bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic mechanisms of pigment accumulation in carrot colours
Authors: Simon Philipp 
Published: July 2023

Genetic mechanisms of pigment accumulation in carrot colours
We hear from Philipp Simon, from the USDA, Agricultural Research Service & University of Wisconsin, Madison, about how a kaleidoscope of colors reveals new genetic mechanisms of pigment accumulation in carrot colors. Most consumers in the Western world today are only familiar with orange carrots, and while orange is the color of most carrots grown globally today, red carrots are widely grown in Asia. Furthermore, the predominant color of carrots was not always orange. In fact, yellow and purple were the original colors of carrots in Central Asia (especially Afghanistan) over 1,000 years ago, where carrots were likely first widely grown as a root crop. But since cultivated carrots were domesticated from wild carrots, let’s start with the history of carrot colors with wild carrots, often called Queen Anne’s Lace. Wild carrots occur widely around the world today as a weed growing along roadsides and in vacant lots, and they have white roots, which are edible and taste like carrots, albeit often with a strong carrot flavor. There is no written history documenting the development of the first yellow and purple cultivated carrots, but we deduce that the first domesticators of carrots likely first foraged local wild carrots growing in the countryside of Central Asia, went back to gather seed from more palatable wild populations, and started cultivating that seed where they eventually found that some of those early cultivated carrots were yellow and purple. Beyond the unrecorded very early domestication history of carrot, written (albeit scant) historical records document yellow and purple carrots in Afghanistan, then Iran and northern Arabia in the 10th century. Carrots were then reported in Syria and Anatolia in the 11th century, north Africa and Spain in the 12th century, Italy in the 13th century, and northern Europe in the 14th century. Early carrots were also carried by traders east of Central Asia to China by the 13th century. With their introduction to Asia, red carrots were developed, becoming a prominent color of Asian carrots.
Industrial organization: understanding the mechanisms of market structures
Authors: Legros Patrick 
Published: July 2023

Industrial organization: understanding the mechanisms of market structures
Patrick Legros, Professor of Econonmics at Université libre de Bruxelles, explores how Industrial Organization can help understand the positive and normative consequences of different market structures through three main topics: The OIO approach and reverse causality, market power enhancement: regulation and divestitures, and market power and the quiet life. He begins by analysing when and why do mergers or divestitures happen, and the degrees of integration varying within and across industries, even when controlling for exogenous differences. Professor Legros also looks to how can we explain the heterogeneity in performance among seemingly identical firms. Overall, he demonstrates that fringe firms can co-exist with powerful firms and that concentration increases with the market size, suggesting a demand-side driver of recent trends that profit margins and market concentration increase in many industries. Noting that stable oligopolies may lead to a market price that is inferior to the price in a perfectly competitive structure.
Future technology: Multi-purpose plasmas with microwaves
Authors: Moisan Michel 
Published: July 2023

Future technology: Multi-purpose plasmas with microwaves
Professor Michel Moisan and his team at Université de Montréal (UdeM) explore reliable, energy-efficient and multi-purpose plasmas with microwaves for research and technology. The ability to generate ionized gases (gaseous plasmas) under required operating conditions (shape and volume of the plasma, nature of the gas (including various mixtures), and pressure) is central to many aspects of science and industry. In that respect, of particular interest are low-temperature plasmas where the electrons have high energy while the ions remain slightly above room temperature, allowing, among other things, low-energy chemistry. To achieve reproducible and low-contaminated (electrodeless) gaseous discharges, it is better to call on a high-frequency (HF) electric field: it initially accelerates a few electrons that are randomly present in the gas, which then go on to strip the outer electrons of atoms in a source gas, creating an ‘avalanche’ process, which culminates in a stationary fluid of electrons and ions – a plasma.
Recording and decoding neural signals from the vagus nerve
Authors: Durand Dominique M 
Published: July 2023

Recording and decoding neural signals from the vagus nerve
Dominique M Durand, distinguished Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland Ohio, USA, discusses the study of neural signals from the vagus nerve. The vagus nerve is a critical component of the autonomic nervous system, providing sensory input to the brain and controlling the internal organs through its parasympathetic outputs. Autonomic dysfunction has been associated with various chronic diseases such as epilepsy, diabetes, hypertension, and cancer. Vagus-nerve stimulation has been successful in treating many diseases, particularly epilepsy, even though the mechanisms underlying its effectiveness are not well understood. In particular interest is the fact that vagal afferent fibers innervate all the body’s organs and carry information about the health and status of these organs. The majority of vagal afferent fibers come from the gut, and abnormal vagal activity has been implicated in eating and metabolic disorders. Therefore, the ability to record and interpret the vagal signals could provide critical insights into the pathophysiology of various diseases and offer potential therapeutic targets.
IC2PERMED: Fostering collaboration between Europe and China to enhance personalised medicine
Authors: Ricciardi Walter 
Published: July 2023

