Researchers at Rice University have developed a technique to convert pyrolyzed plastic ash into turbostratic graphene flakes, which can be added to materials like polyvinyl alcohol films and Portland cement to improve their compressive strength and resistance to water. The process has the potential to reduce energy use and cut pollutan...
Researchers at UC Berkeley develop a new catalytic process converting polyethylene plastic into high-value adhesives, enhancing its stickiness without compromising other traits. This breakthrough could change the economics of turning waste into valuable products.
Researchers find that styrene oligomers (SOs) dilute in water at different rates, with lighter molecules leaching out more readily. The study suggests using a ratio of SO dimers and trimers to identify the source of contamination and estimate bioavailable fractions.
A trial found that listening to soothing words and music during surgery reduced postoperative pain levels by 25% and decreased opioid consumption by 16%. This non-invasive technique could offer a safe and inexpensive way to reduce pain and opioid use after surgery.
A recent study found that pesticides in contact with plastic mulch can lead to delayed degradation, contaminating the soil and potentially harming the ecosystem. The use of biodegradable plastics was shown to have a higher percentage of pesticide sorption, leading to concerns about soil contamination.
Researchers found 27 plastic items per square meter in mangroves, with plastics buried up to 35cm deep. Mangroves' resilience is threatened as trees suffocate when half of the forest floor is covered in plastic.
Researchers from the University of Exeter and ZSL used GPS and satellite tags in plastic bottles to track plastic pollution in the Ganges river and Bay of Bengal. The study found that plastic pollution can travel thousands of kilometers in just a few months, with some bottles traveling up to 2,845km in 94 days.
A new study successfully tracks 'bottle tags' through the Ganges River system and into the Bay of Bengal, revealing how plastic pollution moves through rivers. The tracking method uses reclaimed bottles with custom-designed electronics, allowing for detailed insights into river transport of plastic pollution.
New research finds that plastics in seawater can cause deformities and developmental problems in sea urchin larvae due to chemical leaching. The study highlights the importance of reducing plastic pollution and finding alternatives to replace harmful additives.
Researchers analyzed soil and sheep feces samples to determine contamination levels of microplastics in Murcia's agricultural soils. They found 100% soil samples contained microplastics, as well as 92% of sheep feces samples, highlighting the ingestion of plastics by livestock.
The University of Oklahoma faculty member will explore innovative ways to break down various types of plastic, including multi-layered packaging, to increase recyclability. The research aims to design catalysts that target impurities, producing a pure stream of higher value material.
Engineers at University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed a method for reclaiming polymers in multilayer plastics using solvents. The STRAP process uses thermodynamic calculations to separate polymers and has the potential to close the recycling loop.
The UKRI programme aims to improve understanding of plastic pollution impacts and develop solutions for cleaner environments. Researchers will investigate various aspects of plastic waste, including its effects on agriculture, aquaculture, tourism, and waste management practices.
The four-year project will map the sources of plastic waste, investigate its effects and generate solutions to reduce waste. Researchers will work with governments, businesses and communities to co-design effective ways to cut plastic pollution.
A study published in Facial Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Medicine suggests that Zoom's increased usage has led to a rise in plastic surgery requests, particularly for nose and wrinkle treatments. The 'Zoom Dysmorphia' phenomenon is characterized by individuals seeking surgical interventions due to perceived flaws on video calls.
Researchers have developed biodegradable tableware made from hybrid sugarcane and bamboo fibers, which breaks down in 60 days and is cleaner than traditional bioplastics. The new material has improved mechanical strength, grease resistance, and non-toxicity, with a significantly smaller carbon footprint.
A UK-based company has secured funding to develop biodegradable alternatives to plastic microbeads used in various industries. The project will explore the use of cellulose microbeads as a carrier for enzymes in industrial chemical production, aiming to reduce ocean pollution.
Researchers at Nemours Children's Health System have identified a new source of abnormal lymphatic flow between the liver and lungs in patients with plastic bronchitis. This discovery opens up treatment options for certain cases, allowing for more effective management of symptoms.
A new study found that plastic bottles colonize with diverse bacterial communities, while elevated CO2 levels negatively impact certain species. Researchers warn of the increasing threat posed by plastics and ocean acidification to marine biodiversity.
A Tel Aviv University study compared disposable dishes made of regular plastic and bioplastic, finding that both had a similar detrimental effect on marine animals. Bioplastics do not degrade rapidly in the marine environment, releasing toxins and harming marine life.
