Only few disinfectants are capable of inactivating hepatitis A virus

Virology

Ruhr-University Bochum

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Only a few surface disinfectants sufficiently reduce the risk of infection from hepatitis A virus. 

 

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Credit: © RUB, Marquard

Two effective agents

The researchers applied HAV particles to steel surfaces to determine the number of infectious virus particles over 60 days. “We detected infectious particles on the surface for up to 40 days, which indicates a high stability of the virus,” says doctoral student Lilli Pottkämper. It took around 18 days for the number of infectious particles to be reduced by half. 
The research team then applied various disinfectants to the samples. Among the nine products tested were alcohol-based, aldehyde-based, one peracetic acid-based, one oxygen-based and one hydrogen peroxide-based. “With the exception of the two aldehyde-based products, none of the disinfectants reduced the risk of infection to a sufficient extent,” points out Lilli Pottkämper. 

Preventing infection

The extent to which infection via contaminated surfaces contributes to hepatitis A infection rates is not known. The virus isexcreted via faeces and then ingested orally, often via contaminated food or drinking water. “As matters stand, effective surface disinfection could help to prevent infection, especially in the case of high infection rates,” concludes Lilli Pottkämper. 

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Journal

Journal of Hospital Infection

DOI

10.1016/j.jhin.2025.02.020 

Method of Research

Experimental study

Subject of Research

Cells

Article Title

Stability and Inactivation of Hepatitis A Virus on Inanimate Surfaces

 

Cleaner fuels, greener industries: A game-changer for advanced zeolite catalyst development

Researchers pioneer a new approach that enables the synthesis of zeolites with diverse aluminum contents

Institute of Science Tokyo

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This approach extends the limits of AI content is zeolites and broadens their range of applications as cataysis.

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Credit: Institute of Science Tokyo

A novel ‘zeolite blending’ method has successfully produced CON-type zeolites with unprecedentedly high aluminum content, report researchers from Institute of Science Tokyo. By combining multiple zeolite precursors to guide the synthesis process, this innovative strategy overcomes long-standing limitations in controlling aluminum content in zeolite frameworks. The proposed approach will open new possibilities for catalyst development across various industrial applications, including petrochemical processing, fine chemicals production, and environmental remediation.

Zeolites, crystalline porous materials with ordered channels and cavities, serve as efficient catalysts in many industrial processes due to their unique structural properties. These versatile materials are known for their ability to selectively facilitate chemical reactions at their acidic sites, which are created when aluminum (Al) atoms are incorporated into their silica framework. Thus, the Al content directly influences a zeolite’s acidity and catalytic behavior, making precise control over this parameter crucial for optimizing their performance.

However, despite decades of research and various synthesis methods, scientists still struggle to precisely control the Al content in certain zeolite structures. This is particularly true for CON-type zeolites, where achieving a silicon-to-aluminum (Si/Al) ratio below 100 through direct synthesis has remained a significant challenge.

Fortunately, in a recent study made available online on February 10, 2025 and published in Volume 64, Issue 11 of Angewandte Chemie International Edition on March 10, 2025, a research team led by Professor Toshiyuki Yokoi from Institute of Science Tokyo, Japan, developed an innovative approach that overcomes this long-standing limitation. The team pioneered a novel synthesis method, called ‘zeolite blending,’ that uses multiple types of zeolites as starting materials to directly crystallize zeolites with previously unattainable compositions.

The research team employed an interzeolite conversion/transformation method, focusing on the common composite building units (CBUs) shared between precursor zeolites and the target structure. Initially using single zeolite precursors, they successfully synthesized CON-type zeolites with a Si/Al ratio of approximately 40—already an improvement over conventional method. However, the real breakthrough came when they combined multiple zeolite types as starting materials.

