Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and type 2 diabetes have been linked to the formation of amyloids, large aggregates formed by missfolded proteins. Studies show that a so called oligomer forms as an intermediate in the reaction when smaller peptides form amyloids and it has been hypothesised that these oligomers are the main causes for the diseases. However, research on the oligomers is hindered by difficulties in capturing them. The goal with our study was to tackle this problem. Using a method referred to as Trap-and-Seed, we were able to consistently produce and capture relatively large quantities of oligomers in less than 30 minutes. The oligomer concentration also seemed to be predictable, a necessary criterion if the method is to be used on a larger scale.
The bean beetle’s ovoposition over four generations
In this work I have investigated the ovoposition behavior of bean beetles over four generations. The purpose of this work is to investigate whether the bean beetle will prefer to lay eggs on the bean, mung bean or adzuki bean, they were born from for four generations. I was interested in exploring which of the beans, mung or adzuki, the bean beetles would prefer to lay eggs on and if there would be an increase in egg laying on the bean they were born from. The method used in the investigation involves on raising four generations of bean beetles, one culture breed from mung beans and one culture breed from adzuki beans. The result shows that the ovoposition behavior of the bean beetles depends on several factors as genetic selection, the nutritional value of the beans and the inbreeding.
Evaporative desalination with industrial waste heat
One of mankind’s biggest threats is the ever growing water shortage. One way to solve this is to clean seawater. Today more than 300 million people get their water from desalination plants around the world. Conventional desalination is however both expensive and energy demanding. Therefor i have developed a new way to desalinate seawater by utilizing water’s evaporative properties together with industrial waste heat, reducing the cost of cleaning 1000 liters of water to just 0.06€. Industries use 20% of freshwater around the globe and 60% in wealthy countries so self sustaining factories through my invention would be a huge step towards securing the water supply in the future. I am now leading a full-scale pilot project in Sweden capable of cleaning 40.000 liters/day with a local smeltery.