IC2PERMED: Fostering collaboration between Europe and Chine to enhance personalised medicine
Tailoring care to meet patients’ needs can dramatically improve clinical outcomes; we hear how the IC2PerMed project is bolstering efforts in personalised medicine. Over the past twenty years, personalised medicine (PM) has shown the potential to transform healthcare by tailoring prevention, diagnosis, and therapies to meet individuals’ needs. PM uses genotypic, phenotypic, and environmental data to adapt healthcare interventions, resulting in improved health outcomes.(1) It also aims to improve the efficacy of medications and therapeutic strategies by moving away from the ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach. ‘Integrating China in the International Consortium for Personalised Medicine’ (IC2PerMed) is a coordination and support action of the International Consortium for Personalised Medicine (ICPerMed) funded by EU Horizon 2020. The initiative aims to foster common approaches between the People’s Republic of China and the EU on PM research, development, innovation, and policies, therefore promoting long-term EU-China research collaboration. (2)
Bringing history to the surface: How do historical investigations affect the ways we view out history?
Authors: Gijanto Liza 
Published: July 2023

Bringing history to the surface: How do historical investigations affect the ways we view out history?
Associate Professor of Anthropology, Dr Liza Gijanto, outlines how archaeological and historical investigations are vital in revealing important insights into society’s past. As a historical archaeologist, my research is collaborative and interdisciplinary by necessity. I have partnered with chemists, geologists, historians and architectural historians. I have worked with museum professionals and government officials in the United States and The Gambia. And while research was my main focus as a graduate student to complete a Master’s and ultimately PhD, the most important aspect of all projects I have worked on during that time and since is the public benefit that can arise from archaeological research, particularly from projects that involve a range of professionals and stakeholders. The field of historical anthropology is in a privileged, though often uncomfortable, position that addresses many of the inequities in the present.
Photodynamic Therapy: Killing cancer gently with visible light
Authors: Potasek Mary , Beeson Karl , Parilov Evgueni 
Published: July 2023

Photodynamic Therapy: Killing cancer gently with visible light
Drs. Mary Potasek, Evgueni Parilov, and Karl Beeson, who are all co-founders of Simphotek, Inc have been using a novel therapeutic modality known as Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) to treat cancer, with far fewer side effects than traditional radiation x-ray methods. By using near-infrared or “gentle” visible light, this PDT does not cause nausea as chemotherapy does, does not damage ordinary tissue as x-ray radiation does, nor does it require removing or damaging parts of the body as surgery does. Simphotek has been supported by the United States National Institute of Health (NIH) to create such a simulation research tool for solid cancers and it’s called Dosie™. Dosie is the first comprehensive tool to simulate the PDT process including the light transport, drug, and molecular oxygen interactions to create the cytotoxic agent, singlet oxygen, which kills cancer. The goal is to treat a tumor’s greatest volume with the least exposure to the major blood vessels or other sensitive areas, which the researchers hope that this clinical trial will bring them one step closer to their aim of treating patients as safely and effectively as possible.
Gamified eco-driving to motivate safe and sustainable driving
Authors: Seecharan Turuna 
Published: July 2023

Gamified eco-driving to motivate safe and sustainable driving
With young drivers at the greatest risk of accidents on the road, eco-driving could offer a solution that promotes safer driving techniques while reducing the environmental impact. Young drivers are a high-risk group on the roads due to their lack of experience and risk-taking behaviour. Eco-driving has emerged as an effective solution that helps young drivers reduce their carbon footprint and drive more safely and responsibly. Gamification can be effective in promoting eco-driving habits in young drivers, making the learning process more engaging and enjoyable.
The Fish-X project: Supporting EU small-scale fisheries going digital
Authors:   Fish-X Consortium
Published: July 2023