The researchers discovered that Beta zeolite served as an effective base material while adding small amounts of MFI-type zeolite significantly enhanced the formation of high-aluminum CON-type structures. Simply put, this blending approach strategically combined the necessary building blocks—the CBUs—from different zeolite frameworks, creating an optimal environment for the crystallization of the target structure with the desired Al content. “This strategy enabled us to obtain CON-type zeolites with a Si/Al ratio of approximately 20, which could not be achieved with a single zeolite precursor. It represents the first instance of the direct synthesis of zeolites with such a high Al content on a global scale,” highlights Yokoi.

The resulting high-Al CON-type zeolites demonstrated superior properties compared to those produced through conventional post-treatment methods, including smaller particle sizes and improved Al distribution. These characteristics make them particularly promising for applications in catalysis, especially for the methanol-to-olefin reaction—a critical process in the production of valuable petrochemicals from alternative feedstocks.

Beyond this immediate success with CON-type zeolites, the proposed zeolite blending method opens new possibilities for synthesizing various zeolite structures with previously unattainable compositions. “Further analysis on this blending method, like the physicochemical properties of the starting materials and their role, is currently in progress,” notes Yokoi.

Overall, this newfound approach could lead to a paradigm shift in zeolite synthesis methodologies, potentially enabling the development of new catalysts with enhanced performance for industrial applications. By expanding the compositional range of zeolites, this research not only advances our fundamental understanding of zeolite crystallization but also paves the way for more efficient and sustainable catalytic processes.

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About Institute of Science Tokyo (Science Tokyo)

Institute of Science Tokyo (Science Tokyo) was established on October 1, 2024, following the merger between Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU) and Tokyo Institute of Technology (Tokyo Tech), with the mission of “Advancing science and human wellbeing to create value for and with society.”

https://www.isct.ac.jp/en

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Journal

Angewandte Chemie International Edition

DOI

10.1002/anie.202424442 

Method of Research

Experimental study

Subject of Research

Not applicable

Article Title

Zeolite Blending: A New Approach to Direct Crystallization of Aluminosilicate Zeolite

 

Online microcredentials: a response to meet the market's demand for soft skills

Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC)

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The demand for professionals with soft skills, such as effective communication, critical thinking and time management, is high in today's job market. "Soft skills are the personal and social skills that enable professionals to work effectively, both on their own or in teams. They're associated with personal behaviour patterns and attitudes such as decision-making, time management and resilience. These skills are crucial in any professional environment, and particularly important in a managerial role," explained Iñaki Bustinduy, a course instructor with the Faculty of Economics and Business at the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC). 

A recent study in this field undertaken by the UOC, led by Carles Bruguera, a member of the Labour Market Research and Analysis Unit(UPAL) and a researcher in the Management and Learning (MeL) group, examines how online microcredentials can help meet this need through flexible training adapted to meet the demands of business. 

Microcredentials are academic certificates that prove the acquisition of specific knowledge or skills in short courses. Employers are very positive about the flexibility of these certificates, as they enable professionals to train without interrupting their work. The online learning format also provides access to top-quality international programmes, and broadens the range of training options available. "Microcredentials have so far been widely accepted in the field of digital and technological skills, but this study shows that they can also reinforce the development of soft skills which are in demand in the labour market,"explained Bruguera. 

"The research on the role of microcredentials in this area has been limited, especially from the perspective of labour market stakeholders, who have a direct view from the inside on the current and future skills that their sectors will need," he added.

Others involved in the study, published in the journal Distance Education, included Carme Pagès, director of the Labour Market Research and Analysis Unit; Mitchell Peters, a researcher on education and technology, and Àngels Fitó, the rector of the UOC, who are all members of the MeL group. 

The research adopts a qualitative approach to analyse the perspectives of 85 stakeholders in the labour market, including executives, human resources managers, and vocational training experts. The results show that employers believe that online microcredentials are a useful tool for professional training, but there are still some obstacles that need to be overcome.

