Researchers developed a film coating to prevent bacterial growth on dental retainers and aligners. The coated plastic showed improved durability and reduced bacterial growth by 75%, offering a potential solution for maintaining oral hygiene.
A new technique doubles the conversion of carbon dioxide to an essential plastic component, ethylene. The approach uses copper coated with polyacrylamide to increase efficiency, offering a promising method for recycling CO2 and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers at Purdue University have discovered a way to improve the lifespan of lithium-sulfur batteries by using microwaved plastic as a carbon scaffold. The process reduces polysulfide shuttling effect, increasing battery capacity retention and paving the way for commercial use.
A new study from Florida State University finds that microplastics are present at every loggerhead turtle nesting site in the Northern Gulf of Mexico, with highest concentrations found in dunes where turtles nest. This could alter temperature profiles and jeopardize incubation environments.
A research team developed a more effective variant of an enzyme that can break down polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a common plastic used in bottles. The improved enzyme shows promise in degrading not only PET but also a bio-based substitute, polyethylene furandicarboxylate (PEF).
A study analyzed online reviews of over 1,000 plastic surgeons on Google, Yelp, and RealSelf, finding that positive reviews were more likely to mention good bedside manner and surgeon expertise. Negative reviews often cited disappointment with cosmetic results or perceived rudeness from the surgeon.
A Northwestern University study found that online ratings for cosmetic breast augmentation surgeries are highly polarized, with some reviews written by non-patients. The importance of interactions with the doctor's support staff is highlighted as a key factor in patient satisfaction.
Scientists at the University of Portsmouth and NREL have engineered an enzyme that can break down polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastics, a major contributor to ocean pollution. The discovery could lead to a recycling solution for millions of tons of plastic waste.
A study published in Frontiers in Environmental Science detected cadmium, mercury, and lead in high concentrations in plastic debris collected from Lake Geneva's beaches. The presence of toxic elements reflects the age of the plastic litter, which could be decades old.
A new study by Brigham and Women's Hospital reveals substantial problems and risks associated with medical tourism for plastic surgery. The most common complications included infections, pain, and wound-healing issues, with many patients relying on US medical insurance to cover follow-up care.
Research suggests individuals who undergo bariatric surgery are more likely to find a new partner or get married compared to non-operated control subjects. However, separations and divorces may also increase slightly after surgery due to lifestyle changes.
A study on bariatric surgery reveals that changes in the intestines lead to the reversal of diabetes after weight-loss surgery. The research found dramatic changes in gene expression in intestinal tissue, explaining blood glucose improvement and body weight loss after RYGB surgery.
Scientists at the University of Bristol have developed a method to reuse plastic waste to remove carcinogenic synthetic dyes from wastewater. The process involves transforming polystyrene into a material that can support nanoparticles, which are then used to break down harmful dyes.
A new study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery reports that abdominoplasty ('tummy tuck') surgery with muscle repair can improve back pain and urinary incontinence in women after labor and delivery. The study included 214 women who underwent the procedure, showing significant improvement in both back pain and incontinence ...
A clinical trial found that Botox injections can improve facial surgical scars by producing narrower and flatter scars. The study used a split-scar design, with half of the patient's face treated with Botox and the other half with a placebo, and found significant improvements in scar appearance six months later.
A recent study found that plastic pellets in marine environments have been leaking for decades, with continuous leakage leading to massive releases. Researchers calculated that 3-36 million pellets are spread every year from the Stenungsund production site.
Microplastics in soils and freshwaters can have damaging effects on ecosystems, triggering adverse reactions in organisms and potentially disrupting hormone systems. Humans also ingest microplastics through food, highlighting the need for reliable data on microplastic degradation and effects.
A recent study has found that contact with plastic waste significantly increases the chance of disease in corals. Dr. Joleah Lamb led the research, which examined over 120,000 corals on 159 reefs across Asia-Pacific regions. The findings highlight the critical role plastics play in promoting disease among marine organisms.
A new study by Cornell University reveals that oceanic plastic trash can convey disease to coral reefs, leading to devastating consequences. The research found that the presence of plastic debris on reefs increases the likelihood of disease from 4 to 89 percent.
A new study found that 11.1 billion plastic items are lodged on coral reefs across the Asia-Pacific region, increasing the risk of coral disease by 85x. Plastic debris is linked to a 20-fold increased risk of disease, particularly skeletal eroding band disease.
