#Imperial College London

[materialsscienceandengineering]

Fine-tuning ion exchange membranes for better energy storage

Researchers at Imperial College London, supported by colleagues at a range of other institutions, have published a study in Nature that will help fine-tune a new class of ion exchange membranes. The results should make it possible to build longer lasting and more cost- and energy-efficient devices such as flow batteries, a promising technology for long-duration grid-scale energy storage. When electric current passes between the electrodes in one of these devices, either going in or going out, it is balanced by an exchange of charged molecules, called ions, within the device. These are generated in liquids, called electrolytes, that surround each electrode. The job of the ion exchange membrane is to separate the two electrodes and their respective electrolytes, while allowing the ions to pass between them. A good ion exchange membrane will let ions cross rapidly, giving the device greater energy efficiency, while stopping electrolyte molecules in their tracks. Once electrolytes start to leak through, the device gradually loses its effectiveness and its lifespan diminishes.

Read more.

[freddiemercurylegendabovelegends]

Today - October 26th, 1973 - Queen Story!

London, UK, Imperial College

'Queen I Tour'

📸 Photographer © Mick Rock (1948-2021)

[ohsalome]

The University of Cambridge is among almost a dozen UK universities accused of helping to develop Iran’s weapons including “suicide drones”.

At least 11 British universities are involved, with staff producing at least 16 studies with potential Iranian military applications.

Key pieces of research have been conducted by academics at the University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, the University of Glasgow, Cranfield University and Northumbria University.

In one project, funded by Tehran, researchers in the UK worked to improve drone engines by boosting their altitude, speed and range. Another British university worked with Iranian researchers to test new controls for jet engines to increase their “manoeuvrability and response time” in military applications.

“It is quite possible these collaborations are assisting in the gender apartheid within Iran, and its hostile interference and violence across the Middle East or even helping to massacre civilians in Ukraine,” she added.

[linusjf]

Phaedrus: Gentleness

“Gentleness is the antidote for cruelty. ” —Phaedrus.

[katiajewelbox]

Amazing view of The Queen's Tower at Imperial College London with a double rainbow!

Source: Imperial College London Estates Services Linked In page

[med-przemek]

Imperial Lates

Upon experiencing my first Imperial late event, here are a few things that I learnt: 

- My first lecture focused on precision polymer particles by Professor Rachel O’riley. Although typically such nanoparticles are governed by the ratio of hydrophobic and hydrophilic components for self assembly, here; the focus was on crystallisation driven self assembly (CDSA) which overrides this mechanism. DMA seeds are used as the original seeds on which the polymer begins to form through a process known as living polymerisation growth for greater control that leads to platelet like structures. Studying the complexity of assembly was important on exploring how polymer length, composition and chemistry can be altered to rationally tune nanoparticle shape and in turn it’s properties. Novel applications include directing biological interactions, such as cellular uptake, intracellular trafficking and immune response or the ability to modulate hydrogel mechanical and adhesion properties when used as fillers for antimicrobial and tissue engineering purposes. 

- The second talk event was lead by Dr Catherine Kibirige on treating HIV in rural African communities. HIV is particularly difficult to treat and has to be rather suppressed because of it’s elusion from the immune system. Using a continually shifting shield of glycans, it prevent antibodies from detecting and attacking. It also replicates rapidly using reverse transcriptase to develop a pool of diverse HIV strains - called quasi-species - whilst attacking helper T-cells that orchestrate the immune system’s cell signalling. Finally it has a long incubation period and is slow to reveal (typically 5-10 years), where by that point it may have shredded the victims immune system. There are campaigns that have been developed, notably the ongoing UN led campaign of 95-95-95; where 95% people with HIV know their status, then 95% are receiving their treatment and 95% have suppressed their viral load by 2030. Suppression is the best we have at the current moment with no vaccine, with the Undetectable= Untransmittable campaign (U=U), sexual transmissions of HIV can be stopped by lowering the viral load in blood whilst on effective treatment. Dr Kibirige has been a part of the HIVQuant project that is a HIV-1 kit (working on portable solar or battery driven cyclers) that provides a treatment monitoring solution for resource-constrained settings, especially in Africa to minimise monthly hourly trips to district hospitals to meet the 2030 95-95-95 UN target. 

- Vera. AI was the final project that grasped my attention as AI is largely underrepresented in the field of healthcare. Being a hyper-personalised digital platform that focuses on gynaecological, hormonal health management and patient education, this AI tools aims to break women’s health taboos in communicating their medical needs. Focusing on improving patient’s ability to understand and learn, Vera.AI improves patient-doctor communication. This is a project still in it’s early stages but with incorporating ChatGPT in the future, it has colossal potential to democratise women’s health medical data.  

[rayhaber]

Kahve Tüketiminin Sağlık Üzerindeki Etkileri

Yeni bir araştırma, kafein seviyelerinin vücut yağ oranını etkileyebileceğini ve bu durumun tip 2 diyabet ile kardiyovasküler hastalıklara yakalanma riskini belirleyebileceğini ortaya koydu. Kahve İçmenin Yenilikçi Faydası İsveç’teki Karolinska Enstitüsü ile Birleşik Krallık’taki Bristol Üniversitesi ve Imperial College London’dan gelen araştırma ekibi, yüksek kafein seviyelerinin vücut…

[non-conventionnel]

Anton Sammut's The Secret Gospel of Jesus AD 0-78 reveals long-suppressed secret teachings from Jesus and Mary Magdalene. Through detailed research, this historical novel challenges traditional beliefs, offering insights that promote spiritual liberation and a deeper understanding beyond religious control.

