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.
A new study confirms that the Arctic Ocean is a dead-end for plastics in the North Atlantic, with high levels found in seas east of Greenland and north of Scandinavia. The research emphasizes the importance of managing plastic litter at its source to prevent unpredictable destinations.
In 2016, Americans spent over $16 billion on cosmetic plastic surgery, with a national average cost of $3,719 for breast augmentation. The report also highlights the increasing popularity of minimally-invasive procedures like botulinum toxin type-A injections and hyaluronic acid fillers.
Researchers have developed a process to reuse certain plastics, transforming them into a valuable diesel fuel. The technology uses a metallocene catalyst and can produce up to 10,000 pounds of fuel per day, making it a cost-effective solution for addressing plastic pollution in oceans and on land.
Dr. Linton Whitaker, a pioneer in craniofacial reconstruction and cosmetic surgery, received the Clinician of the Year award, while Dr. Joseph Serletti was recognized as Mentor of the Year for his work in reconstructive microsurgery.
Using light to remotely control the curvature of plastic sheets, researchers can create three-dimensional structures like spheres and tubes. The technique is compatible with commercial printing techniques and holds its shape after the light is removed.
A recent Henry Ford Health study suggests that age is not a factor in the success of shoulder replacement surgery. The research analyzed data from patients under 65 and those older than 75 with osteoarthritis, finding that both groups experienced significant improvement in shoulder function after surgery.
A study found that bariatric surgery prior to total hip or knee replacement can reduce in-hospital and 90-day postoperative complications, improving patient health for morbidly obese patients. However, it does not reduce the risk of needing a revision surgery.
Researchers found that the EarWell system is highly successful in eliminating or reducing the need for surgery in most congenital ear malformations, with 97% of ears showing good to excellent results. Treatment must begin early, ideally within three weeks after birth, and should be performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet shows that short-course preoperative radiotherapy combined with delayed surgery reduces the adverse side-effects of rectal cancer surgery. Patients with delayed surgery develop fewer complications while maintaining equally good oncological outcomes.
A study reveals that many people mistakenly believe cosmetic surgeons require special credentials and training, when in fact they need at least six years of residency training. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons has launched a campaign to educate the public on how to identify qualified providers.
Researchers at the University of Bath have developed a renewable plastic from pinene found in pine needles, which can replace petroleum-based plastics in food packaging and medical implants. The new plastic is biodegradable and produced from a waste product previously discarded in the paper industry.
A new study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery found that plastic surgeons and nurses cannot tell the difference between round and shaped breast implants. The results challenge the popularity of anatomically shaped implants, which are more expensive and carry a risk of complications.
Patient satisfaction has become a key quality measure in the US healthcare system, but some plastic surgeons question its value. They argue that subjective ratings can lead to lower-quality care and suggest that better rating tools are needed to measure patient satisfaction.
A new study by RIT researchers estimates nearly 10,000 metric tons of plastic debris enter the Great Lakes every year from the US and Canada. The study found that half of this pollution goes into Lake Michigan, with Lake Erie and Ontario receiving significantly lower amounts.
A new study examines 200 feminization rhinoplasties in conjunction with lip-lift techniques and forehead reconstruction. The procedures significantly improve the appearance of male-dominated facial features, enhancing transgender patients' self-esteem and overall well-being.
E-cigarette users may face a similar risk of complications after plastic surgery as traditional cigarette smokers. Refraining from e-cigarette use four weeks before surgery is recommended based on current best knowledge.
A study finds that only 6% of plastic surgery tweets come from board-certified plastic surgeons. The researchers call for experts to engage and educate patients and the public about plastic surgery on Twitter.
Researchers found that three plastic surgeons can accurately estimate a person's age from a photograph, with an error margin of up to 10 months, addressing the lack of scientific tools in facial plastic surgery. The study has limitations, relying on subjectivity and specific plastic surgeons' intuitions.
Researchers discovered that marine plastic debris emits a sulfurous compound, dimethyl sulfide, which attracts seabirds with keen sense of smell. This olfactory cue tricks birds into eating plastic, making them more likely to consume it than other species.
A new study found that plastic stents provide similar outcomes to metal stents in patients with resectable malignant biliary obstruction. The study suggests that plastic stents may be a more cost-effective option, making them a preferable choice for patients with this condition.
