The Georgia Tech researchers created a material inspired by seashells to improve the recycling of plastics, reducing variability in mechanical properties and maintaining performance. The new approach has potential savings of hundreds of millions of dollars and could keep more plastic out of landfills.
A new study from South Dakota State University reveals how grapevine canes can be converted into a biodegradable plastic-like material. The resulting films are stronger than traditional plastic and will decompose in the environment, providing a potential solution to the plastic waste problem.
A study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery reports that toe transfer surgery outperforms replantation in improving hand function and patient-reported outcomes. The study analyzed 126 toe transfer procedures and found significant improvements in hand function scores, physical health-related quality of life, and foot function.
The Lancet Countdown on Health and Plastics monitors the effects of plastic pollution on human health, citing $1.5 trillion in annual economic losses. Researchers track the life cycle of plastics to identify key drivers of harm, including production, use, and disposal.
The Lancet Countdown on Health and Plastics announces a new, independent monitoring system to track the impact of plastic pollution on human health. The report estimates 8 billion metric tons of plastic waste pollute the planet, harming health at every stage of the plastic life cycle.
A new project aims to track the health impacts of plastics and monitor progress in reducing their effects on human health. The Lancet Countdown on Health and Plastics will identify and document indicators that highlight the risks associated with plastic production, use, and disposal.
A coalition of independent scientists is supporting a global plastics treaty to protect human health and the environment from plastic pollution. The scientists' coalition emphasizes the need for essential use, transparency, safety and sustainability criteria for plastics.
Representatives from over 170 countries meet in Geneva to negotiate a legally binding agreement to tackle global plastic pollution. The proposed treaty aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect biodiversity by limiting plastic production and eliminating hazardous substances.
The UN aims to establish an internationally legally binding framework to manage plastic, reducing waste, and promoting recycling. The agreement is intended to address the global issue of plastic pollution, which affects marine wildlife and human health.
The study found that most plastic bottles and caps on Pacific coast beaches in Central America originated from local companies, while Asian origin bottles were more common on island coasts. The research sampled over 12,000 kilometers of coastline and collected over 92 mainland beaches, 15 island beaches, and 38 human settlements.
Researchers have demonstrated that LAHB, a microbial lactate-based polyester, breaks down in deep-sea environments, while conventional plastics persist. The biodegradable plastic lost over 80% of its mass after 13 months underwater, making it a promising option for reducing marine plastic waste.
A study in Egypt's agricultural provinces found significant differences in how farmers handle various types of plastics. Mulching films are often directly buried or burned, while covering films are collected for recycling due to their durability. Economic pressure is a major barrier to recycling, with high costs and labor collection ex...
A recent study reveals that discarded plastic materials are a significant hazard to young birds, causing entanglements that lead to deaths. The study found that soft plastics and synthetic ropes were the most prevalent materials in bird nests, with baler twine accounting for 63% of entanglements.
A new study published in Nature provides a comprehensive overview of all chemicals that can be present in plastics, their properties, uses, and hazards. The study identified 4,200 plastic chemicals as of concern due to health and environmental hazards.
Health experts urge the UN to strengthen the treaty's focus on ending plastic production and reducing toxic chemicals. The World Health Organization estimates that one-quarter of global deaths are linked to environmental harm, including chemicals, pollution, and waste.
Researchers have discovered a way for caterpillars to metabolically degrade plastics in a matter of days, storing it as body fat. However, this process comes at a cost, ultimately leading to the caterpillar's death.
A newly discovered threat to marine ecosystems emerges as a common sunscreen chemical slows the degradation of discarded plastic in oceans. Biofilm bacteria thrive under the influence of this chemical, and researchers warn policymakers of urgent action needed to mitigate ecological threats.
The study proposes a product-oriented orthogonal transformation strategy to convert mixed plastics into valuable chemicals under mild and low-energy conditions. This approach successfully achieves the directional preparation of mixed plastics into various useful products.
Researchers developed a solid-state NMR method to characterize separation and recycling processes of real-life plastic waste mixtures. The technique identified individual components in complex polymer systems, enabling precise tracking of chemical evolution and mapping of conversion processes.
Researchers developed a new framework that connects molecular scale processes with reactor-scale models for catalytic depolymerization of plastics. The findings offer a powerful tool for designing catalyst architectures and identifying reaction conditions to boost selectivity of value-added products.