Researchers studied the use of plastic in nest construction by leaf-cutter bees and found it could change the environment of their nests. They suggest using natural fibers instead to avoid harmful effects on the insects.
A new study reveals the United States is a top source of plastic pollution in coastal environments, contributing up to 2.25 million metric tons of plastics. The country's high plastic waste generation and lack of effective recycling practices are major contributors to this problem.
Researchers at Rice University have created a new method to convert plastic waste into high-quality graphene, offering a potential solution to the global plastic waste crisis. The flash graphene process eliminates much of the expense associated with recycling plastic, making it an economically viable alternative.
Researchers found that weight-reduction surgery significantly reduces the risk of a second heart attack, cardiovascular event, and death among severely obese patients with a prior heart attack. Patients who underwent surgery also experienced improvements in sleep apnea, hypertension, cholesterol, and Type 2 diabetes.
A recent study published in Environment International found that bioplastics contain high levels of toxic chemicals, similar to conventional plastics. The researchers tested 43 different plastic products and found that 80% contained more than 1000 different chemicals.
An international team led by the University of Exeter and National University of Singapore is investigating plastic pollution in Southeast Asia's marine ecosystems. The three-year project will assess life cycles and impacts on wildlife, identifying solutions to prevent plastic pollution.
A new method transforms waste polyethylene into long-chain alkylaromatic compounds without high temperatures or pressures. The process could pave the way for a circular plastics economy and make non-fossil-based plastics more economically attractive.
Researchers at UCSB have developed a low-energy, one-pot catalytic method to upcycle polyethylene plastic into high-value alkylaromatic molecules. This process creates valuable molecules from waste plastic, making recycling more practical and environmentally beneficial.
A NUS study found that poor outdoor air quality in China drives consumers to use food delivery services, resulting in increased plastic waste from packaging. The study revealed a strong causal link between air pollution and plastic waste, with a 100 μg/m³ increase in PM2.5 levels raising food delivery consumption by 7.2%.
A new study reveals high levels of microplastics are released from infant-feeding bottles when preparing formula, with warmer liquids leading to greater MP release. The researchers developed recommendations to minimize MP release, calling on policymakers to reassess current guidelines for safer bottle use.
Researchers developed a plastic film containing silver-silica nanoparticles that inactivates the novel coronavirus on contact, reducing SARS-CoV-2 particles by almost 100%. The film is made by Brazilian company Nanox and has been approved as a PPE mask for COVID-19 protection.
A microbiology laboratory in Edinburgh reduces its plastic waste by 43kg per year using re-useable equipment and decontaminating plastic tubes. The team develops a new approach to reduce single-use plastics, saving over £400 and promoting sustainable practices in research labs.
Industry is shifting towards chemical recycling as a solution to tackle the problem of plastics, breaking down them into their building blocks. The process has environmental benefits but also raises concerns about reducing plastic consumption and increasing disposable packaging production.
Researchers found that reusable plastic bags are the most eco-friendly option, followed by single-use plastic bags, due to their lower environmental footprint compared to single-use paper and multi-use cotton bags. Reusable plastic bags can be reused over 50 times before becoming environmentally detrimental.
A new study confirms that plastic pollution is a significant threat to seabirds in the South Pacific Ocean, with globally distributed impacts. The research found that seabirds ingest plastics from distant areas, highlighting the need for urgent solutions to this global problem.
Researchers quantify total cell inventories under in situ conditions using non-biased visualization methods. The study reveals that about 1 percent of microbial cells in the ocean surface microlayer inhabit plastic debris globally, disrupting native flora and representing a regime shift for these habitats.
Researchers at Waseda University developed a novel technique that can produce 3D objects combining both metal and plastic. This breakthrough opens up new possibilities for 3D electronics, potentially leading to improved healthcare and nursing care devices.
A new research project aims to develop a camera-based separation system that can categorize plastic waste according to its specific properties. The technology will increase the quality of recycled plastics and improve traceability, aiming for a purity of at least 96% by polymer type.
Scientists have created a new enzyme 'cocktail' that can digest plastic up to six times faster than existing methods. The combination of two enzymes, PETase and MHETase, breaks down polyethylene terephthalate (PET) into its building blocks, enabling recycling and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers found that patients with typical patterns on pain sketches had better outcomes after migraine surgery, while those with atypical patterns saw less improvement. The study highlights the potential value of pain drawings as a tool to select candidates for surgery.
