Dr Nicholas Gascoigne | Harnessing the Immune System to Tackle Cancer
In a ground-breaking stride toward accessible cancer treatments, a revolutionary method for preparing immune cells has emerged. Dr Nicholas Gascoigne from the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine at the National University of Singapore has helped develop an innovative approach involving T-cells, which holds the promise of transforming the landscape of cancer therapy, potentially making it more widely available and more effective.
Dr Kenneth Poeppelmeier | Treasuring Trash: Chemical Advances in Upcycling Single-Use Plastics
The proliferation of single-use plastics, particularly polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), presents a significant environmental challenge. Of the 300-400 million tons of plastic produced annually, up to 80% is discarded, often ending up in landfills or polluting our oceans. This not only creates severe environmental hazards but also represents a massive waste of chemical energy, equivalent to approximately 3.5 billion barrels of oil yearly. In response to this challenge, Dr Kenneth Poeppelmeier of Northwestern University and his team are pioneering an innovative approach to upcycle these plastics using catalytic hydrogenolysis.
Dr Cassandra DiRienzo – Dr Jayoti Das | The Role of Female Political Representation in Mitigating Arms Risk
Approximately one billion small arms and light weapons (SALW) – rifles, pistols, and light machine guns – are circulating across the globe. Many of these are in the ‘wrong hands’, meaning that they are in the possession of criminals, terrorists, or extremists. Dr Cassandra DiRienzo and Dr Jayoti Das argue that greater female political representation has both a direct and an indirect effect on arms risk, or the risk that SALW fall into the ‘wrong hands’. This vital work reveals how women in politics can, directly and indirectly, reduce the dangers posed by SALW, offering hope in the fight against the devastating consequences of these weapons.
Dr David Feinstein – Donna Eden | How Energy Psychology Can Transform Our Lives
David Feinstein, PhD, and Donna Eden are well-known and highly respected authors and practitioners in the field of energy healing. Their latest book, Tapping: Self-Healing with the Transformative Power of Energy Psychology, provides a comprehensive but accessible account of how we can all benefit from acupuncture tapping in our lives, from dealing more effectively with everyday worries to overcoming the challenges of deep-rooted trauma.
Professor Irene Díaz-Moreno – Professor Miguel A. De la Rosa | The Diverse Interactome of Cytochrome c: Beyond Respiration
All living things are comprised of cells, and to function, most of them use oxygen to break down food molecules to obtain chemical energy, a process known as cell respiration. Critical to this is the macromolecule cytochrome c, but this redox haemoprotein also boasts a diverse set of functions beyond respiration. Professor Irene Díaz-Moreno and Professor Miguel A. De la Rosa, both leading members of cicCartuja’s Biointeractomics Research Group at the University of Seville, are using cutting-edge investigational tools to study the full ‘interactome’ of this multifunctional molecule.
Scientia Issue #149 | Scientific Strategies for People and Planet
This issue of Scientia showcases the researchers making innovative advances in improving the health and well-being of people across the globe, as well as those dedicated to ensuring the health and sustainability of our planet. From advances in the Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences and Education & Training to Business, Economics & Finance and Engineering & Computer Science, we gain fascinating insights into how research drives a better and fairer world.
In Earth & Environmental Sciences, we present the latest developments in navigating the complex challenges of climate change. In Medical & Health Sciences, we update on efforts to confront the challenge of cancer and how diet can promote human longevity. Spotlight on SciComm Corner is a new section highlighting recent and interesting posts from Scientia’s webpages, sharing science communication advice and opinions from the Scientia team and guest bloggers.
Scientia Issue #148 | New Horizons in Research and Discovery
In our continued mission of connecting science and society, this issue of Scientia showcases some of the most exciting advances and achievements in understanding and confronting global challenges. Disease, poverty, war, inequality, and climate change are just some of the key concerns this issue’s featured researchers address.
We showcase research and discovery across fields spanning the Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences, Earth & Environmental Sciences, Life Sciences & Biology, Physical Sciences & Mathematics, Medical & Health Sciences, and Psychology & Neuroscience. Collectively, the articles presented across these themed sections provide a powerful reminder that we can change our world for the better. And that by opening new horizons across diverse research fields and disciplines, we can drive a brighter future for all.
Scientia Issue #147 | Driving Positive Change Through Research and Innovation
This inspiring issue celebrates the work of researchers who are driving positive change for the future across diverse disciplines.
The Earth and Environment section highlights important conservation and climate modelling developments. In Physical Science, Engineering and Technology, we focus on collaboration and education, and in Psychology and Neuroscience, we concentrate on child and adolescent mental health. Our Health and Medicine section presents several key advances in clinical research and our Article of the Year, A Quest for Zero Heart Attacks, which features the incredible work of Professor Gemma Figtree.
Finally, our stimulating social sciences and humanities section provides serious food for thought on topics ranging from economics and capitalism to insights into the history of science journalism.
Lisa Smith – Timothy Frankenberger | Building Resilience in Ethiopia’s Drylands: Evaluating Programme Impacts
Developing countries face increasingly destructive crises, including climate, economic, political and health shocks. To improve quality of life and encourage further international development, it is imperative to improve resilience in communities. In recent research, Lisa Smith and Timothy Frankenberger at TANGO International evaluated a programme which aimed to increase resilience among pastoralists and agro-pastoralists in the drylands of Ethiopia. Their discussion includes important recommendations for the design of future programmes.
Dr Susan Kennedy | Understanding Substance Abuse in College Students
Substance abuse in college students is a particular concern. Dr Susan Kennedy, Department of Psychology at Denison University in Ohio, USA, recently led a collaboration with colleagues from the Ohio State University and Kenyon College to explore alcohol and drug use in college students. More specifically, Dr Kennedy and the team wanted to identify at-risk groups and promote student well-being.
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Open access vs Public access the case for democratic outreach in academic communication
While the move towards open access and its benefit to the wider scientific community is laudable, it comes at a cost—a cost, like most publishing costs in academia, that is ultimately funded by the general public. In 2023, approximately 45% of academic papers were published as open access. This figure represents a continuation of the growth trend seen in open access publishing over the past decade. This figure is based on all OA models: fully open access (gold), green (self-archived), bronze (free to read without a clear license), and hybrid models. Approximately $2.25 billion of public funds were spent to make those academic papers open access.
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