It’s possible that I shall make an ass of myself. But in that case one can always get out of it with a little dialectic. I have, of course, so worded my proposition as to be right either way (K.Marx, Letter to F.Engels on the Indian Mutiny)
In the study, researchers from Canada, New Zealand and Mexico reported on 34 interactions spanning two decades in which orcas in the wild attempted to offer food to humans. The incidents took place in oceans around the world, from California to New Zealand to Norway to Patagonia.
“Orcas often share food with each other – it’s a prosocial activity and a way that they build relationships with each other,” said study lead author Jared Towers, of Bay Cetology in British Columbia, Canada. “That they also share with humans may show their interest in relating to us as well.”
The research was published in the Journal of Comparative Psychology.
Towers and his colleagues Ingrid Visser, PhD, of the Orca Research Trust in New Zealand, and Vanessa Prigollini, of the Marine Education Association in La Paz, Mexico, collected and analyzed information about 34 incidents of food sharing that they and others had experienced. On 11 of the occasions, the people were in the water when the orcas approached them, in 21 cases they were on boats, and in two cases they were on the shore. Some were captured on video and in photos, others were described in interviews with the researchers.
In order to be included in the analysis, the incidents had to meet strict criteria -- in each case the whales had to have approached the people on their own (the people could not have closely approached the whales) and dropped the item in front of them. In all but one of the cases, the orcas waited to see what would happen after they made the offering, and in seven cases they tried more than once to offer the food, after the people initially refused it.
Domesticated animals like dogs and cats sometimes offer food to humans, but this research marks some of the first detailed descriptions of similar behavior in non-domesticated animals. It makes sense, according to the researchers, because orcas are intelligent and social animals that use food sharing as a way to build relationships with kin and unrelated individuals. They also often hunt prey much larger than themselves, and thus sometimes have food to spare.
“Offering items to humans could simultaneously include opportunities for killer whales to practice learned cultural behavior, explore or play and in so doing learn about, manipulate or develop relationships with us,” the researchers wrote. “Giving the advanced cognitive abilities and social, cooperative nature of this species, we assume that any or all these explanations for, and outcomes of such behavior are possible.”
CONTACT: For reporters in North America, Jared Towers can be reached at jrtowers@gmail.com. For reporters in Australasia and Europe, Ingrid Visser can be reached at ingrid@orca.org.nz. For reporters in Latin America, Vanessa Prigollini can be reached at prigollini@hotmail.com.
The American Psychological Association, in Washington, D.C., is the largest scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States. APA’s membership includes 173,000 researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants and students. Through its divisions in 54 subfields of psychology and affiliations with 60 state, territorial and Canadian provincial associations, APA works to advance the creation, communication and application of psychological knowledge to benefit society and improve lives.
Testing the Waters: Attempts by Wild Killer Whales (Orcinus orca) to Provision People (Homo sapiens)
Article Publication Date
30-Jun-2025
Novel silica aerogel for efficient carbon emission reduction
Green Chemical Engineering
Continuous increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration has led to significant climate and environmental concerns. CO2 capture and thermal insulation are effective measures to reduce CO2 emissions. Among these, aerogels exhibit remarkable performance in excellent performance in thermal insulation and CO2 adsorption owing to their unique and tailorable porous structure and surface chemistry. Nonetheless, while methyl-functionalized aerogels for thermal insulation and amine-functionalized aerogels for CO2 capture have been extensively developed, it remains challenging to integrate amine and methyl groups in a material stably owing to their quite different feature. This major limitation leads to an increase in cost and a reduction of flexibility in terms of manufacture and application.
To that end, in a study published in the KeAi journal Green Chemical Engineering, researchers from China described a new silica aerogel they have developed— bifunctionalized hybrid silica aerogels for stable low-concentration CO2 capture and thermal insulation under humid and high-temperature conditions.