Researchers estimate 24-34 million metric tonnes of plastic enter aquatic ecosystems annually, with efforts needed to reduce 8 million tonnes. A transformation of the plastics economy is crucial, requiring 25-40% reduction in production, improved waste collection and management, and cleanup of 40% of emissions.
A new study finds that global plastic emissions may exceed reduction targets by 2030, requiring a fundamental transformation of the plastics economy. To mitigate this issue, experts suggest reducing unnecessary plastics, establishing global limits for new production, and improving waste management.
Researchers at Michigan Tech and the University of Illinois are working on a project to convert plastic waste into protein powder and lubricants using chemical and high heat deconstruction. The team aims to develop a system that can break down plastic quickly, producing nutritional supplements and fuel.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that metabolic surgery reduces the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events and death for individuals with hypertension and a BMI over 35kg/m2. The surgery was shown to be effective in treating hypertension, suggesting it as an option for patients with obesity and high blood pressure.
Researchers found that using CHG halves the risk of infection in certain types of surgery compared to povidone-iodine (PVI), with significant implications for global healthcare. The study, published in Annals of Surgery, suggests a simple switch could reduce infections and improve patient outcomes.
Removing marine plastic litter from Aldabra Atoll could cost US $4.68 million and require 18,000 hours of labour. The study highlights the economic burden on small island states to protect their marine ecosystems.
A new quantitative method assesses the effects of ingested plastics on individual and population levels in sea turtles, potentially impacting growth, reproduction, and survival. The study demonstrates a crucial step towards conservation and mitigating the negative effects of plastic waste on marine ecosystems.
A new University of Michigan study reveals that two-thirds of the plastic put into use in the US in 2017 were used for other purposes, including electronics and furniture. The overall recycling rate for plastics in the US is slightly lower than previous estimates, at 8%.
Scientists at Nagoya University found that a thin top layer of azobenzene-containing plastic film needs to be light-sensitive to induce movement. The discovery could lead to cost reductions and revolutionize the material's use in various industries.
A new study reveals that plastic waste can release harmful chemicals into the stomach oil of seabirds like northern fulmars, potentially affecting their health over extended periods. The research highlights the importance of reducing plastic pollution in our oceans and dealing with waste responsibly.
A recent study published in Nature Communications found that the mass of microplastics in the upper waters of the Atlantic Ocean is approximately 12-21 million tonnes. This figure surpasses previous estimates and suggests a substantial underestimation of plastic waste entering the ocean over the past 65 years.
Researchers detect plastic contamination in every sample analyzed using mass spectrometry, with bisphenol A found in all 47 human samples. The study provides the first array of methods for examining monomer, nano- and microplastic occurrence in human organs from individuals with a known history of environmental exposure.
A team of researchers from China has developed a sustainable, ultra-strong and transparent film made from living bacteria. The film, inspired by nacre, exhibits unique optical properties and excellent mechanical strength, making it a potential substitute for plastics in packaging and electronics.
A new study found that five different types of seafood - oysters, prawns, squid, crabs, and sardines - contain plastic, with varying levels of pollution. The research used a newly developed method to identify and measure five different plastic types, revealing surprising differences in the amount of plastic present among species.
UC Riverside engineers develop a process to transform PET plastic into a nanomaterial useful for energy storage. The breakthrough reduces plastic pollution and could lower battery costs, enabling the widespread adoption of electric cars by 2040.
A new study by the University of Exeter and others found that surface clean-up devices will not solve the ocean plastic problem, but could be more effective when used with river barriers. The research estimates that floating plastic will peak at over 860,000 metric tonnes by 2052.
The Maldives has the highest level of microplastic pollution in the world, with high concentrations found in waters around Naifaru. The study highlights the impact on marine ecosystems and local communities, emphasizing the need for improved waste management practices.
A study suggests that achieving Japan's plastic recycling targets will depend on collecting packaging waste from the food industry and households. The analysis reveals that it is possible to meet recycling targets if all feasible measures are implemented, but legislative action is hindered.
Scientists at Tata Institute of Fundamental Research developed nano-sponges of solid acid that convert carbon dioxide into fuel and plastic waste into chemicals. The material exhibits strong acidity and high surface area, making it a promising catalyst for sustainable processes.
Research finds that without immediate action, plastic flow will nearly triple by 2040, but solutions are available to reduce it by more than 80%. The study identifies measures such as reducing production and consumption, recycling, and expanding waste collection rates to achieve this goal.