The new guidelines, issued by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) and the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO), recommend metabolic and bariatric surgery for individuals with a BMI of 35 or more, regardless of obesity-related conditions. The guidelines also endo...
SourceAmerican Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery·JournalSurgery for Obesity and Related Diseases·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 21, 2022
Researchers develop two-stage approach converting mixed plastic waste into polyhydroxyalkanoates, a family of bioplastics suitable for medical materials. The hybrid process combines metal ion-promoted oxidation and bioconversion via genetically modified soil bacterium, enabling efficient recycling of commonly used plastics.
SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateOct 13, 2022
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in plastics recycling by developing a technology that can convert mixed plastics into biodegradable products, reducing the need for costly separations. The process uses chemical oxidation and biological processes to break down plastics into smaller building blocks that can be consumed by microorgani...
SourceOregon State University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 13, 2022
Insect larvae may contribute to microplastic pollution in rivers by chewing up litter. Researchers found that larvae use sharp teeth to break down plastic into smaller pieces, building their protective casing.
SourceUniversity of York·JournalEnvironmental Toxicology and Chemistry·DateOct 11, 2022
A new process developed at the University of California, Berkeley, breaks down polyethylene plastics into propylene, a feedstock for high-value plastics. The process uses catalysts to depolymerize polyethylene, producing 80% propylene and upcycling waste into valuable products.
SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 29, 2022
Researchers found that people who had bariatric surgery had a 45% increased risk of developing epilepsy compared to those who did not have the surgery. Those who had a stroke after their surgery were 14 times more likely to develop epilepsy.
SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateSep 28, 2022
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.
A new study improves the ability to process mixed plastics using pyrolysis, generating fuel as a byproduct. Researchers found one catalyst that can convert LDPE and PET waste into valuable liquid fuels.
SourcePenn State·JournalReaction Chemistry & Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2022
Scientists at the University of California San Diego have developed a new biodegradable polyurethane material that can break down in seawater, reducing plastic pollution. The material was tested in marine environments and found to be degraded by microorganisms, which consume the chemicals as nutrients.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 22, 2022
Researchers developed a simple, fraud-resistant method to evaluate recycled content in new plastic products by adding a fluorescent tag. The technique was successfully tested on various polymers and colors, identifying the percentage of recycled material in real-world products.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateSep 21, 2022
A new study reveals that plastic degradation releases organic compounds and CO2 into the water, causing a drop in pH levels. The study found that aged plastic contributes significantly more to ocean acidification than new plastic, with some types of plastic releasing up to 0.5 pH units.
SourceInstitut de Ciències del Mar (ICM-CSIC)·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 20, 2022
GoPro HERO13 Black
GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.
Researchers have found that nanoplastics can enter human liver and lung cells, disrupting their regular processes and causing inflammation, toxicity, and neurological changes. The study reveals that nanoplastics can alter metabolic pathways, including the production of reactive oxygen species and nucleotides.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateSep 15, 2022
A study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery found that microneedling can significantly improve the final appearance of surgical scars, with best results if done within six to seven weeks. Early intervention with microneedling has been shown to reactivate the healing process and prevent undesirable scarring.
SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateAug 31, 2022
Researchers at Washington State University developed a simple method to recycle polylactic acid (PLA) into high-quality resin for 3D printing. The process breaks down PLA into its basic building blocks, allowing it to be re-polymerized into stronger materials.
SourceWashington State University·JournalGreen Chemistry·DateAug 31, 2022
A review of ERAS programs in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery reveals improved patient recovery, reduced postoperative complications, and shorter hospital stays. Implementing ERAS protocols also reduces opioid consumption without increasing complications or healthcare costs.
SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology Clinics of North America·DateAug 29, 2022
Researchers developed a new enzyme that can degrade poly(ethylene) terephthalate (PET), a common plastic used in bottles. The enzyme, HotPETase, is thermostable and selectively breaks down PET, offering a potential solution to the global plastic waste challenge.
SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNature Catalysis·DateAug 11, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
Researchers have identified 12 marine species as potential bioindicators for monitoring plastic pollution in the North Pacific Ocean. These species, including Pacific oyster and long-nosed lancetfish, can help assess the extent of plastic pollution and inform effective reduction measures.
SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 6, 2022
Researchers found that microbes detach from sinking plastic and attach to surrounding water, stopping their descent at a few meters below the surface. Microbial communities on floating plastic particles differ from those in deeper waters.
SourceRoyal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research·JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin·TypeObservational study·DateAug 4, 2022
A study found that certain bacteria grow more efficiently on plastic bags than leaves and twigs, breaking down carbon compounds in the process. The bacteria's growth is stimulated by plastic pollution, which primes them for rapid breakdown of other natural carbon compounds.
SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateJul 26, 2022
A team of scientists from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory has designed a new material system to overcome the challenges of mixed-plastic recycling. They created customized polydiketoenamine (PDK) plastics that can be recycled efficiently and indefinitely, providing a low-carbon manufacturing solution for plastic products.
SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 2022
A long-term study on plastic degradation in oceans reveals significant differences between beach and shipwreck samples. Researchers found that beach-dried plastic pellets had undergone extensive degradation, while those trapped in the wreck showed minimal signs of aging.
