Articles tagged with Plastics
The Marine Biological Laboratory team has used innovative microscopy to reveal the structure of microbial communities coating microplastic samples from various ocean sites. These biofilms can influence the microplastics' fate and interact with other organisms, posing a threat to marine survival.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology developed a novel approach to improve perovskite nanocrystal durability by encasing them in a plastic and silica double-layer protection system. The new method enables high-quality, complex architecture perovskites with controlled dimensions and surface chemistry, unlocking potential for v...
A new study has found that babies in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) are exposed to harmful chemicals such as bisphenol A (BPA) and parabens. These endocrine-disrupting compounds can lead to various health problems, including dysfunctions in children and adults.
Researchers used Escher's woodcut to predict crystalline body deformation under external forces, revealing a connection between hyperbolic spaces and plastic deformation. The study proposes a new mathematical description of complex material deformation phenomena.
OSU researchers aim to understand micro- and nanoplastic behavior in freshwater, estuarine, and marine systems. They will develop tools to identify these particles and investigate their effects on aquatic organisms, including oyster larvae and inland silversides.
A new 3D printing technique harnesses the power of visible light to create 'living' 4D materials with controlled polymerisation, enabling objects to transform their shape in response to conditions. The technology has numerous potential applications, including recycling and biomedical uses.
A pre-clinical study suggests that bisphenol-s (BPS) and bisphenol-f (BPF), structural analogues of bisphenol-a (BPA), have less impact on heart electrical function, making them potentially safer for vulnerable populations. This finding could lead to the development of alternative medical products.
A Rutgers University study found that women exposed to stress and plastic additives during late pregnancy are at increased risk of premature birth. The research suggests that the third trimester is a critical window for this risk, with higher levels of phthalates in urine and reported stress during pregnancy also linked to preterm births.
Researchers developed a new alloy with improved wear and corrosion resistance by adding copper to high-speed steel. The innovative approach significantly enhances the performance of super engineering plastics in industrial and automotive applications.
A new PSU study found 11 microplastic pieces per oyster and nine per clam along the Oregon coast. Microplastics were found in both Pacific oysters and razor clams collected from all 15 sample sites.
Associate Professor Kohsaka and his team created a new polyester using DMDO, which reacts with chemicals and decomposes. The study demonstrated the feasibility of this plastic as a possible solution to the plastic waste problem.
Researchers found that larval fish in ocean surface slicks ingest prey-size plastics, which could impact their development and survival. The study highlights the importance of understanding complex gradients in plankton and larval fish abundance to protect these vulnerable life-history stages.
Research finds that prey-size plastics are abundant in fish nurseries and outnumber larvae by 7 to 1. The discovery could impact marine ecosystems as these plastics may be ingested by larger fish.
Larval fish from various ocean habitats consume plastic, affecting development and survival. Surface slicks act as nursery habitats, concentrating planktonic prey and plastics.
New research reveals that surface slicks in coastal waters of Hawai'i contain a high concentration of larval fish, as well as prey-size plastics. Larval fish ingesting these plastics may face development and survivorship impacts due to toxicity and malnutrition.
A recent study published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials found that simulated sunlight can degrade microplastics on the ocean surface. The research revealed that engineered polymer solutions degraded most rapidly under UV radiation, followed by polypropylene and polyethylene.
Researchers at Tomsk Polytechnic University have successfully created plastic collimators using 3D printing technology, which can replace metal counterparts in radiation therapy. The team used a numerical model and layer-by-layer deposition to manufacture the first products, finding optimal thickness for the plastic product.
Researchers have embedded high-performance electrical circuits inside 3D-printed plastics, increasing conductivity by 10-fold. This innovation could lead to smaller, more efficient drones and biomedical implants, as well as better-performing small satellites.
Researchers at the University of Arizona have developed a new material that can be used to produce cheaper infrared plastic lenses. The lenses, made from a sulfur-based polymer, are stronger and more temperature-resistant than previous versions and can be produced at lower temperatures, making them more affordable.
Researchers at KRICT developed a bio-polycarbonate that surpasses petroleum-based polycarbonate in terms of strength, transparency, and UV-resistance. The material exhibits exceptional performance due to the synergistic interplay between isosorbide and nanocellulose.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory and top universities have developed a catalytic method to selectively convert discarded plastics into higher quality products like lubricant oils or waxes. The catalyst converts polyethylene molecules into value-added commercial products with high yield.