A systematic review of breast augmentation implant sizing systems found tissue-based planning to be superior in reporting low rates of repeat surgery and favorable clinical outcomes compared to other approaches.
A study in Vietnam reveals that patients rely on charitable care outside the centralized healthcare system, leading to delayed treatment. The survey found that 83% of families had their surgery performed by a charitable organization, highlighting the need for improved access to surgical care in resource-poor countries.
A study assesses the cost-effectiveness of bariatric surgery for adolescents with severe obesity, finding it may be cost-effective over 5 years but not initially. Bariatric surgery can result in life-altering weight loss and improved quality of life.
Researchers found that transplanting fertilizers with phosphorus and using non-reflective plastic mulches can significantly boost tomato yields in clay loam soils. The study's results support the use of these practices for local gardeners and commercial growers in Minnesota, particularly during short growing seasons.
A new study by the University of Exeter and Plymouth Marine Laboratory reveals that coastal-dwelling marine wildlife are more vulnerable to harmful plastic pollution than previously thought. The research found that animals living in waters near densely-populated coastlines are at risk of coming into direct contact with microplastics.
BoNT shows evidence of effectiveness in treating conditions like facial wrinkles, hand tremors, palmar hyperhidrosis, and neuropathic pain, as well as facial nerve palsy and dystonias. The review highlights the benefits of BoNT for minimally invasive treatment of facial aging problems.
Women plastic surgeons face unique challenges in achieving leadership roles, including a 'confidence gap' and disproportionate family responsibilities. To overcome these obstacles, organizations must promote diversity and support women's career development through mentorship opportunities, equal pay, and institutional support.
A review article explores regenerative medicine techniques in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, including stem cells, growth factors, and synthetic scaffolds. The study suggests that these methods may improve outcomes and cost-effectiveness while minimizing risks.
A new study found bariatric surgery significantly improved functional mobility and reduced musculoskeletal pain in adolescents. Positive effects on walking speed, resting heart rate, and post-test heart rates were observed as early as six months after surgery and persisted for two years.
A recent study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery found that plastic surgeons gave high ratings to Google Glass for comfort and overall satisfaction, with average scores of nearly four out of five for photo and video quality. However, some limitations were noted, including difficulties with capturing images during surgery.
Research highlights widespread plastic contamination in oceans, with effects on marine life and human health, prompting policy changes such as bans on microplastics and single-use plastics.
Researchers have devised a method to recycle millions of tons of plastic garbage into liquid fuel by breaking down polyethylene with alkanes. The process is more efficient and milder than current methods, using readily available substances from oil refining.
Researchers at University of California - Davis Health found that patients with late-stage lung cancer who undergo surgery have better survival rates than those who don't. However, only 11% of these patients receive surgery, highlighting a need for improved access to care.
A new study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery found that full-incision facelifts outperform short-scar methods in the neck region five years after surgery. The research, led by Dr. Darrick E. Antell, used identical twins and triplets to compare the two techniques.
Researchers discovered a way to remove acetylene from ethylene using metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), reducing the need for costly catalytic conversion. The SIFSIX MOF family can filter out contaminants with high selectivity and adsorption capacity, producing pure ethylene.
A new surgical technique uses an incision originally designed for cosmetic forehead-lift to relieve pressure on nerves involved in chronic temporal headache. Surgery provides significant relief from symptoms, with an average score decrease of 80 points after treatment.
Researchers explore machine learning's potential to enhance plastic surgery with algorithms for predicting burn healing times and suggesting reconstructive approaches. The field also holds promise for improving microsurgery, craniofacial surgery, hand and peripheral nerve surgery, and aesthetic surgery outcomes.
Current measurement methods may underestimate the amount of plastic in oceans due to turbulent mixing. Researchers found that surface heating and ocean currents mix plastics deeper into the water column.
Researchers develop innovative procedure to treat plastic bronchitis, a rare condition causing airway blockages in children with congenital heart defects. The technique uses minimally invasive catheterization techniques and customized imaging tools to improve symptoms and potentially cure the condition.
A study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery found that plastic surgeons were involved in 40% of cases, including most limb injuries caused by IEDs. The researchers conclude that a team of plastic, orthopedic, and general surgeons can manage almost all modern combat trauma injuries.
