A new study reveals the Mediterranean as the area most at risk globally for endangered seabirds, with areas like Portugal's Exclusive Economic Zone also showing considerable risk. Seabirds are already vulnerable or endangered, and plastic exposure worsens their fragile state.
A study has revealed that a quarter of all plastics potentially encountered by petrel species are in remote international waters, posing a significant threat to their survival. The research highlights the need for international cooperation to address plastic pollution in the world's oceans.
A multidisciplinary team of scientists conducted a comprehensive study to understand the sources and sinks of plastic debris in the Southern North Sea. Local citizen scientists played a crucial role in tracking the distribution pathways of plastic particles, revealing that two-thirds were washed ashore within 25km of their release site.
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have discovered that bioplastic made from sugar cane, specifically poly-L-lactide (PLA), can alter the behavior of small perch in fish food. The study found changes in their social interactions, including reduced movement and altered responses to danger.
A team of researchers urges governments to manage plastic production, use, and recycling by categorizing plastics as persistent, bio-accumulative and toxic (PBT) pollutants. Plastics' long-lasting nature and accumulation in organisms pose significant environmental and health risks.
A recent study compared robotic and laparoscopic surgery for gastric cancer, finding that robotic surgery has superior short-term outcomes but comparable long-term results. The authors suggest considering 3D/4K displays over traditional 2D displays as a more favorable alternative for those without robotic capabilities.
A combination of microneedling and cupping therapies has been found to significantly improve skin thickness and increase collagen levels in a study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. The experimental study examined the effects of adding cupping therapy to microneedling on skin regeneration and scar healing.
A new study found that natural fibers degrade within a month, but synthetic textiles like bio-based plastics and fabric blends show no signs of degradation even after over a year. The experiment revealed the need for standardized tests to determine if materials are biodegradable in natural environments.
A new camera technology developed by Aarhus University and Newtec Engineering A/S aims to make it easier to recycle plastic materials. The technology uses hyperspectral imaging to analyze the chemical composition of plastic waste, allowing for the removal of unwanted additives that may be banned or harmful.
Researchers discovered Vibrio pathogens can stick to microplastics, adapting to plastic, and have aggressive behavior, forming biofilms and causing infections. The study highlights the risks of Sargassum-plastic marine debris interactions, with potential for opportunistic pathogens and disease transmission.
Researchers used computer modeling to simulate the movement of lightweight plastic particles in the Mediterranean Sea. Their results suggest that these particles can drift up to 175 miles laterally from their point of origin before sinking. This discovery highlights the potential for long-distance interactions between plastic waste and...
A community science survey reveals an abundance of floating sea creatures in the North Pacific Garbage Patch, including jellyfish, snails, and crustaceans. The study found a positive correlation between plastic waste and three groups of sea creatures, highlighting the complex relationships within this ecosystem.
A model sailing boat representing a key part of the Flipflopi project, which recovered 135 tonnes of post-consumer plastics, is on a global tour to highlight plastic pollution and its impact. The exhibition aims to inspire communities, governments, and businesses to take action against environmental pollution.
A Rutgers University study finds that inhaling plastic particles can disrupt sex hormones in female lab rats, leading to impaired vascular function and decreased reproductive hormone levels. The researchers used a commercially available food-grade nylon powder and aerosolized it for the rats to breathe in.
Researchers have developed enzymes that can efficiently break down plastic, reducing its environmental impact. However, over-reliance on these technologies may not address the root issue of excessive plastic production.
Researchers discovered that coastal marine invertebrates can survive and reproduce on floating plastic debris in the open ocean. This finding suggests a rapid shift in biogeographical boundaries due to floating plastic pollution.
Researchers at the University of Sydney successfully biodegrade polypropylene using two common fungi strains, reducing plastic waste by up to 27%. The discovery holds promise for developing new recycling technologies that minimize environmental impact.
Researchers found that black and turkey vultures ingest more plastic in landscapes with more developed landcover and higher densities of commercial food providers. They may eat plastic thinking it's nutritious bone fragments or intentionally to collect bulk for vomiting up indigestible parts of carrion.
The latest issue of PLOS Biology features a special collection on biology-based solutions to reduce plastic pollution, carbon dioxide emissions, and produce food or energy more sustainably. Insect enzymes may degrade plastic waste, while photosynthetic algae can capture CO2 produced by industrial applications.
Scientists at US national laboratories are developing new chemical recycling methods to make sustainable, high-quality plastic materials. They aim to transform plastic waste into valuable chemicals and reduce plastic pollution, paving the way for a circular economy.
