How can we ensure that pesticides used in agriculture are both effective and safe? Ghent-based start-up B-COS hopes to provide part of the solution with chitooligosaccharides, which are produced by bacteria. These carbohydrate-like substances act as a vaccine, boosting the plant’s immune system.
‘Should I quit my PhD?’ is a question many doctoral students face but few dare to voice. In her column, Isabelle Kohler explores why this decision feels so taboo, reflects on her own moments of doubts as a PhD student, and offers practical support for anyone wrestling with this question.
Additives in cement and plaster ensure strong, water-resistant materials, but they are often expensive and harmful to the environment. PhD candidate Annet Baken discovered how such substances influence the nanoscale crystal formation of building minerals, thereby slowing down the hardening process.
Looking ahead to ECC10 in Antwerp, C2W International had a quick chat with plenary speaker Kim Jelfs, professor of Computational Materials Chemistry at Imperial College London.
Structural biologists from Vrije Universiteit Brussel have presented a new microfluidic platform called MISO to Nature Methods. This reduces the necessary protein purification by up to a factor of one thousand.
NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences has launched a new Bachelor’s degree in Green Chemistry to train eco-conscious chemists.
In PNAS, biochemists from Utrecht University and their international colleagues present a new measurement method called FibrilPaint, which makes the growth of harmful protein clumps in the brain visible.
Newcomer Vioneo plans to produce plastics from green methanol on a large scale in Antwerp. The strict environmental regulations in Europe are actually an advantage. ‘It supports our business case.’
Sjoerd Rijpkema loves the Avond van de Chemie (Evening of Chemistry). Not necessarily for the brilliant contributions, but for the delightful awkwardness.
DNA analysis of bodily fluids found at a crime scene can be invaluable in solving cases. But what if the results are inconclusive? According to research from the Netherlands Forensic Institute, proteomics could help when you need extra information.
Sjoerd Rijpkema doesn’t quite understand the exceedingly detailed questions that PhD candidates get during their defense ceremony. However, he recently came across a PhD defense with a markedly different approach.