Anton Sammut's FB Page

[scholarshipsbucket]

Imperial College London President’s PhD Scholarships (Full Funding for Tuition, Attractive Stipend, Consumable Fund & More). All Nationalities are Welcome.

For those who are high-performing undergraduate or Master’s students and possess a strong desire to undertake a PhD program at a world-renowned and world-class research institution, the President’s PhD Scholarship at the Imperial College London could provide them with the exceptional opportunity to obtain full funding for tuition fees and a generous stipend and consumable fund available for three-and-a-half-year PhD place at Imperial College London. There are more benefits to attract students also.

For more details and the application procedure:

[daystar-by-jacqui-natla]

9. IMPERIAL COLLEGE

FEBRUARY'S BITTER CHILL HAD SETTLED over London, wrapping the city in a shroud of fog that clung to the cobblestones like a second skin. Even the River Thames seemed sluggish, its waters heavy and dark beneath the overcast sky. I watched the city stir to life, its inhabitants braving the morning with hats pulled low and collars turned up against the cold.

The world outside felt like a different one altogether, so far removed from the warmth of the fire crackling in the hearth behind me, from the soothing presence of Ingram at my side. I glanced at him, his profile sharp against the dim light. Ingram thought it was going to be a bonding moment with Joseph and Rhona, but I had a plan.

"It's weird being in the opening with humans," Ingram said, closing his distance beside me.

His voice was low, thoughtful, as though he were still trying to make sense of the world outside our safe haven. I could feel the weight of his gaze on me, searching for reassurance, for understanding. But this time, I wasn't just going to be the comfort he sought—I had to be the catalyst for something more. The massacre had changed everything, and I wasn't willing to sit idly by and hope it wouldn't happen again.

"Yes, it is," I agreed, my tone deliberately measured. "But maybe it's time we step into that world more fully, instead of just observing from a distance.”

Ingram's brow furrowed slightly, his eyes narrowing in thought. "You're thinking about the college again, aren't you?"

I nodded, keeping my gaze steady on his. "I am. The massacre must been tied to Joham and his growing hybrid army somehow. I'm surprised my mother didn't get killed there. I need to know what happened to her during it."

He sighed, running a hand through his hair, the motion tense. "And you think going to Imperial College is the answer?"

"It's a start," I said firmly. "Maybe it could help with solving bits and pieces of this mystery."

Ingram's gaze softened as he studied me, a mixture of concern and admiration in his eyes. "You're serious about this."

"Deadly serious," I replied, the words heavy with meaning. "I know it's risky. But if we don't take this risk, we're just waiting for the next disaster. And who's to say we'll be so lucky next time?"

He fell silent, lost in thought, and I knew he was weighing my words carefully. Ingram had always been the more cautious of the two brothers, more inclined to think things through before acting. But even he couldn't ignore the truth of what I was saying. The massacre had been a stark reminder that the world wasn't as safe as we'd convinced ourselves it was.

"Joseph isn't going to like this," he said finally, his voice tinged with resignation.

"He won't," I admitted, "but he needs to understand why this is necessary. We can't afford to be passive anymore."

Ingram nodded slowly, a flicker of resolve crossing his features. "I'll support you, Violet. But we should prepare ourselves for his reaction. Joseph can be... difficult when he feels threatened."

Just as he finished speaking, Joseph and Rhona came up to us. Rhona's eyes immediately searched for Ingram, a gentle smile on her lips, while Joseph's gaze fell on me, his expression unreadable. The tension that had been building seemed to intensify as they approached.

"Good morning," Rhona said warmly, though there was a trace of concern in her voice. "I hope we're not interrupting anything."

"Not at all," I replied, trying to keep my tone light. "We were just discussing some... plans."

Joseph's eyes narrowed slightly, the familiar intensity of his gaze sharpening as he caught on to the undertone of our conversation. "Plans?" he echoed. "What kind of plans?"

I took a deep breath, steeling myself for what I was about to reveal. "I've been thinking about the massacre, about Joham and his possible connection to the college and I believe we need to investigate further. I want to visit at Imperial College to gain insights into what's happening and maybe uncover more about Joham's activities."

Joseph's expression darkened immediately, and he exchanged a look with Rhona. "You're suggesting that we go to a college building, into the middle of human society, where our presence could easily be detected?" His voice was icy, the concern in his eyes palpable.

"Well, the Cullens managed," I reminded him.

Joseph's eyes flashed with worry at the mention of the Cullens. "The Cullens are a different case. They live among humans, have established their own routine. We're not in their position."

"I know that," I said calmly, meeting his gaze without flinching. "But our situation is different now. The massacre made it clear that there's more to Joham's motive than what Huilen and Nahuel had told the Volturi."

Rhona stepped forward, her hand resting gently on Joseph's arm. "Violet has a point," she said softly, though her tone held a note of caution. "We only know about what they told him but not the whole story."

Joseph's eyes shifted between Rhona and me, his expression a complex mixture of frustration and reluctant consideration. "This isn't just about Joham, is it?" he asked, his voice low and strained. "It's about closure for your mum."

I nodded slowly, feeling the weight of Joseph's words. "Yes, it is. I need to understand what happened to her. We need to uncover the truth about the massacre and Joham's plans."

Joseph's shoulders tensed as he considered my words. "Violet, you know the risks involved. Our presence in human society—especially in a place like Imperial College—could jeopardize everything. We're not exactly inconspicuous."