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.
Researchers developed classification models using machine learning to accurately sort different types of compostable and biodegradable plastics from conventional ones. The technique achieved perfect accuracy for larger samples but showed some variability with smaller ones, highlighting its potential for industrial-scale implementation.
The study highlights the complexity of microplastics as a pollutant, affecting sea animals' feeding behavior, reproductive outputs, and causing developmental anomalies. Researchers call for more research into plastic contamination and synthetic additives to understand and prevent further environmental health problems.
A study reveals a rapid increase in ocean plastics since 2005, with an estimated 170 trillion plastic particles in the world's oceans by 2019. The researchers predict that without policy changes, plastic pollution will accelerate sixfold by 2040.
Researchers at Leipzig University discovered that nanoplastics from PET particles accumulate in organs and cause liver function impairment, oxidative stress, and behavioral abnormalities in zebrafish embryos. The study provides insight into the toxicity pathways induced by PET nanoplastics.
A team of NYU Abu Dhabi researchers has developed a highly-efficient, organic solvent-free method to convert polyethylene-based plastic bags and polypropylene-based surgical masks into carbon dots. The process can upcycle single-use plastics contaminated with organic waste, reducing harm to ecosystems.
A new study suggests that a sustainable plastics economy is possible by increasing recycling rates to 74% and using innovative production methods, such as carbon capture and utilization. This would require a fundamental shift in the way plastics are produced, consumed, and disposed of.
Researchers have developed a new type of bioplastic film that can be rolled into a straw without getting soggy. The bioplastic, made from natural materials like lignin and starch, is stronger than plastic and can break down when no longer needed.
A new analysis of 50,450 pediatric cleft or craniofacial surgery cases found that cleft procedures were rated as having an average efficiency roughly half that of the most-efficient procedures. The study concludes that the current RVU allocation system undervalues cleft surgical services relative to craniofacial procedures.
Scientists at Rice University have developed a new technique using the 'flash Joule' method to transform plastic waste into high-value carbon nanotubes and hybrid nanomaterials. This process is more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly than traditional methods, making it a promising solution for recycling plastic waste.
A team of A*STAR scientists has successfully upcycled waste polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic into polymer electrolytes, key components for safer lithium-ion batteries. The study achieved room temperature conductivity comparable to existing commercial systems and showed promising performance in repeatedly charged and discharged ...
Citizen science project in Arctic reveals 1/3 of plastic debris comes from Europe, with significant contributions from Germany. The findings underscore the urgent need for improved local waste management and reduced global plastic production to tackle pollution in remote ecosystems like the Arctic.
Researchers decipher metabolic mechanisms of Comamonas testosteroni to digest complex carbons, enabling potential for biotechnology platforms that recycle plastic waste. The study reveals a novel approach to upcycle plastic waste into industrially relevant polymers.
A new report by the University of Portsmouth found that UK coastal city residents face infrastructure challenges and accessibility barriers when trying to reduce their single-use plastic waste. Despite being concerned about plastic use, consumer behavior often contradicts these beliefs.
Two UMass Lowell researchers, Meg Sobkowicz-Kline and Akshay Kokil, have received $1 million in grants to redirect plastic waste and develop a sustainable circular economy. Their projects focus on improving plastic film packaging recycling and creating a future workforce for plastics, aiming to increase recycling rates and reduce waste.
A machine learning algorithm developed using artificial intelligence can accurately predict patients' responses to nerve compression headaches and headache surgery. The AI-aided predictions are most accurate for identifying patients with poor outcomes, with an accuracy rate of 94% compared to 79% for human evaluators.
A laboratory experiment shows that bacteria can digest and break down plastic, producing CO2 and other harmless substances. While microbial digestion is not a solution to the massive problem of oceanic plastic, it may provide part of the explanation for where plastic 'missing' in oceans stays.
A new modelling study reveals that most plastic debris on Seychelles beaches originates from distant sources, not the islands themselves. The study provides quantitative estimates of the sources of plastic debris for the Seychelles and other remote islands in the western Indian Ocean.
A new framework identifies barriers and context-specific measures for plastic use and disposal, guiding policymakers in selecting effective intervention measures. The framework has been tested in Kyoto City, revealing potential desirable behavioral changes, critical barriers, and corresponding intervention measures.
Experiments show that UV light from the sun breaks down plastics on the ocean surface, turning them into smaller, invisible nanoplastic particles. This process could account for a substantial amount of the 'Missing Plastic Paradox', where plastic waste in the ocean is only a fraction of what has been littered.
