Scientists find new way to treat carbon monoxide poisoning
Carbon monoxide poisoning is a leading cause of accidental deaths globally, and current treatments, such as 100 per cent oxygen, are slow and often result in long-term health complications.
The new protein-based molecule acts like a sponge, binding strongly to carbon monoxide and significantly reducing the time it takes to clear the gas from the blood compared to existing therapies.
Pre-clinical studies in mice demonstrated that the molecule effectively removed carbon monoxide from red blood cells and was safely flushed from the body, with minimal impact on blood pressure.
Researchers hope this intravenous antidote could be rapidly administered in emergency settings, though further pre-clinical research is needed to determine safe and effective dosages.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Guardian
2 hours ago
- The Guardian
Solar panels in space ‘could provide 80% of Europe's renewable energy by 2050'
Solar panels in space could cut Europe's terrestrial renewable energy needs by 80% by 2050, a study has found. Using a detailed computer model of the continent's future power grid, the researchers found that a system of space-based panels designed by Nasa could reduce the cost of the whole European power system by as much as 15%. It could also cut battery use by more than two-thirds. The study, led by researchers at King's College London, is the first to assess the possible impact of space solar energy on Europe. The space-based solar power (SBSP) panels that yielded the positive results uses a heliostat design. The design, which the system imitates, uses mirror-like reflectors to collect sunlight in orbit. The sunlight is then transmitted to stations on Earth and converted to electricity before it is delivered to an energy grid. The computer model of the continent's power grid spans 33 countries, and simulates electricity demand, generation and storage to identify the lowest-cost option to meet Europe's electricity needs. When the researchers integrated the SBSP concept into the model based on Nasa's predictions of its potential energy capacity, results showed that it could replace as much as 80% of Europe's land-based renewable energy. Land-based renewable energy is irregular and weather-dependent, complicating reliable supply, and comes at varying costs, the researchers point out. SBSPs could be an alternative centralised energy resource that operates above the atmosphere with continuous gigawatt-scale power. The authors note that the modelling does not account for potential impacts from space-specific challenges such as orbital congestion, transmission interruptions or beaming variability, which could influence SBSP reliability and operational performance. Nor could the potential cost-effectiveness of SBSP be realised until 2050 because building, launching and maintaining it would be too expensive unless technological growth reduces its costs. Dr Wei He, a senior lecturer at KCL's engineering department and lead author of the study, which is published in Joule, said: 'There are some risks to consider, such as how the satellite in space could have too many solar panels. Could it cause collisions or be damaged by debris in space?' Despite those risks, Wei believes the research shows that SBSP has the potential to help countries in achieving net zero. 'Renewable energy to replace fossil fuels is the most important action we are taking as humans. Space-based solar power is a potential technology and can provide continuous solar power as a renewable energy source,' he said. Japan is already developing SBSP and integrating it into its space and net-zero strategy, Wei said. Sign up to Down to Earth The planet's most important stories. Get all the week's environment news - the good, the bad and the essential after newsletter promotion Europe could follow suit, the paper suggests, mentioning the continent's longstanding tradition of multinational cooperation of cross-border electricity exchange and satellite ventures under the European Space Agency. The authors believe Europe could leverage its multinational cooperation to develop and operate a centralised SBSP infrastructure. In doing so, it could create a continent-scale solution to provide stable, baseload-scale renewable supply, reducing the continent's reliance on gas-fired power. 'Now is the time,' Wei said.
The Guardian
4 hours ago
- The Guardian
Why 'baby brain' isn't what we think
'Baby brain' is often referenced jokingly and dismissively when discussing pregnancy and forgetfulness. But a new brain scan study reveals something more profound: pregnancy does not weaken the brain, it rewires it. Neelam Tailor explores what this means for neuroscience and caregiving, and how little we still understand about women's health
Sky News
4 hours ago
- Sky News
Millions of people threatened by wildfires near their homes, research finds
Why you can trust Sky News The number of people whose lives or property are at risk from wildfires has surged by almost 40% in just two decades, according to new research. Analysis by an international team of scientists showed that 440 million people were threatened by fire encroaching on their homes between 2002 and 2021. And while the area affected decreased over the study period, the number of people affected each year rose by 7.7 million. Dr Matthew Jones, from the University of East Anglia, told Sky News that a combination of climate change and population movements is driving the increase. "We're seeing hotter, drier conditions, and that's leading to more fire-prone weather," he said. "We're also seeing people migrating more and more into areas that are historically fire-prone. In the western US, we see this idyllic, romantic image of living closer to nature. "And that's a trend which is putting people closer to fire-prone landscapes than in the past." The researchers analysed 18.6 million records of wildfires over 20 years. High-profile disasters in the US, Europe and Australia grab public attention, but they only account for 2.5% of the global burned area, according to results published in the journal Science. The vast majority of affected land - 85% - is in Africa. But that is falling as more savannah scrub and grassland is taken over by agriculture - a change so significant that it shows up in global totals, with a 26% fall in land burned over the study period. "The apparent increase in damaging and destructive wildfire impacts on society has until now seemed perplexing because the area burned by fires globally has been falling," said Dr Jones. He added: "By closely analysing the shifting geography of both fire and population, this study brings vital clarity - our work shows that wildfires really are becoming more frequent and intense in populated areas. "These changes bring danger to life, damage to property, and threat to livelihood." The researchers say the increasing vulnerability of human populations to wildfire underlines the urgent need for proactive measures to protect communities. That could include deliberately starting small, controlled fires to burn off vegetation, so it doesn't build up.
