The Undark Podcast Ep. 53: ‘Mainstreaming’ Psychedelic Drugs to Treat Mental Health

In this episode, join science journalist Bradley van Paridon and podcast host Lydia Chain as they explore the neuroscience of psychedelic-assisted therapy, and what it will take to establish the treatment as acceptable and clinically proven to help conditions like depression.

The Undark Podcast Ep. 47: The Toll of the Culture of Silence in Animal Research

In this episode, join science journalist Bradley van Paridon and podcast host Lydia Chain as they investigate the tension that shrouds the culture of silence in animal research, and the emotional toll it may be taking on the scientists who fear stigmatization from the public.

Nanoparticle antivirals offer new way to fight coronaviruses but therapy is still in its infancy

The unfolding Sars-CoV-2 outbreak is laying bare the world’s need for effective antivirals. According to University of Lille chemist Sabine Szunerits, ‘we should invest in this now, knowing that viruses will be an issue in the 21st century’. With this in mind she and collaborators at the Pasteur Institute in Lille, France have, over the past few years, been developing a new approach to tackling viruses – including coronaviruses – that takes advantage of the unique properties of nanoparticles.

Bacterium forced to evolve to consume carbon dioxide to make biomass

By completely rewiring Escherichia coli metabolism this powerhouse of synthetic biology has been evolved to consume carbon dioxide.

The majority of the organisms on the planet live their lives as autotrophs. These are the plants, microbes and others that use energy, often in the form of light and carbon, to synthesise their own food. Autotrophs, therefore, play a major role in the planet’s carbon cycle, and can help humanity tackle its carbon dioxide problem.

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Chemistry at work in e-liquids is still poorly understood, worrying researchers

Studies on the chemical composition of e-cigarette liquids are raising concern that regulation is lagging behind the data.

How Diseases Sweep through the Sea

The ongoing coronavirus pandemic is a reminder of the devastation disease outbreaks can cause. But such disasters do not only affect humans. New research led by Claire Sanderson, a wildlife epidemiologist and immunologist at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, shows that disease outbreaks among marine mammals have quietly been on the rise. Between 1955 and 2018, a sixth of marine mammal species have suffered a mass die-off caused by an infectious disease.

When Litter Becomes Habitat

A team of zoologists surveying a section of the Gulf of Pozzuoli off the coast of Naples, Italy, expected to find little life and biodiversity after years of industrial activity. Instead, they were amazed by the amount of life they witnessed among the litter.

Fur Seals Face a Wormier World

On a remote island off the Chilean coast, fur seal pups are facing unanticipated repercussions of climate change—overburdened mothers and deadlier hookworm infestations.

Europe set to take flight as a leader in drone services

Harmonising regulations regarding drone manufacturing, safety and operation in the EU is a first step toward creating a true service market. The removal of uncertainty is being welcomed by members of the industry who are hopeful that these rules will set the standard for global drone aviation.