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The unique electromagnetic properties of rare earth elements (REEs) have led to rapid technological advances, creating a sharp increase in demand for these materials. The inherent challenges of separating REEs and the significant drawbacks of existing processes have driven the development of a new method known as field-effect separation (FES). This technology leverages electrical and magnetic fields to achieve separation by exploiting the differences in magnetic moments or effective charges of REEs in solution. Experiments on REEs were conducted using a microchannel based separation device, which confines fluid flow to facilitate separation within a field, with metal cations in solution being transported based on their respective electrostatic or magnetic properties. The results demonstrate that separation based on effective charge or paramagnetic properties is achievable. The confinement of fluid flow to microchannels allowed advective and osmotic forces to be suppressed sufficiently such that a reasonable separation of ions was achieved, though the impact of these forces were not completely removed. This innovative approach promises to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of REE separation, addressing both the growing demand and the limitations of current methods.

Severe aplastic anemia (SAA) is a rare bone marrow failure syndrome that results in a high risk of bleeding, infections, and impaired tissue repair. Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (Allo-HSCT) is a curative treatment option for eligible transplant patients and may be the only life-saving treatment option in patients with SAA with concurrent treatment-resistant infections (Bacigalupo, 2017). The following case study highlights a successful Allo-HSCT in a patient with SAA with multiple treatment-resistant infections secondary to a large non-healing perianal wound. The discussion focuses on the creative approach that was guided by specialized point-of-care oncology nurses, a specialized oncology wound care nurse, and oncology nurse practitioners in collaboration with the multidisciplinary team.