Author: sHq_LoGiNz

HKBU leads the development of multifunctional nanorobots for precise and effective pollutant degradation and bacterial removal

Posted on by sHq_LoGiNz

HONG KONG, Aug. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A collaborative research team led by Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) has developed a multifunctional nanorobot equipped with silver and gold nanorods to facilitate high-performance pollutant degradation and bacteria elimination, with its mobility navigated by the application of magnetic fields. The invention holds potential for broad applications in antibacterial treatments, sewage management, and biomedicine.


A collaborative research team led by Professor Ken Leung Cham-fai, Associate Professor of the Department of Chemistry at HKBU, has developed a multifunctional nanorobot to facilitate high-performance pollutant degradation and bacteria elimination.

Chemical pollution, pathogenic bacteria, and biofilms (a community of microorganisms embedded in a slimy matrix) pose significant threats to public health. In response, scientists have developed various nanoplatforms with catalytical and antibacterial properties. However, creating a remotely controllable nanorobot with precise targeting and propulsion capabilities, which aims to enhance efficacy and flexibility in treatment strategies, remains a challenge. 

Professor Ken Leung Cham-fai, Associate Professor of the Department of Chemistry at HKBU, in collaboration with scientists from the University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei University of Technology, and the Dongcheng branch of the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, have designed and fabricated a nanorobot, which demonstrates capabilities in breaking down organic pollutants, exhibits antibacterial properties, and removes biofilms. The research findings have been published in the academic journal Advanced Healthcare Materials.

The multifunctional nanorobot has a hollow spherical structure with the following components and features:

  • The core composes of iron oxide, a magnetic material that enables control of the nanorobot’s movement with the application of magnetic fields, so that the nanorobot can navigate along predetermined paths;
  • The middle layer consists of silver and gold bi-metallic nanorods, which act as catalyst for chemical reactions that facilitate the degradation of organic pollutants, and inhibit the growth or disrupt the function of bacterial cells;
  • The outer layer is made of polydopamine, a biocompatible material that protects and stabilises the inner components; and
  • A large cavity and mesoporous structure that can be used as drug carriers.

To test the efficacy of the nanorobot in pollutant degradation, the research team created simulated miniature wastewater pools. Driven by magnetic fields, the nanorobots accurately moved to two of the chambers and stayed there for one minute. Subsequent tests showed that the levels of both 4-nitrophenol, an organic pollutant from industrial and agricultural activities, and methylene blue, an organic dye typically found in industrial wastewater, were reduced significantly.

The research team also discovered that the nanorobot demonstrates antibacterial capability. The team used the nanorobot loaded with zinc phthalocyanine to investigate the antibacterial effects of silver and gold on Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus under various conditions, including controlling the nanorobots’ movement with magnetic fields, and applying light sources including near-infrared laser and xenon lamp irradiation. When magnetic fields, near-infrared laser and xenon lamp irradiation were applied together, the nanorobot loaded with zinc phthalocyanine achieved up to 99.99% inhibition of bacterial proliferation.

The magnetic propulsion capability of the nanorobot loaded with zinc phthalocyanine also enables it to effectively remove bacterial biofilms. When the nanorobots were introduced to biofilms grown in experiment plates, and U-shaped tubes with magnetic fields and light source were applied, they effectively disrupted and removed biofilms. When magnetic fields, near-infrared laser and xenon lamp irradiation were applied together, the most significant biofilm removal and lowest bacterial survival rates were recorded. The study highlights the potential of the nanorobot in addressing biofilm-associated infections and blockages in confined spaces like catheters.

Professor Ken Leung Cham-fai said: “Our research results show that the multifunctional nanorobot developed by our research team exhibits precise catalytic capabilities, high antibacterial activity, and effective biofilm removal properties. Its mobility navigated by magnetic fields enables pollutant degradation and antibacterial activities to be conducted in a controlled, precise and effective manner. This multifunctional nanorobot possesses significant potential for applications in sewage treatment, biomedicine, and other fields.”

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SOURCE Hong Kong Baptist University

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Psychological Safety: The Invisible Foundation of a Strong EHS Culture

Posted on by sHq_LoGiNz

What Is Psychological Safety (and Why Should We Care?)

In the world of Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS), we often focus on visible safety measures: hard hats, safety protocols, emergency procedures, and compliance metrics. But there’s an invisible yet critical component that can make or break your safety culture: psychological safety.

Psychological safety is the belief that one can speak up, take interpersonal risks, and make mistakes without fear of punishment or humiliation. It’s not about being “nice” – it’s about trust, accountability, and open dialogue.

In high-risk industries and environments, psychological safety is foundational to a strong safety culture. Workers are more likely to report near misses, unsafe conditions, or mental health concerns when they feel safe to speak up.

In practical terms, psychological safety means your team members feel comfortable saying:

  • “I don’t understand this procedure”
  • “I made an error”
  • “I’m concerned about this practice”

without worrying about negative consequences to their reputation, career, or relationships.

A psychologically safe team is not only more engaged and resilient, but also more effective in both physical and mental safety performance.

Our Role: Creating a Culture Where it’s Safe to Speak Up

As EHS professionals, we have a unique opportunity and responsibility to champion psychological safety across our organisations. Our position allows us to influence culture at multiple levels, from frontline workers to senior leadership.