The Fish-X project: Supporting EU small-scale fisheries going digital
The implementation of innovative data management and data collection tools will help support the sustainable development of EU fisheries; learn how the Fish-X project will support this digital transition of small-scale fisheries. The Farm-to-Fork Strategy and the Common Fisheries Policy, aligned with the European Green Deal, aim to ensure sustainable and healthy fisheries. Within these frameworks, advancing digitalisation can enable more sustainable management. Small-scale fisheries (SSF) play a crucial role in the EU fisheries sector, accounting for approx. 75% of the active fishing vessels and approx. 48% of employment (Lopes, 2022). Implementing digital tools designed for SSF holds the promise of tackling some of the most pressing challenges. Hence, data obtained from SSF vessels through digital tools like electronic logbooks and vessel monitoring systems can enhance safety at sea, improve compliance, promote sustainable and transparent practices, as well as increase visibility and economic returns for fishers.
Maximising energy efficiency with electric motors
Authors: Dutta Rukmi 
Published: July 2023

Maximising energy efficiency with electric motors
Rukmi Dutta from the University of New South Wales discusses the mechanisms and efficiency potential of electric motor systems, looking at how electric motors work, efficiency and losses and improving overall system efficiency for electric motors. Increased industrial activities in developing economies like India, China, and many others will push the use of motors even further. Electrical motors are the powerhouse of the industrial world, she explains, discussing efficiently converting electrical energy into mechanical power. Many critical sectors use electrical motors, including industrial, commercial, residential, agricultural and transport. The worldwide growth of electrical motor-driven systems is predicted to double by 2040. Overall, UNSW Sydney’s Electrical Machines and Drive Systems research team is at the forefront and contributes to developing novel, highly efficient motors and drives suitable for many applications.
First international meeting towards eliminating paralysis after aortic aneurysm surgery
Authors: Awad Hamdy 
Published: July 2023

First international meeting towards eliminating paralysis after aortic aneurysm surgery
Professor Hamdy Awad, MD, FASA, from the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, examines the dangers of aortic aneurysm surgery and the importance of continued research towards eliminating paralysis. Aortic aneurysmal disease is a rapidly growing problem in the United States. Ruptured aortic aneurysm is the 12th leading cause of death in the U.S. with 43,000–47,000 deaths per year (1). Risk factors associated with aneurysmal disease include old age, smoking, male sex, and a family history of aortic aneurysm. Aortic aneurysms inevitably rupture due to their thin and weakened walls, resulting in massive internal bleeding, which is usually fatal. This necessitates timely surgical intervention.
Recent advancements in artificial blood technology
Authors: Doctor Allan 
Published: July 2023

Recent advancements in artificial blood technology
Professor Allan Doctor from the University of Maryland School of Medicine shares promising developments regarding the creation of safe and effective artificial blood products. Haemorrhage accounts for approximately 35% of civilian and approximately 90% of military potentially survivable in-field deaths. However, logistic challenges (blood typing, donor availability and cold chain) limit blood deployment in resource-limited and austere environments. As such, a ‘universal donor’, shelf-stable, portable whole blood analogue (WBA) could transform care in both civilian and military settings.
Ovarian cancer research: Examining ovarian function and dysfunction
Authors: Richards JoAnne S 
Published: July 2023

Ovarian cancer research: Examining ovarian function and dysfunction
Ovarian cancer is largely a misnomer because the cells giving rise to malignant tissue are not derived from either follicular or luteal cells. Instead, ovarian cancer cells evolve from ovarian surface epithelial cells (OSEs) that cover the surface of the ovary and fallopian tube and separate these tissues from the abdominal peritoneal cavity. Unlike other cancers that metastasize through the vascular system, ovarian cancer cells detach from the ovarian surface, disseminate and grow in the peritoneal cavity. What are the causes of ovarian cancer? The answers to this question are complex. There is not just one, but many underlying factors. However, the most common cause that initiates cancer involves mutations in specific genes, such as tumor protein 53 (TP53), BRAC1/2, KRAS, PTEN, that lead to abnormal cell proliferation and evasion of cell death. Many of these genes are involved in DNA repair, essential for maintaining normal gene expression; others are involved in metabolic/ growth regulatory pathways.
Development of a new gene therapy drug as a treatment for hypophosphatasia
Authors: Miyake Koichi 
Published: July 2023

Development of a new gene therapy drug as a treatment for hypophosphatasia
The current primary treatment for hypophosphatasia is enzyme replacement therapy however the development of a new gene therapy drug, ARU-2801, may change the landscape forever. Hypophosphatasia (HPP) is a rare bone disease caused by mutations in the ALPL gene, which encodes tissue- nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (TNALP). Symptoms range from mild to severe depending on the patient and are classified into six types according to the age of onset: perinatal lethal form, perinatal benign form, infantile form, childhood form, adult form, and odontohypophosphatasia. If untreated, almost all patients with the perinatal lethal form and about half of those with the infantile form will die.
Analysing the effects of using cannabis on youth mental health
Authors: Cannon Mary 
Published: July 2023

