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Alexander Beadle

Alexander Beadle is a science writer and editor for Technology Networks. Before this, he worked as a freelance science writer, writing features and reporting on breaking news in materials science, environmental science and drug research. Alexander holds an MChem in Materials Chemistry from the University of St Andrews, Scotland.

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Published Content

Total: 180

A man spreading pesticides onto a field of yellow mustard flowers.

Popular Herbicide Ingredient Linked to Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemic in Sri Lanka

The active ingredient in Roundup, the world’s most popular herbicide, may play a role in the epidemic levels of chronic kidney disease seen in rural Sri Lanka, a new study suggests.

A hand-drawn illustration of the three nobel prize winners.

Discovery and Synthesis of Quantum Dots Wins 2023 Nobel Prize in Chemistry

The 2023 Nobel Prize in Chemistry has been awarded to Moungi G. Bawendi, Louis E. Brus and Alexei Ekimov for their discovery and synthesis of quantum dots.

A picture taken from within the of the mouth of a cave, looking out to sea.

Microplastics Found in Cave Closed to Visitors for 30 Years

Researchers in Missouri have found high concentrations of microplastic in Cliff Cave, a cave system in Saint Louis County that has been closed off to visitors for the past 30 years. The extent of the microplastic contamination is detailed in two new research papers, published in Science of the Total Environment and Water Research.

Two people clinking bottles of beer against a sunset backdrop.

High Temperatures Linked to Increase in Drug and Alcohol-Related Hospital Visits

Rising hospital visits for alcohol- and substance-related disorders are being driven by warm weather, a new study has found. The researchers warn that this relationship could also be further affected by climate change.

A piece of raw ginger, against a wooden board with some green herbs in the background.

Scientists Uncover Biological Mechanism Underpinning Ginger’s Effect on Immune Function

New research has found that whole-ginger extracts can make neutrophils – a type of white blood cell – more resistant to neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation. This suggests potentially positive effects in the treatment of some autoimmune disorders.

A spider web, covered in morning dew, hangs below a handrail post at sunrise.

Genetically Modified Silkworms Produce Spider Silk Six Times Tougher Than Kevlar

For the first time, researchers have genetically modified common silkworms to produce full-length spider silk proteins. Such proteins can be used to produce fibers that are six times tougher than the Kevlar fiber used in bulletproof vests.

A green chameleon sits on a wooden branch

Chameleon-Inspired Coating For Buildings Could Significantly Improve Energy Efficiency

Scientists have developed a new dual-purpose coating that can help to keep houses cool in summer and warm in winter, taking some unlikely inspiration from the skin of desert-dwelling chameleons.

Researcher Qi Chen harvesting soft rush at Groningen's University Campus.

Researchers Develop a Self-Powered Sensor Made From Plants

A tiny sensor built from the stems of a grass-like plant could be used to power the next generation of wearable tech, a new study suggests. The plant material can be fashioned into an ideal foam material for use in triboelectric nanogenerators.

A man in a blue t-shirt holds a burger above a plate of chips.

Substituting Meat for Plant-Based Alternatives To Cut Global Emissions

If we switched half our meat and milk products to plant-based alternatives, global greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) could fall by up to 31% by 2050, new analysis suggests. A 50% substitution scenario could also reduce water usage and undernourishment levels significantly.

A colourful variety of vegetables - including tomatoes, broccoli, green beans, potatoes and onions - are spread out on a wooden table.

Food Sector Could Achieve Net Negative Emissions by 2050

State-of-the-art agricultural technology and largescale changes to the global food system could help the sector achieve net negative greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions – where the emission sinks exceed the production of emissions – by the year 2050.

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