Iodine has long been used as an antiseptic, but it has many limitations, including poor water solubility. Iodophors are complexes that incorporate iodine in solutions; however, many have adverse effects. Is there an alternative complex that can safely deliver iodine? Dr Danilo Aleo and coworkers at Medivis in Italy synthesised…

Pyrroloquinoline quinone disodium salt (PQQ) is a nutritional component found in trace amounts in normal diet and in breast milk. It can also be obtained artificially by fermentation and purification. PQQ has antioxidant properties, promotes energy production in cells, and is known to enhance memory and cognition in older adults. …

The interstellar medium is the mixture of gas and dust present in the vast expanse of space between stars. It has been modelled as individual, warm, partially ionised clouds surrounded by hot, ionised gas. However, new observations raise serious doubts concerning the accuracy of these assumptions. Through his continued and…

Probiotics are live bacteria that have positive health benefits, especially for our digestive system. Our gut bacteria need prebiotics — nutrients to help them thrive. Dr Xu Lu and Dr Yi Lei of the Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, China, uncover the prebiotic potential of a seed from the popular…

What are the treatments when nothing else works? Chronic headaches are extremely debilitating conditions which significantly impact the quality of life. Common causes include migraines, cluster headaches, and occipital neuralgia. There are many patients who do not respond to drug treatments or are adamant about making improvements to their lifestyle beyond medications. Dr Giorgio Pietramaggiori and Dr Saja…

Sudden cardiac death in marathon runners is not a new problem. At increased risk are middle-aged men who are unaware of the risk of sub-clinical coronary atherosclerosis. For over a decade, Dr Arthur J Siegel at Harvard Medical School, USA has researched and published extensively on this topic in a…

Training in paediatric cardiology can be a long and arduous process that is traditionally performed by hands-on practice on patients. With new procedures developing and standards of care increasing, it becomes ever more difficult for doctors to get enough cases to train. Realistically simulating medical procedures can offer a solution…

50% of the food we produce goes to waste, and 800 million people around the world remain undernourished. The growing and processing of many of our favourite foods carries a huge carbon footprint or contributes to expanding deforestation. Dr Johnny Drain, scientist and chef, has worked with the very best…

The United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals aim to help the world overcome several global challenges, including poverty, inequality, and climate change. Literacy is a global problem that is linked to poverty and education. A collaborative partnership between the Global Sustainable Aid Project, Providence College, and local organisations aimed to find…