Articles tagged with Plastics
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.
A recent study published in Technologies found that consumers can save big bucks by investing in a low-cost 3-D printer and printing household items. After analyzing the cost of printing 26 everyday items, researchers found an average savings of 98.65%, with some items saving over $12,000 after five years.
Researchers at the University of Bath have developed a renewable plastic from pinene found in pine needles, which can replace petroleum-based plastics in food packaging and medical implants. The new plastic is biodegradable and produced from a waste product previously discarded in the paper industry.
A new $1 million NIH-funded study will investigate the effects of phthalates in plastic products used in pediatric intensive care units (NICUs). The study aims to assess the long-term impact of exposure to these chemicals on children's development, particularly premature infants.
Researchers developed new imaging tools to diagnose abnormal pulmonary flow of lymphatic fluid in adults with plastic bronchitis. The procedure involves catheterization and treatment with glue and coils to halt lymphatic fluid flow, resulting in complete or partial resolution of symptoms in six out of seven patients.
A review in Angewandte Chemie emphasizes the importance of standardized analytic protocols to accurately assess microplastic contamination in aquatic ecosystems. The authors propose a list of nine arguments for harmonized methods, including improved sampling and processing techniques, to ensure reliable data and inform risk assessments.
Researchers found that strip tillage systems with rowcovers had lower yields than plasticulture systems, mainly due to specialized equipment needs and weed pressure. Rowcovers reduced insecticide applications but had no significant impact on yield in both systems.
Researchers discovered that bags of potting soil on Guam's island are a breeding ground for invasive coconut rhinoceros beetles. The beetles spread through holes in plastic bags, which customers unknowingly bring home for their gardens.
A new study by RIT researchers estimates nearly 10,000 metric tons of plastic debris enter the Great Lakes every year from the US and Canada. The study found that half of this pollution goes into Lake Michigan, with Lake Erie and Ontario receiving significantly lower amounts.
A study by the American Chemical Society found that all tested plastic teethers contained BPA and other endocrine-disruptors, which can leach out into water. The researchers detected a range of parabens and antimicrobials in most teethers, raising concerns about infant exposure to potentially toxic chemicals.
A new study found that improvised wound irrigation tools in the wilderness can be effective, producing pressures similar to commercial devices. The research examined various options and found that all systems using compressible water bottles met or exceeded pressure standards.
Researchers at NIST have developed a way to build safe, nontoxic gold wires onto flexible plastic film, potentially enabling wearable health monitors. The discovery uses porous membranes with tiny holes, which keep the gold from cracking and improving conductivity.
A study by the University of Plymouth explores attitudes towards microplastic particles in cosmetics, revealing widespread surprise among participants. The research suggests that clear labelling could lead to positive consumer responses and broad support for a ban on microbeads in cosmetics.
Researchers discovered that marine plastic debris emits a sulfurous compound, dimethyl sulfide, which attracts seabirds with keen sense of smell. This olfactory cue tricks birds into eating plastic, making them more likely to consume it than other species.
Researchers have developed a method to improve the performance of cellulose nanocrystals, making them suitable for sustainable materials, biomedical applications and green manufacturing. The improved nanocrystals can be used in dental regenerative medicine, replacing synthetic materials with an environmentally friendly alternative.
A new study found that plastic stents provide similar outcomes to metal stents in patients with resectable malignant biliary obstruction. The study suggests that plastic stents may be a more cost-effective option, making them a preferable choice for patients with this condition.
Shane Ardo will use the funding to advance his solar-powered desalination innovation, which aims to provide sustainable and inexpensive access to freshwater. The technology has the potential to reduce costs and environmental impact of conventional desalination plants.
Annual exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals has a significant impact on the US healthcare system, causing over 2.3% of the country's GDP to be lost. The estimated disease burden from these chemicals is valued at $340 billion annually, with specific effects including neurological damage, infertility, and certain cancers.
Researchers found that transplanting fertilizers with phosphorus and using non-reflective plastic mulches can significantly boost tomato yields in clay loam soils. The study's results support the use of these practices for local gardeners and commercial growers in Minnesota, particularly during short growing seasons.
A new study by the University of Exeter and Plymouth Marine Laboratory reveals that coastal-dwelling marine wildlife are more vulnerable to harmful plastic pollution than previously thought. The research found that animals living in waters near densely-populated coastlines are at risk of coming into direct contact with microplastics.
Researchers investigate how exposure to chemicals inhibits metabolism of fatty and high-sugar foods, contributing to obesity. The team aims to understand how toxicants affect cytochrome P450 enzymes, potentially identifying new targets for pharmaceutical companies.
Researchers from KAIST and KIMM developed a technology to transfer and package flexible large-scale integrated circuits (LSI) on plastics using continuous roll-processing. The technology successfully demonstrated stable memory operations under severe bending conditions.
A new three-dimensional lattice structure developed by ETH scientists can absorb a wide range of vibrations, including those in the audible range. This design allows for improved noise reduction and energy efficiency in machines, vehicles, and aircraft.
Researchers at KAIST have developed ultrathin, transparent oxide thin-film transistors that overcome previous challenges in flexible display technology. The new technology uses an inorganic-based laser lift-off method to create high-performance devices with excellent optical transparency and mobility.
Researchers at NUS have developed a novel technique to implant high-performance magnetic memory chips on flexible plastic surfaces, overcoming performance challenges. The new device uses magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM) and demonstrates excellent data storage and processing capabilities.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University and EPFL develop a computational design tool that enables designers to fully exploit the unique property of auxetic materials, which can expand uniformly in two dimensions. The tool allows for the creation of complex 3D shapes using flat sheets of plastic or metal.
