Fish-hunting marine cone snails have developed a strategy to hit and subdue their prey with up to 200 different compounds, one of which is insulin. American and Australian researchers have examined the function of seven insulin sequences found in the venom from three species of cone snail and found each species produces insulin with slightly different structures. This new study provides the research team with three different ‘templates’ to produce more effective insulin treatments for diabetics in humans. Read More
BASF’s new smartphone application, MyConcrete is now available in Asia Pacific, allowing instant access to information on concrete properties. Intended for contractors, engineers, architects and producers, the free MyConcrete app serves as a channel to a range of information on the fundamentals of concrete use. The app includes items such as concepts and design factors, provides answers to questions on concrete slump, air, finish ability and set time and offers information on BASF products for concrete producers. Read More
Devan Chemicals has joined a consortium that plans to address the recycling of coated and painted textile and plastic materials. The EU-funded project is led by Belgian R&D centre CENTEXBEL, consisting of 17 European partners from across the value chain including design, manufacturing, NGOs, and research and innovation. The focus of the consortium is on coated and painted textiles and plastic materials which are currently not recyclable. Ambitious plastic recycling targets of 50 percent have been set by the European Plastics Industry. Read More