"I'm aware of that," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "But if we don't act, we might miss crucial information that could prevent future tragedies. We need to be proactive."

Joseph's gaze turned toward Rhona, his frustration evident. "And you're both willing to take these risks? What about the safety of the others?"

Rhona's eyes met mine, her expression resolute. "We're all aware of the risks, Joseph. But sometimes, we have to step outside our comfort zones to make a difference."

A tense silence followed as Joseph processed our arguments. The fog outside seemed to press against the windows, mirroring the heaviness of the decision at hand. Finally, Joseph exhaled deeply, his expression softening.

"Alright," he said, his voice low. "We'll help you out with your plan. But we'll need to be extra careful with this."

Relief washed over me, and I met Joseph's gaze with gratitude.

Ingram held my hand, his grip firm and reassuring.

Joseph gave a curt nod, his eyes still dark with concern. "We'll need to be meticulous with our planning," he said, his voice taking on a more business-like tone. "We'll have to scout the area, map out the college, and figure out the best times to move without attracting attention."

Rhona, still at Joseph's side, seemed to sense the shift in the conversation and spoke up. "Before we get too deep into the details, there's something I want to suggest."

We all turned to her, curious. Rhona's voice was gentle but resolute as she continued. "I think we should consider a memorial for those who were lost in the massacre."

Her words hung in the air, and for a moment, I could feel the raw emotion behind them. Rhona had always been more attuned to the human side of things, perhaps more than any of us. The idea of a memorial seemed to strike a chord, especially given the weight of what we were about to undertake.

Ingram was the first to speak. "A memorial," he repeated, as if testing the idea in his mind. "For the humans who died?"

"No, brother, a memorial for the flowers that were trampled in the chaos," Joseph said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. He sighed and shook his head, the frustration evident in his expression. "Of course, for the humans who died."

Rhona frowned slightly at Joseph's tone but didn't let it deter her. She continued, her voice steady and filled with purpose. "It's more than just for the humans, Joseph. It's for all of us who were affected by this. The massacre wasn't just a human tragedy—it was a tragedy for our kind too. We lost people we cared about. And if we're going to confront Joham and whatever he has planned, we need to remember why we're doing it."

Joseph's sarcasm faded as he listened to Rhona. Her words seemed to resonate with something deeper inside him. He looked away, his eyes focusing on the foggy window, as if searching for answers in the swirling mist outside. After a moment, he nodded, the tension in his posture easing slightly.

"You're right," he conceded, his voice softer now. "We need to remember the stakes. A memorial could help us stay focused, give us something to hold on to when things get difficult."

I nodded, feeling a sense of unity building among us.

The Imperial College loomed ahead, its gothic architecture silhouetted against the overcast sky. We walked through the college's main gates, blending seamlessly with the early morning crowd of students and faculty, our footsteps unnaturally quiet on the cobblestones.

The memorial had been set up in the courtyard, a stark contrast to the lively, bustling surroundings. It was simple—an elegant stone structure surrounded by flowers, with a plaque listing the names of those who had died in the massacre. The atmosphere was heavy, the weight of loss palpable, even though most passersby barely spared it a glance. For them, it was just a tragic footnote in the history of the institution. But for us, it was a reminder of the horrors that had unfolded, a place where blood had been spilled, and lives—both human and otherwise—had been irreversibly changed.

I paused at the edge of the courtyard, my gaze drawn to the memorial like a magnet. Ingram was by my side, his hand hovering near mine. Joseph and Rhona lingered a few steps behind, their eyes scanning the area, alert for any sign of danger or prying eyes.

The four of us stood in silence for a moment, letting the gravity of the place wash over us. The names on the plaque blurred slightly as I blinked, thoughts of the massacre threatening to surface. I read the names of the massacred and a name caught my attention: Melissa Baxter.

I knew the name Melissa from my mother's journal. She was my mother's best friend in college years who was working with Joham with his experiments. But it was the surname that caught me off guard. It was my original surname before I joined the Khotlers. It was a part of Ayla's surname too.

The realization hit me like a blow to the chest. Baxter. My mother's best friend, Melissa, shared our original surname. The connection felt impossible, but there it was, etched into the cold stone in front of me. I stared at the name, my mind racing, trying to piece together the fragments of what I knew. My mother had never mentioned this part about Melissa in this context, only vague references in her journal about their time at the college and their work with Joham.

Ingram must have sensed the shift in my energy because he stepped closer, his fingers lightly brushing my arm. "Violet?" His voice was soft, cautious.

I shook my head slightly, trying to gather my thoughts before speaking. "It's her. Melissa Baxter. She was close to my mother... and she share our original surname."

He frowned, his eyes narrowing in confusion. "Your original surname? You mean before—"

"Before the Khotlers," I finished for him. "It's not a common surname, I think. There's no way it's a coincidence."

Joseph stepped forward, his keen hearing having caught our conversation. "Are you saying she was family?" His tone was neutral, but there was an underlying tension in his voice.

"I don't know," I admitted, my voice trembling slightly. "But it's a strong possibility. I have to look into it."

I turned back to the memorial, my eyes tracing over Melissa's name again. My thoughts drifted back to the massacre, to Joham and his twisted experiments. Was this connection to Melissa another piece of the puzzle, another thread leading back to him?

"What was your mother's surname?" Ingram asked.

"Clarke," I recalled. "My mother's name was Evelyn Clarke and my father's name is Gavin Baxter."

"Sounds like your dad either has a sister or a cousin," Joseph theorised.

