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)
Friday, July 25, 2025
WPI receives National Science Foundation grant to address water treatmentchallenge
Xiaowei Teng, James H. Manning Professor of Chemical Engineering, has been awarded a $395,886 grant from the National Science Foundation to study an electrochemical system that could be used to address one of the major challenges in water treatment: the buildup of insoluble mineral deposits. Also known as scaling, this buildup in water treatment pipes and equipment reduces the efficiency and lifespan of treatment systems, much like limescale does in household appliances.
Current methods to mitigate scale formation often generate chemical waste and consume large volumes of water. Through this newly awarded grant, Teng will partner with Professor Heath Turner of the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at the University of Alabama to study the use of aqueous battery electrodes to selectively remove scale-forming-cations (SFC) found in water. SFCs are positively charged ions in minerals such as calcium, magnesium, strontium, or barium. The goal is to develop an electrode-based system that will enable lower-cost, environmentally friendly water purification solutions to increase access to clean water.
The research will utilize these water-based electrodes, computational modeling, and X-ray imaging of ion transport to generate new insights and novel means of understanding and controlling the transport behavior of SFCs in water and their interaction with the electrode materials. Teng hopes this knowledge will accelerate the development of a system that uses an ion-storage electrode to introduce an electrochemical charge to remove only the most scale-forming cations without obstructing other water treatment methods that effectively purify non-SFCs.
“We want this system to be a cost-effective supplement to water treatment methods to address mineral buildup” said Teng. “Since shutting down parts of water treatment facilities for scale removal is costly and time-consuming, this system seeks to prevent the accumulation of harmful minerals, reduce maintenance costs, and extend the operational lifespan of water treatment equipment.”
Teng expects such technology to surpass the performance and sustainability challenges of current water pretreatment technologies based on chemical approaches. The electrochemical system could have applications for facilities that purify large amounts of water, such as municipal water treatment plants and massive data centers.
This project is supported under the Electrochemical Systems program of the National Science Foundation’s Division of Chemical, Bioengineering, Environmental and Transport Systems.
BASILISK partners with The Planetary Society and CalTech’s IQIM to recruit the global esports audience in the movement to save science
NEW YORK and SEATTLE – JULY 24, 2025 — BASILISK, the global esports organization built to champion science, debuted two historic partnerships at the Esports World Cup 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia this week – furthering its mission to elevate science advocacy through the global reach and cultural influence of competitive gaming.
BASILISK’s new strategic partnerships with the California Institute of Technology’s Institute for Quantum Information and Matter (IQIM) and The Planetary Society create a powerful bridge between renowned scientific institutions and the next generation of STEM enthusiasts.
“To root for BASILISK is to root for Science,” said BASILISK co-founder Christopher Bothur. “We are proud to showcase IQIM and The Planetary Society logos on our jerseys. Together, we are meeting curious scientific minds where they are: watching and playing video games. With over 600 million global esports fans, this is a necessary evolution in science advocacy.”
With a combined following of over 7 million science enthusiasts, these partnerships connect BASILISK to some of the most respected voices in science- well-established communities that share the same values as BASILISK’s players and fans who are deeply engaged with scientific discovery.
In turn, BASILISK’s players and influencers introduce these institutions to more than 3.5 million gamers, a passionate, science-interested demographic that's often difficult to reach through traditional channels. Together, they amplify each other’s missions: expanding the reach of science advocacy at a critical moment as the field faces mounting threats.
"BASILISK promotes science in fun and exciting ways -- exactly what we strive to do at The Planetary Society,” said Jennifer Vaughn, Chief Operating Officer of The Planetary Society. “This collaboration helps us connect with gamers and science lovers in a whole new way — and grow the movement for space science and exploration."
BASILISK integrates science into every level of its organization using data science and performance psychology to scout and train elite players. Their roster includes Finnish esports legend Joona “Serral” Sotala, the winningest player in StarCraft 2 history, and GM Vincent Keymer, the highest-rated chess player in German history.
Leading BASILISK’s science outreach is Kyle Hill, the award-winning science communicator and YouTuber with over 2.5 million followers. With over a decade of experience advocating for science globally, Hill brings a vast network of science enthusiasts, scientists, and STEM leaders into the movement.