Researchers found no significant difference in pain control or bleeding risk between ibuprofen and other treatments. The study suggests that ibuprofen can provide safe and effective pain control for selected plastic surgery procedures without increasing bleeding risk.
Researchers at Stanford University have discovered a novel way to produce plastic from CO2 and plant waste, which could significantly reduce greenhouse emissions. The new technology converts fructose-free biomass into polyethylene furandicarboxylate (PEF), a promising alternative to petroleum-based plastics.
Research from the University of Exeter and Plymouth Marine Laboratory reveals that plankton ingesting microplastics produce faeces that sink more slowly, allowing plastic to be transported to deeper waters. This process could have significant implications for marine ecosystems and the removal of floating plastic litter.
New advances in plastic and reconstructive surgery are being made possible by the integration of 3D analysis and CAD/CAM techniques. These technologies enable surgeons to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and creativity in aesthetic and craniomaxillofacial plastic surgery.
A study published in JAMA Surgery found that gastric bypass surgery significantly reduced mortality rates in patients aged older than 35 years. The lack of mortality benefit for younger patients was attributed to a higher number of externally caused deaths, mainly among women.
Researchers found diverse communities inhabit plastic debris with barnacles creating complex habitat, similar to trees or corals. This could allow foreign species to invade natural coastlines, compromising biodiversity.
A new study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery found that lipofilling, a technique using the patient's own fat cells for breast reconstruction, does not increase the risk of recurrent breast cancer. The study analyzed over 1,000 cases and compared rates of recurrent or new breast cancers with and without lipofilling.
The study suggests that humans have entered an 'Age of Plastic,' where plastics are forming fossils and persisting in the Earth's geology. Plastics can travel thousands of miles, get caught up in oceanic garbage patches, and be buried by increasing layers of plastic waste by mid-century.
A new analysis suggests that placing plastic collectors near coasts is more beneficial for removing microplastics and preventing harm to wildlife and ecosystems. The study found that this approach could remove up to 31% of microplastics, compared to just 17% if all collectors were deployed within the Great Pacific garbage patch.
A study published in JAMA Surgery found that nearly one-third of patients who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery experienced hospitalization due to symptoms such as abdominal pain and fatigue. The risk of symptoms was higher among women, younger patients, smokers, unemployed individuals, and those with surgical symptoms before ...
Researchers at the University of Exeter estimate that bio scientific research generates 1.8% of global plastic production, equivalent to 67 cruise ships a year. They propose funding agencies incentivize greener practices with budget for lab recycling facilities and grant application requirements.
A longitudinal study of 3882 bariatric surgery patients found sustained weight loss for at least four years post-surgery. The study also revealed significant improvements in pre-existing type 2 diabetes and hypertension, as well as a reduced risk of obesity-related co-morbidities.
The Rhine River has been found to be among the most polluted rivers worldwide due to high levels of microplastic pollution. The river's surface contained an average of 892,777 particles per square kilometer, with some areas reaching peak concentrations of up to 3.9 million plastic items per square kilometer.
Patients who underwent face-lift surgery reported feeling nearly nine years younger, yet their self-esteem didn't change. Low self-esteem patients showed a significant increase, while those with high preoperative self-esteem experienced a decrease after surgery.
Research review finds no consistent evidence that antidepressants increase bleeding, breast cancer, or other adverse outcomes in patients undergoing plastic surgery. However, the underlying depression may pose a risk to postoperative problems. Plastic surgeons should consider the impact of depression on surgical complications.
A study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery found that abdominoplasty carries a higher complication rate than other cosmetic surgery procedures. Major complications occurred in four percent of patients, with hematomas, infections, blood clots, and lung-related problems being the most common issues.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed a technique to produce 3D-printed hair-like strands, fibers, and bristles using a common low-cost printer. The process involves applying molten plastic and then moving the print head sideways to create tapered strands.
A study of young women in China found lower self-esteem and self-efficacy before surgery, but significant increases six months later. The research suggests that preoperative psychological intervention may be necessary to address these issues.
All seven species of marine turtles can ingest or become entangled in discarded plastic debris, posing serious threats to their health and survival. The study highlights the urgent need for further research to understand the scale of the problem and develop effective mitigation policies.