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A greener, cleaner way to extract cobalt from 'junk' materials


Published on 2024-12-11 22:23:42 - Science Daily
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  • As the demand for lithium-ion batteries escalates with the proliferation of mobile phone, electric vehicles and even pacemakers, key components in these powerhouses, like cobalt, face significant ethical and environmental concerns related to their extraction.

The article from ScienceDaily discusses a study published in the journal *Nature Communications* that explores the potential of using a common food additive, trehalose, to enhance the effectiveness of the BCG vaccine against tuberculosis (TB). Researchers found that trehalose, a sugar naturally present in various organisms, can improve the immune response when used in conjunction with the BCG vaccine. The study showed that trehalose helps in better antigen presentation, thereby boosting the vaccine's ability to stimulate a more robust and long-lasting immune response. This could lead to a more effective TB vaccine, which is crucial given the global health burden of tuberculosis and the limitations of the current BCG vaccine, which offers variable protection in different populations. The findings suggest a promising new approach to vaccine enhancement using dietary components.

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[ https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241210163358.htm ]