In the quest to design the next generation of materials for modern devices – ones that are lightweight, flexible and excellent at dissipating heat – a team of researchers led by the University of Massachusetts Amherst made a discovery: imperfection has its upsides.

Scientists from Heriot-Watt University have secured new funding to investigate the thermodynamic behaviour of typical carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) fluids. This research is critical for the safe and efficient processing, transportation, and storage of these fluids. Jointly funded by TotalEnergies and Equinor, the new research project builds on Heriot-Watt University’s long-standing expertise in CCUS research. 

The two-year project aims to improve thermodynamic models to predict the phase behaviour of CO2 rich mixtures, specifically focusing on volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as the impurities.  The project outcomes will be pivotal in establishing optimum operational conditions throughout the CCUS chain as well as environmental compliance and proper CO2 storage. 

Scientists at the Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI), Kanazawa University and colleagues have developed a promising new approach to cancer treatment. By using tiny, naturally occurring particles called extracellular vesicles (EVs), they have created a way to boost the body’s immune system to fight tumors more effectively. This breakthrough could lead to more targeted cancer therapies with fewer side effects.