"In the study, we found that, in order to be truly effective, microcredentials in soft skills must guarantee practical learning that can be applied to real situations, and provide a robust assessment system to corroborate the knowledge that's been acquired," stressed Carme Pagès, who is also an associate professor in the Faculty of Economics and Business. The process by which a professional acquires new skills is known as reskilling, while upskilling involves improving and enhancing the skills that they already have. "Reskilling can cover emotional intelligence, change management or creativity, while upskilling can involve digital leadership, communication in hybrid environments, conflict management or remote teamwork. In both cases, the objective is to improve adaptation to a new working environment, either as a result of the requirements of the professional role, the demands of the environment and the market, or due to the emergence of new technologies," explained Bustinduy.

Pagès and Bustinduy will be two of the speakers at the seminar on the importance of soft skills in today's labour market, which the UOC's Faculty of Economics and Business is organizing on 27 March. This event will look at the value of these skills and how they can be fostered to improve employability and professional development.

 

Challenges and limitations to overcome 

Despite the advantages, the study identifies three barriers to the consolidation of microcredentials in soft skills:

• Skills-based assessment: skills such as leadership and teamwork are difficult to measure objectively in an online environment.
• Credibility and recognition: some companies and organizations still do not believe they are comparable to more traditional training.
• Practical experience and applicability: developing methodologies that enable students to apply knowledge in real situations is essential.

 

Recommendations for the strategic design of microcredentials

The study proposes a range of strategies to improve the effectiveness of online microcredentials in the field of soft skills, and make them as similar as possible to real contexts:

• Practical orientation: they should involve practical interactive tools, such as case studies, role-play and collaborative projects.
• Inclusion of immersive technologies: they should use virtual reality or interactive environments for improvement, and make training in skills such as interpersonal communication as real as possible.
• Work with companies: the business sector should be involved in the development of microcredentials to ensure that they are relevant.
• Evidence-based assessment: practical assessment methods that validate the skills acquired should be introduced.

 

Seminar on the labour market and soft skills

With this in mind, the seminar onsoft skills will bring together experts from the sector to discuss the value of these skills as a tool for enhancing employability. This forum will expand on the results of the study and let those attending share strategies to address the training gap in soft skills and respond to the needs of today's labour market.

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Journal

Distance Education

DOI

10.1080/01587919.2024.2435645 

 

New Reichman University study: can a robotic dog choose our next leader?

Reichman University

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Dr. Hadas Erel, Sammy Ofer School of Communications, Reichman University:

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Credit: Gilad kavalerchick

A study from the Media Innovation Lab (miLAB) at Reichman University’s School of Communications explored how a robotic dog can influence leadership dynamics between humans. The study revealed that simple gestures of affection from a robot can encourage people to take charge and assume leadership roles, even without explicit guidance. The article on the study won the Best Paper Award in the Behavioral Research in Human-Robot Interaction category at the prestigious HRI2025 robotics conference held this week in Melbourne, Australia.

 

The paper examined whether a robotic dog could influence leadership dynamics between humans. In the study, two people were asked to work as a team with a robotic dog to perform a search task. There was no formal leader assigned to the team, and no instructions were given on how they should divide responsibilities between themselves. When the robot displayed a clear preference for one of the team members during the initial encounter, that participant naturally took charge and managed the task without any explicit demand or expectation — effectively becoming the team leader. In the vast majority of cases, the other participant accepted their team member’s leadership, and even described the team dynamic as positive. In contrast, when the robot exhibited equal affection toward both participants, without favoring one over the other, a shared leadership structure emerged.

 

The study’s findings highlight that robots can encourage spontaneous “emergent leadership” in people through simple affectionate body gestures, without the need for explicit and formal leadership instructions. In addition, the study underscores the importance of initial encounters between humans and robots, and their impact on long-term engagement. The article was authored by a research group from the Sammy Ofer School of Communications at Reichman University, under the supervision of Dr. Hadas Erel. The study was led by doctoral student Elior Carsenti, alongside students Adi Manor and Agam Oberlender, and in collaboration with Prof. Avi Parush from the Technion.

 

Dr. Hadas Erel, Sammy Ofer School of Communications, Reichman University: “The most interesting aspect of this research is the potential to use robots to encourage important social processes. We demonstrate how robotic behavior can be designed to intervene in sensitive social situations where human intervention may be ineffective. Integrating principles from social psychology into robotic behavior opens up new possibilities for improving relationships and interactions between people.”