“Science at its best is play,” said Dr. Spiros Michalakis, Outreach Manager and Staff Researcher at IQIM, and scientific advisor to Marvel Studios. “To me, a great game is an opportunity to bring together friends and people who may become friends from around the world to participate in a story of their own making. You’re playing so hard that you break the world and get to put it together again. That’s science! Partnering with BASILISK fills a gap by connecting emotionally and culturally with young people to focus on what makes science so magical.”
The announcement comes as global esports continues its rapid growth. Esports leagues, teams, and large-scale tournaments with lucrative prizes are drawing millions of fans worldwide. The International Olympic Committee has also announced the Esports Olympics beginning in 2027. The industry’s global reach underscores the potential of gaming to influence, educate, and inspire.
About BASILISK BASILISK is science’s esports team: a championship organization built to spark curiosity, defend science, and inspire the next generation of scientists through competitive gaming. Founded in 2020 by friends and co-investors Christopher Bothur and Hans Kassier, the duo applied their data-driven approach and study of cognitive biases, which had previously allowed them to outperform markets, to the world of esports. Their competitive roster includes Finnish esports legend, Joona “Serral” Sotala, the winningest player in StarCraft 2 history, RedBull Athlete Riccardo ‘Reynor’ Romiti, and GM Vincent Keymer, the highest-rated chess player in German history.
The Institute for Quantum Information and Matter (IQIM) at Caltech is a National Science Foundation Physics Frontiers Center. IQIM seeks to exploit and advance an emerging revolution in quantum science spurred by recent developments in quantum information, atomic-molecular optical physics, and condensed matter physics. Our research programs span Quantum information physics, Next-generation quantum metrology, and building and driving quantum matter, with faculty drawn from Caltech’s departments of physics, applied physics, electrical engineering, computer science, and chemistry, and addresses a wide variety of experimental and theoretical research topics. IQIM also conducts outreach programs to introduce K – 12 students and the general public to the wonders of the quantum world.
About The Planetary Society
With a global community of more than 2 million space enthusiasts, The Planetary Society is the world’s largest and most influential space advocacy organization. Founded in 1980 by Carl Sagan, Bruce Murray, and Louis Friedman and today led by CEO Bill Nye, we empower the public to take a meaningful role in advancing space exploration through advocacy, education outreach, scientific innovation, and global collaboration. Together with our members and supporters, we’re on a mission to explore worlds, find life off Earth, and protect our planet from dangerous asteroids. To learn more, visit www.planetary.org.
Method of Research
News article
We should treat more people with hepatitis B, experts say
Researchers make the case to expand treatment for Hep B in Lancet Gastroenterology and Hepatology papers
St. Louis -- In a pair of articles published in Lancet Gastroenterology and Hepatology, scientists lay out the case for why we should expand treatment recommendations for people with hepatitis B.
Commissioned by the International Coalition to Eliminate HBV, researchers examine the pros and cons of expanding treatment for the 256 million people chronically infected with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) worldwide. Their conclusion is that hepatitis B drugs are being underused and that expanding the criteria for receiving treatment could save many lives over time.
HBV kills over 3,000 people every day, or over 2 people every minute. Of the people who do not clear the infection and go on to develop a chronic HBV infection, between 20 and 40% will die if they do not receive treatment, usually from liver failure or liver cancer, as the disease progresses over decades. HBV is responsible for half of all liver cancer cases.
Researchers note that current drugs are safe, effective and relatively inexpensive, though they don’t cure people. These medications substantially slow down the disease progression and they can reduce transmission of the virus to other people.
“These medications are good drugs that are being badly underused,” said John Tavis, Ph.D., professor of molecular microbiology and immunology at Saint Louis University School of Medicine and an author on both papers. “Less than 3% of all people infected with HBV are receiving treatment, and the evidence suggests that many more people could benefit from treatment. If we get people on medication earlier, the net disease and death rate is going to be much less.
