Confronting Complex Societal Issues Through Research
Dr Teresa Silva at Mid Sweden University has turned her focus from investigating individual risk factors towards understanding how society is contributing to behavioural problems and mental health issues. She is currently undertaking research in a number of...
Dr Y. Peng Loh – Discovery of Neurotrophic Factor-α1 Reveals New Treatment Strategies for Stress-induced Neurodegenerative Diseases and Depression
Stress produces numerous negative effects on the human body. Lying deep within the brain, one particularly sensitive area is the hippocampus, where chronic exposure to stress hormones can lead to the degeneration and death of neurons. Thankfully, the brain holds...
Dr Martin Schwarz – Mapping the Brain’s Neuronal Networks to Understand Behaviour
The human brain is wonderfully complex. Billions of neuron cells connect in unique ways to create networks that determine each individual’s brain function and consequent behaviour. Given the expanse and complexity of these networks, it is not surprising that...
Professor Stefan Steiner – Harnessing Data to Make Better-informed Decisions
There are many situations where large volumes of data are collected over time, and processes can be greatly improved by gleaning insights from that data. For example, hospitals and healthcare authorities collect data on patient outcomes following treatment or...
Dr. David Westaway – Misfolding of Brain Proteins Triggering Neurodegenerative Diseases
Our DNA codes for proteins that are essential for the normal structure and function of our cells, tissues and organs. These proteins are folded in specific ways to facilitate these functions, but in disease states, this folding can go wrong. Dr. David Westaway...
ASTRONOMY & PLANETARY SCIENCE Latest
Dr Jekan Thanga – Designing Spacecraft to Explore Extreme Environments Within the Solar System
In the next few decades, upcoming technological advances will offer unprecedented opportunities to explore the solar system – both with autonomous robots, and through manned missions. Dr Jekan Thanga and the Space and Terrestrial Robotic Exploration (SpaceTREx) Laboratory at University of Arizona are at the forefront of efforts to design miniature spacecraft that will allow us to reach these distant worlds, and navigate their rugged, unfamiliar terrains. In the future, his team’s research could pave the way for the establishment of long-term, off-world human settlements, and the discovery of life in extreme, yet potentially habitable environments.
The Australian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society
The Australian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society (AMOS) is an independent learned society representing over 500 atmospheric and oceanographic scientists. Its vision is to advance the scientific understanding of the atmosphere, oceans and climate...
The African Astronomical Society
Launched in 2019, the African Astronomical Society (AfAS) is a diverse and inclusive Pan-African society of professional and amateur astronomers, which aims to create a globally competitive astronomy community in Africa. The mission of AfAS is to be the...
Dr I-Ming Chou – Building Containers for Extreme Geological Fluids
Earth’s crust plays host to many different fluids, which are often pressurised and heated to extreme degrees by the geological processes taking place around them. Harnessing his previous experience at the US Geological Survey, Dr I-Ming Chou at the...
Dr Edward Schwieterman – Developing a Guidebook to Search for Life Beyond Earth
Are we alone in the universe? Searching for life beyond our Solar System is one of the most ambitious efforts humans have ever undertaken. Because we do not have the ability to travel to distant exoplanets, scientists must rely on indirect clues that...
Dr Giovanni Fazio – The Spitzer Space Telescope: Exploring the Infrared Universe
From 2003 until 2020, NASA’s Spitzer Space Telescope provided an unprecedented view of our universe in infrared. One of the most important instruments aboard the telescope was the Infrared Array Camera (IRAC), which was designed and operated by a team...
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Scientia Issue #140
This exciting new edition of Scientia celebrates scientists who are driving discovery in Earth science, astronomy, and related disciplines.
Scientia Issue #139
SHAPING THE FUTURE OF HEALTH AND HEALTHCARE This important issue of Scientia takes an exciting look into the future of health and healthcare delivery across the world. For more than a year, COVID-19 has dominated almost every aspect of our lives,...
Scientia Issue #138
EXCITING INNOVATIONS IN PHYSICAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY In this inspiring new edition of Scientia, we are delighted to feature some of the most ground-breaking research findings and innovations across the diverse fields of chemistry, materials...
Scientia Issue #137
CHARTING NEW FRONTIERS IN PSYCHOLOGICAL AND BRAIN SCIENCES This riveting and thought-provoking issue of Scientia showcases the work of scientists charting new frontiers in psychological and brain sciences. The brain is, by far, the most complex...
Scientia Issue #136
RECENT ADVANCES IN CONFRONTING THE CHALLENGE OF CANCER This special issue of Scientia is dedicated to the scientists working to confront cancer, one of the biggest challenges facing medical science in the 21st century. According to the World Health...
Scientia Issue #135
CULTIVATING A STRONG STEM COMMUNITY THROUGH INNOVATIVE EDUCATION Scientists, engineers, medical professionals and statisticians are all at the forefront of our battle against SARS-CoV-2. As a result, the fields of science, technology, engineering...
Scientia Issue #134
CULTIVATING SUSTAINABLE FOOD SECURITY & BIODIVERSITY While the world’s attention is focused on eradicating COVID-19, we must not forget that unsustainable farming practices and the ensuing biodiversity declines were leading factors in the...
Scientia Issue #133
TRANSFORMING GLOBAL HEALTH THROUGH SCIENTIFIC DISCOVERY As 2020 draws to a close and we look towards 2021, the importance of innovation and progress in science, medicine and healthcare has never felt more urgent or critical. Without doubt,...
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