Methanol fuel cells have been found to be an efficient and sustainable replacement for fossil fuels. The one thing preventing this device from hitting the mass market is its price since these devices need a catalyst made of platinum, a very expensive metal. However, a researcher from the University of Basque Country may have just the solution to drive the cost down. To find out more, head on over to the full article.

It is a given fact that carbon monoxide is one highly toxic gas and is the common type of fatal poisoning in a lot of countries. However, a recent study found out that minute doses of carbon monoxide could help boost the survival chances of organ transplant patients.

One beneficial effect discovered include widening of blood vessels and decreasing inflammation. The said study is being pioneered by Shefferd University scientists headed by a certain Professor Brian Mann.

Northwick Park Institute for Medical Research, through scientist Dr. Roberto Motterlini, is also taking an active part in the research. Brian Mann explained:

As well as making it simple to control how much CO is introduced into a patient's body, it will be possible to refine the design of the molecules so that they target a particular place while leaving the rest of the body unaffected. For transplant patients, we could treat the donor organ to minimize the risk of damage and rejection.

Accordingly, carbon monoxide will be introduced in the body using a new treatment method that uses water-soluble molecules. When swallowed or injected, these molecules will release the desired amount of CO to the body part in question. Scientists added that this can also be used in treating rheumatoid arthritis and high blood pressure in the lungs.

All of these are still in the laboratory stage of things but human testing should begin in the year 2010.