Engaging schools and local communities through Raspberry Shake seismometers: a citizen science approach around the geothermal research infrastructure DeepStor in Karlsruhe, Germany

While there is a general consensus on the importance of the energy transition, geothermal energy projects have faced challenges in recent years linked to unfavorable societal perception. The concerns often center around the perceived environmental risks, specifically focusing on potential impacts on groundwater and the likelihood of induced seismicity and subsequent damage to buildings. The controversy may arise due to insufficient information and ineffective communication strategies between project developers and local communities. This context applies to the region of Karlsruhe (Germany), where the DeepStor research infrastructure wants to explore the feasibility of High-Temperature Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage (HT-ATES). The infrastructure, which is planned at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology Campus, holds potential in meeting climate protection goals. We present a participatory approach developed in the frame of the DeepStor project and that aims at addressing these societal challenges. The strategy is based on dialogue and transparency. It promotes collaboration between researchers and individuals from surrounding communities to engaging the citizens and foster an active involvement during infrastructure developments. A significant focus involves deploying Raspberry Shake seismometers, known for their ease-of-use and affordability, across various settings, including educational institutions, KIT research labs, and private residences. The approach seeks to increase public understanding of science and foster scientific literacy among non-specialists by allowing a direct interaction between citizens and scientists through cutting-edge technologies. In parrallel, the sensor deployment aims at increasing the density of seismic stations and enhance the spatial coverage of data collection. The experiences and lessons learned from this project provide valuable insights into participatory approaches for research infrastructures and industry projects

GeoLaB – Das geowissenschaftliche Zukunftsprojekt für Deutschland

Geothermische Energie kann bei der Dekarbonisierung des deutschen Energiesystems eine wichtige Rolle einnehmen. Um das große Potenzial der Geothermie im kristallinen Grundgebirge wirtschaftlich nutzbar zu machen, werden Ertüchtigungsmaßnahmen im Reservoir eingesetzt. Eine Voraussetzung für die öffentliche Akzeptanz solcher EGS („Enhanced Geothermal Systems“) ist jedoch die Minimierung der möglichen induzierten Seismizität. Ihre Kontrolle kann nur auf Basis des Verständnisses für die Prozesse und Wechselwirkungen des Fluids mit dem Reservoir erfolgen. Mit dem generischen Untertagelabor GeoLaB („Geothermal Laboratory in the Crystalline Basement“) sollen grundlegende Fragen der Reservoirtechnologie und Bohrlochsicherheit von EGS erforscht werden. Die geplanten Experimente werden wesentlich unser Verständnis der maßgeblichen Prozesse im geklüfteten Kristallingestein unter erhöhten Fließraten verbessern. Der Einsatz und die Entwicklung modernster Beobachtungs- und Auswertemethoden führen zu Erkenntnissen, die für eine sichere und ökologisch nachhaltige Nutzung der Geothermie und des unterirdischen Raumes von großer Bedeutung sind. Als interdisziplinäre und internationale Forschungsplattform wird GeoLaB in Kooperation mit der Deutschen Forschungsgemeinschaft, Universitäten sowie industriellen Partnern und Fachbehörden Synergien erzeugen und technisch-wissenschaftliche Innovationen hervorbringen

GeoLaB – Geothermal Laboratory in the crystalline Basement: synergies with research for a nuclear waste repository

Crystalline rocks are being considered as potential host rocks in the ongoing search for a suitable site for a nuclear waste repository in Germany, where there is no existing experience in terms of excavating a repository in crystalline rocks. The planned underground laboratory GeoLaB addressing crystalline geothermal reservoirs offers unique opportunities for synergies with nuclear waste disposal research and development, especially in the exploration and building phases

Alternative respiratory chain enzymes: Therapeutic potential and possible pitfalls