It sounded plausible, but he never once mentioned his own family whatsoever. The revelation stirred something deep inside me—something that made me question everything I thought I knew about my family. If Melissa Baxter was related to my father, it meant there were ties I had never been told about. Ties that somehow connected my parents to Joham, to the massacre, and to the experiments that had torn lives apart. And now, standing here at the memorial, I couldn't shake the feeling that this discovery was more than just a coincidence. It was a key to the truth.

"Why wouldn't your father mention her?" Rhona's voice cut through the fog of my thoughts, pulling me back to the present. Her expression was kind, but her eyes held the same cautious curiosity as the others.

"I don't know," I whispered, my voice sounding small against the backdrop of the bustling college. "He was always quiet about his past, even before we were changed. But this... this feels too important to have been left out."

But before any of us could speak, a hum invaded my ears. A strange, low humming sound began to fill the courtyard, barely noticeable at first but quickly growing louder, more insistent. It was out of place, a melodic tune that seemed to rise from the very stones beneath our feet. The notes were familiar, eerie in their simplicity—It's a Small World, the nursery-like melody that clashed harshly against the somber atmosphere of the memorial.

I stiffened, my senses sharpening instantly. Ingram's hand gripped mine tighter, his body tensing beside me. Joseph and Rhona exchanged quick glances, their eyes scanning the courtyard with the heightened awareness of our kind. The humming wasn't natural. It wasn't coming from any of the students passing by. No one else seemed to hear it.

"Do you hear that?" I asked quietly, my voice barely above a whisper.

Joseph's gaze darkened, and his jaw tightened. "I hear it," he muttered, his voice low, dangerous. "It's deliberate. Someone's watching us."

Rhona's eyes flickered with a mixture of worry and concentration. "But why here, at the memorial? Do they somehow know about us?"

The tune grew louder still, an unnerving lullaby that sent a chill down my spine. It wound through the fog and the crowd like a predator circling its prey. I looked around, scanning the faces of the students walking by, the professors deep in conversation. None of them seemed to notice. It was as if the sound existed only for us.

"They're trying to unsettle us," Joseph growled. "Whoever's behind this knows we're investigating. This is a message."

The humming continued, a slow, mocking rhythm that dripped with malice. It wasn't just an attempt to frighten us—it was meant to remind us of the massacre, to dredge up the chaos and bloodshed that had taken place here. It's a Small World. A twisted choice of song, as if to mock the smallness of our world, the limited scope of our power compared to the forces we were up against.

Ingram's eyes flickered, his teeth barely concealed behind clenched lips. "We need to move. Whoever's doing this is close."

But before any of us could react, the humming stopped as abruptly as it had begun, leaving a hollow, oppressive silence in its wake. For a moment, the world seemed to hold its breath, as if waiting for something to happen.

Then I saw it. A figure, standing at the far edge of the courtyard, just beyond the reach of the mist. It must had been a feminine figure, with the only thing I saw was her shoulder length wavy blonde hair and her black hood concealing her eyes, revealing her chin and lips only. The rest of her clothing was obscured by the shadows, blending seamlessly into the fog. Her lips, however, were twisted into a faint, knowing smile, as if she was fully aware of the impact her presence was having on us. I felt a cold shiver race down my spine as I met her gaze—or what little I could see of it beneath the hood. It was clear she was no ordinary human. There was something otherworldly about her stance, the way she seemed to command the very air around her.

Joseph noticed her too. His eyes narrowed, and I saw his muscles tense as if ready to pounce at the first sign of danger. "Who is that?" he muttered, his voice barely above a growl.

"I don't know," I whispered, though something deep inside me stirred, as if the figure was connected to the swirling web of mysteries we had uncovered so far. "But she's not just a bystander."

The figure took a slow step forward, her movements graceful yet deliberate. The smile on her lips widened, as if inviting us to make the first move. It was a challenge—an open provocation.

Ingram's hand tightened around mine, his voice low and steady. "We should leave, Violet. This isn't a safe place to confront anyone."

I nodded, but my eyes remained locked on the figure. Something about her was magnetic, as if she held answers that could unravel everything we had been searching for. Yet, the sense of danger was unmistakable. We couldn't afford to act rashly, not here, not now.

Rhona shifted closer to Joseph, her eyes flicking between the mysterious woman and the surrounding crowd. "We can't risk a public confrontation," she murmured. "But we can't ignore this either."

The figure paused, her smile fading as she tilted her head ever so slightly. Then, in a slow, deliberate movement, she raised her hand and pointed directly at the memorial. It was a silent command, a gesture loaded with meaning that none of us could fully decipher. But one thing was clear: she was connected to the massacre. She knew something—perhaps everything—about Joham, about Melissa Baxter, about the experiments that had led to so much death.

And then, without warning, she turned and disappeared into the fog, leaving only the echo of her humming behind.

Joseph cursed under his breath. "We have to find out who she is."

"We will," I said, my voice firm despite the uneasy churn in my stomach. "But not here. Not now."

The humming lingered in the air like a specter as we stood in the courtyard, the weight of what had just happened pressing down on us. This was only the beginning—another piece of the puzzle, one that threatened to change everything.

I glanced back at the memorial one last time, my eyes lingering on Melissa Baxter's name. Whatever secrets my family had buried, I knew they were about to be unearthed. And the truth, when it finally came to light, would be far more dangerous than any of us could imagine.

[fast-forest]

IMPERIAL COLLEGE LONDON

I drew the anthropomorhic of him!

Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine (Imperial College London)

Human name: Albert Victoria

Appearance age: 23 years old

Actual age: 179 years old

Gender: Male

Height: 173cm (5 feet and 8.1102 inches)

It was once called the Royal College of Chemistry, then the Royal College of Science, and finally the Imperial College London.

Imperial is a somewhat independent person.

He likes to face everything with a smile, even though it often feels a bit scary.

He comes from a noble background and speaks with great dignity, but in recent years he seems to have rebelled a lot.

He has long blonde hair, but seems too lazy to take care of it and let it grow. Therefore, it can be said that the hair is somewhat unkempt.

He is very particular about principles and dislikes people who break them. He also doesn't like procrastination, he would rather stay up all night to finish it.

He doesn't look strong, but unexpectedly has some muscles and often goes to the gym.

He has a baby face appearance, and although he claims he is 23 years old, he often looks like a high school student.

He has face blindness and name blindness, and his condition worsened after getting drunk.

He has a younger brother named 'De la Beche Victoria' (Royal School of Mines), whom the Imperial really likes.

Although the Imperial often exhibits a terrifying aura, close friends will find that he is a person with delicate thoughts.

He seems to dislike its childhood and aristocratic education.

Imperial and UCL(gender: male) cannot get along. (Although UCL sometimes worries about him, he ignores them all, they also had a unhappy experience which Imperial propose to engage (annex actually) with UCL in 2002, and UCL rejected immediately (laugh)

The relationship between Imperial and KCL(gender: male) seems to be good (They are all noble background but have a bit differences, Imperial follows the qween, King follows the king).

Imperial and LSE(gender: male) seem to be in a semi familiar state, to the point where all Londoners think they are not familiar (in fact, they have a very close relationship, they even have a child(what!)). It seems that if he see LSE on the road, he might accidentally miss him due to the large height difference. On the contrary, sometimes LSE would greet to him. (Remember, Imperial has face blindness).

He is the shortest school among the four schools in London (with a height of 173), well...he tried his best (laughs).

インペリアル・カレッジ・オブ・サイエンス・テクノロジー・アンド・メディシン（インペリアル・カレッジ・ロンドン）

人間名：アルバート・ヴィクトリア

外見年齢：23歳

実年齢：179歳

性別：男性

身長：173cm（5フィ��ト8.1102インチ）

かつては「王立化学大学」、次に「王立科学大学」、そして最終的には「インペリアル・カレッジ・ロンドン」と呼ばれていました。

インペリアルはやや独立心の強い人物です。

少し怖いと感じることも多々ありますが、何事にも笑顔で臨むのが好きです。

貴族の出身で、威厳のある話し方をしますが、近年は反抗的なところが多いようです。

長いブロンドの髪をしていますが、面倒くさがりで伸ばしたままにしているようです。そのため、髪がややボサボサしていると言えます。

原則に非常にこだわりがあり、原則を破る人が嫌いです。また、先延ばしも嫌いで、むしろ夜更かしして終わらせる方が好きです。

強そうには見えませんが、意外にも筋肉があり、ジムに通うことが多いです。

童顔で、23歳と自称しているが、高校生に見えることが多い。

顔盲と名前盲で、酔うと症状が悪化する。

「デ・ラ・ベッシュ」（王立鉱山学校）という弟がいて、帝国は彼のことをとても気に入っている。

帝国は恐ろしいオーラを放つことが多いが、親しい友人は彼が繊細な考えを持つ人物だと気づくだろう。

幼少期と貴族教育を嫌っているようだ。

帝国とUCLは��が悪い。 (UCL は時々彼のことを心配しますが、彼はUCLを無視します。ちなみに、2002、インペリアルが UCL との交渉を提案し、UCL が即座に拒否したという不幸な経験もあります (笑)

インペリアルと KCL の関係は良いようです (彼らはすべて貴族出身ですが、少し違いがあります。インペリアルは女王に従い、国王は国王に従います)。

インペリアルと LSE は、ロンドンの誰もが親しくないと思うほど、半ば親しい関係にあるようです (実際には、彼らは非常に親密な関係にあり、子供もいます (何!))。彼が道で LSE を見かけた場合、身長差が大きいため、うっかり見逃してしまうことがあるようです。逆に、LSE が彼に挨拶することがあります。(インペリアルには顔盲症があることを思い出してください)。

彼はロンドンの 4 つの学校の中で最も低い学校です (身長 173)、まあ...彼は最善を尽くしました (笑)。

贴一个小帝的人设！

帝国理工学院

人类姓名：阿尔伯特·维多利亚

外表年龄：23岁 实际年龄：179岁

性别：男

身高：173cm

他曾经被称为皇家化学学院，后来更名为皇家科学学院，最后更名为伦敦帝国理工学院。

帝国是个稍微有点我行我素的人。

他喜欢挂着笑容面对一切，尽管笑容经常让人觉得有些恐怖。

他出身贵族，谈吐矜贵，不过近些年似乎叛逆了很多。

他拥有一头较长的金发，然而似乎懒得打理，任由它长长。因此在头发上可以说有些不修边幅。

他很讲究原则，讨厌破坏原则的人。他也不喜欢拖延，宁愿是通宵达旦也要做完。

他看着不健壮但是意外的有点肌肉，会去健身。

他拥有娃娃脸样貌，尽管本人自称已经23岁，但是经常看起来像男高中生。

他有脸盲症和人名盲症，喝醉酒之后状况加重了。

他有一个叫“德拉贝什”的弟弟(皇家矿业学院)，帝国很喜欢这个弟弟。

帝国虽然经常表现出恐怖的气场，但是深交的话会发现他是个心思细腻的人。

帝国似乎不太喜欢自己的童年，并不喜欢贵族教育。

帝国和ucl相处不来。(尽管ucl有时候有些担心他，但都被他无视了，他们也有不愉快的相处，在2002年，帝国单方面提出要和ucl合并，马上就被ucl拒绝了(笑))