Analysing the effects of using cannabis on youth mental health
Mary Cannon, Professor of Psychiatric Epidemiology and Youth Mental Health at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, investigates the effects of using cannabis on young people’s mental health. Cannabis is the most widely used drug among young people globally. The average age of initiation of cannabis use is mid-teens, and use tends to fall off later in life. Unfortunately, the peak period of cannabis use coincides with the peak time for brain development which continues up to age 25. The main adverse effects of using cannabis during adolescence fall under three broad categories: dependence, underachievement and mental health problems (DUM). Let us deal with each of these in turn.
Using psychedelics to mitigate Treatment Resistant Depression
Authors: Feilding-Mellen Cosmo 
Published: July 2023

Using psychedelics to mitigate Treatment Resistant Depression
Cosmo Feilding-Mellen, CEO, Beckley Psytech, charts the role of psychedelics in mitigating Treatment Resistant Depression. When it comes to treating neuropsychiatric and mental health conditions, we have to accept that one size does not fit all. For some, talking therapies like cognitive behavioural therapy plus antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) work wonders. But for millions of others, they don’t. Treatment Resistant Depression is diagnosed when a patient’s first and second lines of depression treatment hasn’t made them feel better or has only made them feel partially better. Psychedelics work by inducing a ‘window of neuroplasticity’ in the brain, which opens up the possibility for new synaptic connections to be formed. This ability makes psychedelics so interesting in the case of treating depression: the psychedelic experience can help patients unearth and address the source of an issue in a new way.
Combatting NCDs using Plant-based Proteins and Animal-Waste Products
Authors: Vanavichit Apichart 
Published: July 2023

Combatting NCDs using Plant-based Proteins and Animal-Waste Products
Professor Apichart Vanavichit, PhD, a Rice Genomic Breeding Expert at the Rice Science Center, walks us through high-quality crop-based and ovo-based protein hydrolysates to combat the increasing incidence of non-communicable diseases in Thailand, specifically among its ageing population, which is now a significant public health concern. This situation may be associated with reducing protein intake among ageing people. Research from the Rice Science Center reveals that for older adults, consuming high-protein beans and animal meats can be challenging to chew, digest and absorb. Low protein diets have been a leading cause of muscle loss and weakness among older people. Looking at crop-based high-quality proteins and turning wasteful eggs into high-quality proteins, the researchers find that redesigning high-protein diets is sensible for the well-being of an ageing society, especially in Thailand.
Sever vitamin B-12 deficiency presenting as bilateral Lower Limbs edema and Hypertension
Authors: Alharbi Daliah S. , Khalid Mohamed 
Published: July 2023

Vitamin B-12 is a water soluble vitamin, found exclusively in products of animal origin. Vitamin B-12 deficiency presents as hematological, gastrointestinal, and neuropsychiatric disorders. Anemia is usually most common presentation of vitamin B-12 deficiency. Severe vitamin B12 deficiency at a level <12 pg/mL is uncommonly seen in the health centers setting in the emergency and laboratory setting. This is a rare case of vitamin B-12 deficiency presenting with lower limbs edema, simulating edema of cardiac origin. Patient was prescribed Vitamin B12 Supplements and antihypertensive medicines. Edema started to resolve after starting of treatment.
Status of Microplastic Accumulation in Water and Sediments of Selected Estuarine Ecosystem of Southern Kerala, India
Authors: Priji V. S. , Karuppasamy R. , Prasad G. 
Published: July 2023

Some research assesses the spatial and temporal variations in microplastic pollution in specific ecosystems, such as the estuarine regions of Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam, taking into account its potential effects on the aquatic ecosystem and the lack of information on the abundances of microplastic in estuarine water and sediments. The estuarine environment has raised growing apprehensions over plastic waste smaller than 5 mm in diameter locally and globally. Microplastic pollution in water and sediments of Southern Kerala was monitored at regular intervals from February 2020 through January 2022. During the course of two years, seasonal samples of water and sediment were taken at 16 locations. Microplastics were sorted and labelled based on their material make-up, size, colour, and kind. Polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), and other polymers were found to make up the majority of the microplastics studied. Secondary microplastics with a length of less than 1 mm predominated in both the water and the sediment. Microplastics were more often seen in white, and analysis of the chemical makeup of the particles found in all of the samples revealed a predominance of polyamide. This study aims to conduct a thorough evaluation of microplastic pollution, including its origins and potential risks, in two environmental mediums such as estuarine water and sediments.