The alternative respiratory chain (aRC), comprising the alternative NADH dehydrogenases (NDX) and quinone oxidases (AOX), is found in microbes, fungi and plants, where it buffers stresses arising from restrictions on electron flow in the oxidative phosphorylation system. The aRC enzymes are also found in species belonging to most metazoan phyla, including some chordates and arthropods species, although not in vertebrates or in Drosophila. We postulated that the aRC enzymes might be deployed to alleviate pathological stresses arising from mitochondrial dysfunction in a wide variety of disease states. However, before such therapies can be contemplated, it is essential to understand the effects of aRC enzymes on cell metabolism and organismal physiology. Here we report and discuss new findings that shed light on the functions of the aRC enzymes in animals, and the unexpected benefits and detriments that they confer on model organisms. In Ciona intestinalis, the aRC is induced by hypoxia and by sulfide, but is unresponsive to other environmental stressors. When expressed in Drosophila, AOX results in impaired survival under restricted nutrition, in addition to the previously reported male reproductive anomalies. In contrast, it confers cold resistance to developing and adult flies, and counteracts cell signaling defects that underlie developmental dysmorphologies. The aRC enzymes may also influence lifespan and stress resistance more generally, by eliciting or interfering with hormetic mechanisms. In sum, their judicious use may lead to major benefits in medicine, but this will require a thorough characterization of their properties and physiological effects.Peer reviewe

Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors lower both portal and pulmonary pressure in portopulmonary hypertension: a case report

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Portopulmonary hypertension (PPHTN) is a severe complication in liver cirrhosis. PDE5 inhibitors lower pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) in PPHTN. However, their effect on portal hypertension has not yet been investigated.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>A 55 year old male patient presented with PPHTN and alcoholic liver cirrhosis. 10 mg of Tadalafil, a PDE5 inhibitor with a long half-life, was administered orally under continuous monitoring of pulmonary and portal hemodynamics. For maintenance therapy the patient received Sildenafil 20 mg bid.</p> <p>Tadalafil lowered mean PAP from 45 to 39 mmHg within 60 minutes. Cardiac output (CO) increased from 6.8 to 7.9 l/min. Central venous pressure (CVP) remained stable at 3 mmHg. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure was lowered from 167/89 to 159/86 mmHg. Pulse rate increased from 75 to 87 per min. Wedged hepatic vein pressure (WHVP) decreased from 21 to 18 mm Hg, hepatovenous pressure gradient (HVPG) decreased from 10 to 7 mmHg. Hemodynamic monitoring after 6 months of Sildenafil therapy revealed a sustained lowering of mean PAP. HVPG remained constant at 10 mmHg. Cardiac and pulmonary performance had further improved.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>This case report shows for the first time, that phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors lower both portal and pulmonary pressure in portopulmonary hypertension.</p

Alternative respiratory chain enzymes: Therapeutic potential and possible pitfalls

The alternative respiratory chain (aRC), comprising the alternative NADH dehydrogenases (NDX) and quinone oxidases (AOX), is found in microbes, fungi and plants, where it buffers stresses arising from restrictions on electron flow in the oxidative phosphorylation system. The aRC enzymes are also found in species belonging to most metazoan phyla, including some chordates and arthropods species, although not in vertebrates or in Drosophila. We postulated that the aRC enzymes might be deployed to alleviate pathological stresses arising from mitochondrial dysfunction in a wide variety of disease states. However, before such therapies can be contemplated, it is essential to understand the effects of aRC enzymes on cell metabolism and organismal physiology. Here we report and discuss new findings that shed light on the functions of the aRC enzymes in animals, and the unexpected benefits and detriments that they confer on model organisms. In Ciona intestinalis, the aRC is induced by hypoxia and by sulfide, but is unresponsive to other environmental stressors. When expressed in Drosophila, AOX results in impaired survival under restricted nutrition, in addition to the previously reported male reproductive anomalies. In contrast, it confers cold resistance to developing and adult flies, and counteracts cell signaling defects that underlie developmental dysmorphologies. The aRC enzymes may also influence lifespan and stress resistance more generally, by eliciting or interfering with hormetic mechanisms. In sum, their judicious use may lead to major benefits in medicine, but this will require a thorough characterization of their properties and physiological effects.</p