“Silica aerogel is like a machine with multiple interfaces. With the support of various functional components, of course, it can achieve multiple functions,”explains the study’s senior author, Xiaodong Shen, a professor in materials at Nanjing Tech University. “The structural characteristics of silica aerogels, such as high porosity and specific surface area, endow them with high thermal resistance and gas adsorption capacity. Interestingly, the surface groups of silica aerogels can be tailored by specific precursors, enabling them to possess specific functions. These features provide conditions for the synthesis of multifunctional silica aerogels.”
The team discovered that the integration of amine and methyl groups in a silica aerogel was completed readily by a facile and environmentally friendly self-catalyzed sol-gel reaction with co-condensation of multicomponent precursor involved. This not only enhanced the stability of functional groups under high temperatures, but also avoided the blockage of pore space under traditional synthesis route of aerogels.
“High specific surface area, porosity, and surface amine loading were achieved by tailoring pore structure via precursor composition,” shares Shen. “This made the silica aerogel possess superior low-concentration CO2 adsorption performance under humid conditions and excellent thermal insulation performance in a wide temperature range (-100-1300 ℃).”
According to lead author Yong Kong, the direct integration of two functional groups within silica aerogels has rarely been reported. “Our novel approach indicates that the hybridization of multiple functional groups in a silica aerogel can be achieved facilely by choosing applicable precursors,” says Kong. “We hope that our findings will encourage scientists to continue developing novel aerogels by new processes to promote the applications of aerogels in carbon neutral.”
An international research team, including scientists from the Institut de Neurociències at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), has developed a new solution to reduce the immune response triggered by neural prosthetics used after limb amputations or severe nerve injuries. The approach consists of coating the electronic implants (which connect the prosthetic device to the patient’s nervous system) with a potent anti-inflammatory drug. This coating helps the body better tolerate the implant, improving its long-term performance and stability.
Neural electrode implants are commonly used in prosthetics to restore communication between the device and the nervous system. However, their long-term effectiveness can be compromised by the body’s natural immune reaction to foreign objects, which leads to the formation of scar tissue around the implant and can impair its function. Now, a recent study published in Advanced Healthcare Materials by researchers from the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, the Università di Ferrara, the University of Freiburg, and Chalmers University of Technology, conducted as part of the European collaborative project BioFINE, reports a novel method to improve the biocompatibility and chronic stability of these electrodes. The technique involves activating and modifying the surface of polyimide (a material commonly used for implanted electrodes) using a chemical strategy that enables the covalent binding of the anti-inflammatory drug dexamethasone. This innovation allows the drug to be released at the implant site slowly over at least two months, a critical period when the immune system typically mounts its strongest response. Biological tests showed that this approach reduces inflammation-related signals in immune cells, while maintaining the material’s biocompatibility and mechanical integrity. Animal testing further confirmed that the dexamethasone-releasing implants significantly reduce immune reactions and scar tissue formation around the device. These findings suggest that the slow and localized release of dexamethasone from the implant surface could extend the functional lifespan of neural prostheses, offering a promising step forward in addressing the long-term challenges of implantable neurotechnology. “This is a main step that has to be complemented by the demonstration in vivo that this coating improves the functional performance of chronically implanted electrodes in the peripheral nerves, for stimulating and recording nerve signals”, says Dr. Xavier Navarro, principal investigator of the UAB team in the BioFINE project.
Covalent Binding of Dexamethasone to Polyimide Improves Biocompatibility of Neural Implantable Devices
Article Publication Date
27-Jun-2025
Global first in surgical training: SURGhub reaches record 19,000 healthcare workers across 190 countries — meeting soaring demand in underserved regions
New report highlights SURGhub’s transformative impact on surgical education in low-resource and conflict-affected regions
RCSI
Monday, 30 June 2025 - Dublin, Ireland: Marking a major milestone in the fight to close the global surgical education gap - which leaves 93% of people in sub-Saharan Africa and millions more worldwide without access to safe surgical care when needed - a ground-breaking e-learning platform has brought the classroom directly to the homes and clinics of more than 19,000 healthcare workers across 190 countries in just two years.