帝国和kcl关系似乎还不错(都是贵族出身，但有些不同，小帝是女王派，kcl是国王派)。

帝国和lse似乎处于半熟半不熟的状况，以至于全伦敦人以为他们两个不熟(其实他俩关系很密切，甚至有个孩子(什！))。路上见到了lse似乎会因为身高差太大没看到而不小心错过(？)反而lse有时候会叫住他的样子。(太远了帝国又脸盲)

他是伦敦四校里最矮的学校(身高173)，没办法，他尽力了(笑)。

[graddingeducationalconsultant]

Why Study in the UK? Spotlight on Oxford, Cambridge, and Imperial College London

The United Kingdom has long been a centre of academic brilliance, with universities attracting students from all over the world. Among its numerous prestigious institutions, three stand out for their exceptional academic offerings, research prospects, and cultural impact: the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, and Imperial College London. The discussion below goes into the distinguishing features that make these universities the best options for those looking to reach the peak of higher education.

[admitx]

Exploring the Impact of the India Future Leaders Scholarship on Imperial Colleges Global Network

The India Future Leaders Scholarship, established by Imperial College London, aims to attract high-caliber Indian students to pursue Master's degrees in various fields. Let's delve into how this scholarship program impacts Imperial College's global network:

Building Bridges with India:

Talent Acquisition: The scholarship attracts bright Indian minds to Imperial, enriching the student body with diverse perspectives and experiences. This fosters a more vibrant academic environment for everyone.

Long-Term Collaboration: Scholars who return to India after graduation can become valuable alumni, establishing connections between Imperial and Indian institutions. This can lead to future research collaborations, faculty exchanges, and joint programs.

Enhancing Imperial's Global Reputation:

Selective Program: By targeting future leaders, the scholarship program reinforces Imperial's image as a world-class institution that attracts top talent globally.

Positive Media Coverage: The scholarship can generate positive publicity in India, further enhancing Imperial's reputation in the world's second-most populous nation.

Network Effects:

Alumni Network: The scholarship cultivates a network of accomplished Indian alumni who can become brand ambassadors for Imperial, attracting future generations of Indian students.

Industry Connections: Scholars might hold positions in leading Indian companies upon graduation. This strengthens Imperial's ties to Indian industries, opening doors for potential research partnerships and internships for current students.

Potential Challenges:

Brain Drain: There's a possibility that some scholarship recipients might choose to remain abroad after graduation, potentially hindering India's own development.

Overall, the India Future Leaders Scholarship is a strategic initiative by Imperial College to strengthen its global network. By attracting talented Indian students, the program fosters a more diverse learning environment, builds bridges with Indian institutions, and enhances Imperial's reputation as a leading global university.

[xtruss]

Free Speech Group Slams University ‘Microaggression’ Policies

“Questioning” or “Denying” Racism is Considered an Offense at Several Institutions, Activists have Claimed

A view of the University of Glasgow in Glasgow, Scotland © Getty Images

A group of free speech activists has accused UK Universities of “an overt attack on intellectual freedom,” after it was reported that phrases such as “the most qualified person should get the job” are considered racist “microaggressions” by some institutions.

In a report published last week, the Committee for Academic Freedom (CAF) said that at least five universities “have published guides, training courses, and statements on microaggressions which undermine freedom of expression and academic freedom.”

Imperial College London, for example, considers statements such as “I believe the most qualified person should get the job” and “men and women have equal opportunities for achievement” to be racist or sexist. To the University of Glasgow, any statements “which assert that race does not play a role in life successes” are classed as microaggressions, while “questioning an individual’s lived experience” is a transgression at the University of Edinburgh.

Imperial College and the University of Glasgow both list “denial” of prejudice as a microaggression.

“By campaigning against ‘questioning’ and ‘denial’ these universities are advocating an uncritical acceptance of statements in the various, undefined areas that their microaggression guides refer to,” the CAF wrote. “This is an overt attack on intellectual freedom.”

“Microaggression” is a relatively modern buzzword popular on the liberal left. It was defined in 2019 by Harvard psychologist Dr. Derald Sue as “everyday verbal, non-verbal and environmental slights, snubs or insults, whether intentional or unintentional, which communicate hostile, derogatory or negative messages to target persons based solely upon their marginalized group membership.”

The term has since spread beyond college campuses and into the corporate world, with employees in media, finance, and commerce often lectured on the topic by so-called ‘Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity’ trainers. The concept of “microaggressions” has also been taught in multiple US government departments under President Joe Biden, including to spies at the National Security Agency (NSA).

In the US and the UK, some universities have gone beyond simply listing examples of microaggressions and advising against their use. Cambridge University launched a website in 2021 allowing students and staff to report each other for such offenses as “backhanded compliments” and “misgendering” transgender people. In 2018, a student at the University of Virginia who questioned a professor’s lecture on microaggressions was ordered to undergo a psychiatric evaluation before returning to class.

— RT | Monday February 26, 2024

[katiajewelbox]

Throwback Thursday to my Masters of Research at Imperial College London! I am holding my first research report as a printed copy. 

