Prof Stephen Blundell on the plight of the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, and Peter Forbes on bacteriophages and AIMuch of the commentary about the UK Research and Innovation science funding cuts has centred around the decision to close Jodrell Bank, with the iconic Lovell telescope rightly identified as a “source of wonder and pride” (Letters, 31 July). Less visible, but no less important, is the world’s most intense source of pulsed muons, at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory. Muons are particles which are used to answer fundamental questions about magnetism, superconductivity, battery materials, and many other questions of scientific interest and societal importance. UK scientists have been in the forefront in developing these techniques, yet this unique facility is also under threat by these cuts.Prof Stephen BlundellOxford• With the harms of AI apparent all around us, it’s unfortunate that when something really promising for human medicine is in prospect, editors reach instantly for the “fear” button (Safety fears as scientists make first viruses designed by AI, 6 August). The viruses in question, bacteriophages, are the natural enemy of bacteria, have been used in medicine for over 100 years, and can already combat disease-resistant bacteria. Engineering bacteriophages to turn them into a really effective treatment for general use has been ongoing in many labs for decades. If there’s one task AI ought to be employed in, above all others, this is it.Peter ForbesMuswell Hill, London Continue reading…
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