Latest news with #UniversityofBristol
The Independent
a day ago
- Science
- The Independent
Robots made from unlikely new material
Scientists at the University of Bristol have developed robots using rice paper, a material commonly found in Vietnamese spring rolls. This rice paper offers a biodegradable, non-toxic, and edible alternative to silicon, which is typically used in soft robotics. The research aims to make soft robotics experimentation more accessible and sustainable, allowing for innovation from home. Potential applications for these rice paper robots include agricultural reseeding, reforestation in difficult areas, and culinary uses. This breakthrough contributes to the advancing field of soft robotics, which holds promise for transforming areas like biomedicine, nuclear decommissioning, and space exploration.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Poor sleep, menopause flare-ups: health in warmer world
Extreme heat is the world's biggest weather-related killer but it's also responsible for a host of other health and wellbeing niggles that are not as well understood. Bad sleep, worse productivity and exacerbated menopausal symptoms are among common complaints during heatwaves. University of Bristol climate change and health expert Eunice Lo has been looking beyond hospital and mortality data for deeper insights into the health and wellbeing implications of extremely hot, humid weather. Using the world-renowned Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children - a UK cohort who have been been filling out questionnaires since the 1990s - Dr Lo surveyed about 3400 participants about their experience during a seven-day heatwave in 2023. Presenting the findings at an Australian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society conference in Cairns this week, she said many respondents experienced slightly poorer or much worse sleep than normal. A clear drop-off in productivity was reported but mood was mixed, with some in higher spirits in the hot weather. Others felt anxious and worried about the future in a warming climate. Dr Lo was visiting Australia as parts of England faced fresh heat alerts and temperature forecasts above 30C, challenging conditions in a country with poorly ventilated buildings designed for cold weather. Women were more likely to report negative impacts than men, especially those who were pregnant or experiencing menopause. "It really highlights women-specific health issues or experiences that probably deserve a lot more research than what we currently do," Dr Lo told AAP. Mothers and babies have been studied in the context of climate change, with the World Health Organization linking high temperatures to preterm birth and stillbirth as well as hypertension and gestational diabetes. In 2024, climate change was responsible for adding about 10 extra days of heat extreme enough to be considered harmful for pregnant women in Australia, according to Climate Central. Research continues to reveal links to climate change and and a range of worse health outcomes, including mental health concerns and more common and severe sleep apnea. Climate change might also exacerbate eczema and lengthen pollen seasons in some Australian cities, in bad news for hay fever sufferers. Dr Lo said Australia faced a host of unique climate challenges for health, including exposure to bushfire smoke.
West Australian
a day ago
- Health
- West Australian
Poor sleep, menopause flare-ups: health in warmer world
Extreme heat is the world's biggest weather-related killer but it's also responsible for a host of other health and wellbeing niggles that are not as well understood. Bad sleep, worse productivity and exacerbated menopausal symptoms are among common complaints during heatwaves. University of Bristol climate change and health expert Eunice Lo has been looking beyond hospital and mortality data for deeper insights into the health and wellbeing implications of extremely hot, humid weather. Using the world-renowned Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children - a UK cohort who have been been filling out questionnaires since the 1990s - Dr Lo surveyed about 3400 participants about their experience during a seven-day heatwave in 2023. Presenting the findings at an Australian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society conference in Cairns this week, she said many respondents experienced slightly poorer or much worse sleep than normal. A clear drop-off in productivity was reported but mood was mixed, with some in higher spirits in the hot weather. Others felt anxious and worried about the future in a warming climate. Dr Lo was visiting Australia as parts of England faced fresh heat alerts and temperature forecasts above 30C, challenging conditions in a country with poorly ventilated buildings designed for cold weather. Women were more likely to report negative impacts than men, especially those who were pregnant or experiencing menopause. "It really highlights women-specific health issues or experiences that probably deserve a lot more research than what we currently do," Dr Lo told AAP. Mothers and babies have been studied in the context of climate change, with the World Health Organization linking high temperatures to preterm birth and stillbirth as well as hypertension and gestational diabetes. In 2024, climate change was responsible for adding about 10 extra days of heat extreme enough to be considered harmful for pregnant women in Australia, according to Climate Central. Research continues to reveal links to climate change and and a range of worse health outcomes, including mental health concerns and more common and severe sleep apnea. Climate change might also exacerbate eczema and lengthen pollen seasons in some Australian cities, in bad news for hay fever sufferers. Dr Lo said Australia faced a host of unique climate challenges for health, including exposure to bushfire smoke.
