InnovationScienceTechnology

Membrane-Tethered SLP-76 Boosts CAR T Cell Efficacy Against Low-Antigen Tumors

Scientists have engineered a membrane-tethered version of the signaling molecule SLP-76 that significantly improves CAR T cell recognition of tumor cells with low antigen expression. The breakthrough addresses a major limitation in current CAR T therapies where cancer cells escape detection by downregulating target antigens. Early studies show the approach works across multiple CAR targets including CD19, CD22, and BCMA.

Breakthrough in Overcoming CAR T Cell Resistance

Researchers have developed a novel engineering approach that reportedly enables CAR T cells to recognize and eliminate tumor cells with low antigen expression, according to a recent study published in Nature Cancer. The method involves creating a membrane-tethered version of the signaling molecule SLP-76, which sources indicate could represent a significant advancement in addressing one of the major limitations of current CAR T cell therapies.

EnergyInnovationScience

RGU-Led Consortium Secures £800k for Nuclear-Powered Hydrogen Production Technology

Researchers at Robert Gordon University have secured an £800,000 grant to accelerate clean hydrogen innovation using waste steam from nuclear facilities. The project aims to make solid oxide steam electrolysis commercially viable while supporting UK net-zero goals.

Major Funding for Clean Hydrogen Breakthrough

Robert Gordon University has reportedly secured an £800,000 grant from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council to accelerate low-carbon energy solutions, according to university announcements. The funding will support researchers in developing advanced hydrogen production technology that utilizes waste steam generated by nuclear energy facilities.

BusinessInnovationStartups

Corporate Venture Arms Emerge as Key Partners for Pioneering Climate Technology Projects

As climate tech funding declines sharply in Europe, corporate venture capital firms are positioning themselves as essential partners for first-of-a-kind projects. Sources indicate CVCs provide technical expertise and offtake agreements that traditional investors cannot match, though some concerns about competitive tensions remain.

Corporate Venture Capital Fills Critical Gap in Climate Tech Funding

Corporate venture capital firms are increasingly positioning themselves as essential partners for first-of-a-kind climate technology projects facing massive capital requirements and technical hurdles, according to industry analysis. As traditional climate tech funding reportedly dropped 71% in Europe during the first half of 2025, CVCs claim they can provide the specialized expertise and customer connections that FOAK startups desperately need.

EnergyInnovationTechnology

South Africa’s Wind Energy Expansion Stalled by National Grid Constraints

South Africa’s wind power sector faces significant delays due to transmission grid limitations, according to discussions at Windaba 2025. Industry executives emphasize that grid capacity issues are preventing new projects from connecting, with calls for policy changes and sector-wide collaboration to address the challenges.

Grid Constraints Hinder Renewable Energy Growth

South Africa’s wind energy sector is facing significant development challenges due to bottlenecks in the national transmission infrastructure, according to reports from the Windaba 2025 conference in Cape Town. Industry leaders indicated that these grid limitations are preventing new renewable energy projects from connecting to the power system, potentially delaying the country’s transition to cleaner energy sources.