Articles tagged with Plastics
A new study found that 11.1 billion plastic items are lodged on coral reefs across the Asia-Pacific region, increasing the risk of coral disease by 85x. Plastic debris is linked to a 20-fold increased risk of disease, particularly skeletal eroding band disease.
A new study by Cornell University reveals that oceanic plastic trash can convey disease to coral reefs, leading to devastating consequences. The research found that the presence of plastic debris on reefs increases the likelihood of disease from 4 to 89 percent.
A recent study has found that contact with plastic waste significantly increases the chance of disease in corals. Dr. Joleah Lamb led the research, which examined over 120,000 corals on 159 reefs across Asia-Pacific regions. The findings highlight the critical role plastics play in promoting disease among marine organisms.
The discovery of a shape-memory mechanism in synthetic organic materials could lead to advancements in low-power electronics and medical devices. The researchers found that the transformation process is driven by concerted movement of molecules, enabling reversible and ultrafast shape changes.
The Ellen MacArthur Foundation awarded VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland a $1 million prize for its innovative bio-based packaging solution made from cellulose. The material reduces the use of plastics, extends the shelf life of food, and minimizes food waste.
Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh's Swanson School of Engineering have developed a novel solution to prevent plastic waste. They propose using nano-engineering to create a recyclable material that can replace complex multi-layered packaging, mimicking nature's use of few molecular building blocks.
Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed an economical and high-yielding way to produce furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA), a critical chemical for making renewable plastics.
A team of researchers from KAUST found that the Red Sea has a relatively low amount of plastic debris in its surface waters. The majority of collected rubbish was rigid fragments of broken objects, with only small amounts of plastic film and fishing lines.
Researchers demonstrate prototype smart glass that can switch from reflective to clear with the addition of a liquid, making office buildings more energy efficient and keeping cars cool. The technology could also be used to make roof panels that keep houses warm in winter and cool in summer.
Researchers at the University of Washington have created a system that allows 3D-printed plastic objects to wirelessly communicate with other WiFi-connected devices using backscatter techniques. These objects can sense useful data and send information to other smart devices, enabling applications such as automated laundry ordering and ...
A €2 million European Research Council grant has been awarded to NIOZ scientist Helge Niemann to investigate microbial breakdown of plastics in the ocean. Microbes may utilize plastics as carbon substrates, but key factors controlling degradation are largely unknown.
The new printer can print objects up to 10 times faster than existing commercial counterparts due to its compact printhead design. The team used a screw mechanism and laser to speed up the printing process, enabling it to fabricate detailed objects in several minutes.
The LigniOx project aims to commercialize a lignin-based concrete plasticizer technology that can compete with synthetic admixtures. The technology has shown promising results in enhancing workability and strength of fresh and matured concrete.
A new method developed by researchers at the University of Warwick uses fluorescent dye to detect small microplastics in oceans, challenging current estimates that only 1% of plastic waste is found. The method reveals a significant abundance of polypropylene microplastics, highlighting the impact of consumer habits on ocean health.
Scientists from Kiel University and University of Trento create stable 3D network of carbon nanotubes using wet chemical infiltration process. The method retains beneficial properties of CNTs, enabling applications in battery technology, medical implants, sensors, and electronic components.
Researchers from the University of Houston and IBM report emerging technologies that can increase plastic recycling rates, including chemical recycling methods and compatibilization of mixed plastic wastes. The goal is to improve efficiency and reduce energy costs, paving the way for more easily recyclable materials.
Scientists have made progress in creating more sustainable plastics from plants, but developing recyclable materials remains a challenge. Degradable plastics face difficulties degrading in natural environments due to varying factors such as humidity and microorganisms.
Researchers from NIST have developed a new material mix that combines metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with 3-D printer plastic, showing promise for sensing and storage applications. The mixture retains more than 50 times more hydrogen than plastic alone, suggesting the MOFs are still functioning effectively while inside the plastic.
Researchers at the University of Kansas are launching a three-year study to identify how microplastics enter US waters, with goals to engage municipalities and create a publically accessible database. The study aims to quantify plastics release from municipal wastewater treatment plants and estimate national release estimates.
By exposing plastic flakes to gamma radiation, researchers can create stronger, more flexible concrete structures. This innovative approach could reduce cement industry's carbon footprint and divert plastic waste from landfills.
