Science News for March 18, 2023

New catalyst helps turn plastic waste into useful organosilane compounds

Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University have developed a new catalyst that converts plastic and biomass into organosilane compounds. The hybrid gold nanoparticle catalyst on zirconium oxide support enables mild conditions for the reaction, reducing environmental burden.

SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMar 18, 2023

Multi-drug resistant organisms can be transmitted between healthy dogs and cats and their hospitalised owners

A study of over 2,800 hospital patients and their companion animals found that sharing multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) between pets and owners is possible. However, the rate of MDRO transmission from pets to humans was very low, suggesting that neither cat nor dog ownership is a major risk factor for hospital-acquired infections.

SourceEuropean Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases·DateMar 18, 2023

PaleoJump: High-quality data for the study of climate tipping points

The PaleoJump database offers a crucial tool for scientists to study abrupt transitions in the climate system. By analyzing pre-evaluated, relevant high-quality data archives, researchers can gain a clearer understanding of past climate change and its potential tipping points.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·DateMar 18, 2023