German China
Serendipity: Professor John McGeehan and colleagues inadvertently engineered an enzyme better at degrading plastic than the enzyme which evolved in nature. (Stefan Venter)
UK: Degradation of Plastic

UK Scientists Engineer Plastic-Eating Enzyme

Scientists at the University of Portsmouth have engineered an enzyme which can digest some of our most commonly polluting plastics. The discovery could result in a recycling solution for millions of tonnes of plastic bottles, made of polyethylene terephthalate, or PET, which currently persists for hundreds of years in the environment.

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A discovery by Scripps Research scientists may offer insight into treating blood disorders such as sickle cell anemia. (The Scripps Research Institute)
USA: Sickle Cell Diseases

How Blood Cells Keep Their Shape

In a new study, Velia Fowler, PhD, and her lab at The Scripps Research Institute report that a protein called myosin IIA contracts to give red blood cells their distinctive shape. The findings, published this week in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, could shed light on sickle cell diseases and other disorders where red blood cells are deformed.

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A 3D printed self-healing gripper holding a strawberry. (Vrije Universiteit Brussel)
Switzerland: Robotics

Soft Robots: Grippers with a Sensitive Touch

Over the next three years, researchers from various European institutes will be working together with the Dutch Polymer manufacturer Supra Polix on the next generation of robots: (soft) robots that ‘feel pain’ and heal themselves. The partners can count on three million Euro in support from the European Commission.

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CFD simulation for reaction engineering (© nordroden / Fotolia.com)

How to Benefit from CFD Simulation

CFD Simulation in Chemical Reaction Engineering — The goal of reaction engineering is to optimize transport processes (heat transfer, mass transfer and mixing) in order to improve yield/conversion of desired products whilst ensuring the safe operation of the reactor. CFD simulation can help maximizing yield while minimizing costs.

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