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Space-inspired speed breeding for crop improvement

Scientists at John Innes Centre and University of Queensland have improved space-inspired speed breeding technique to breed disease-resistant, climate-resilient crops. By using enhanced LED lighting and day-long regimes, they can grow six generations of wheat per year, compared to two generations using traditional breeding methods.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalNature Protocols·DateNov 16, 2018

Even small gifts boost business

A study by the University of Zurich found that even small gifts can significantly increase sales, particularly when given to the boss. In a controlled experiment, sales representatives gave customers six tubes of toothpaste worth around 10 francs, leading to orders almost twice as high.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalManagement Science·DateOct 4, 2018

Study shows machine learning can improve catalytic design

A new study shows that combining machine learning and quantum chemistry can help chemical engineers at Rice University and Penn State find fundamental correlations in large amounts of data. This allows them to narrow down their search and design more efficient catalysts, which can translate into millions of dollars for companies.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Catalysis·DateJul 2, 2018

Size matters when innovating dairy products

A research team led by Professor Bhesh Bhandari has discovered that small fat globules can impart stability to cream and give cold butter a softer texture. The breakthrough uses nanoemulsions to create innovative dairy ingredients with potential to increase the return on investment for dairy manufacturers.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalInnovative Food Science & Emerging Technologies·DateAug 27, 2017

Universal stabilization

Researchers at ETH Zurich have created a new type of silica particle that can stabilize both oil-in-water and water-in-oil emulsions using a single type of emulsifier. The particles' rough surface reduces their mobility, allowing them to form a stabilizing armour around droplets.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 14, 2017

What's the real extent of industry payments to doctors?

A recent survey found that 65 percent of respondents had visited a physician who accepted industry payments, while only 5 percent knew if their own doctor received such favors. The study highlights the need for greater transparency in medical practices.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateMar 6, 2017

Commercial interests may drown out patients' voices

A growing body of evidence suggests that patient advocacy groups funded by pharmaceutical companies may promote treatments that serve the companies' interests rather than patients' needs. Studies have found that these groups are often biased towards funding sources, with some reporting pressure to conform to industry positions.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJan 17, 2017

Stock market fails to predict product performance

A study by Michigan State University found that investors can only accurately predict product performance 48-55% of the time after a preannouncement. Researchers discovered certain conditions, such as detailed and truthful preannouncements in less competitive industries, can improve stock market reactions to preannouncements.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of the Academy of Marketing Science·DateJan 11, 2017

Solving a plant-based Rubik's cube puzzle

Researchers at John Innes Centre discover a key 'twist' in producing heteroyohimbine compounds, which could lead to new and effective pharmaceuticals. The study reveals the importance of specific amino acid sequences in controlling stereoselectivity during compound synthesis.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 15, 2016

Getting the most out of natural gas

Researchers at ETH Zurich successfully upgraded methane into methyl bromide, a base material for fuels and chemicals, through oxybromination chemistry. The new catalyst, vanadium phosphate, enables closed-bromine recycling, making the process more efficient and environmentally friendly.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Chemistry·DateMay 24, 2016

The science of watching paint dry

Researchers from the University of Surrey have discovered a new physical mechanism that separates particles according to their size during the drying of wet coatings. This 'self-layering' process creates two layers with independent properties, which could improve the performance of coatings across industries.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 18, 2016

Pharmaceutical company performance improves when innovation and execution align

A study by Temple University researchers found that pharmaceutical companies can improve their performance by investing in commercial innovation and aligning their culture of execution. The study, published in the Journal of Medical Marketing, analyzed data from 26 large and medium-sized pharmaceutical companies.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of Medical Marketing Device Diagnostic and Pharmaceutical Marketing·DateMar 1, 2016

John Innes Centre scientists identify 3-D structure of enzyme critical to creation of anticancer compounds in plants

Scientists have identified the 3D structure of iridoid synthase, an enzyme crucial for producing anticancer and antimalarial compounds from plant natural products. The discovery provides insights into the biosynthesis process, shedding light on the unique mechanism used by this enzyme to generate core iridoid structures.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateNov 9, 2015

The potential in your pond

Researchers at the John Innes Centre found that Euglena gracilis has over 32,000 active protein-encoding genes, significantly more than humans. The single cell algae can produce various natural compounds, including vitamins, essential amino acids, and a sugar polymer with anti-HIV effects.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalMolecular BioSystems·DateAug 14, 2015