Parkinson’s disease is linked to the aggregation of the intrinsically disordered protein α-synuclein (aSyn), but the precise triggers and mechanisms driving this process remain unclear. Local environmental factors, such as ion concentrations, can influence aSyn’s tendency to aggregate. A team of researchers including professor Alex Routh have explored how physiologically relevant ions, mainly Ca2+ and
Microencapsulation is used across multiple industrial sectors to immobilise fragrances, flavours, and bioactive compounds. It offers numerous advantages, including enhanced stability and prolonged shelf life of the product, which is safeguarded from harsh environments, pH fluctuations and ultra-violet (UV) radiation. Synthetic materials like polyurethane, polyurea, and polystyrene have emerged as popular choices for microcapsule shells
The future of floating Antarctic ice shelves is one of the principal uncertainties surrounding projections of future sea level rise. Melting of Antarctic ice shelves is caused by relatively warm and salty Circumpolar Deep Water currents upwelling from the ocean depth. A recent article co-authored by Dr Ali Mashayek classifies near-shelf water masses using an
Professor Andy Woods was recently invited to write a short “Focus on Fluids” article for the Journal of Fluid Mechanics. The article reviews some of the processes leading to dispersion and mixing in porous media, and discusses recent findings and open questions in the field. The paper is now available online here.
In temperate climates, many buildings need heating in winter and cooling in summer. A significant amount of energy can be saved by storing excess heat during the warmer months, and using it to warm up a building in winter. Similarly, storing the wintertime thermal energy reduces the need for air conditioning during the summer. PhD
Encapsulation is used to deliver materials to specific sites, protect fragile materials from harsh external environments or to delay release of an active compound until a desired time. Mohammed Al Sharabi and professor Alex Routh have been working on an EPSRC-funded project looking at making novel encapsulated materials. The project was joint with the Universities
In a number of natural or industrial settings, such as magmatic intrusions or geothermal power systems, subsurface porous rocks are flooded by fluid of a different density and composition than the original formation fluid. As the invading fluid migrates through the formation and reacts, its density and composition might change. In turn, this may lead
All buildings require ventilation to keep the indoor air fresh and clean. With underfloor air distribution, fresh air is supplied at a low level, while exhaust air is extracted from the top of a room. If the room contains a heat source, then a temperature stratification develops and occupants are surrounded by fresh air in
Renewable energy sources such as wind and solar are intermittent, and this leads to the need for substantial energy storage. At times of excessive generation, some of the renewable energy might be converted into hydrogen and stored underground. The hydrogen will then be recovered and used when the renewable sources produce insufficient energy. A recent