Here is the abstract:

Katia Hougaard, Project 1 The Role of Lipoxygenases in the Chloroplast Degradation Response to Phytophthora infestans

Plants rely on the innate immunity of each cell to defend against disease-causing organisms. Although chloroplasts are best known for photosynthesis, recent research has revealed their importance in plant immunity. In plant defense responses, chloroplasts play a central role in cell signaling and gene expression. Studies show a decrease in photosynthetic activity during pathogen attack, indicating chloroplast functions may be impaired by pathogen activity. Furthermore, according to unpublished data from the Bozkurt lab, chloroplasts lose their stromal contents and degrade during pathogen attack. Currently, the molecular mechanisms of this pathway and its impact on the host or the pathogen remain unclear. Lipoxygenases, a family of enzymes involved in diverse plant processes such as germination, growth, and storage, are potentially significant to the chloroplast degradation response. In several plant species, pathogen attack and wounding lead to the induction of lipoxygenase genes, hinting at their importance in defense responses. Recent research on the 13-LOX pathway in leaf senescence, which selectively degrades chloroplasts to recycle their nutrients by disrupting the chloroplast envelope to release the stromal contents, shows similarities with the chloroplast degradation observed in Phytophthora infestans infection in Nicotiana benthamiana. In addition, new studies show the involvement of autophagy related genes in the degradation of whole chloroplasts compromised by abiotic stress, suggesting a similar process may occur in response to biotic stress.

Our study addressed the hypothesis that one or more of four selected lipoxygenases are essential to the controlled chloroplast degradation response. Using confocal microscopy, we determined that all four lipoxygenases localize to chloroplasts in vivo. By quantifying degraded chloroplasts in infected cells, we found that chloroplast degradation during pathogen attack may depend on at least two of the lipoxygenases. Through studying necrotic leaf lesion development caused by P. infestans infection, we concluded that at least two of the lipoxygenases might influence the defense response. Finally, we conducted a preliminary study focusing on the role of autophagy related genes in the pathogen mediated chloroplast degradation response.

[tibbivearomatikbitkiler]

Bitkiler Fotosentez Yapmayı Geliştirebilir mi?

Bitkiler Fotosentez Yapmayı Geliştirebilir mi?

#Buğday, #FotosentetikVerimlilik, #GDO, #Hendron, #ImperialCollegeLondon, #Mısır, #ProfLong, #Ripe, #RossHendron, #RothamstedResearch, #SoyaFasulyesi, #WildBioScience https://is.gd/hnnXCs https://www.tibbivearomatikbitkiler.com/blog/bitkiler-fotosentez-yapmayi-gelistirebilir-mi/

Bitkiler Fotosentez Yapmayı Geliştirebilir mi? Genlerinde değişiklik yapılırsa fotosentez gelişir mi? Bilim insanları bitki genlerinde değişiklik yaparak fotosentezi iyileştirebileceklerini umuyor. BM Gıda ve Tarım Örgütü’ne göre, 2022’de dünya çapında neredeyse on kişiden üçü gıda sıkıntısı çekti; onda birinden fazlası ise ciddi gıda güvensizliği yaşadı. Bitki verimini artırmak, açığı kapatmanın bir yoludur ve büyük ilerlemeler kaydedilmiştir. Ancak örneğin mısır verimi son yüz yılda üç katına çıkarken, su kullanımı da aynı oranda arttı.

Illinois Üniversitesi’nden Prof Steve Long, “Özellikle su konusunda talebi daha fazla artırmadan verimliliği artırabilmemiz gerekiyor” diyor. Bitki büyümesinin kayda değer bir gelişme göstermeyen bir yönü, dönüşüm verimliliğidir; yani bir bitkinin fotosentez yoluyla güneş ışınımını biyokütleye ne kadar etkili bir şekilde dönüştürdüğü.

Prof Long, buğday ve soya fasulyesi gibi mevcut ürün çeşitlerinde fotosentezin onlarca yıldır neredeyse hiç gelişmediğini söylüyor.

Bitkilerin fotosentez yeteneklerini geliştirerek verimlerini artırmak için genetik olarak ince ayar yapmayı amaçlayan Artan Fotosentetik Verimliliğin Gerçekleştirilmesi (Ripe) adlı bir projenin baş araştırmacısı ve yöneticisidir.

Mahsul bitkilerinde fotosentezin verimliliği teorik maksimumun oldukça altındadır, ancak sürecin karmaşık doğası nedeniyle etkilenmesi zor olmuştur; milyonlarca potansiyel permütasyon veren, daha da fazla gen tarafından kodlanan 100’den fazla adım vardır.

Prof Long ve ekibi, fotosentez sürecinin dijital ikizini oluşturmak için güçlü bilgisayarlar kullandı. Bu süreci milyonlarca şekilde değiştirebilir.

Yazılım bu milyonlarca seçenek arasından en büyük iyileştirmeyi sağlayacak olanları belirleyebilir.

Prof Long, “Daha sonra bunları mahsullere dönüştürdük ve bu, serada bir iyileşme ile sonuçlanırsa, onu deneysel çiftliğimize alıp gerçek dünya ortamında test ediyoruz” diyor.

Bunun şimdiden ümit verici sonuçları oldu. Soya fasulyesi bitkilerinde fotosentez mekanizmasında yapılan değişiklikler, kontrollü ortamlarda %20’den fazla verim artışıyla sonuçlanmıştır ve şu anda saha denemeleri devam etmektedir.

Çalışmanın odak noktalarından biri, bitkilerin ışık seviyelerindeki değişikliklere tepki verme şeklini değiştirmek.

