Latest news with #RADICAL
Agriland
01-08-2025
- Science
- Agriland
Researchers Develop Cost Effective Ammonia Sensor for Farmers
Researchers at University College Cork (UCC) have developed a groundbreaking new sensor that they say significantly advances the detection of ammonia pollution in real-time. This technology is aimed at transforming environmental monitoring, removing the cost barriers to farmers and supporting the enhancement of sustainable farming practices. Efficient detection of ammonia (NH3) is essential for reducing air and water pollution, safeguarding human health, promoting sustainable agriculture, and shaping climate and environmental policies, according to the research team. Current technologies for NH3 measurement include spectroscopic techniques and sensors that can be expensive, bulky, and impractical for widespread or field applications. The new silicon nanowire sensor developed by UCC researchers is described as a "promising alternative". This breakthrough is a result of the EU-funded RADICAL project led by UCC, with the findings published in the journal ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces. The team has stated that the nanowire sensor is sensitive and precise, consumes minimal power, and operates at room temperature, allowing for real-time air quality monitoring. As the sensor design is compatible with existing technology, it is said to be cost effective and simple to produce. It reportedly can also quickly and reliably detect ammonia, even in small amounts, and provide a portable solution for use in diverse environments. Ammonia pollution primarily originates from agricultural activities and poses significant environmental and health risks. In Ireland, where agriculture plays a major role, ammonia emissions are a critical concern. Urban sources such as vehicle emissions also contribute. Once in the atmosphere, ammonia reacts with acidic gases to form particulate matter (PM2.5), which is harmful to human health and can lead to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Direct exposure can irritate the skin, eyes, and lungs, the research team has said. Environmentally, excess ammonia causes water pollution, leading to algal blooms and eutrophication, which harm aquatic life. It also impacts air quality and climate. Dr. Vaishali Vardhan, lead author of the paper said: 'This new sensor is a powerful tool for both air quality monitoring and research. It is low in cost, small, and suitable for large-scale deployment. "What distinguishes our technology is the use of bare silicon nanowires - avoiding complex hybridisation techniques - which makes the sensor more affordable and scalable. "The integration of UV light further boosts its sensitivity, enabling efficient detection of ammonia at low concentrations." RADICAL project coordinator, Prof. Justin Holmes added: "This pioneering technology is set to revolutionise environmental monitoring in the agricultural sector. "It will allow farmers to make more informed decisions, benefiting both their businesses and the environment as a whole."
Associated Press
30-05-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
Engineered ion channel offers precise, non-invasive control of brain activity
FAYETTEVILLE, GA, UNITED STATES, May 30, 2025 / / -- In a breakthrough advancement for neuroscience, researchers have developed RADICAL, a cutting-edge chemogenetic tool that allows for the precise manipulation of neuronal activity using a synthetic chemical, cyclohexanol ( CHXOL ). Unlike traditional methods that rely on invasive optics or slow-acting G-protein coupled receptors, RADICAL utilizes a modified TRPM8 ion channel to enable rapid and targeted control of calcium influx in neurons. This innovative tool has the potential to advance brain function research and open up new therapeutic possibilities for neurological disorders. Current technologies for controlling neuronal activity—such as optogenetics and chemogenetics—have their limitations. Optogenetics requires invasive light delivery, while chemogenetic systems like DREADDs rely on slow and indirect cellular signaling pathways. Additionally, engineered ligand-gated ion channels, such as those based on nicotinic receptors, can result in unintended interactions with native proteins. These challenges have highlighted the need for a more efficient, non-invasive, and precise method of modulating neuronal excitability. In response to this gap, researchers sought to develop RADICAL, a novel chemogenetic tool that addresses these limitations. In a letter (DOI: 10.1093/procel/pwae048 ) published on September 3, 2024, in Protein & Cell, a team from Zhejiang University unveiled RADICAL, an engineered ion channel activated by cyclohexanol (CHXOL). By introducing specific mutations to the TRPM8 ion channel, they created a system that responds with exceptional sensitivity and specificity to CHXOL. This innovation allows for precise neuronal control without interfering with the brain's native functions, marking a significant step forward in chemogenetics. The key modification in RADICAL was the engineering of the TRPM8 ion channel, which is naturally expressed at low levels in the brain, minimizing potential disruptions to endogenous systems. The team introduced two critical mutations (I846F and I985K) to the TRPM8 ion channel. The I846F mutation restored CHXOL binding, while I985K enhanced voltage sensitivity, enabling robust activation even at hyperpolarizing potentials (-80 mV). Patch-clamp recordings and calcium imaging confirmed the double mutant, TRPM8-I846F-I985K's EC50 of 1.17 mmol/L for CHXOL at depolarizing potentials (+80 mV). In vivo, RADICAL demonstrated its potential: CHXOL administration enhanced fear extinction memory in mice by activating neurons in the infralimbic cortex (IL), and also increased locomotor activity when expressed in astrocytes of the ventral tegmental area (VTA). Importantly, the tool's calcium permeability and minimal cell death risk, as shown in HEK293T cells, suggest its suitability for studying calcium-dependent processes such as learning and memory. Dr. Fan Yang, one of the co-corresponding authors of the study, said: RADICAL represents a major breakthrough in chemogenetics. Its ability to modulate neuronal activity with high precision and minimal off-target effects makes it a versatile tool for both basic neuroscience research and the development of therapeutic interventions. With its non-invasive approach and high specificity, RADICAL has substantial potential in both research and clinical settings. It could enhance our understanding of neurological conditions such as memory disorders, addiction, and mood disorders by providing a precise way to manipulate neuronal circuits. Furthermore, future efforts to miniaturize the tool for adeno-associated virus (AAV) delivery could broaden its applicability in gene therapy. RADICAL's unique combination of speed, specificity, and safety positions it as a powerful platform for next-generation treatments of brain diseases. References DOI 10.1093/procel/pwae048 Original Source URL Funding Information This work was supported by funding from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (32122040 and 31971040 to F.Y.; 32071017 and 31922031 to Y.C.); Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China (LR20C050002 to F.Y.); China Postdoctoral Program for Innovative Talents (BX20230323 to H.Z.); China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (2024M752858 to H.Z.); The Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (226-2022-00227 to F.Y.; 226-2022-00149 to Y.C.); Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions (NYKFKT2019001 to Y.C.); The Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (226-2022-00227 to F.Y.). 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