Sustainability Times
6 days ago
- Science
- Sustainability Times
'They Shook the Hell Out of It': World's First Earthquake Test on 3D-Printed Homes Stuns Engineers With Brutal Results
IN A NUTSHELL 🏗️ University of Bristol conducted the first experiment testing the earthquake resilience of 3D-printed homes . conducted the first experiment testing the earthquake resilience of . 🔬 The study utilized the UK's largest shaking table to simulate various earthquake intensities on a 3D-printed concrete structure. to simulate various earthquake intensities on a 3D-printed concrete structure. 🌍 The research aims to validate whether 3D-printed concrete can meet current safety standards and influence future building codes. and influence future building codes. 🔧 This innovation highlights the potential for more affordable, sustainable, and resilient housing solutions globally. As the world increasingly embraces innovative technologies, the construction industry is not left behind. The University of Bristol has embarked on a groundbreaking experiment: testing the earthquake resistance of 3D-printed homes. This initiative represents a significant step towards integrating advanced manufacturing techniques into building construction. With this test, scientists aim to ensure the safety and durability of these homes, which are becoming popular for their affordability and sustainability. The outcome of this experiment could revolutionize how we build in earthquake-prone areas, potentially setting new standards for construction safety worldwide. The World's First Experiment to Ensure 3D Printed Homes Are Earthquake Proof In a remarkable feat of engineering, the University of Bristol has undertaken the first-of-its-kind experiment to test the earthquake resilience of a 3D-printed concrete home. This endeavor involved the creation of a 'quasi-real-scale' 3D-printed concrete structure, which was subjected to a series of rigorous tests using the UK's largest shaking table, capable of bearing 55 tons. The tests were designed to simulate varying earthquake intensities, beginning with mild tremors and escalating to potentially destructive forces. The primary objective was to observe the structural response of the 3D-printed unit under these simulated conditions, identifying any points of cracking or displacement. By juxtaposing these findings with the performance of traditional construction methods, the researchers aimed to validate computational models that predict seismic behavior. This study, spearheaded by Dr. De Risi, is pivotal in optimizing seismic performance, focusing on aspects such as layer bonding strategies and reinforcement integration. Ultimately, the goal is to establish whether 3D-printed concrete can adhere to current safety standards, offering a foundation for future building codes that embrace additive manufacturing technologies. 'Lost City Rises Again': Submerged Indian Metropolis Stuns Archaeologists and Forces a Rethink of All Human Civilization Timelines 3D Printing Just Got Safer The rapid advancement of 3D printing technology in the construction sector is reshaping industry norms, particularly concerning structural safety. Traditional concrete has long-established seismic behavior characteristics, but the advent of 3D-printed concrete introduces new variables. These include layered deposition, unique material properties, and non-conventional geometries, all of which require thorough analysis and adaptation to meet safety standards. In regions like the United States, not all buildings are mandated to be earthquake-proof, but many are designed to comply with seismic standards. This new technology has sparked a renewed focus on incorporating earthquake resilience into the initial design phase. By addressing these safety concerns from the outset, the construction industry is taking significant strides towards a more sustainable future. A manager at the University of Bristol laboratory emphasized the global impact of this innovation, particularly for populations unable to afford traditional earthquake-resistant homes. The responsibility now falls on the construction industry to ensure that 3D-printed homes are not only affordable but also safe and resilient. 'Zuckerberg Wants a Godlike AI': Meta's Race Toward Superintelligence Could Redefine Humanity's Future and Trigger a Tech Power Shift The Role of Innovation in Earthquake Safety Innovation is at the heart of the University of Bristol's mission to enhance the safety of 3D-printed homes. The project's success could set a precedent for future construction methods, integrating cutting-edge technology with traditional safety practices. By leveraging the capabilities of 3D printing, the construction industry can potentially overcome longstanding challenges related to cost, speed, and sustainability in building design. The insights gained from this experiment are crucial for engineers, architects, and policymakers who are exploring new frontiers in construction technology. By validating the seismic performance of 3D-printed structures, the University of Bristol aims to provide a robust framework for developing building codes that incorporate additive manufacturing. This endeavor underscores the transformative potential of innovation in addressing global challenges such as earthquake safety, demonstrating the university's commitment to fostering a safer and more sustainable built environment. 'Water Found Beyond Earth': Scientists Confirm It Formed Moments After the Big Bang in a Stunning Cosmic Revelation Looking Towards the Future of Construction The University of Bristol's experiment marks a significant milestone in the evolution of construction technology. By validating the earthquake resistance of 3D-printed homes, this research paves the way for broader acceptance and integration of this technology in the construction industry. As the world grapples with the realities of natural disasters, the need for innovative solutions that enhance building safety is more critical than ever. The potential of 3D printing in revolutionizing construction is immense, offering a pathway to more affordable, sustainable, and resilient homes. As we look to the future, the key question remains: how will this technology continue to evolve, and what impact will it have on the global construction landscape? Will it redefine the standards of safety and sustainability, or will it face challenges that hinder its widespread adoption? The answers to these questions will shape the future of construction and its role in creating a safer world for all. Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.5/5 (24)