The CLAIM project focuses on developing new strategies for prevention and in-situ management of marine litter, particularly in the Mediterranean and Baltic Sea. The project will test innovative technologies such as automated cleaning devices, photocatalytic devices, and thermal treatment devices to reduce plastic debris in these areas.
A new Duke University study suggests that corals are attracted to plastics due to their chemical composition, which makes them taste good. Corals in the experiment preferred unfouled microplastics over fouled ones by a threefold difference.
Researchers found a strong correlation between waste disposal in catchment areas and plastic loads in rivers. Large river systems contribute significantly to ocean pollution due to higher concentrations of plastic particles per cubic meter of water.
Researchers found that 57 rivers worldwide contribute significantly to ocean plastic pollution, with the top 10 accounting for 88-95% of global loads. Halving plastic waste in these 10 waterways could potentially reduce total ocean contribution by 45%.
Scientists discovered that plastic marine debris was transporting non-native species from Japan to North America and Hawaii after the 2011 tsunami. This phenomenon suggests a significant increase in the role of marine debris as a vector for invasive species due to climate change and coastal urbanization.
Biologists detected nearly 300 coastal species crossing the ocean on makeshift rafts after Japan's 2011 tsunami. The species, including mollusks and crustaceans, likely survived due to slower ocean currents and durable debris like plastic.
A new project aims to discover how microplastics make their way from land to sea and what risks this contamination poses for various ecosystems. The researchers will also examine the impact on human health, environmental education, and develop strategies for sustainable preservation of aquatic ecosystems.
A recent study conducted at Lund University has found that brain damage can occur in fish due to exposure to plastic nanoparticles. The research shows that these tiny particles can accumulate in the brains of fish and cause behavioural disorders, including slower eating rates and reduced exploration.
Researchers have created a way to control the sequence of molecules in polymer chains, enabling the creation of well-defined polymers with predictable properties. This breakthrough paves the way for the development of new materials with tailored characteristics.
Researchers at Penn State have developed a new biomaterial that can replace plastic barrier coatings in packaging and other applications, offering strong oil and water barrier properties. The material, comprised of treated cellulose pulp and chitosan, is compostable and has the potential to greatly reduce pollution if widely adopted.
A new report suggests that public pressure can lead to policy changes on plastic pollution, such as levies on single-use plastic bags and bans on microbeads. However, experts argue that a more comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach is needed to address the root causes of the problem.
Researchers at Johannes Gutenberg University in Mainz challenged a Spanish study on the ability of wax moth caterpillars to digest polyethylene. They found that essential signals for biochemical degradation were missing, raising doubts about the actual decomposition of plastic.
Researchers created high-pressure conditions to simulate the interior of icy giant planets and observe the formation of solid diamonds. The team used X-ray pulses to measure the chemical reaction, providing unambiguous evidence of diamond rain in real-time for the first time.
A new study by MBARI researchers reveals that giant larvaceans collect and consume microplastic particles in the deep sea. These particles accumulate in the animals' cast-off filters and are passed into their fecal pellets, which sink rapidly to the seafloor, potentially carrying microplastics to the deep seafloor.
Giant larvaceans, a type of plankton, consume tiny pieces of plastic and pass them in their fecal pellets, which sink to the ocean bottom. This process suggests that these filter feeders may contribute to faster transfer of plastic pollution from surface to sea floor.
The study found that specially designed plastic films with N-halamines can prevent bacterial contamination by killing bacteria on contact. The plastic films work by releasing chlorine to sanitize surfaces, making them ideal for use in food processing operations and hospital environments.
A simpler biopsy procedure has been developed to reduce stress and improve patient care during gastrointestinal endoscopy. The new method, called endoscopic multiple biopsy (MB), allows for faster diagnosis with equal quality results.
A new technique can change plastic's molecular structure to help it dissipate heat more efficiently, making it suitable for applications like vehicles, LEDs, and computers. The process is inexpensive and scalable, and preliminary tests show a polymer with thermally conductive properties similar to glass.
A study by Michigan Technological University finds that 3-D printing can save consumers up to 90% on toy purchases, with the potential to offset $60 million in annual savings. DIY manufacturing also enables the creation of novel toys and games that are not commercially available.