Scientists have developed graphene-infused packaging that reduces water vapor permeability by a million fold, allowing for longer product lifespans. The material was shown to extend the lifetime of an organic light-emitting diode from less than 30 minutes to over 1 year.
Researchers have created a thin polymer layer that oscillates spontaneously in visible light, leading to potential self-cleaning surfaces. The material's unique behavior is attributed to the bending and stretching of light-sensitive molecules under visible light, resulting in vibration and possible applications in various fields.
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a patent-pending technology to create a coating that allows soap products to flow freely from plastic bottles. The coating involves microscopic y-shaped structures that cradle droplets of soap aloft above tiny air pockets, preventing the soap from touching the inside of the bottle.
Research highlights widespread plastic contamination in oceans, with effects on marine life and human health, prompting policy changes such as bans on microplastics and single-use plastics.
Researchers have devised a method to recycle millions of tons of plastic garbage into liquid fuel by breaking down polyethylene with alkanes. The process is more efficient and milder than current methods, using readily available substances from oil refining.
Researchers at the University of Eastern Finland developed a novel method to add liquid by-products to wood-plastic composites, enhancing their properties. The study also employed PTR-MS to measure volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released from WPCs, revealing improvements in water absorption and mechanical properties.
Larval fish exposed to microplastic particles displayed changed behaviors, such as ignoring natural food sources and failing to respond to predators. This led to increased mortality rates and potentially severe consequences for marine ecosystems.
A new study found that microplastic particles negatively impact European perch larvae, reducing hatching success and survival rates. Exposure to high concentrations of plastics also alters feeding preferences and prevents fish from responding to predatory cues.
Researchers at Cornell University have created an 'on-the-fly' 3-D print system that allows designers to make changes while printing, improving the overall quality of the design process. The system uses a WirePrint technique and has five degrees of freedom, enabling rapid prototyping and modification.
Researchers developed a method to assess and compare the environmental impact of green products, allowing purchasers to maximize environmental benefits under budget constraints. The Hotspot Scenario Analysis-Procurement Portfolio Optimization (HSA-PPO) method estimates savings of up to 54% in greenhouse gas emissions and water use.
Researchers discovered a way to remove acetylene from ethylene using metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), reducing the need for costly catalytic conversion. The SIFSIX MOF family can filter out contaminants with high selectivity and adsorption capacity, producing pure ethylene.
A recent study at the University of Guam found that traditional hard plastic containers reduce root quality in endangered tree species. This limits plant growth and stability in tropical cyclone-prone areas.
Researchers developed a method to replicate complex, colored 3D models quickly and cheaply using an industrial production technique and accessible software. The technique has been tested with various objects, including a Chinese mask and car body shells, producing high-quality replicas.
Researchers develop innovative procedure to treat plastic bronchitis, a rare condition causing airway blockages in children with congenital heart defects. The technique uses minimally invasive catheterization techniques and customized imaging tools to improve symptoms and potentially cure the condition.
Current measurement methods may underestimate the amount of plastic in oceans due to turbulent mixing. Researchers found that surface heating and ocean currents mix plastics deeper into the water column.
Researchers at WSU have developed a method to improve the performance of conductive plastic, which can be used in devices that interface with the human body. The material is biocompatible and can detect faint signals from neurons, enabling medical breakthroughs such as limb reanimation.
Researchers have developed a new trap to monitor and control Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, the primary transmitters of Zika, dengue, chikungunya, and yellow fever. The plastic ovitrap infused with pyriproxyfen has been shown to be 100% effective in preventing larvae from developing into adults.
A study by The Endocrine Society found that exposure to phthalates in medical devices used for children with critical illnesses was strongly associated with attention deficit disorders later in life. Researchers measured blood levels of DEHP metabolites in healthy and critically ill children, finding high levels in the latter group.
A randomized controlled trial found that single covered, self-expanding metallic stents (cSEMS) resolved benign obstructions of the pancreatic and biliary ducts with fewer ERCP sessions, compared to traditional plastic stents. cSEMS were also more effective in achieving stricture resolution within 181 days.
Researchers at Stanford University have discovered a novel way to produce plastic from CO2 and plant waste, which could significantly reduce greenhouse emissions. The new technology converts fructose-free biomass into polyethylene furandicarboxylate (PEF), a promising alternative to petroleum-based plastics.
A study published in Current Biology found that individuals with anxiety exhibit over-generalization, mistaking new tones for previously associated ones. Brain imaging revealed altered brain responses in regions related to fear and sensory processing.
Research from the University of Exeter and Plymouth Marine Laboratory reveals that plankton ingesting microplastics produce faeces that sink more slowly, allowing plastic to be transported to deeper waters. This process could have significant implications for marine ecosystems and the removal of floating plastic litter.
Research found that wastewater treatment plants are a significant source of microplastics in rivers, with particles traveling up to 2 kilometers downstream. The microplastics were home to potentially harmful bacterial communities, highlighting the need for improved filters and treatment processes.
Researchers found diverse communities inhabit plastic debris with barnacles creating complex habitat, similar to trees or corals. This could allow foreign species to invade natural coastlines, compromising biodiversity.
Researchers have discovered a behavioral trait that can be used against Mexican bean beetles, offering new control strategies without insecticides. Reflective mulch has been shown to significantly reduce beetle numbers and plant damage in outdoor plots.
New UCLA research demonstrates that BPS, a common replacement for BPA, speeds up embryonic development and disrupts the reproductive system. Exposure to low levels of BPA and BPS alters physiology in as quickly as 25 hours, leading to premature birth and disruption of reproductive endocrine brain cells.