Researchers have developed a method to transform polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic waste into paracetamol using genetically reprogrammed E. coli bacteria. The new process creates virtually no carbon emissions and can be completed in under 24 hours.
A new study found that recycled polyethylene plastic can leach chemicals into water, causing impacts on zebrafish larvae's hormone systems and lipid metabolism. The researchers highlight the need to address toxic chemicals in plastics across their life cycle.
A new study from the University of Delaware and Columbia University found that plastic bag bans and fees can reduce plastic bag litter on shorelines by 25-47%, with more effective impacts at state-level policies. However, overall plastic pollution continues to grow, albeit at a slower rate in places with these policies.
A new US study reveals that plastic bag regulations, including bans and consumer fees, effectively reduce shoreline litter by 25-47%. Policies involving fees have the largest impact, while complete bag bans are less effective.
In a groundbreaking pilot project, South Sioux City has constructed a 4,000-foot stretch of Foundry Road using two million recycled plastic bags. This innovative asphalt blend aims to reduce plastic waste while improving road durability under varied weather conditions.
Researchers explore strategies for converting plastics into valuable chemicals through photocatalysis, highlighting indirect conversions of PET, PLA, and PE, as well as direct conversions of PE, PLA, and PVC. The review also discusses challenges and future outlooks for this clean energy source.
A new study finds that cornstarch-based biodegradable materials can reduce environmental impact by 17 times compared to traditional plastic sanitary products. The production of these materials has a lower global warming potential and reduced toxicity due to sustainable manufacturing processes.
A new study published in Environmental Pollution found that plastic ingested by northern fulmars can leak chemicals that interfere with the birds' hormone systems. The chemicals, such as BPA and phthalates, can impair fertility, development, and behavior, posing a significant threat to species survival.
A new study calls for limiting plastic usage in test kits to reduce unnecessary waste, with average weights ranging from 6 grams to 40 grams. The researchers propose setting a maximum limit of four grams of plastic usage in the lateral flow tests cassettes.
Researchers highlight biodegradable plastics as a promising solution to single-use plastic waste, with the packaging segment accounting for half of single-use plastic production. The market is expected to reach $105 billion by 2024, driven by consumer awareness and corporate response.
USC researchers developed a biocompatible material by adding calcium carbonate to poly (1,8-octanediol-co-citrate), an FDA-approved biodegradable material. The resulting material, POC-CC, is a safer alternative to traditional plastics and degrades in marine environments while maintaining strength.
A recent study reveals that only 9.5% of plastic materials produced globally in 2022 were made from recycled materials, with the majority coming from fossil fuels. The study also highlights a significant increase in plastic waste disposal by incineration and regional differences in plastic consumption.
A new study by Columbia University researchers reveals that 75-80% of plastics, known as semicrystalline polymers, break down into hazardous micro- and nanoscopic fragments. These fragments can persist in the environment for centuries and cause significant damage to living things.
Researchers at KAIST have successfully developed an eco-friendly, bio-based plastic that combines the advantages of PET and nylon. The new material was produced through microbial fermentation and exhibited characteristics similar to high-density polyethylene, making it strong and durable enough for industrial use.
Researchers discovered plastic-degrading enzymes in landfills worldwide, suggesting a promising method for plastic recycling. The study identified 31,989 possible enzymes and predicted protein functions using machine learning and tertiary structure modeling.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a solvent-free process to break down polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastics using a molybdenum catalyst and ambient air moisture. The process converts PET into monomers, the building blocks for plastics, paving the way for more sustainable plastic recycling.
Countries are urged to update their National Determined Contribution plans to address plastic waste and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The team suggests specific goals, such as cutting plastic production and incentivizing sustainable manufacturing.
A study of 350 patients found that taking semaglutide before bariatric surgery did not increase total weight loss and had similar health outcomes to surgery alone. Researchers suggest a surgery-first strategy may lead to better obesity treatment outcomes.
A study in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery documents cerebral plasticity after nerve transfer surgery for patients with facial palsy. BoNT-A treatment triggers extensive cortical plasticity, offering a potential explanation for its long-lasting therapeutic impact on patients with facial asymmetry.
A new PEC strategy converts PS waste into valuable products, offering a promising solution for sustainable plastic waste treatment. The researchers achieved efficient oxidative degradation of PS under sunlight illumination.