The study found that humans have generated 8.3 billion metric tons of plastics since the 1950s, with most becoming waste and accumulating in landfills or the natural environment. The researchers estimate that if current trends continue, 12 billion metric tons of plastic waste will be in landfills or the natural environment by 2050.
Researchers at Empa investigate microfiber release from polyester textiles during washing, finding constant fiber quantity regardless of temperature or wash cycle duration. The study reveals a lack of effect from washing agents and detergents on microfiber release.
Researchers use simple chemical 'programming' to induce Nafion foil to fold itself into complex three-dimensional structures, which can be repeatedly 'erased' and reprogrammed. The resulting master molds allow for efficient casting of components with reduced waste.
A team of researchers has developed a way to convert plastic components from end-of-life vehicles into foams using coconut oil and microwaves. The process creates a stable and high-temperature-resistant material suitable for construction and insulation applications.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new method to produce plastics precursors using environmentally friendly catalysts and hydrogen peroxide. This approach can reduce the use of olefin molecules derived from fossil fuels and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers at Nagoya University have developed a highly efficient catalyst that can break down even the toughest amide bonds in plastics under mild conditions. This breakthrough has significant implications for the recovery of materials from waste plastics and could help realize an anthropogenic chemical carbon cycle.
A young researcher at FAU has studied what causes recycled plastic to smell, identifying key contaminants such as mouldy, cheesy, or acidic-smelling molecules. The study's findings will help scientists develop strategies for reducing odours in recycled plastics.
Researchers at the University of Illinois developed a sensor that detects ammonia in breath, a sign of kidney failure. The device is sensitive enough to detect low levels, making it suitable for portable, disposable use.
A recent study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals that Henderson Island, a remote UK territory, is heavily polluted with an estimated 37.7 million pieces of plastic. The island's beaches have the highest density of plastic debris reported anywhere on the planet, posing significant threats to marine life.
A study predicts areas of plastic input and deposition based on global climate change and ocean circulation. Microplastics interact with marine species in various habitats, and changing sea surface temperatures affect precipitation patterns.
MIT researchers found a way to reduce loops in polymer networks, which weaken materials, by slowly adding components. This technique can improve material strength by up to 600 percent.
Researchers have developed a new method to produce butadiene, a key chemical component in plastics and rubber, from biomass-derived sugars. The process, called dehydra-decyclization, uses a novel catalyst to convert sugars into butadiene with high yield and selectivity.
A new study confirms that the Arctic Ocean is a dead-end for plastics in the North Atlantic, with high levels found in seas east of Greenland and north of Scandinavia. The research emphasizes the importance of managing plastic litter at its source to prevent unpredictable destinations.
Researchers at Brigham Young University have developed a lab on a chip that can predict preterm births with up to 90% accuracy. The device takes a finger-prick's worth of blood and measures biomarkers associated with preterm birth, providing an early warning system for doctors.
Researchers have developed a process to reuse certain plastics, transforming them into a valuable diesel fuel. The technology uses a metallocene catalyst and can produce up to 10,000 pounds of fuel per day, making it a cost-effective solution for addressing plastic pollution in oceans and on land.
Researchers at MIT create a new 3D-printed device that responds to mechanical stresses by changing the color of its surface, inspired by the golden tortoise beetle. The device has potential applications in flexible sensor-laden robots and self-assembling structures.
Using light to remotely control the curvature of plastic sheets, researchers can create three-dimensional structures like spheres and tubes. The technique is compatible with commercial printing techniques and holds its shape after the light is removed.
Researchers have created a paper-based method to detect Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli in food and water samples, which can produce results within 4-12 hours. Combining this technique with electrochemical analysis could lead to a simpler yet more comprehensive way to detect bacterial contaminants.
Scientists at UC Berkeley create a pill-sized technology called MucoJet that jet-releases vaccines inside the mouth, targeting immune cells in the buccal region. The device shows promise in delivering high-pressure streams of liquid and immune system-triggering molecules to stimulate an immune response.
Researchers observed two bee species using green plastic to construct brood cells, a novel behavior that may reflect adaptive traits for survival. The study highlights the innovative nesting strategies employed by bees in response to environmental changes.
A new multiblock polymer has been developed that can combine polyethylene and polypropylene, two materials that have different chemical structures and cannot be repurposed together. When added in small measure to a mix of the two materials, the resulting material shows superior mechanical properties.