“In these papers, we go through the scientific and medical evidence,” Tavis said. “We look at how HBV triggers cancers. Treatment significantly slows down the disease progression, and by giving drugs to people earlier, we can limit the cumulative liver damage over the course of a 20 to 30 years long chronic infection that causes liver cancer and liver failure.”
In a second companion article, experts discuss treatment perspectives from a patient and public health perspective.
Researchers note that hepatitis B carries an emotional, mental and social burden that adds to the disease’s impact on quality of life.
“The most common way the infection is passed along is from a mother with HBV to her infant,” Tavis said. “Most mothers don’t know they have the infection. And, the stress of learning that you passed along a deadly illness to your baby is unimaginable.
“In some countries, people with HBV will hide their status because they’ll be fired from their jobs and ostracized by their friends. Despite the fact that the virus does not spread by casual contact, many people suffer in their communities.”
Tavis reflects on the potential benefits of increasing treatment.
“We know these drugs could reduce the incidence of liver cancer by two-thirds, or possibly even three-quarters. That’s a big impact, saving millions of lives over time. Just imagine how many more grandmas will be around to have their grandkids sit on their laps. I’d like to see a lot more of that.”
Bottom line?
“By delaying treatment, you leave people at risk for longer than necessary,” Tavis said. “And, you allow too much damage to the liver before you start treatment. We need to adjust our treatment paradigm for this illness.”
The papers were written on behalf of the International Coalition to Eliminate HBV.
Additional authors on “Patient and Public Health Perspectives to Inform Expansion of HBV Treatment Guidelines” include Chari Cohen, DrPH, Thomas Tu, Ph.D. Philippa C. Matthews, M.D., Su Wang, M.D., Jessica Hicks, BComand Manal El Sayed, MC.
Established in 1836, Saint Louis University School of Medicine has the distinction of awarding the first medical degree west of the Mississippi River. The school educates physicians and biomedical scientists, conducts medical research, and provides health care on a local, national and international level. Research at the school seeks new cures and treatments in five key areas: infectious disease, liver disease, cancer, heart/lung disease, and aging and brain disorders.
As a nationally recognized leader in research and innovation, SLU is an R1 research university, advancing groundbreaking, life-changing discoveries that promote the greater good.
TherVacB: Over a Decade of Research Reaches the Clinic “After 13 years of research, seeing TherVacB enter patient trials is exciting as it is a critical step towards providing a potential cure for chronic hepatitis B,” says Prof. Ulrike Protzer, the vaccine's inventor and Director of the Institute of Virology at Helmholtz Munich and Chair for Virology at the Technical University of Munich. “This vaccine aims to activate the natural immune response in a way that could finally enable the body to eliminate the virus,” Protzer adds, who also coordinates the "Hepatitis" research area in German Center for Infection Research (DZIF).
TherVacB uses an innovative heterologous prime-boost strategy: it first introduces proteins that prime the immune system, followed by a modified viral vector (MVA) to boost the cellular immune response. This approach is designed to stimulate both antibody and T-cell responses targeted at the hepatitis B virus. The vaccine is also tailored to cover over 95 percent of global HBV strains, making it potentially effective for the more than 250 million chronically infected humans worldwide.
Sponsored by LMU University Hospital Munich and led by sponsor representative Prof. Michael Hoelscher, Director of the Institute of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine and DZIF Partner Site Speaker Munich, the current trial is being conducted at clinical sites in Germany, Italy, Spain, England, and Tanzania. It aims to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and immune activity of the vaccine in patients with chronic hepatitis B whose infections are currently managed with antiviral medication.81 patients will participate in two phases. In the first part (phase 1b), participants receive increasing doses of the vaccine components to determine the safest and most effective dose. In the second part (phase 2a), the best dose identified will be tested in a larger group of patients to confirm its safety and determine how well it stimulates the immune system to control the virus. The aim is to determine the optimal dose that is both safe and effective in helping the body fight hepatitis B.
A New Chapter in Hepatitis B Treatment If successful, TherVacB could represent a breakthrough in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B. The ability to stimulate a functional immune response in already-infected patients could lay the groundwork for a true cure – something no existing therapy offers.
