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Science News for March 24, 2024


Electrochemistry helps clean up electronic waste recycling, precious metal mining

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a novel electrochemical process to extract precious metals, including gold and platinum group metals, from discarded electronics and low-grade ores. This method uses less energy and fewer chemical materials than current methods, producing high-purity metals with minimal waste.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Chemical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 24, 2024

Assessing the wind vulnerability of Patagonia's oil storage tanks: a study on improving infrastructure resilience amidst Argentina's oil boom

Research assesses the susceptibility of open-top oil storage tanks in Patagonia to wind-induced damages, highlighting the need for wind vulnerability assessments. Fragility curves reveal a pronounced risk of structural and operational damages at common wind speeds, guiding design standards and retrofitting approaches.

SourceMaximum Academic Press·JournalEmergency Management Science and Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 24, 2024

Researchers carry out first peer-reviewed study of fecal microbiota transplants in dolphins

Researchers successfully carried out pioneering fecal microbiota transplantations on Navy bottlenose dolphins, showing significant improvement and increased microbial diversity. The study's findings have important implications for marine mammal medicine, highlighting a non-antibiotic option to treat gastrointestinal diseases.

SourceApplied Microbiology International·JournalJournal of Applied Microbiology·DateMar 24, 2024

The rapid production of isocyanate-free, biobased polyurethane foams at ambient temperature is now a reality!

Researchers at University of Liège have developed an innovative process for producing isocyanate-free, recyclable and biobased polyurethane (PU) foams by using rapid foaming technology from room-temperature formulations. This innovation offers a cutting-edge alternative to traditional toxic isocyanates-based processes.

SourceUniversity of Liège·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMar 24, 2024

Integration of theory prediction and experimental electrooxidation of glycerol on NiCo2O4 nanosheets

The study reveals the crucial role of active species OH* in electrooxidation of glycerol on NiCo2O4 nanosheets, facilitating efficient conversion and selectivity. The catalyst demonstrates long-term cycle stability, providing valuable guidance for designing efficient glycerol oxidation systems.