Vent-Axia wins two environmental industry awards for its groundbreaking manufacturing transformation and innovative partnership with electrical retailer AO. The company's new materials testing database, created by University of Bath student Roben Els, has enabled product certification and third-party accreditation.
Plastic Back and a US-based recycler partner to scale low-temperature chemical recycling technology converting hard-to-recycle plastics into valuable byproducts. The partnership aims to address the global plastic waste crisis, reducing landfill waste and dependency on virgin raw materials.
Researchers at Newcastle University have developed a new environmentally-friendly mortar made from recycled plastic and silica aerogel, which improves insulation and reduces plastic waste. The new mortar mix reduced heat loss by up to 55% while maintaining the required strength for masonry construction.
A new polymer adhesive has been developed that can be removed from plastic surfaces with basic or alkaline solutions, improving the quality of recycled plastic. This breakthrough could transform how waste is handled across industries by making it easier to separate different materials during recycling.
Scientists have identified peptides that can capture and hold microplastics, providing a potential solution for removing these tiny plastic particles from environments. The method combines biophysical modeling, molecular dynamics, quantum computing, and reinforcement learning to optimize the binding of plastics to the peptides.
Researchers found urban sprawl and poor waste management led to an abundance of plastic waste. Burning plastic releases harmful chemicals, posing health risks to women and children. The issue affects millions in cities struggling with basic services.
Researchers from DGIST develop a catalytic technology that effectively removes additives hindering plastic recycling, using sugar-derived cyclodextrin. This breakthrough provides an alternative to complex processes and suggests expandability into environmental remediation.
Researchers discovered that many marine fungi isolated from Hawai'i's nearshore environment have the ability to degrade plastic. The team then conditioned these fungi to consume polyurethane and other types of plastics more efficiently. By studying their adaptability, scientists hope to develop new solutions for cleaning up oceans.
The study reveals three distinct phases: liquid, solid, and plastic ice, with the latter exhibiting picosecond rotational motion. The implementation of state-of-the-art spectrometers and sample environments enabled the first experimental observation of plastic ice VII at high temperatures and pressures.
Researchers found a strong association between asthma and repeated antibiotic use in predicting nasal polyp recurrence after endoscopic sinus surgery. The study suggests that patients with severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps may benefit from additional treatments like biologics to manage the disease.
Researchers have found alarmingly high levels of microplastics in human brains, with concentrations increasing by 50% over eight years. The plastic accumulation appears to be linked to food consumption and agricultural practices.
The article outlines three pathways to manage patients with complex psychiatric conditions, focusing on achieving the best possible patient-centered clinical outcomes. Plastic surgeons may face challenging relationships with patients, particularly those with underlying psychiatric issues.
Researchers at Princeton University have developed a method to recycle two of the planet's most challenging plastics using a common additive called carbon black. The process involves intense light focused on plastic containing the pigment, jumpstarting depolymerization and producing valuable commodity chemicals.
A recent study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery found that breast reduction surgery can lead to weight gain in adolescents and young women, particularly those who were at a healthy body mass index (BMI) before surgery. The study suggests that these patients should be targeted for healthy lifestyle changes to prevent weig...
The use of flame retardants in plastic battery enclosures has no demonstrated benefit and poses significant health risks. These chemicals can migrate into the air, house dust, and eventually end up in recycled products, exposing new generations to harm.
Dr. Joseph F. Sabik III, MD, has been elected as the President of The Society of Thoracic Surgeons for the 2025 term, aiming to enhance data quality, support innovative studies, and provide cutting-edge training for cardiothoracic surgeons.
Researchers at Seoul National University of Science & Technology have made a breakthrough discovery in the catalytic recycling of polyolefins, enhancing conversion rates with the addition of water. The study reveals improved process efficiency, extended catalyst lifespan, and reduced operational costs.
Researchers developed a novel bioconversion system using mealworm and black soldier fly larvae to transform plastic waste into valuable by-products, including biochar and compost. The system has potential for large-scale adoption in sustainable waste management industries.
The use of plastic in Europe has skyrocketed, with each person generating an average of 36 kg of plastic packaging waste in 2021. KTU researchers conducted a macro-environmental analysis to examine six key areas influencing plastic packaging recycling, including outdated regulations and lower quality recycled plastics. This highlights ...
A first-of-its-kind study from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities utilizes remote sensing technology to monitor plastic debris in freshwater environments like the Mississippi River. The research helps increase understanding of plastic debris behavior in these systems, shedding light on a growing environmental issue.