Could this Trinity researcher build a house on Mars? Trinity's Professor Jonathan Coleman is advancing research that may enable future construction on Mars. His team has developed a method using carbon nanotubes to transform Lunar and Martian regolith into durable, self-monitoring building materials. This innovation could be key for establishing bases on the Moon, Mars, or beyond. Professor Coleman, a leading expert in materials science, focuses on nanomaterials and liquid-based processing. His recent work also includes improving printed electronics and high-performance battery electrodes, essential for energy storage and sustainability. In addition to his role as head of the School of Physics, Professor Coleman is dedicated to pioneering new applications for nanomaterials. His research not only pushes scientific boundaries but also addresses pressing challenges like climate change and sustainable technology. Professor Coleman’s work illustrates how advanced material science can impact space exploration and environmental solutions. Neolithic roots of brucellosis infection uncovered A study published in the leading journal Nature Communications has identified the Brucella melitensis pathogen in an 8,000-year-old sheep bone, revealing that brucellosis existed during Neolithic times. This pathogen, which causes brucellosis through unpasteurised milk and close animal contact, was present in early farming communities at Menteşe Höyük in Northwest Turkey. Louis L’Hôte, PhD candidate in Trinity’s School of Genetics and Microbiology, and his team used ancient DNA techniques to detect the pathogen in well- preserved sheep bone, showing it was affecting livestock thousands of years ago. The study highlights that Brucella melitensis likely evolved around 9,800 years ago, coinciding with the rise of mixed livestock farming. This early pathogen exposure underscores the long history of zoonotic diseases and the risks associated with animal farming. The research provides new insights into the evolution of pathogens and their impact on human and animal health through history.
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