Forbes
17-06-2025
- Health
- Forbes
Second Patient Death After Gene Therapy: Implications For The Future
As we continue our series exploring genetic medicine, both in this story and in Destiny's Child No Longer: Rewriting Genetic Fate, gene therapy stands at a crossroads. On June 16, Sarepta Therapeutics announced a second patient death following treatment with its gene therapy, Elevidys, for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. This news has sent shockwaves through the rare disease and biotech communities. It raises questions about the safety of adeno-associated virus-based gene therapies. The latest fatality, a 15-year-old, died from acute liver failure, a recognized but rare complication of adeno-associated virus-based gene transfer. This death follows a similar case reported in March. These recent tragedies have profound implications. Elevidys, Sarepta's gene therapy, was among the first to receive approval for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Yet, the deaths of two patients treated with Elevidys now force us to confront a difficult question. Do the potential benefits of this therapy truly outweigh the risks, particularly for those who can no longer walk and may be at higher risk of complications? Every advance in medicine brings new challenges, and gene therapy is no exception. The deaths associated with Elevidys have raised the regulatory bar for all investigational gene therapies that use adeno-associated virus vectors. This means more stringent safety monitoring, more careful patient selection, and better reporting of outcomes. This heightened scrutiny is not unwelcome, even if these measures may slow the pace of development in the short term. They are essential for ensuring safety and responsibility. Adeno-associated virus-based vectors have become the workhorse of gene therapy due to their efficiency and relatively low risk of complications. The field has long recognized that high-dose adeno-associated virus-based administration can trigger severe, sometimes fatal, immune-mediated toxicities. These primarily affect the liver. In 1999, Jesse Gelsinger died after receiving an adenoviral gene therapy. His tragic death marked a turning point in the field and led to decades of increased scrutiny and regulation. While adeno-associated viruses are generally less immunogenic than adenoviruses, high doses can activate the body's immune system. This leads to inflammation, liver injury, and, in rare cases, organ failure. Recent studies highlight that immune responses can contribute to toxicity, particularly in the liver. However, not all patients are impacted equally. Recent findings underscore that age and disease status can significantly influence a patient's response to adeno-associated virus-based gene therapy. Clinical studies reveal that individual factors, such as underlying infections, pre-existing liver disease, or genetic predispositions, can amplify the risks. For example, in the first reported Elevidys death, a concurrent infection may have played a role in the patient's rapid decline. Research from the University of Bristol indicates that in ocular gene therapy trials, older patients, particularly females, are more likely to experience severe inflammatory responses. However, in the Elevidys cases, both fatalities involved males who had lost the ability to walk due to advanced disease progression. This is a critical factor linked to heightened immune vulnerability. This underscores that risks are context-specific, depending on therapy type, delivery site, and patient health status. To address the pressing safety concerns, Sarepta is investigating several strategies. One approach under consideration is the addition of sirolimus, an immunosuppressant widely used in organ transplantation. While this aims to reduce immune-mediated liver damage, experience from liver transplant patients warns that sirolimus can nearly triple infection risk, even at low doses. Its use in gene therapy remains experimental and demands careful evaluation before it can be widely adopted. At the same time, non-viral delivery methods are emerging as a promising alternative. Lipid nanoparticles offer a way to bypass many of the immune challenges posed by viral vectors. Their ability to be tailored for precise tissue targeting and the absence of pre-existing immunity in patients make them particularly attractive for conditions like Duchenne muscular dystrophy, where repeated dosing may be necessary. Though still less efficient than viral vectors in some applications, the technology is advancing quickly. The second death following Elevidys for Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a sobering reminder of the risks inherent in adeno-associated virus-based gene transfer, particularly for older or more severely affected patients. Still, these tragedies are not new to the field. We have seen similar inflection points before. The history of gene therapy is marked by moments of triumph and tragedy. Each shapes the path forward. As we reflect on these recent events, it is clear that the field stands at another such crossroads—one that will require careful balancing of hope, caution, and scientific rigor to chart the best course for patients and the future of medicine. For a deeper exploration of these issues, including real-world patient stories and the latest scientific advances, see Destiny's Child No Longer: Rewriting Genetic Fate, which provides a detailed examination of this therapy and other gene therapies.
