Articles tagged with Plastics
Researchers at Texas A&M University and DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory developed a hybrid foam with a 3D-printed plastic skeleton, offering tunable, lightweight and ultra-durable properties. The composite combines ordinary foam with plastic struts, allowing it to absorb more energy and withstand greater forces.
A new study by Manchester researchers argues that directional terms like 'upcycling' and 'downcycling' can skew perceptions of plastic sustainability. The study suggests that a more nuanced approach is needed to evaluate the environmental impact of recycling technologies.
A new study has discovered microplastics in nine out of ten patients with prostate cancer, with higher levels found in tumor tissue than noncancerous tissue. The findings suggest that microplastic exposure may be a risk factor for prostate cancer.
Researchers at Jeonbuk National University have developed a new method for detecting microplastics using metal oxide electrodes, offering a rapid and sensitive solution for environmental monitoring. The technology has the potential to replace traditional spectroscopic methods with its portability, low cost, and real-time capabilities.
The INSOIL project develops three families of fully bio-based plastic products for agriculture, reducing microplastic release by 5,820 tonnes and agrochemical use by 4,000 tonnes. These products aim to contribute to more sustainable agricultural production and support European reduction targets.
A new study by Tokyo University of Science found that floods are the biggest drivers of plastic pollution in rivers, increasing microplastic and mesoplastic concentrations by orders of magnitude. The research highlights the need to include high-flow events when assessing plastic emissions.
Inhaled polystyrene nanoparticles induce lung injury by disrupting redox balance and triggering inflammation. Oxidative stress leads to mitochondrial dysfunction, respiration impairment, and apoptosis in lung cells.
Negotiations for a global plastics treaty stalled in August, hindering progress on addressing marine plastic pollution. Experts warn that current procedures lack prioritization and clear rules, jeopardizing efforts to tackle the crisis. The authors propose three key changes to revive talks and address the issue holistically.
Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute have developed a new technology for plastic recycling that uses aqueous chemi-mechanical recycling to blend, decolorize, and purify mixed polyolefins. This approach reduces energy consumption and eliminates toxic chemicals compared to existing methods.
Researchers develop a coating strategy using lignin nanoparticles to stabilize an oil-in-water emulsion, forming a multifunctional coating that enhances paper performance while maintaining environmental compatibility. The coated paper exhibits improved barrier properties, mechanical strength, and biodegradability.
A new study by University of California San Diego researchers found that fossil fuel plastics can amplify harmful algae blooms by killing off zooplankton, leading to an increase in algal concentrations. In contrast, biodegradable plastics had a smaller impact on zooplankton and algal communities.
Researchers have found that nanoplastics interact with environmental microbes, strengthening bacteria and antimicrobial-resistant pathogens. This can lead to challenges for water treatment and distribution systems. More research is needed to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying these interactions.
Researchers at the University of Rochester have developed a new way to harness the properties of tungsten carbide as a catalyst for producing valuable chemicals and fuels. The method, which involves carefully manipulating tungsten carbide particles at the nanoscale level, has shown promising results in reducing costs and increasing eff...
A recent study from the University at Buffalo has found that cigarette filters release up to two dozen microfibers upon first contact with water, posing a significant threat to wildlife and human health. The researchers estimated that over 71 million to 1.4 billion cigarette butt microfibers are released into New York waters every day.
Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University found that only 0.2% of used PCFs are washed into rivers, while 28% end up back on beaches near direct drainage points. The study highlights a significant 'sink' in the global circulation of plastics and sheds light on the complex transport of microplastics.
A study led by UC Riverside scientists found that a father's microplastic exposure can trigger metabolic dysfunctions in his offspring, with female offspring being more susceptible. The research used mouse models and found altered sperm small non-coding RNA profiles and increased risk of diabetes in female offspring.
Research reveals that low doses of nanoplastics can alter gut and liver function, with diet playing a key role. The study found that exposure to nanoplastics disrupted fat metabolism and glucose intolerance, especially in mice on Western-style diets.
Researchers at RIKEN have developed a new plant-based plastic made from cellulose that rapidly degrades in natural environments, eliminating microplastic waste. The biodegradable plastic can be adjusted in strength and flexibility with added choline chloride, providing a practical solution to ocean pollution.
A team of researchers from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution developed a theory for how microplastic particles accumulate in ocean eddies. They found that particles tend to accumulate in tubelike structures within circular currents, forming 'attractors' that resemble twisted, closed loops.