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DOI

10.5555/3721488.3721546 

Method of Research

Experimental study

Subject of Research

People

Article Title

Raising Stars: Influences of Robotic Peer Liking on Emergent Leadership

 

Losing forest carbon stocks could put climate goals out of reach

Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)

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In the past, intact forests absorbed 7.8 billion tonnes of CO₂ annually – about a fifth of all human emissions – but their carbon storage is increasingly at risk from climate change and human activities such as deforestation. A new study from the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) shows that failing to account for the potentially decreasing ability of forests to absorb CO₂ could make reaching the Paris agreement targets significantly harder, if not impossible, and much more costly.

“Delaying action leads to disproportionately higher costs,” explains Michael Windisch, lead author of the study published in Nature Communications and PIK guest scientist. “Right now, our climate strategies bet on forests not only remaining intact, but even expanding,” Windisch says. “However, with escalating wildfires like in California, and continued deforestation in the Amazon, that’s a gamble. Climate change itself puts forests’ immense carbon stores at risk.” According to the study, postponing action to reduce emissions and to protect and monitor forests could jeopardise climate targets. “We must act immediately to safeguard the carbon stored in forests,” Windisch emphasises. “Otherwise, compensating for potential forest carbon losses through steeper emissions cuts in key emission sectors like energy, industry and transport will become increasingly expensive and possibly unattainable.”

Considering forest carbon losses in climate mitigation pathways

The study analysed how climate targets can be met despite forests’ reduced capacity for storing carbon. The authors used REMIND-MAgPIE - an integrated global land and water use modelling as well as an energy-economy modelling system - together with the global vegetation model LPJmL to evaluate how natural disturbances and human impacts on forests influence the feasibility of achieving climate mitigation goals. The research team compared a foresighted policy response with various delayed and myopic approaches.

Regardless of the assessed disturbance rate, the study revealed just how steep the price of inaction can be. Even a five-year delay in responding to forest carbon loss would lead to a roughly two-fold increase in both the stringency and overall cost of measures to offset that lost carbon, the authors find. Emission cuts in the energy sector, for instance, would have to be ramped up considerably, supported by a near-doubling of negative emissions capacity – which itself demands a corresponding expansion in land use. Ultimately, these extra efforts drive up overall costs, and result in GDP setbacks that are approximately double those of immediate action.

The study also highlights that current models may be overly optimistic about future forest carbon storage because they ignore disturbances, overvalue CO₂ fertilisation and underestimate deforestation. To mitigate climate impacts, safeguard carbon stocks and prevent escalating costs, the scientists recommend immediate action. “Forests are not an infinite resource, but need careful monitoring to detect reductions in carbon sinks early on,” explains Florian Humpenöder, PIK scientist and study author. He also stresses the need for stronger forest conservation, and faster decarbonisation. Forests may absorb less CO2 than expected, making realistic forest carbon projections essential.

“Staying below critical warming thresholds requires more than just hoping forests will remain intact,” concludes Alexander Popp, head of PIK’s Land Use Transition lab and author of the study. “Alongside protecting forests, it is essential to promote sustainable land use practices– not only to preserve biodiversity but also to avoid drastic economic consequences and to secure our climate future.”

Article: Michael G. Windisch, Florian Humpenöder, Leon Merfort, Nico Bauer, Gunnar Luderer, Jan Philipp Dietrich, Jens Heinke, Christoph Müller, Gabriel Abrahao, Hermann Lotze-Campen, Alexander Popp (2025): Hedging our bet on forest permanence for the economic viability of climate targets. Nature Communications. DOI: [10.1038/s41467-025-57607-x]

Weblink to the article, once published:  https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-57607-x

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Journal

Nature Communications

DOI

10.1038/s41467-025-57607-x 

Method of Research

Computational simulation/modeling

Article Title

Hedging our bet on forest permanence for the economic viability of climate targets.

Article Publication Date

27-Mar-2025