Fish is a high-quality source of protein, containing omega-3 fatty acids and many other beneficial nutrients. However, the accumulation of toxic mercury also makes fish consumption a concern, of which tuna is particularly susceptible. Researchers from Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden have come up with a novel approach to packaging canned tuna infused in the water-based solution of amino acid cysteine. It was shown to remove up to 35 percent of the accumulated mercury in canned tuna, significantly reducing human exposure to mercury via food.

Scientists have created a new low-cost, fast response sensor to detect lung cancer biomarkers, paving the way for the development of screening devices to spot the disease even before symptoms occur. Similar in design to glucose monitoring devices, the sensor provides results from a blood sample in just 40 minutes. The technology has the potential to be used by clinicians to both identify patients at higher risk of lung cancer, and tailor treatments for those already diagnosed in a ‘precision medicine’ approach.

In the three-year research project, Mahdi Arabnejad a former PhD student at Cranfield University, Sam Tothill, Professor of Bio-Nano Sensors, and Dr Iva Chianella, Senior Lecturer in Bio-sensors and Functional Polymers, developed the sensors to screen for two proteins in a blood sample and demonstrated the concept in a lab environment.

The study focused on developing highly sensitive sensors for two key lung cancer biomarkers: neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). The sensors were tested with buffer and human samples, and achieved clinically relevant detection limits for both NSE and CEA.

The results indicate the technology has significant promise as a valuable tool in the early and accurate detection of lung cancer.

Impacts of climate change on African mountain communities are more severe than we thought. Farmers report alarming shifts in weather patterns, including rising temperatures, altered rainfall, and more extreme climate events such as droughts and floods. These changes have disrupted agricultural practices, leading to reduced crop yields and food insecurity. The study, based on data from eight African countries, emphasizes the need for tailored solutions that consider local environmental, social, and political contexts, especially in conflict-affected areas. Immediate action and global support are crucial to help the communities in these biodiversity hotspots to adapt and protect their livelihoods.

Epoxy resins are coatings and adhesives used in a broad range of familiar applications, such as construction, engineering and manufacturing. However, they often present a challenge to recycle or dispose of responsibly. For the first time, a team of researchers, including those from the University of Tokyo, developed a method to efficiently reclaim materials from a range of epoxy products for reuse by using a novel solid catalyst.

A multimillion-pound research project, called SustaPack, aims to overcome manufacturing challenges for the next generation of sustainable, paper-based packaging for liquids. Backed by a £1 million grant from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) as part of UKRI’s co-investing programme, packaging technology company Pulpex Ltd has joined forces with the University of Surrey to refine its manufacturing processes to provide a viable solution to plastic pollution. 

Researchers at Incheon National University have developed an innovative method to improve next-generation wireless networks. Their approach ensures faster, more reliable connections by simplifying how large amounts of signal data are managed and using artificial intelligence to predict and correct errors. The findings promise significant benefits for high-speed travel, satellite communication, and disaster response applications.