  • Model psychological safety through active listening, non-judgmental feedback, and inclusive language.
  • Normalize open reporting of errors, hazards, and health concerns especially stress, burnout, or trauma.
  • Influence line managers and leadership to prioritize psychological safety in policies, toolbox talks, and training programs.
  • Promote response with curiosity over blame, helping shift the question from “Who caused this?” to “What systems allowed this to happen?”

Spotting the Unseen: Tackling Psychological Hazards

Psychological hazards include:

  • Excessive workload
  • Unrealistic deadlines
  • Poor communication
  • Bullying
  • Harassment
  • Lack of role clarity
  • Job insecurity

Unlike physical hazards, these risks are often “invisible” – harder to see, harder to quantify, and easier to ignore. When left unaddressed, they contribute to increased stress, burnout, absenteeism, and even accidents.

Frameworks like the HSE Management Standards and ISO 45003 provide structure for identifying, assessing, and managing psychosocial risks. EHS professionals can play a key role by:

  • Partnering with HR, OH, and leadership teams to integrate these assessments into wider safety and wellbeing strategies.
  • Embedding regular check-ins, confidential feedback channels, training for managers in trauma-informed, empathetic supervision to identify risks early and respond proactively.

You’re Closer than you Think: Building on What Exists

You don’t need to start from scratch. Psychological safety can and should be integrated into your current programs.

  • Make psychological safety part of existing safety conversations e.g., daily briefings, incident debriefs, and audits.
  • Include questions around psychological risk and culture in routine inspections and surveys.
  • Position mental health and wellbeing as core safety issues, not “extras.”
  • Link near-miss reporting and hazard identification to a culture of speaking up.
  • Integrate ISO 45003 principles into your existing ISO 45001 framework.

How Do You Know It’s Working? Signs to Look For

What gets measured gets managed. While psychological safety is often considered “soft,” there are clear ways to assess it:

  • Use anonymous pulse surveys and psychological safety scales (e.g., Edmondson’s model).
  • Track incident reporting rates, absenteeism, turnover, and grievances as indirect indicators.
  • Encourage regular team health checks (ask employees how safe they feel to speak up).
  • Use qualitative data too (listen to stories, not just stats).

From Talk to Action: Building Trust that Sticks

Trust isn’t built overnight—but it can be nurtured with consistent, intentional actions:

  • Promote “no blame” post-incident reviews – focus on learning, not fault.
  • Encourage leaders to admit mistakes and invite feedback (vulnerability builds trust).
  • Offer peer support, EAPs, mental health first aiders, and quiet reporting channels. Sometimes EAPs offerings are not enough, specialist support may be needed.
  • Celebrate people who speak up, don’t just reward output, reward integrity and courage.
  • Recognise that psychological safety is dynamic, it requires continuous reinforcement.

Why it All Matters – and What Comes Next

Creating a truly safe workplace means going beyond hard hats and hazard signs—it means ensuring your people feel heard, respected, and safe to speak up. As EHS professionals, embedding psychological safety into our work isn’t just good practice—it’s essential for the health, safety, and performance of our teams.

Let’s move from checking boxes to building cultures. Because when your people feel safe to speak, your entire safety program becomes stronger.

Questions? Our team is here to help!

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TransEleven Claims Managers CEO Shelle Hobbs Nominated for The Women in Insurance Awards Claims Professional and London Market Professional of the Year 2025

Posted on by sHq_LoGiNz

TransEleven Claims Managers is pleased to announce that Chief Executive Officer, Shelle Hobbs, has been nominated for two Women in Insurance Awards (UK).

DALLAS, Aug. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — TransEleven Claims Managers is pleased to announce that Chief Executive Officer Shelle Hobbs, has been nominated for two Women in Insurance Awards. Shelle has been nominated as Claims Professional of the Year and London Market Professional of the Year. The Women in Insurance Awards, being held at the historic Grosvenor House in London on October 23, 2025, is the premier awards event showcasing the achievement of women in the general insurance market in the UK. She was nominated by her peers for her leadership of TransEleven Claims Managers, serving underwriters and coverholders in the London Insurance Market.

“I am truly honored to be nominated along with an amazing group of women in 25 categories,” stated Hobbs. “More than anything, this nomination brings recognition to the work we do at TransEleven Claims Managers in the London Market and as a globally respected TPA and Lloyd’s Delegated Claims Administrator (DCA). Just to be nominated is an award in itself. It reinforces our reputation in the UK marketplace.”

About Women in Insurance Awards (UK)

These annual awards are open to those working for firms operating in and deriving a significant portion of their revenue as suppliers from the UK’s general industry, or those who operate in an insurance capacity outside the industry. The awards honor the achievements of women across all sectors of the market at all levels and disciplines. Judges for 2025 include dozens of industry leaders from Lloyds, MGAA, BIBA and firms like Markel International, AVIVA and KPMG.

For more information visit: www.womenininsuranceuk.co.uk or www.womenininsuranceuk.co.uk/2025

About TransEleven Claims Managers

Founded in 2014, TransEleven Claims Managers (TCM) is one of the most highly respected third-party claims administrators in the U.S. serving the London Insurance Market. TransEleven provides comprehensive claims administration, litigation management and program development services to foreign and domestic insurers who underwrite and manage risk. TCM specializes in claims administration services for programs placed by coverholders authorized to work in the London Market. TransEleven is a London Market Expert and a Lloyd’s approved Delegated Claims Administrator (DCA).

Press Contact: K. Wright, 844.281.2811, https://www.trans11claims.com/

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SOURCE TransEleven Claims Managers

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