Researchers have developed a catalyst to upcycle polyethylene plastic waste into high-quality liquid products like motor oils and waxes. The new catalyst produces intermediate-sized hydrocarbons, increasing the value of the resulting materials.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new catalytic method to upcycle single-use plastics into high-quality liquid products, such as motor oils, lubricants, and cosmetics. This breakthrough improves current recycling methods, producing fewer greenhouse gases and toxic byproducts, while contributing to a circular economy.
Filters are ineffective and contribute to global plastic pollution, with the largest part being non-biodegradable cellulose acetate. Experts recommend banning filtered cigarettes to reduce waste and strengthen ties between environment and health communities.
The KAUST team developed porous membranes from recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), reducing the energy used in chemical separation processes. The membranes can withstand high temperatures and separate molecules of different sizes.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a process to break down plastic waste into molecular-level gases, which can be transformed back into new plastics. This method could enable the creation of circular use of plastic and reduce reliance on oil and fossil gas.
University of Exeter scientists are working on a scheme to collect Sargassum seaweed, which can be converted into high-quality, low-cost fertiliser and biofuel through hydrothermal liquefaction. This process could help clear beaches in Mexico and the Caribbean, while also addressing marine plastic pollution.
Researchers at the University of the Basque Country and Colorado State University have developed a class of biorenewable, biodegradable plastics that promote the circular economy. The new materials have suitable mechanical and barrier properties similar to commercial materials currently used in packaging.
Scientists found that sunlight can break down polystyrene over a much shorter time scale than previously estimated, degrading it in decades to centuries. The researchers' study suggests that the additive content of polystyrene samples affects its degradation rate.
A Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution study finds that polystyrene breaks down faster than previously thought when exposed to sunlight, transforming into CO2 and other compounds. The research suggests additives in polystyrene play a key role in its breakdown.
A recent study by UCSF researchers found hundreds of waste items from e-cigarettes, combustible tobacco products, and cannabis products at Bay Area high schools. The study highlights the environmental hazard posed by these products' toxic chemicals and heavy metals, which are contaminating school environments and surrounding areas.
Researchers found polyethylene terephthalate (PET) drinking bottles are the most abundant type of debris, increasing at 14.7% annually since the 1980s. The majority of recent bottles were manufactured in Asia, with China being a primary source.
A new filter developed at the University of Exeter can degrade and dissolve plastic microfibres released during washing, which account for over a third of ocean microplastics. The smart filter catches microfibres and uses enzymes to break them down into safe compounds.
Researchers found that plastic teabags release a significant amount of micro- and nanoplastics into tea during brewing. The levels were thousands of times higher than previously reported in other foods, and treated water fleas showed anatomical and behavioral abnormalities.
Researchers at Newcastle University found that higher water volumes in delicate wash cycles release more plastic microfibres than standard cycles. The team discovered that the volume of water used during the wash cycle is the key factor, not spinning action, and that this can lead to a significant increase in released fibres.
A multidisciplinary team at the University of Pittsburgh is developing novel research paradigms to address the complex challenge of global waste through circular economy design. The project aims to advance fundamental science behind circular economy solutions, including product design and life-cycle assessment.
Researchers tripled the shelf life of ready-to-eat macaroni and cheese from 12 months to 36 months using a special coating that keeps oxygen away. The technology has benefits not only for space travel but also for improving military meals (MREs) and consumer food products.
Researchers discovered over 1,400 substances in plastics but only identified 260 of them, highlighting the challenge of assessing their safety. The study found that three out of four everyday products contained toxic chemicals, with PVC and PUR being the most toxic.
A study by the University of South Florida and Eckerd College found four billion particles of microplastics in Tampa Bay's waters, highlighting the need to address plastic pollution. Microplastics, tiny plastic particles less than 1/8 inch, come from various sources and can harm marine life through ingestion or surface damage.
Research from the University of Surrey and Deakin's Institute for Frontier Materials found that microplastics can break down further during water treatment processes, impacting on water quality. The study highlights the need for new detection strategies to limit nano and microplastics in water treatment systems.