A new study highlights five ways microplastics can trigger inflammation and damage in the brain, including immune cell activity and oxidative stress. Microplastics weaken the blood–brain barrier, causing immune cells to attack them and leading to further damage.
A large-scale laboratory screening identified 168 chemicals toxic to human-made gut bacteria. Washing fruit and veggies before consumption may help avoid exposure to these pollutants. Researchers developed a machine learning model to predict chemical harm, emphasizing the need for safer industrial practices.
A recent study found that microplastics in the natural environment are colonized by pathogenic and antimicrobial resistant bacteria. The study's findings suggest that these microplastics can act as carriers for harmful pathogens, posing a growing risk to environmental and public health.
A mouse study by University of California, Riverside scientists suggests microplastic exposure may accelerate the development of atherosclerosis in males. The study found microplastics dramatically worsened plaque buildup in male mice, but not females.
A recent study by Ocean Conservancy reveals that consuming as little as three sugar cubes' worth of plastics can be fatal to seabirds, while less than one-sixth of a soccer ball's worth can kill sea turtles. Marine mammals are also vulnerable, with nearly half dying from ingesting plastics, often of varying types.
University of Rochester researchers developed algorithms to analyze complex chemistry in propane-to-propylene conversion. The study reveals the importance of defective metal sites and oxide phase stability in catalysts.
Researchers analyzed 70 plastic children's products sold in Brazil and found high levels of toxic substances, with barium levels up to 15 times higher than permitted. The study highlights the need for stricter enforcement measures to protect children's health.
Scientists from Delft University of Technology have developed living materials that can detect disease biomarkers, catalyze environmental pollutant breakdown, and function as self-healing composites. The materials are made by embedding bacterial spores in a protective barrier and can be programmed to perform specific tasks.
Bamboo is being explored as a promising material for reducing plastic waste due to its fast growth rate, renewable nature, and extensive distribution. Despite challenges, bamboo-based products have improved performance profiles and are gaining popularity worldwide.
Researchers at the University of Florida have developed a technique to create highly porous materials from everyday plastics by 'sculpting' from within. The new materials have potential applications in batteries, water filtration and high-density electronic storage.
Researchers found that iron oxyhydroxide nanominerals can catalyze the breakdown of harmful plastic additives. The study shows that mineral structure plays a crucial role in determining degradation rates.
Researchers developed a photothermal catalyst, Li0.51Mn2O4, to upgrade spent lithium manganate oxides and waste PET into highly efficient recyclable materials. The study achieved high conversion rates and reduced fossil resource consumption by up to 77% compared to traditional thermal catalysis.
Scientists have identified an ancient enzyme called methylthio-alkane reductase (MAR) that breaks down organic sulfur compounds to create ethylene. The discovery opens the door for understanding how these enzymes work and potentially harnessing them for sustainable biofuel production.
Researchers have discovered how to convert discarded plastics into valuable carbon-based materials, including graphene, nanotubes, and porous carbon. These materials show promise for use in environmental remediation, batteries, and supercapacitors.
A new method to recycle PA-66, a type of polymer found in fishing nets and automotive parts, has been developed. The process involves introducing melamine into melted waste, resulting in a nylon material with improved properties that can be reprocessed up to three times.
Researchers from Newcastle University and the University of Birmingham developed a low-energy, waste-free method to recycle Teflon by breaking down its strong carbon-fluorine bonds into harmless sodium fluoride. This process has significant implications for reducing environmental pollution and promoting sustainable fluorine chemistry.
Researchers at NTNU identify main sources of plastic pollution and explore solutions that change production and consumption habits. Measures emphasizing pro-social and pro-ecological values have been found to be effective in bringing about profound changes.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed a hybrid device that combines light-harvesting organic polymers with bacterial enzymes to convert sunlight, water and carbon dioxide into formate, a fuel that can drive further chemical transformations. The new 'semi-artificial leaf' mimics photosynthesis and avoids toxic semico...
Scientists have developed an end-to-end microbial process converting renewable plant oils into sustainable polyesters comparable to petroleum-based plastics. The two-step process achieved record-setting yields and productivity, paving the way for a scalable and environmentally viable alternative to fossil fuels.
Researchers found microplastic exposure changes the human gut microbiome, with some shifts resembling patterns linked to diseases. Microplastic-induced changes in microbial composition may serve as a bacterial stress response, potentially affecting overall well-being.