“The outcomes of this trial may not only shape future phases of clinical development but also redefine the global strategy for managing hepatitis B – especially in regions with high disease burden and limited access to existing treatments,” says Michael Hoelscher.
About Chronic Hepatitis B Chronic hepatitis B is a serious and widespread infectious disease, affecting 254 million people worldwide. It significantly increases the risk of liver damage, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Although preventive vaccines and antiviral treatments exist, no curative therapy has been developed to date. Current treatments suppress the virus but require lifelong use and are not universally available. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), hepatitis B causes 1.1 million deaths per year, highlighting the urgent need for curative strategies.
About the Researchers Prof. Dr. Ulrike Protzer, Deputy Head of the Molecular Targets and Therapeutics Center at Helmholtz Munich, Director of the Institute of Virology at Helmholtz Munich and the Technical University of Munich (TUM), Chair for Virology at the TUM School of Medicine and Health. She invented the TherVacB Vaccine. Prof. Dr. med. Michael Hoelscher, Director of the Institute of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, and Chair of Global Health & Infectious Diseases at the Medical Faculty of the LMU Munich, Head of the Unit Global Health (UGH) at Helmholtz Munich, Sponsor Representative of the LMU University Hospital for the TherVacB Phase 1b/2a Trial.
Funding Information Funding for the study is provided by the European Union through the Horizon 2020 research program.
About Helmholtz Munich Helmholtz Munich is a leading biomedical research center. Its mission is to develop breakthrough solutions for better health in a rapidly changing world. Interdisciplinary research teams focus on environmentally triggered diseases, especially the therapy and prevention of diabetes, obesity, allergies, and chronic lung diseases. With the power of artificial intelligence and bioengineering, researchers accelerate the translation to patients. Helmholtz Munich has around 2,500 employees and is headquartered in Munich/Neuherberg. It is a member of the Helmholtz Association, with more than 43,000 employees and 18 research centers the largest scientific organization in Germany. More about Helmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt GmbH): www.helmholtz-munich.de/en
New study in Ukraine indicates significant lifetime exposure and ongoing transmission of hepatitis B and C viruses among the general population
A nationwide study in Ukraine has found evidence of significant exposure to hepatitis B and C viruses and substantial ongoing circulation among the population, highlighting need for immunisation and regular screening.
European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)
A study just published on Eurosurveillance has found evidence of substantial lifetime exposure to hepatitis B and C viruses in Ukraine in a 2021 nationwide, representative sample of the population, with findings also suggesting significant ongoing circulation of these viruses.
Ahead of World Hepatitis Day 2025, viral hepatitis remains a major global health concern, and is one of the priority infectious diseases under the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 3. [1][2] The World Health Organization (WHO) Global Hepatitis report 2024 estimated an overall hepatitis B virus (HBV) prevalence of 1.2% for the WHO European Region and identified Ukraine as one of six focus countries in the region for its viral hepatitis response. [3]
Diagnostic tests to detect Hepatitis C virus (HCV) core antigen (HCcAg) in the study were interrupted by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. With the war still ongoing and the disruption in public health infrastructure and surveillance, it is difficult to estimate its inevitably negative effect on global efforts to reach the goal of eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030. This was the first population-based serological study in Ukraine to assess HBV and HCV prevalence among the general adult population, despite the pressing need for such data.
Men and older adults more likely to test positive for hepatitis B and C
Researchers from the Public Health Centre of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine and the medical laboratory DILA used blood samples collected in mid-2021 through a nationwide and representative cross-sectional, household-based SARS-CoV-2 serosurvey. The samples from the adult population were tested for hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibodies, total antibodies against hepatitis B virus (HBV) core antigen (HBc), hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis D virus (HDV) antibodies. Researchers then calculated crude and weighted proportions for anti-HCV, anti-HBc and HBsAg positivity, adjusting the data to ensure it reflected actual Ukrainian demographics. Weighted regional estimates and proportions positive for anti-HDV were also calculated among HBsAg-positive cases.