The majority of the world’s population lacks access to safe, affordable surgical care, a crisis driven in part by a severe shortage of trained surgeons, anaesthetists, obstetricians, and nurses. This shortage is compounded by a chronic lack of accessible, affordable, and context-appropriate training resources - an educational gap that the United Nations Global Surgery Learning Hub (SURGhub) was specifically created to address.
In a new report published this week, it was revealed that the remote learning system, launched in June 2023, is not just transforming but revolutionizing how surgical, anaesthetic, obstetric, and surgical care professionals in low-resource and conflict-affected regions access high-quality training. This pioneering platform addresses a long-standing crisis that has crippled health systems for decades -bridging a gap that has long left millions without the surgical care they need. By prioritising low-bandwidth delivery, free access, and culturally relevant content, SURGhub is dismantling longstanding barriers of cost, geography, internet access, and language, demonstrating how digital tools can democratize education even in the most challenging environments.
SURGhub is a product of the global surgery community, powered by over 200 volunteers. It is an initiative of the Global Surgery Foundation (GSF) and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) supported by RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences in association with the Johnson and Johnson Foundation.
The platform now hosts over 100 educational courses, contributed by 27 international organisations, with content quality maintained by more than 200 volunteer experts. The impact is particularly visible in countries where surgical education is often out of reach. At least 1,700 learners are based in conflict-affected regions, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, Ukraine, Yemen, and Palestine, with thousands more in low- and lower-middle-income countries.
For learners navigating immense challenges, the platform’s accessibility is transformative. “Where was this platform when I was a resident? When I was struggling? There was nothing to guide me then… I didn’t know where to find readings and references,” said one user, capturing the frustration of years spent searching for reliable training that simply wasn’t there.
Others describe how SURGhub has replaced the unreliable patchwork of internet searches with structured, high-quality, comprehensive courses - available anytime, anywhere. The platform’s intuitive design has been praised for making learning simple and engaging, even in settings with limited internet or power.
Looking ahead, the SURGhub team is focused on scaling this success to meet an even greater need. With more than one million healthcare professionals worldwide lacking access to adequate surgical training, the demand is enormous. Plans are already underway to expand the platform’s educational offerings—both in volume and diversity—and to introduce personalised training tailored to learners’ needs.
“This is what equitable scalability in global health looks like", said Eric O’Flynn, lead author of the report, and Programme Director of Education, Training and Advocacy in the Institute of Global Surgery, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin.
“SURGhub proves that with the right partnerships and the right technology, we can break down barriers that have held back surgical education for generations. Now the task is to take this further -so lifesaving teams, regardless of where they are based, have the tools they need to deliver safe surgical care.”
Dr Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka is a member of the GSF Foundation Board. She said: "With SURGhub now reaching more than 19,000 healthcare professionals in over 190 countries, we’re demonstrating how innovative, collaborative approaches can meet the critical needs in surgical education. By expanding access to high-quality training—particularly in low-resource and crisis-affected settings—we’re not only strengthening health systems but also advancing better outcomes for women, families, and communities worldwide. This is the type of scalable, impact-driven solution that global health needs more of."
Expanding content in languages beyond English is also a top priority, as is strengthening the ability to measure how training translates into real-world improvements in clinical practice and patient outcomes. But the challenge, and the opportunity, extends far beyond the platform itself. Continued investment, collaboration, and global partnerships will be critical to achieving SURGhub’s mission of transforming surgical education at scale.
ENDS
Notes to editor:
SURGhub is an initiative of the Global Surgery Foundation and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), supported by the Institute of Global Surgery at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland, and in association with the Johnson & Johnson Foundation
About RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences
RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences is ranked first in the world for its contribution to UN Sustainable Development Goal 3, Good Health and Well-being, in the Times Higher Education (THE) University Impact Rankings 2025.