SourceUniversitaet Stuttgart·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 19, 2022
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a thermochemical recycling method that produces gas containing carbon atoms from mixed waste, which can be used to create new plastic products. The process eliminates the need for fossil raw materials and achieves negative emissions.
SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalJournal of Cleaner Production·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 30, 2022
Researchers found traces of plastics in over half of the species examined, including polyester, polyethylene, and polynorbornene. Four out of seven species, such as European hedgehogs and field voles, were identified as 'plastic positive', highlighting potential impacts on conservation status.
SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalScience of The Total Environment·DateJun 30, 2022
Scientists have developed a biomass-derived plastic similar to PET that meets the criteria for replacing several current plastics. The new plastic can be produced in one step using inexpensive chemicals and retains its sugar structure, making it easy to degrade.
SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJun 23, 2022
Scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have created a simple process to upcycle ABS, a popular thermoplastic used in everyday objects, into a more robust material compatible with industry 3D-printing methods. The upcycled version boasts enhanced strength, toughness and chemical resistance.
SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 13, 2022
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.
A recent study has found that ocean plastic may be a source of novel antibiotics, with researchers isolating five antibiotic-producing bacteria from plastic debris. The isolated bacteria showed promise against commonly used and resistant bacterial strains, providing hope for an alternative solution to the growing antibiotic crisis.
Researchers found that chemical pre-treatment can help microorganisms break down plastics more quickly. The process makes carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen from the plastic's molecular structure more accessible for bacteria to use as food.
A survey of plastic surgery residents found that high costs and inflexible work hours hinder access to childcare. Women residents are disproportionately affected, missing work more often due to childcare issues and considering leaving their programs.
SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalPlastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open·DateMay 27, 2022
The study reveals that the U.S., Brazil, and China are top suppliers of global plastic packaging waste, with North and South America responsible for most production and consumption. The researchers emphasize the need for producers and consumers to share responsibility and costs to reduce plastic use.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Industrial Ecology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 26, 2022
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.
Researchers at the University of Bath developed a way to make PLA plastics more degradable in natural environments by incorporating sugar molecules. This technology can degrade 40% of the plastic within six hours of exposure to UV light, making it compatible with existing manufacturing processes.
SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalChemical Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 24, 2022
Environmental advocates argue that chemical recycling doesn't eliminate single-use plastics, which remain a significant pollution concern. The Biden administration is seeking comment on exempting industry processes from Clean Air Act regulations, amid growing state legislation encouraging advanced recycling.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateMay 19, 2022
Research at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology finds that 98% of ocean plastic is buried in the seafloor, with coastal habitats like mangroves also significant sink sites. The discovery resolves a mystery and has significant implications for human health and UN Sustainable Goal 14.
SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalLimnology and Oceanography Letters·TypeSurvey·DateMay 19, 2022
Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed a waterproof coating called Choetsu that adds strength to paper, making it a viable alternative to plastic. The coating, made from safe and low-cost chemicals, also has photocatalytic activity, protecting against dirt and bacteria.
SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalIndustrial & Engineering Chemistry Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2022
The study reveals that US landfilled plastic waste is worth $4.5-9.9 billion and has an embodied energy equivalent to 12% of industrial sector energy consumption. The researchers estimate 44 million metric tons of plastic waste in the US, highlighting the need for better recycling techniques.
SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·JournalResources Conservation and Recycling·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 3, 2022
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.
The EU's CLAIM project successfully contributed to reducing plastic litter and microplastics in European seas through innovative technologies and methodological approaches. The project's findings have paved the way for policy change and increased awareness of the importance of plastic-free seas.
An international group of scientists calls for regulating and phasing out the production of new plastics to reduce plastic pollution. Gradually cutting production is expected to bring numerous societal, environmental, and economic benefits, including boosting recycled plastics' value and helping tackle climate change.
SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalScience·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateApr 28, 2022
Researchers have found a group of deep-sea bacteria that stick to plastic, allowing them to 'hitchhike' across the ocean and potentially enhancing microbial connectivity. These bacteria were discovered in the North-East Atlantic and include strains previously isolated from shipwrecks and extreme environments.
SourceNewcastle University·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·TypeObservational study·DateApr 28, 2022
A new study found that nylon cooking bags and plastic-lined cups can release trillions of nanometer-sized particles into each liter of water they come into contact with. The levels of these particles are below regulatory limits for consumption, but still pose a potential health risk.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateApr 21, 2022
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a stable and selective catalyst for breaking down polyester-based plastics into their component parts. The method uses metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and requires only three components: plastic, hydrogen, and the catalyst.
SourceNorthwestern University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 12, 2022
A novel method developed by the University of Tsukuba uses drones and machine learning to estimate the amount of plastic litter in rivers. The approach combines high-resolution optical and thermal images, resulting in more accurate estimates than other methods.
SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 12, 2022
Researchers from NTU Singapore have developed a new method using pyrolysis to convert challenging plastic waste into hydrogen and carbon nanotubes. The converted energy could power up to 1,000 five-room apartments for a year.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a method to turn treated plastic waste into an effective carbon dioxide sorbent, capable of removing CO2 from flue gas streams. The process involves heating plastic waste in the presence of potassium acetate, producing particles with nanometer-scale pores that trap CO2 molecules.
SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 5, 2022
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.
A recent study reveals alarming levels of plastic pollution in the Arctic Ocean, affecting ecosystems and potentially exacerbating climate change. Plastic debris from rivers, air, and shipping has reached all spheres of the Arctic, including the seafloor, remote beaches, and even ice and snow.
SourceAlfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research·JournalNature Reviews Earth & Environment·DateApr 5, 2022
A new study by a University of Georgia researcher finds that plastic bag bans or fees can lead to an increase in the sale of smaller trash bags, potentially offsetting any reduction in plastic waste. Sales of larger trash bags remain relatively unchanged.
SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalEnvironmental and Resource Economics·DateMar 29, 2022
A new recycling method using a low-cost, dip-coating process converts common plastic waste into highly functional materials. These materials can selectively separate oil/water mixtures and exhibit self-cleaning properties.
SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalNano Research·DateMar 21, 2022
Researchers have characterised an enzyme that can break down terephthalate (TPA), a key chemical building block of PET plastic. The discovery provides a blueprint for engineering faster and more efficient versions of this complex enzyme.
SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 21, 2022
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new technique to break down polyester plastic waste into its fundamental components. This process, called upcycling, has the potential to remove microplastics from rivers and oceans.
SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 21, 2022
A new study suggests that the majority of ocean plastics are on the seafloor or difficult to monitor, with an estimated 540 million metric tons trapped on land. The research estimates that large plastics and microplastics account for only a small percentage of total ocean plastic waste.
SourceKyushu University·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 18, 2022
A team of researchers has found that plastic waste-derived porous materials can adsorb CO2 from flue gas, reducing plastic pollution and emissions. The study suggests that these materials could be used in industrial-scale applications, making them a promising alternative to conventional CO2 capture technologies.
SourceCactus Communications·JournalGreen Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 10, 2022
Researchers at São Paulo State University have developed an edible bioplastic with a tensile strength comparable to petroleum-based plastics. The material is made from gelatin, clay and a nanoemulsion of black pepper essential oil, extending shelf life and preventing microbial contamination.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalPolymers·DateMar 9, 2022
Scientists captured high-resolution images of an aluminum single-crystal sample transitioning from elastic to plastic state, allowing them to predict material behavior within 5 trillionths of a second. The study could lead to the design of stronger materials for high-temperature nuclear fusion experiments and spacecraft shields.
SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 25, 2022
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.
Scientists at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, have developed a durable coating that prevents fogging and 'self-cleans' under sunlight exposure. The coating shows excellent adherence to the plastic surface and maintains durability in tests, offering an attractive long-term solution for various applications.
SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalApplied Surface Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 22, 2022
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen found hundreds of chemical substances in tap water stored in reusable plastic bottles, including some potentially harmful to human health. The study revealed that machine washing and dishwasher use can increase the leaching of toxic substances from the plastic.
SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalJournal of Hazardous Materials·DateFeb 11, 2022
Researchers at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have developed a method to break down plastics and create stronger, more valuable materials. By modifying carbon-hydrogen bonds, they can expand the life span of single-use plastics into high-value polymers.
SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalScience·DateFeb 7, 2022
Researchers have developed a method to detect tiny plastic scraps on remote beaches using satellite technology. This innovation enables the tracking of plastics within satellite images, allowing for more frequent and reliable observations.
SourceRMIT University·JournalRemote Sensing·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2022
Research found that over 55,000 chemicals in everyday plastic products can reprogram precursor cells to become fat cells, leading to increased fat accumulation. The study suggests that previously unknown plastic chemicals may be contributing to overweight and obesity.
SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 26, 2022
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.
Researchers at Penn State have been awarded a $3.4 million contract from the REMADE Institute to develop a flexible, two-stage chemical recycling process for mixed plastic waste. The process aims to decompose multiple types of plastic and convert them into valuable chemicals that can be used to create new products.
Researchers at West Virginia University have created a simple microwave catalytic process to upcycle single-use plastics into high-value benzene, toluene, and xylene. This technology aims to increase the recycling rate of plastic waste and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by providing an alternative source of petrochemical materials.
A recent study found that over half of macroplastics in Mediterranean MPAs originated elsewhere, highlighting the need for international collaboration on plastic pollution management. The study also showed that coastal zones are most impacted by micro- and macroplastic pollution.
SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateJan 10, 2022
Researchers at Aarhus University have developed a new camera technology that can separate plastics based on their chemical composition. The technology uses hyperspectral cameras and machine learning to identify 12 types of plastics, including PE, PP, PET, and others, making it possible for more accurate recycling.
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.
A Spanish study has found that each patient undergoing anaesthesia generates up to 1kg of plastic waste, with plastic wrappers being the most common item. The study suggests that up to 60% of this waste could be recycled and highlights the need for improved waste management strategies.
SourceThe European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (ESAIC)·JournalEuropean Journal of Anaesthesiology·DateDec 16, 2021