As we continue to pollute the environment with petrochemicals, microplastics, pharmacological products, and other chemicals, we need new solutions to keep ahead of the wave. Bioremediation is the process of using specialised biological organisms or systems – most often bacteria, microalgae, fungi or plants – to break down contaminants into non-harmful compounds.

Outside the protective cocoon of the Earth’s magnetic field is a universe full of damaging radiation. NASA’s Artemis Missions aim to establish humanity’s first long-term presence on the Moon in 2024, so experimental physicist Dr Gail Iles is investigating ways to overcome the radiation factor so that astronauts can survive long journeys, or even live indefinitely, in space.