Researchers at Saarland University have developed a process that transforms hard-to-recycle polystyrene into a sought-after feedstock for high-quality technical and high-performance polymers. This 'biological upcycling' enables the production of nylon precursors, offering a clear advantage over conventional recycling.
Researchers investigate how nanoplastics pass from mothers to their offspring, affecting survival and reproductive capacities in Daphnia magna. They also explore gene expression changes and the impact of bioplastics on the environment.
A University of Delaware-led research team has developed a new type of catalyst that enhances conversion of plastic waste into liquid fuels more quickly and with fewer undesired byproducts. The catalyst achieves reaction rates nearly two times faster than those previously reported, producing targeted production of liquid fuels while mi...
A review of hundreds of studies found a link between childhood plastic exposure and long-term health concerns like heart disease, obesity, and asthma. Parents can take simple steps to limit their children's plastic exposure, such as replacing plastic containers with glass or stainless steel.
Brazilian researchers analyzed over 60 scientific articles on microplastics and their impact on bone health. They found that the materials can impair bone marrow stem cells, accelerate cell aging, and promote inflammation, leading to potential bone weakening and fractures.
Researchers have found that plastic nanoparticles can enter crops during growth, accumulating in edible parts and potentially affecting human health. The study used radishes to demonstrate the uptake of nanoplastics by plants, with nearly 5% of particles retained by the root system.
Researchers from Trinity College Dublin discovered that nanoplastics can interfere with brain energy production by disrupting the electron transport chain in mitochondria. This finding may have implications for understanding neurodegenerative diseases and learning/memory issues.
A new review highlights three pathways through which roots absorb micro- and nanoplastics, with leaves also taking up microplastics deposited from the atmosphere. This can lead to plant toxicity, altered soil microbial communities, and transfer through food webs.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have developed a method to convert plastic waste into a climate solution for efficient and sustainable CO2 capture. The new material, BAETA, can absorb CO2 out of the atmosphere efficiently compared to existing carbon capture technologies.
Researchers have developed a living sensor that attaches to plastic and produces green fluorescence, detecting environmentally relevant levels of microplastics in real-world water samples. The biosensor uses a genetically engineered bacterium to activate when bacterial cells contact plastic, producing measurable fluorescence within hours.
A new catalyst breaks down polyolefin plastics into liquid oils and waxes, which can be upcycled into higher-value products. This process bypasses the labor-intensive step of pre-sorting mixed plastic waste, making recycling more efficient and practical.
Researchers from Edith Cowan University have developed a method to incorporate waste plastics into pavement material, offering a dual benefit of improving road strength and reducing plastic pollution. The study highlights the potential for repurposing household plastics to create more sustainable and resilient roads.
Researchers develop a novel process to convert polyethylene and polypropylene into valuable olefins, producing fewer unwanted byproducts. The method uses inexpensive base-metal catalysts, operates under mild conditions, and achieves high yields of propylene and isobutylene.
A survey of scientific literature on micro- and nanoplastics in human health identifies key challenges and proposes best practices for analysis, including digestion treatments and shape considerations. The study aims to improve our understanding of plastics' impact on human bodies.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a smart plastic that can self-heal and adapt to extreme conditions, making it ideal for aerospace and automotive applications. The material's unique properties allow it to restore its shape after deformation, improve vehicle safety, and reduce environmental waste.
A new photothermal catalyst made from recycled EV battery materials boosts the efficiency of plastic upcycling, converting polyester into valuable monomers. The process demonstrates significant improvements in conversion rates and reduced energy costs compared to traditional methods.
A new project aims to track the health impacts of plastics and monitor progress in reducing their effects on human health. The Lancet Countdown on Health and Plastics will identify and document indicators that highlight the risks associated with plastic production, use, and disposal.
The Lancet Countdown on Health and Plastics monitors the effects of plastic pollution on human health, citing $1.5 trillion in annual economic losses. Researchers track the life cycle of plastics to identify key drivers of harm, including production, use, and disposal.
A coalition of independent scientists is supporting a global plastics treaty to protect human health and the environment from plastic pollution. The scientists' coalition emphasizes the need for essential use, transparency, safety and sustainability criteria for plastics.
Researchers found surprisingly high concentrations of small-diameter microplastics in air samples from their homes and cars, estimating adults inhale 68,000 particles per day. The study suggests health risks due to inhalation of lung-penetrating microplastics may be higher than previously thought.
The UN aims to establish an internationally legally binding framework to manage plastic, reducing waste, and promoting recycling. The agreement is intended to address the global issue of plastic pollution, which affects marine wildlife and human health.