A team of researchers from KAUST found that the Red Sea has a relatively low amount of plastic debris in its surface waters. The majority of collected rubbish was rigid fragments of broken objects, with only small amounts of plastic film and fishing lines.
A study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery found that migraine surgery can lead to significant improvements in functional disability and ability to cope with pain. Patients who underwent surgery showed a large percent improvement in Pain Self Efficacy Questionnaire scores, indicating high levels of recovery from disability.
A global survey found that 91% of entangled marine turtles were dead, with serious wounds from entanglement and maiming. The study highlights the risk of plastic pollution to marine turtles, particularly young hatchlings and juveniles.
A study by University of Plymouth researchers shows that marine organisms can break down a single plastic carrier bag into 1.75 million microscopic fragments. The presence of a biofilm accelerates the process, suggesting that marine life may be contributing to the spread of microplastics.
A €2 million European Research Council grant has been awarded to NIOZ scientist Helge Niemann to investigate microbial breakdown of plastics in the ocean. Microbes may utilize plastics as carbon substrates, but key factors controlling degradation are largely unknown.
A study published in JAMA Ophthalmology found that ambulatory surgery centers performed 73% of cataract surgeries in 2014, up from 43.6% in 2001. The shift is driven by convenience, lower out-of-pocket costs, and decreased cost-per-case for insurers.
A new test predicts which people with type 2 diabetes will benefit from weight loss surgery. The DiaBetter score and percentage weight loss two years post-surgery are key predictors of T2D remission.
Researchers from the University of Houston and IBM report emerging technologies that can increase plastic recycling rates, including chemical recycling methods and compatibilization of mixed plastic wastes. The goal is to improve efficiency and reduce energy costs, paving the way for more easily recyclable materials.
A survey of 100 patients found that Facebook was the most used and engaging platform, with Instagram second, while YouTube and Pinterest had low engagement rates. The practice's website was the go-to source of online information, influencing over half of patients' decisions.
A study published in The Lancet found that moving heart surgery to the afternoon can reduce the risk of heart damage and major cardiac events. Afternoon surgery was associated with a 50% lower risk of major cardiac events compared to morning surgery, suggesting that synchronization with the body's circadian clock may improve outcomes.
By exposing plastic flakes to gamma radiation, researchers can create stronger, more flexible concrete structures. This innovative approach could reduce cement industry's carbon footprint and divert plastic waste from landfills.
Researchers from NIST have developed a new material mix that combines metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with 3-D printer plastic, showing promise for sensing and storage applications. The mixture retains more than 50 times more hydrogen than plastic alone, suggesting the MOFs are still functioning effectively while inside the plastic.
A new Duke University study suggests that corals are attracted to plastics due to their chemical composition, which makes them taste good. Corals in the experiment preferred unfouled microplastics over fouled ones by a threefold difference.
Researchers found a strong correlation between waste disposal in catchment areas and plastic loads in rivers. Large river systems contribute significantly to ocean pollution due to higher concentrations of plastic particles per cubic meter of water.
Researchers found that 57 rivers worldwide contribute significantly to ocean plastic pollution, with the top 10 accounting for 88-95% of global loads. Halving plastic waste in these 10 waterways could potentially reduce total ocean contribution by 45%.
The FDA has issued a warning about the risks of prolonged anesthesia in infants and young children, citing possible negative effects on brain development. Plastic surgeons are advised to delay elective procedures lasting more than three hours until after age 3 if possible, while reducing exposure through alternative strategies.
The article highlights the risks of opioid addiction after plastic surgery, citing a study that found 4.7% of US population aberrantly used prescription opioids in 2015. Plastic surgeons are advised to screen patients for risk factors and refer them to addiction specialists or transitional pain services.
A new code of ethical behavior for sharing plastic surgery videos on social media aims to curb vulgar content and prioritize patient safety. The guidelines, proposed by Northwestern Medicine authors, are based on four guiding principles of medical ethics and will be presented at the American Society of Plastic Surgeons annual meeting.
A recent study conducted at Lund University has found that brain damage can occur in fish due to exposure to plastic nanoparticles. The research shows that these tiny particles can accumulate in the brains of fish and cause behavioural disorders, including slower eating rates and reduced exploration.
A new report suggests that public pressure can lead to policy changes on plastic pollution, such as levies on single-use plastic bags and bans on microbeads. However, experts argue that a more comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach is needed to address the root causes of the problem.
