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Fri, Nov 22, 2024 09:38 AM All times are UTC

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Alistair Farley

Science Lead, University of Oxford
From a young age, I have been curious about the physical and natural world that surrounds us. This broad interest across physics and biology led me to study chemistry, as the central science, at Wadham College at the University of Oxford where I stayed for my MChem and PhD degrees.

During my PhD, I developed a new family of catalysts – substances that speed up a reaction – and investigated their application in a range of industrially relevant processes. These catalysts do not contain metals, are cheap, generate less waste, and work under milder conditions than metal catalysts, and therefore offer a more sustainable approach to chemical processes.

After this, I became interested in applying chemistry and chemical principles to address biological questions and in particular to the issue of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). My interdisciplinary team and I, as part of the Ineos Oxford Institute, try to understand the mechanisms of bacterial resistance to antibiotics. We then develop new molecules and combinations of molecules that are active against the bacteria. Tackling AMR is a challenge and requires interdisciplinary research involving policy makers, health economists, chemists, microbiologists, biochemists and others to advance. Good science with direct societal benefit and the diversity of people make this a great area to work in.

I am a strong advocate for the use of science to better inform policy and policymakers. I have had the opportunity to present my research at the Houses of Parliament and to shadow parliamentarians and policymakers as part of the Royal Society Pairing Scheme. Advances in science and innovation are fundamental in improving the general wellbeing of society.

Why is it so difficult to make a new antibiotic?

Nov 22, 2024 03:05 am UTC| Insights & Views Health Business

The discovery of antibiotics is one of the greatest medical breakthroughs of the 20th century. Before antibiotics, childbirth, a urinary tract infection, or a simple cut could lead to death from infection. Antibiotics,...

Economy

FxWirePro- Major economic events for the day

Date Time Currency Event Actual Forecast Previous Fri Nov...

Global Currency Shuffle: Euro Dips, Yen Recovers, and Markets Await Key Economic Signals

The euro lost its shine against the US dollar due to strong US economic data and dovish comments from ECB members. It hit a fresh year-low yesterday and is hovering around that level. Yannis Stournaras from the European...

Fed's Goolsbee Expects Rates to Drop 'Fair Bit Lower,' Cautions on Slowing Cuts

Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee said Thursday he anticipates interest rates will end up considerably lower within the next year. He cautioned that the Federal Reserve may need to decelerate rate cuts amid...

S&P 500 Climbs on Cyclical Stocks as Nvidia and Alphabet Diverge Amid Fed Speculation

The SP 500 rose 0.5% Thursday, fueled by cyclical stocks like financials and industrials, offsetting tech sector volatility. Nvidias robust demand contrasted with Alphabets sharp dip on regulatory concerns. Cyclical...

Trump Pressed to Protect EV Tax Credits Amid China’s Subsidized Electric Car Push and Regulatory Battles

Automakers representing General Motors, Toyota, and Volkswagen are pressing President-elect Donald Trump to protect EV tax credits, address strict emissions rules, and counter Chinas EV export subsidies. Industry leaders...

Politics

How Donald Trump is addressing housing affordability in 2025?

As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to assume office in January 2025, his administration has unveiled a series of initiatives aimed at tackling the nations housing affordability crisis. These proposals, which include...

Donald Trump’s trade war strategies in 2025: Winners and losers

As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to implement his 2025 trade policies, the global economy braces for significant shifts. Trumps America First agenda emphasizes aggressive tariff measures aimed at reducing trade...

What Donald Trump's tax cuts mean for corporations in 2025?

As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to assume office, his proposed tax policies for 2025 have ignited significant discussion regarding their potential impact on corporations and the broader economy. Central to his...

Donald Trump's Bold Move: Kash Patel Poised to Overhaul FBI as Deputy Director

President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly considering appointing Kash Patel, a staunch ally and former Pentagon official, as Deputy Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This potential nomination signals Trumps...

Donald Trump's Bold Move: Pam Bondi Is the Right Choice for Attorney General

President-elect Donald Trump has nominated former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi as the next Attorney General of the United States. This nomination follows the withdrawal of previous nominee Matt Gaetz amid allegations...

Science

Why does everything look flat even though the Earth is round?

Ever since the ancient Greeks first made observations of the circular Moon and the skies, scientists have known that the Earth is a sphere. Weve all seen beautiful images of the Earth from space, some photographed by...

Blue Origin Prepares to Test New Glenn Rocket, Set to Rival SpaceX's Falcon Rockets

Blue Origin is making significant strides toward testing its New Glenn rocket, designed to compete with SpaceXs Falcon lineup. With seven BE-4 engines producing 3.8 million pounds of thrust, the New Glenn is set to test...

SpaceX’s $2.9 Billion Moon Ship Reveals Spacious Design for Future Lunar Missions

SpaceXs latest prototype of its Starship Human Landing System (HLS) offers an inside look at the spacious, two-story design that could soon carry astronauts to the Moon. A central feature in NASAs Artemis program, this...

CDC Urges Second COVID-19 Vaccine for Seniors: ‘Protect Your Health This Season!’ Experts Say It’s Critical

In a recent public health announcement, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended that individuals aged 65 and older receive a second dose of the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine. This additional dose, the...

Breakfast Secrets: 'Fiber-rich Foods Are the Key to Weight Loss!' Experts Reveal Shocking Truth

Health experts often emphasize the importance of a balanced diet combined with regular exercise for weight management. However, for many, achieving these goals can be a daunting challenge. Instead of drastic food...

Technology

Nvidia's AI Production Bottlenecks Spark Debate as Demand Skyrockets Beyond Supply Limits

Nvidias AI chips face critical production hurdles, with soaring demand outpacing supply due to advanced packaging challenges. Analysts foresee persistent bottlenecks into 2025, reshaping the competitive...

Google Faces DOJ Pressure to Sell Chrome, Android, and AI Stakes to Fix Search Monopoly

The Department of Justice has urged a federal judge to make Google sell its Chrome browser and Android OS, among other remedies, to break its dominance in online search. The DOJ says drastic measures are needed to restore...

Bitcoin ETFs Hit $104 Billion, Outpacing Gold ETFs in Growth Amid Post-Election Market Optimism

Bitcoin ETFs achieved a record-breaking $104 billion in net assets, boosted by Donald Trumps presidential win and growing investor appetite for cryptocurrencies. With Bitcoin ETFs rapidly closing the gap with gold ETFs,...

5 Crucial Metrics Shaping Ethereum’s Next Move: Whale Activity and Network Growth in Focus

Ethereums price movement hinges on five pivotal indicators, including whale netflows and transaction growth, according to IntoTheBlock. Mixed signals emerge as ETH trades at $3,323, with long-term investors continuing to...

Bitcoin Soars Past $98,000, Catapults Satoshi Nakamoto Into World's Top 20 Billionaires

Bitcoin shattered records by surpassing $98,370 on Thursday, propelling its mysterious creator Satoshi Nakamoto into the ranks of the worlds wealthiest. With holdings of approximately 1.1 million BTC now valued at over...