Founded in 1784 as the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland with responsibility for training surgeons in Ireland, today RCSI is an innovative, not-for-profit, international university exclusively focused on driving improvements in human health worldwide through education, research and engagement.
RCSI is among the top 300 universities worldwide in the World University Rankings (2025) and has been awarded Athena Swan Bronze accreditation for positive gender practice in higher education.
In 2026, RCSI will open a new public engagement space, dedicated to health and well-being, at 118 St Stephen’s Green in Dublin city centre. The space is designed to engage the public in dialogue about living longer, healthier and happier lives through dynamic events and exhibitions. Our aim is to bridge the gap between health sciences research, professional expertise, and public understanding, empowering people to make informed decisions about their health.
Visit the RCSI MyHealth Expert Directory to find the details of our experts across a range of healthcare issues and concerns. Recognising their responsibility to share their knowledge and discoveries to empower people with information that leads them to better health, these clinicians and researchers are willing to engage with the media in their area of expertise.
Advancing Open-Access Education for the Surgical Team Worldwide: The Development and Rollout of the United Nations Global Surgery Learning Hub (SURGhub)
Optimizing surgical strategies through a nationwide trial: insights from a Chinese Neurosurgical Journal study
Researchers from China conduct a landmark national study to identify the best surgical strategies for treating unruptured brain aneurysms
ChTUIA, a nationwide landmark study in China, aims to evaluate the optimal surgical management strategies and provide high-quality evidence of clinical practices for UIAs in China.
Credit: Bing Zhao from Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, China Image Source Link: https://cnjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s41016-025-00394-7#Sec12
Unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs), a type of brain aneurysm, are balloon-like bulges found in the brain arteries caused by weakening and thinning of arterial walls. While surgical interventions are risky, UIAs always carry the risk of sudden rupture, which can lead to devastating hemorrhages with significant mortality rates. In China, approximately 7% of total adults suffer from UIAs. However, optimal surgical management strategies for UIAs remain poorly understood due to a lack of large-scale prospective studies in the Chinese population.
To fill this gap, a group of researchers across various medical institutions came together to conduct the first of its kind, the China Treatment Trial for Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysm (ChTUIA). It is a national, prospective, observational, and multicenter registry study in China that is tracking 25,438 UIA patients across 83 medical centers. The trial is being led by Dr. Kaige Zheng and Dr. Zheng Wen from the Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China and China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing, China. The protocols of the study were published online in Volume 11, Issue 8 of the Chinese Neurosurgical Journal on April 3, 2025.
“While there is advancement in the imaging techniques for analyzing brain aneurysms, there’s been no large-scale data guiding how best to treat these cases in our population,” explains principal investigator Dr. Zheng. “We believe the ChTUIA will provide vital information to guide patient-specific treatment strategies.”
To evaluate the treatment strategies, the trial will compare outcomes between 26.4% of patients who received microsurgical clipping and 73.6% who had endovascular procedures. Microsurgical clipping is a procedure that involves placing a tiny metal clip at the neck of the aneurysm to prevent blood from entering it. While more invasive, it is potentially more durable than endovascular procedures. Among the patients who received endovascular treatment, most underwent stent-assisted coiling, followed by flow diverter placement and coil embolization with or without balloon assistance.
Furthermore, to analyze the outcomes, the team collected over 874,000 clinical entries, 42,000 radiological scans, and 12,000 biological samples from the patients. The trial uses advanced data integration and centralized review to ensure accuracy and completeness. According to the protocols, the patients will be monitored for at least two years with follow-ups every three to six months. During these follow-ups, the neurological status, recurrence, and adverse events such as stroke or bleeding will be documented.
The primary outcome of the trial is neurological function, which will be measured at two years using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). mRS measures a patient's level of disability or dependence in daily activities following stroke or intervention. Secondary outcomes will include treatment-related complications, cardiovascular events, cost assessments, and mortality.
