Posts

Subcritical Water Extraction of Phenolic Compounds from Onion Skin Wastes (Allium cepa cv. Horcal): Effect of Temperature and Solvent Properties

  1. Introduction Subcritical water extraction (SWE) has emerged as a powerful green-technology approach for recovering high-value phytochemicals from agro-industrial residues. Onion skins, often discarded as waste, are exceptionally rich in phenolic compounds such as quercetin and its derivatives, which exhibit strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. This study explores how temperature and solvent characteristics affect the extraction yield and chemical profile during SWE of Allium cepa cv. Horcal onion skins. By investigating these relationships, researchers aim to optimize sustainable extraction strategies capable of transforming agricultural waste into valuable raw materials for the food, cosmetic, and nutraceutical industries. 2. Influence of Temperature on Phenolic Yield Temperature is a critical factor in subcritical water extraction due to its strong influence on water’s dielectric constant, diffusivity, and solvation behavior. As temperatur...

Healthy Homes, Healthy Kids: Breakthrough Trial on Obesity Prevention in 5–10 Year Olds

  1. Introduction Understanding childhood obesity requires more than identifying weight trends—it demands studying the behavioral, environmental, and clinical factors shaping children’s daily lives. The Healthy Homes/Healthy Kids randomized trial addresses this challenge by evaluating a pediatric primary care–based intervention developed specifically for at-risk children aged 5–10 years. This study explores how structured family engagement, guided health coaching, and household changes can support healthier growth trajectories. The research provides valuable insight into integrating preventive strategies within routine healthcare settings. 2. Study Design and Methodology The trial employed a robust randomized controlled methodology involving pediatric primary care clinics as intervention hubs. Participants, identified as being at risk of obesity, were assigned to structured guidance programs involving lifestyle counseling, home-based activities, and periodic follow-ups. Data c...

Optimizing Power & Cooling: Hybrid Nanoliquid Flow SOR Analysis in Porous Media

  1. Introduction Hybrid nanoliquids are emerging as a transformative solution for advanced thermal management systems, particularly in applications requiring precise control of power and cooling efficiency. By integrating nanoparticles into base fluids, researchers can significantly enhance thermal conductivity and heat transfer rates, enabling superior performance in porous media environments. This study focuses on SOR-based computational modeling to analyze hybrid nanoliquid flow through Darcy-type porous structures. The introduction establishes the scientific relevance of combining porous media physics with high-fidelity numerical modeling to optimize thermal behavior, energy efficiency, and system stability. 2. Mathematical Modeling of Hybrid Nanoliquid Dynamics The mathematical formulation incorporates Darcy’s law, momentum equations, and energy equations to simulate the flow of hybrid nanoliquids through porous domains. By defining nanoparticle volume fractions, effective...

Nanocellulose from Caulerpa racemosa: A Breakthrough Humectant for Skincare Innovation

  1. Introduction The rise of eco-conscious beauty has accelerated the search for natural, sustainable ingredients. Caulerpa racemosa , a marine green algae, offers immense potential as a renewable source of nanocellulose—a biomaterial known for its water-binding and stabilizing properties. This study explores its characterisation and suitability as a humectant in skincare applications. 2. Extraction and Purification of Nanocellulose Nanocellulose from Caulerpa racemosa was extracted using acid hydrolysis and purified through controlled mechanical processes. The resulting material exhibited nanoscale dimensions, high crystallinity, and superior surface area—key traits that influence its hydration and compatibility in cosmetic formulations. 3. Physicochemical Characterisation Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were employed to confirm the structural integrity and morphology of the nanocellulose. The dat...

Combining IgE & Skin Tests Boosts Accuracy in Venom Allergy Immunotherapy | New Research Insight

  1. Introduction The integration of discordant serum IgE levels with detailed skin testing represents a major advancement in the diagnostic landscape for Hymenoptera venom hypersensitivity. Traditional single-method testing often fails to capture complex sensitization patterns, leading to ambiguous results and suboptimal treatment pathways. This research highlights how combining both diagnostic tools refines accuracy, ensures reliable identification of venom-specific allergies, and enhances the effectiveness of venom immunotherapy strategies. 2. Importance of Dual-Testing Approaches Using serum IgE testing alongside skin testing provides a broader immunological picture, allowing clinicians to detect sensitizations that may be missed when relying on only one method. The study emphasizes that discordant results can still hold diagnostic value when interpreted together, offering a more comprehensive evaluation of a patient’s allergic response. 3. Diagnostic Accuracy in Venom Alle...

Combining IgE & Skin Tests Boosts Accuracy in Venom Allergy Immunotherapy | New Research Insight

1. Introduction The integration of discordant serum IgE levels with detailed skin testing represents a major advancement in the diagnostic landscape for Hymenoptera venom hypersensitivity. Traditional single-method testing often fails to capture complex sensitization patterns, leading to ambiguous results and suboptimal treatment pathways. This research highlights how combining both diagnostic tools refines accuracy, ensures reliable identification of venom-specific allergies, and enhances the effectiveness of venom immunotherapy strategies. 2. Importance of Dual-Testing Approaches Using serum IgE testing alongside skin testing provides a broader immunological picture, allowing clinicians to detect sensitizations that may be missed when relying on only one method. The study emphasizes that discordant results can still hold diagnostic value when interpreted together, offering a more comprehensive evaluation of a patient’s allergic response. 3. Diagnostic Accuracy in Venom Allergies ...

Water Ice in the Dark Dune Spots of Mars: 7 Astonishing Research Insights

  1. Introduction The presence of water ice in the dark dune spots of Mars’s Richardson Crater has become a fascinating research focal point for planetary scientists worldwide. These spots, which appear during the Martian spring, reveal unique interactions between seasonal CO₂ frost and underlying water-rich materials. Understanding these features gives researchers a deeper perspective on Mars’s climatic conditions, its shifting surface dynamics, and the potential implications for future exploration missions seeking signs of past or present life. 2. Seasonal Sublimation and Surface Activity Dark dune spots are believed to form through the sublimation of CO₂ ice during the Martian spring, which causes gas jets to erupt through the surface and leave dark deposits behind. Water ice detected within or near these features suggests a more complex interaction involving both CO₂ and H₂O frost. Studying these transitions helps scientists better understand Mars’s active seasonal cycles an...