The study found a 3.3% prevalence of hepatitis C antibodies and 11.6% of hepatitis B antibodies, which indicate current or past infection for these viral infections. A prevalence of 0.9% was found for HBsAg, which indicates a current, mainly chronic HBV infection. Among those with HBsAg, 7.5% were anti-HDV positive.
Odds of having anti-HBc increased with age and was highest among those over 60. The prevalence of anti-HCV, anti-HBV and HBsAg was found to be higher in southern regions of Ukraine. Anti-HCV markers were more prevalent among men, in urban areas, and in the eastern and southern regions.
Significant challenges in Ukraine to achieve viral hepatitis elimination targets
These findings emphasise the need of hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination among infants and risk groups as well as regular HBV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) screening, treatment, and awareness raising to decrease transmission.
Ukraine joined the WHO’s Global Strategy for the Elimination of HBV and HCV in 2019 [4], and has since expanded HBV screenings in primary care, ensured public funding for diagnosis and treatment, and decentralised care by involving family and non-infectious disease doctors. It has also improved access to HBV services.
Ukraine introduced HBV vaccination in the national childhood immunisation schedule in 2002, achieving vaccination coverage of 88% in 2024. However, the vaccination rate remains below the WHO target of 90% and national surveillance is not fully established. Ukraine’s strategy to eliminate viral hepatitis includes reducing new cases and associated deaths, which requires effective surveillance.
The war on Ukraine has resulted in large-scale internal displacement as well as refugee migration to neighbouring countries, disrupted treatment for Ukrainians in the occupied territories, and hampered healthcare infrastructure, adding to existing challenges in addressing viral hepatitis.
National representative seroprevalence of viral hepatitis B, C, and D seromarkers in Ukraine, 2021
Article Publication Date
24-Jul-2025
Hospital and nursing home food undermines both patient and planetary health, new study shows
Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)
In the world’s first comprehensive study to evaluate both the nutritional quality and environmental footprint of food served in healthcare institutions using detailed, food-level data, researchers assessed menus and food procurement data from two hospitals and three nursing homes of average size in Germany. These institutions’ foodservice likely reflects that of many healthcare institutions in high-income countries.
“Calories from wholesome plant-based foods made up less than one-fifth of energy provision in all institutions, which is far lower than the 80 percent recommended by the Planetary Health Diet,” Pörtner adds. At the same time, refined grains made up over 20 percent of calories, and red meat accounted for 10 to 17 percent – resulting in poor overall dietary quality. Animal-source foods, namely red meat and dairy products, were also major contributors to negative environmental impacts, including greenhouse gas emissions, land use change and water pollution.
Healthcare foodservice contributes to environmental degradation and climate change
“Our results indicate that food served in healthcare settings poses a health risk if consumed over the long term, as unhealthy diets are a major cause of chronic illness", explains Nathalie Lambrecht from Stanford University. “This is particularly troubling as health care institutions should be role models for healthy diets. In addition, we find that their foodservice contributes to environmental degradation and climate change – which also threaten to undermine health.” Lambrecht adds. The authors conclude that substantial changes to healthcare foodservice are essential to protect both human and planetary health.
Fortunately, both can be achieved through similar actions: reducing the overconsumption of animal-source foods while increasing the intake of healthy, plant-based options. The researchers recommend mandatory nutrition and sustainability standards for healthcare institutions – along with regular assessments of food quality and environmental impact – as important levers for improving health and protecting the planet.
Germany published a nutritional strategy last year that explicitly mentions improving foodservice in healthcare settings, but political actions have so far been lacking. The authors of the study stress that institutions are not solely to blame for the shortcomings, with financial pressures and other demands having risen over recent years. “Policymakers and healthcare providers alike urgently need to prioritise food quality, set clear standards and close existing data gaps to ensure meals truly are health-promoting – without harming the planet,” says PIK researcher Pörtner. The project was funded by the Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt (DBU).
Article
Pörtner,L. M., Schlenger,L., Gabrysch, S.,Lambrecht, N. J.: Dietary quality and environmental footprint of health-care foodservice: a quantitative analysis using dietary indices and lifecycle assessment data. The Lancet Planetary Health [DOI: 10.1016/j.lanplh.2025.05.004]