China’s aging population and high burden of chronic health conditions make the treatment planning for UIAs more complex. Unlike western populations, Chinese patients may respond differently to therapies due to genetic, lifestyle, and clinical variations. ChTUIA is aimed to address this gap by analyzing treatments specific to the Chinese demographics instead of international data. Additionally, the study will also analyze the cost-effectiveness of different procedures, which is a critical aspect of healthcare planning in China.
“We are not just comparing surgical techniques in ChTUIA; we’re developing an entire decision-making framework that will blend clinical outcomes and patient profiles with economic considerations and long-term risks.” explains Dr. Wen.
With the support of China’s National Key Research and Development Program, ChTUIA is expected to influence not only national guidelines but also impact international best practices, especially for the East Asian populations. As the global burden of cerebrovascular disease continues to grow, this landmark study stands out to make a lasting contribution to brain health and evidence-based neurosurgery—paving the way for better treatment and surgical outcomes.
Treatment Strategies for Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms in The Chinese Population: China Treatment Trial for Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysm (ChTUIA)
Platform feedstock chemicals from global warming gas: a new paradigm in carbon utilization
Pioneering CO2 conversion technology enables production of high value-added chemical fuels with a record-breaking efficiency
Researchers at Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), South Korea, develop a novel electrochemical method for converting CO2 to allyl alcohols through a unique catalytic pathway, achieving a new global benchmark in CO2 conversion efficiency.
With climate change accelerating and global carbon emissions reaching high records, the need for carbon dioxide (CO2) recycling is more urgent than ever. As the global push towards carbon neutrality intensifies, technologies that can convert CO2 into valuable fuels and chemicals are drawing increasing attention. One such solution is CO2-to-alcohol conversion, which stands out for its potential in high-value, energy-dense products. However, achieving both high efficiency and industrial-scale production in CO2-to-alcohol conversion has remained a major challenge.
Of late, a research team led by Professor Dr. Jaeyoung Lee, Dr. Minjun Choi, and Dr. Sooan Bae from Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), South Korea, introduced a groundbreaking strategy for CO2-to-alcohol conversion that achieves unprecedented performance and production scale—setting a new global benchmark in CO2 conversion efficiency. Published online in Nature Catalysis on May 22, 2025, the study unveils an electrochemical conversion technology that can produce the high value-added compound ‘allyl alcohol’ from CO2. The findings of the study were also highlighted in Volume 8 of News & Views of Nature Catalysis.
Electrochemical reduction technology of CO2 is a key technology in the carbon-neutral era that could convert CO2 (the main culprit of global warming) into useful substances. However, selectively producing high value-added compounds with three or more carbon atoms, such as allyl alcohol, poses several challenges. Firstly, current methods enable very low Faraday efficiency—less than 15% of the electrical energy used actually goes into producing the desired compound while the rest is wasted. Secondly, the reaction path is complex and the intermediates have low stability, adding to the inefficiency of the process.
“Allyl alcohol (C3H6O) is a very useful substance that can be used in various chemical reactions,” explains Prof. Lee, "But producing these high value-added compounds in liquid state is difficult due to the complex carbon-carbon (C–C) bond formation and the low stability of the reaction intermediate”.
The technology developed by the researchers was remarkable. The team created a phosphorus-rich copper catalyst by integrating copper phosphide (CuP₂) into a membrane-electrode assembly alongside a nickel–iron (NiFe) oxidation catalyst. Using this catalyst in the electrochemical setup, they achieved a Faraday efficiency of 66.9%, which is about 4 times higher than the existing best technology (<15%). This high efficiency proves the excellent selectivity of the catalyst that minimizes the production of unnecessary byproducts and selectively produces only the desired substance.
In addition, the technology also recorded a partial current density of 735.4 mA cm−2 and a production rate of 1643 μmol cm−2 h−1 in a process that can apply 1100 mA cm−2 per unit area of the electrode. These metrics represent the highest reported performance to date and also underscore its potential for large-scale applications. As allyl alcohol is used as an essential raw material across various industries as plastics, adhesives, sterilizers, and fragrances, this technology could be a game-changer for its mass production.
