Issue 136
Issue 135
Issue 134
Issue 133
Issue 132
Issue 131
Issue 130
Issue 129
Issue 128
Issue 127
Issue 126
Fine-tuning Polymers as Flexible Antenna Substrates for Aircraft
The pursuit to design more lightweight aircraft that can travel over greater distances never ceases. One area that has received much attention is the development of lighter and more aerodynamic antennas. Researchers at the NASA Glenn Research Center are at the forefront of this effort. The research team, which includes Jessica Cashman, Baochau Nguyen, Haiquan Guo, Marcos Pantoja, Kevin Cavicchi, and Mary Ann Meador, is designing flexible polymer materials that can be used to construct lightweight, low-drag antennas that lie along the surface of an aircraft.
Dr Mark Westhusin – A Bright Future for Transgenic Livestock
Advancements in genetic technologies have made precise gene editing a reality. Used extensively to develop crops that exhibit higher yields and resistance to pests and diseases, genetic modification could also transform livestock production. Building on decades of animal cloning research, Dr Mark Westhusin from the Reproductive Sciences Laboratory at Texas A&M University is using genetic and reproductive technologies to improve livestock for food, medicine, and medical research.
Dr Li-Qing Jiang – Mapping the Impact of Carbon Emissions on the Oceans
The climate crisis and the chemistry of the oceans are inextricably connected. The oceans have absorbed close to a third of our carbon dioxide emissions since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, leading to an increasingly acidic environment and making it more difficult for organisms such as corals, molluscs, and plankton to form their shells and skeletons. Mapping future changes in ocean chemistry is the first step in developing mitigation strategies. However, our knowledge of the future state of the oceans relies on mathematical models that are often not calibrated with modern ship-based observations. Dr Li-Qing Jiang of the University of Maryland and his collaborators are improving ocean acidification predictions by coupling millions of past and present ocean chemistry measurements with the best model projections at each location of the global ocean.
Dr Peter Kevan | Charlotte Coates – Exploring Micrometeorology in Plant Stems and Flowers
As complex living organisms, plants can often display intricate interactions with the air inside and around them. So far, however, many characteristics of these processes have gone largely unexplored. In their research, Charlotte Coates and Dr Peter Kevan at the University of Guelph combine field surveys with advanced imaging technologies to study the ‘micrometeorology’ that takes place in and around the stems and flowers of many plants. Their discoveries are shedding new light on how these plants grow and reproduce, and how some species are providing ideal habitats for ecologically damaging insects.
Dr Israel Liberzon – Unravelling the Neural Networks Underpinning Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a prevalent psychiatric condition, significantly impacting the lives of millions of people globally. Sadly, symptoms often persist despite treatment. A better understanding of the brain abnormalities involved in PTSD is crucial to improving therapy development. Dr Israel Liberzon and his colleagues at the Texas A&M Health Sciences Centre have been working to uncover the dysfunctional neural networks that contribute to PTSD symptoms to inform the development of more effective interventions.
Scientia Issue #136
In this critical issue of Scientia, we showcase the work of scientists confronting the global challenge of cancer. Read the latest research on causes, risk factors, diagnosis and treatment that is revolutionising patient care.
Scientia Issue #135
Building a robust STEM community is dependent upon innovative and inclusive education, from primary school to university and beyond. Therefore, this issue showcases an inspiring collection of projects, each seeking to enhance STEM education worldwide.
Scientia Issue #134
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 emergence of this devastating disease. To prevent future pandemics, we must now find new ways to feed the human population while also protecting and restoring Earth’s biodiversity. Such sustainable agricultural methods have a range of other positive impacts, including climate change mitigation, improved animal welfare, and reduced social inequality.
Dr Li-Qing Jiang – Mapping the Impact of Carbon Emissions on the Oceans
The climate crisis and the chemistry of the oceans are inextricably connected. The oceans have absorbed close to a third of our carbon dioxide emissions since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, leading to an increasingly acidic environment and making it more difficult for organisms such as corals, molluscs, and plankton to form their shells and skeletons. Mapping future changes in ocean chemistry is the first step in developing mitigation strategies. However, our knowledge of the future state of the oceans relies on mathematical models that are often not calibrated with modern ship-based observations. Dr Li-Qing Jiang of the University of Maryland and his collaborators are improving ocean acidification predictions by coupling millions of past and present ocean chemistry measurements with the best model projections at each location of the global ocean.
Professor Maria Ngu-Schwemlein – Developing Mercury Immobilisers and Antibiotic Enhancers
The rise of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria and the ubiquitous nature of mercury in the environment are two major health hazards and concerns faced today. Professor Maria Ngu-Schwemlein and her team from the Winston-Salem State University, USA, are addressing these issues by developing biomolecules that can bind and immobilise toxic mercury ions more effectively. Together with Professor Ngu-Schwemlein’s collaborators, the team is also investigating carbon nanodots as molecular scaffolds to enhance antibiotics in combating antimicrobial resistance.
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SciComm Corner – How Virtual and Augmented Reality Could Aid Science Communication
Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) are immersive technologies that allow users to experience media content in more engaging ways, as if it was playing out in their immediate surroundings. This is achieved through the use of smart headsets, glasses, and other wearable devices with LCD or OLED screens integrated in them, such as Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, Playstation VR, and Microsoft HoloLens.
A new program devised by @FloridaState & @GeorgiaStateU experts trains #science #teachers in designing & delivering engaging #STEM lessons. Learn more about this #NSFfunded initiative here: https://youtu.be/MhKa7-3O9r4
@NSF #STEMeducation #STEMed @FSU_TeacherEd @gsucehd @lsifsu
Dr Sara Blaine @AuburnU is driving forward understanding of factors associated with the development and recovery #alcohol use disorders. Learn how this vital work is informing needed innovation in intervention and treatment: https://youtu.be/mtb45vHIFPk
#addiction #scicomm @NIAAAnews
Nice @scientia_social feature on research out of @tamuvetmed -- whoop! https://twitter.com/scientia_social/status/1390312782680182784
#Scientists @TAMU use #genetic #technology to improve #livestock, towards achieving #FoodSecurity & advancing medicine. In one project, they developed #goats that produce a #malaria #vaccine in their milk. Read more:
https://www.scientia.global/dr-mark-westhusin-a-bright-future-for-transgenic-livestock/
@txextension @TAMUScience #SciComm
#CRISPR #GenoneEditing offers huge benefits in #healthcare & #agriculture, but the #technology is not yet fully precise. #Scientists @USC #simulate the mechanisms involved in #GeneEditing, to find ways to improve its precision. Read more:
https://www.scientia.global/wp-content/uploads/Rosa-Di-Felice.pdf
#SciComm #science
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