Ripe’taki bilgisayar yazılımı, daha sonra laboratuvarda yetiştirilen umut verici gen kombinasyonlarını belirliyor

Ekip, ksantofil döngüsünün proteinlerini kodlayan üç gen üzerinde çalışıyor. Bu, yaprakların ışıktan gölgeye geçmesiyle meydana gelir ve bitkinin kullanabileceğinden daha fazla ışık almasını engeller.

Ancak bu süreç birkaç dakika sürebilir ve Ripe’ın gen değişiklikleri, bitkilerin ışık seviyelerindeki değişikliklere daha hızlı uyum sağlayabileceği anlamına gelir.

Dünyanın dört bir yanındaki diğer ekipler de fotosentezi artırmaya çalışıyor.

Oxford Üniversitesi’nin bir yan ürünü olan Wild Bioscience, yabani bitkilerde bulunan bir genin ifadesini artırarak her bir yaprağın fotosentez yapabilen oranını artırmak için çalışıyor.

Süreç karmaşık hesaplamalı biyolojiyi içeriyor: Kurucu ortak Ross Hendron, “Yaptığımız şey, vahşi doğada fotosentezde doğal olarak meydana gelen yükseltmeleri tersine mühendislikle yapmaya çalışmak, böylece bunları bitkilerde kopyalayabiliriz” diyor.

Çoğu zaman bu gen bitkide zaten mevcuttur ve farklı alanlarda aktive edilebilir.

Bay Hendron, “Buğdaya baktığımızda genin zaten buğday genomunda olduğunu, sadece yanlış yerde olduğunu görebiliriz” diyor. “Dolayısıyla, tesisin bu kısmındaki bu özel süreci geliştirmek istediğimizde yapmamız gereken şey, bir düğmeye basmak ve o bölgedeki geni açmaktır.”

Wild Bioscience’daki testler, iyileştirilmiş tohumlardan elde edilen biyokütlede %20’lik bir artış elde etti

Bir başka örnek ise mısırda bulunan ve bitkinin C4 fotosentezi olarak bilinen, özellikle darıda da bulunan etkili bir fotosentez biçimini gerçekleştirmesine yardımcı olan bir gendir; Wild Bioscience bunu buğdayda etkinleştirdi.

Şirket buğday, soya fasulyesi ve mısır üzerinde çalışıyor ve şu anda değerlendirme aşamasında olan saha denemeleri ile tohum biyokütlesinde %20’den fazla artış elde etti. Bay Hendron, her şey yolunda giderse mahsul bitkilerinin 2030 veya 2031 civarında ticari olarak satışa sunulabileceğini söylüyor.

Hem Ripe hem de Wild BioScience gen düzenlemeyle ilgileniyor. DNA’nın çıkarılmasıyla genlerin açılıp kapatılmasını içerir ve diğer türlerden genlerin alınmasını içeren genetik modifikasyondan (GM) farklıdır.

Bu yılın başlarında Birleşik Krallık hükümeti, İngiltere’de ticari tarımı mümkün kılmak için genetiği değiştirilmiş mahsullere ilişkin düzenlemeyi gevşetti.

Genleri değiştirilmiş ve GDO’lu mahsullerin düzenlenmesi ülkeden ülkeye farklılık gösteriyor; Avrupa Birliği en katı kurallara sahip. Kampanyacılar uzun süredir GDO’lu mahsullerin piyasaya sürülmesine karşı mücadele ediyor ve genetiği değiştirilmiş mahsullere de direniyorlar.

Friends of the Earth Europe, şunları söyledi: “Bu kanıtlanmamış bilim, sürdürülemez bir tarım endüstrisinin semptomlarına yalnızca kısa vadeli bir rahatlama potansiyeli sunuyor. Bu arada, zamanı, yatırımı ve dikkati gerçek ve zaten kanıtlanmış çözümlerden uzaklaştırıyor.” Gerçeği Düzenlemek başlıklı bir rapor.

Imperial College London’daki araştırmacılar henüz herhangi bir gen düzenlemesi yapma aşamasında değil.

Bitkilerin görünür ışık yerine düşük enerjili uzak kırmızı ışık kullanarak fotosentez yapacak şekilde tasarlanıp tasarlanamayacağını araştırmanın ilk aşamalarındalar.

Yaşam Bilimleri Bölümü’nden Prof Bill Rutherford, “Bazı koşullar altında potansiyel var, ancak bunun nasıl çalıştığını ve artıları ve eksilerinin neler olduğunu anlamanın henüz ilk aşamalarındayız” diyor.

Bazı bilim insanları tarladaki mahsuller açısından gerçekte nelerin başarılabileceği konusunda temkinli davranıyor.

Tarımsal araştırma kurumu Rothamsted Research’ün baş araştırma bilimcisi Matthew Paul, yaprakların fotosentetik yeteneğinin artmasının basitçe daha küçük yapraklarla sonuçlanabileceğini ve yüksek fotosentez oranlarının daha fazla su kaybı anlamına gelebileceğini, yani bitkilerin daha fazla sulamaya ihtiyaç duyacağı anlamına geldiğini öne sürüyor.

“Herhangi bir GM veya gen düzenleme yaklaşımının yaygın bir etkiye sahip olması için, bunun farklı bölgelerde yetiştirilen çeşitlerde çoğaltılması gerekir. İfade kontrolünün incelikleri ve her çeşidin genetik arka planıyla etkileşimi, bunu zorlaştıracaktır” diyor.