Furthermore, the method was also unique in its mechanism. Where conventional methods operate through carbon monoxide pathway, this method revealed a new reaction pathway in which the carbon-carbon (C–C) bond was formed during the conversion of an intermediate group from formate to formaldehyde. This mechanism greatly increases the commercial value of the product because it directly produces liquids which are easier to store and transport.
This technology marks a breakthrough in the carbon neutrality era and is expected to open new avenues for economical electrochemical carbon capture and utilization technology by selectively converting CO2 which has only one carbon atom into allyl alcohol, a multi-carbon high value-added compound (C3+) with three or more carbon atoms.
“This CO2 conversion technology could open new business directions for the coal, petrochemical, and steel industries which are facing growing emission pressures,” emphasizes Prof. Dr. Lee “We see it as a key stepping stone toward a carbon-neutral era through scalable science and technology.”
By shifting the focus beyond conventional C1 and C2 targets, the study broadens the scope of CO2 valorization toward more complex, higher‐value molecules. Dr. Choi clarified that while the approach holds promise, further integration into continuous‐flow and zero-gap membrane‐electrode assembly systems might enable scalable, sustainable production of liquid fuels and chemical precursors from CO2—significantly reducing the reliance on fossil fuels and paving the way to a greener future.
Minjun Choi is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Materials Research Laboratory, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), United States. Dr. Choi received his B.S. and M.S. degrees in the Department of Environment and Energy Engineering from GIST in 2018 and 2019, respectively. He received his Ph.D. also from GIST in 2023 under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Jaeyoung Lee and did his postdoctoral research at Ertl Center for Electrochemistry and Catalysis. He has been conducting his research at UIUC since 2024. His research interests include water/CO2 electrolysis, and in-situ analysis for mechanistic studies of electrochemical reactions.
About Dr. Sooan Bae (Second Author)
Sooan Bae is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Fuel Cell Research Center, KIST, South Korea. Sooan Bae received her Ph.D. in the Department of Environment and Energy Engineering from GIST in 2024 under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Jaeyoung Lee and did her postdoctoral research at Ertl Center for Electrochemistry and Catalysis. Her research interests include electrocatalyst and MEA structure for pure-water-fed water electrolysis and Fe-based catalyst for oxygen reduction reaction in alkaline media.
About Professor Dr. Jaeyoung Lee (Corresponding Author)
Jaeyoung Lee is a Professor at the Ertl Center for Electrochemistry and Catalysis, Department of Environment and Energy Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), South Korea. Dr. Lee received his B.S. and M.S. degrees in the Department of Chemical Engineering from Inha University in 1996 and 1998, respectively. He received his doctoral degree from Fritz-Haber-Institut der MPG (Supervisor: Gerhard Ertl, 2007 Nobel Laureate) and FU Berlin, Germany in 2001 and worked as a Senior Researcher at RIST/KIST in South Korea until 2007. He joined GIST in 2007. His research interests include electrocatalysis, platform chemicals from CO2, fuel cells, Li-SqASS battery, water/NH3 Electrolysis, machine intelligence, and electrode architecture.
About Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), South Korea
Established in 1993 in the city of Gwangju, the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) is one of South Korea's leading research-oriented universities. GIST is a member of the research-oriented universities group consisting of GIST-KAIST-POSTECH-DGIST-UNIST and is committed to advancing scientific knowledge and fostering innovation through cutting-edge research and high-quality education. GIST prioritizes research and development, with a strong emphasis on training highly skilled scientists and researchers, and encourages collaboration and interdisciplinary research, with state-of-the-art facilities and collaborative spaces.
This work was supported by a National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) grant funded by the Korean government (MSIT) (NRF-2021K1A4A8A01079455). This research was also supported by the NRF, funded by MSIT (RS-2021-NR060081).