A new technique developed by researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln has improved the properties of plant-derived biodegradable plastic, allowing for large-scale industrial production. The approach involves rapidly heating bio-plastic fibers to high temperatures, resulting in enhanced resistance to heat and moisture.
A Northwestern University study found that most Instagram providers marketing cosmetic surgery are not board-certified plastic surgeons, leading to patient harm and risk. Non-qualified providers include dentists, barbers, and hair salons, confusing patients and putting them at risk.
A long-term follow-up study found that many patients who received instructions to stop smoking before cosmetic surgery were more likely to quit or reduce their cigarette use. The study suggests that targeted messaging with specific examples of the negative effects of smoking may be an effective way to encourage smokers to quit.
Giant larvaceans, a type of plankton, consume tiny pieces of plastic and pass them in their fecal pellets, which sink to the ocean bottom. This process suggests that these filter feeders may contribute to faster transfer of plastic pollution from surface to sea floor.
The study found that specially designed plastic films with N-halamines can prevent bacterial contamination by killing bacteria on contact. The plastic films work by releasing chlorine to sanitize surfaces, making them ideal for use in food processing operations and hospital environments.
A new study led by Roland Geyer estimates that over 8 billion metric tons of plastic have been produced since the 1950s, with most becoming waste after four years. The research provides a global analysis of plastic production and fate, highlighting the need for sustainable materials management.
Since 1950s, over 9.1 billion tons of plastic have been manufactured, with the majority ending up in landfills or natural settings. Recycling plastic merely delays disposal unless it reduces new production, while incineration can have negative environmental and health effects.
Researchers at the University of Bath have developed a new process to make polycarbonate plastic from sugars and carbon dioxide, offering a more sustainable alternative to traditional plastics. The resulting plastic is biodegradable, bio-compatible, and can be used for medical implants or as scaffolds for growing tissues or organs.
A study published in Obesity Surgery found that only 2,112 out of 37,806 patients (5.58%) underwent subsequent body contouring procedures after bariatric surgery. The majority of these patients had higher incomes or health insurance, and the procedures usually occurred within two years after the initial bariatric procedure.
Researchers have developed biodegradable cellulose microbeads that can replace harmful plastic ones contributing to ocean pollution. The beads are made from cellulose, a renewable source, and break down into harmless sugars, reducing the risk of harming marine life.
A study of over 2,000 surgical weight-loss patients found that opioid use increased within 7 years after surgery, surpassing pre-surgery rates. The study highlights the need for alternative pain management approaches in post-surgical patients.
A young researcher at FAU has studied what causes recycled plastic to smell, identifying key contaminants such as mouldy, cheesy, or acidic-smelling molecules. The study's findings will help scientists develop strategies for reducing odours in recycled plastics.
A recent study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals that Henderson Island, a remote UK territory, is heavily polluted with an estimated 37.7 million pieces of plastic. The island's beaches have the highest density of plastic debris reported anywhere on the planet, posing significant threats to marine life.
A recent study published in Endocrine Practice found that only 35% of transgender patients chose to undergo any form of gender-affirming surgery. Transmen were more likely to have surgery, with over half opting for chest surgery, while transwomen were less likely to undergo genital surgery.
Adolescents involved in bullying exhibit increased desire for cosmetic surgery, with a focus on poor psychological functioning among victims. The study suggests that plastic surgeons should screen for psychological vulnerability and history of bullying when evaluating patients.
Learning about key 'danger zones' can help plastic surgeons enhance the safety and effectiveness of facial filler procedures. The article emphasizes the importance of safe, predictable techniques to achieve optimal results with dermal fillers, particularly in areas commonly addressed by facial filler injection.
Research by University of Warwick finds that bullying victims have a higher desire for cosmetic surgery due to low self-esteem and psychological effects. Bullies also seek surgery to improve appearance and social status.
A study predicts areas of plastic input and deposition based on global climate change and ocean circulation. Microplastics interact with marine species in various habitats, and changing sea surface temperatures affect precipitation patterns.
Scientists discovered a caterpillar can break down polyethylene, a tough plastic found in shopping bags. The wax worm's saliva contains an enzyme that degrades the chemical bonds in the plastic, reducing its mass by 92mg after 12 hours.
A research scientist at CSIC has discovered that wax worms can quickly biodegrade polyethylene, a material difficult to break down. The worm's ability is attributed to its similarity in composition to beeswax and may involve an enzyme-based mechanism.