Francesca Verones aims to create a comprehensive life-cycle assessment tool to evaluate the environmental impacts of ocean-related activities. Her research will consider everything from shipping routes and pollutants to tourism and trash management.
Researchers at Staffordshire University are using artificial aquatic ecosystems called limnotrons to test plastic degradation and develop a standardized method for identifying the age of plastics. The study will help identify effective mitigation and management strategies for reducing plastic pollution in freshwater systems.
A new digital platform aims to increase recyclable plastics by reducing material components and weighing functionality against resource efficiency. The DIMOP project creates a tool for product developers to make better material choices, increasing plastic recyclability.
A poor diet caused permanent vision loss in a 14-year-old patient, according to a case report published in Annals of Internal Medicine. Vitamin B12 deficiency and inadequate nutrient intake led to nutritional optic neuropathy, a rare condition that can cause irreversible blindness if left untreated.
The University of Minnesota has been awarded a $20 million grant from the National Science Foundation to conduct sustainable plastics research. The center aims to create environment-friendly alternatives, including biodegradable and recyclable plastics.
Research suggests green turtles favour narrow lengths of plastic in natural colours like green and black over debris of other shapes and colours. Plastic was found in all examined turtles, with smaller ones containing more pieces.
Scientists at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology found that hazardous chemicals from plastics ingested by seabirds accumulate in their tissues. The study detected additives such as UV stabilizers and brominated flame retardants in 4.6% and 2.1% of seabird samples, respectively.
A study found that plastic ingestion can have a significant negative impact on seabirds, causing reduced blood calcium levels, body mass, and kidney function. The research also revealed that the simple presence of plastic is enough to cause negative consequences, regardless of the amount.
A study published by The Endocrine Society found that exposure to bisphenol S (BPS) and bisphenol F (BPF) in plastics and canned foods may contribute to childhood obesity. Children with higher levels of these chemicals in their urine were more likely to have obesity compared to those with lower levels.
Wearing magnetic eyelashes during MRI can create substantial artifact, obscuring entire phantom. The eyelashes detached from the phantom after scanning, attracted to each other due to friction and adhesion.
A preclinical study examines the role of plastic exposure on heart rhythm disruptions and arrhythmias. Exposure to mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP), a metabolite from Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), slows atrioventricular conduction and increases the atrioventricular node effective refractory period.
A new study published in Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety found that cigarette butts contain a bioplastic filter that harms plants, reducing germination success and shoot length of clover and grass by significant margins. The filters' chemical composition is believed to be the primary cause of damage.
Researchers at Swansea University have developed a method to recycle black plastics into carbon nanotubes for use in high-value materials like conductive films and flexible electronics fabrics. This process could reduce plastic waste and help solve the problem of lost electricity during transmission and distribution.
A study by Penn State researchers found that when consumers are reminded of the products that their recyclables can be turned into, they are more likely to recycle. The team conducted a series of studies where participants were shown advertisements featuring product transformation, and results showed a significant increase in recycling...
A team of computer scientists created a prototype kit called BlocKit to help people understand how blockchain works and can be used. The kit, made from everyday objects, represents 11 key aspects of blockchain infrastructure and was evaluated in a study involving experienced Bitcoin users.
Researchers found over 1,000 entangled shark and ray individuals, with true numbers likely higher due to under-studied cases. Entanglement causes significant animal welfare concerns, despite being considered a lesser threat than commercial fishing.
Researchers at Shinshu University have discovered acid hydrolysis of vinyl polymer breaking down into salicylic acid and acetic acid, forming the basis for aspirin production. This innovative process has the potential to recycle vinyl on an industrial scale, reducing plastic waste and its environmental impact.
Researchers create flexible optical plastic with nano-Enoki mushroom structures that repel liquids while maintaining transparency. The surface resists staining from various liquids, including blood, coffee, and olive oil.
Three UA professors, Li Jia, Shi-Qing Wang, and Mesfin Tsige, have received NSF grants for research projects on bio-renewable polymers, mechanical performance of glassy and semicrystalline polymers, and multiscale modeling of mechanically-interlocked macromolecules. The total award value is over $1.1 million.
A new process uses radicals to oxidize polypropylene's methyl groups, making it reactive without breaking the polymer chain. This selective oxidation results in a hydrophilic surface with carboxylic acid groups, enabling surface modification and dyeing.