A new UW-led report emphasizes the unequal burden of marine plastic pollution on different communities, particularly in developing countries. The study calls for a more equitable approach to address the issue, focusing on plastics production rather than waste management.
A team from the University of Cambridge has created a solar-powered reactor that can transform two waste streams, CO2 and plastics, into valuable products. The system produces syngas for sustainable liquid fuels and glycolic acid for the cosmetics industry, offering a promising step towards a circular economy.
Researchers at University of California, Riverside, have developed a method to convert plastic waste into highly porous charcoal that captures carbon and improves soil water retention. The char can also act as a natural fertilizer, but further work is needed to substantiate its utility in agriculture.
A new open-access Raman spectral library enables scientists to detect molecular 'fingerprints' of particles and better trace sources of ocean plastic pollution. The database adds 42 polymer types, including those from non-plastic particles, to improve accuracy.
Despite a significant increase in integrated plastic surgery residency positions, applications have remained unchanged. The number of applicants per available training slot decreased by about half, making it easier for accepted candidates to secure spots.
Researchers found that sea urchin larvae exposed to high levels of plastic pollution developed significant developmental abnormalities, including malformation of the skeleton and immune cells. The study reveals how newly made PVC pellets and beach-collected fragments cause harm to the embryos.
A circular bioeconomy can reduce plastic sector's climate impacts, but meeting Paris Climate Accord goals may lead to more plastic landfilling. A fully circular plastic sector is only possible if demand for plastics is curbed, presenting opportunities for negative emissions via biogenic carbon storage.
New study reveals plastic additives selectively harm corals' reproductive processes, development, and settlement, affecting ecosystem balance. Researchers found alarming effects of environmental concentrations on various organisms, highlighting the urgent need for better risk assessments.
A recent analysis by Duke University researchers found that most top companies have made voluntary commitments to reduce plastic pollution, but few prioritize reducing virgin plastic use. The study suggests that these efforts focus on downstream waste-reduction strategies such as lightweighting, rather than addressing the root cause of...
A new peer-reviewed article highlights the diversity and complexity of chemicals in plastics, which could severely undermine the global plastics treaty's effectiveness. The study identifies over 10,000 chemical substances used in plastic production, leading to varied chemical compositions among different manufacturers.
Research reveals microplastic fibres in all samples, with majority found in Antarctic air, indicating animals breathe them. Antarctic sea ice also traps microplastics, acting as a temporary sink for global plastic pollution.
A recent study identifies over 10,000 chemical substances used in plastic production, highlighting the complexity of plastics and their negative impacts on human and ecosystem health. The diversity of chemicals makes it difficult to achieve standardized plastic formulations, posing challenges to recycling and pollution solutions.
Top 300 Fortune 500 firms made 72% of plastic pollution commitments, focusing on recycling over virgin plastic reduction; study finds this approach insufficient to address the plastics crisis.
A transdisciplinary team of QUT researchers has proposed a multi-pronged approach to tackle plastic pollution, combining DNA-like encoding of plastics with international law. The technology aims to trace plastic waste back to its source, enabling the identification of polluters and eventual phasing out of plastics.
A joint research project by Toyohashi University of Technology found that 78% of Jakarta's river waste is plastic, with PET bottles and bags accounting for over half. The study estimated a daily discharge rate of 7.7-12.6 grams per person, highlighting the need for improved waste management in Indonesia.
Leading global plastics experts call for an ambitious 0% new plastic waste target by 2040 to tackle plastic pollution and climate change. The University of Portsmouth's Global Plastics Policy Centre recommends a coordinated global strategy, clear metrics, and harmonized national policies to achieve this goal.
A UK-wide study found that 60% of home-compostable plastics do not fully disintegrate in home compost bins, ending up in soil. The study highlights the need to revise and redesign sustainable plastic waste management systems.
Researchers found that current methods for estimating plastic pollution in rivers are flawed, underestimating plastic waste by up to 90 percent. The study suggests new approaches be developed to better model the transport of plastic particles in rivers, taking into account both surface and sub-surface conditions.
Researchers from Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) demonstrate a feasible waste plastic pyrolysis model, increasing profitability and reducing CO2 emissions compared to centralized processes. The study also found significant decreases in transportation costs and related emissions.
Researchers at KTH Royal Institute of Technology have developed a new kind of wood-based degradable plastic with semi-structural strength, enabling the replacement of fossil-based materials in home construction and furnishing. The material can be broken down without harming the environment, allowing for recycling and reuse of fibers.