Articles tagged with Plastics
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A major European seafloor survey has found widespread marine litter, including plastic and fishing debris, in the deepest ocean depths. The study reveals that human litter is present in all marine habitats, from beaches to remote parts of the oceans.
A new 3D printer developed by Carnegie Mellon University and Disney Research can turn wool and wool blend yarns into fabric objects. The device produces 3D objects made of a form of loose felt reminiscent of hand-knitted materials.
Researchers have created a polymer material that can be used for quality thermal imaging, providing a potential solution for heat detection and infrared applications. The new plastic lenses are inexpensive, lightweight, and can be easily molded into various shapes.
A new proposal converts stored information from magnetism to light efficiently, enabling the development of inexpensive and flexible plastic computers. This breakthrough could lead to high-capacity storage technologies in miniaturized devices.
Scientists at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology have developed a chemical crosslinking reaction that ensures good short-term healing properties of the material under mild heating. The self-healing mechanism can be initiated by heat, light or chemical substance.
Researchers at NIST developed a method to incorporate pneumatic microvalves into microfluidic devices made from plastic films and tape. The new valved microfluidic device can be used for dynamic control of fluid flow, enabling the creation of complex configurations with multiple functions.
A Stanford team developed a process to dope carbon nanotubes with an additive, improving their electronic performance. The resulting flexible CNT circuits can tolerate power fluctuations like silicon chips, enabling bendable electronics with low power consumption.
A study by Michigan Technological University reveals that making your own 3D printer filament from old milk jugs uses less energy than conventional recycling. This DIY approach can also lead to significant cost savings, with the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable practices.
A recent IUPUI study found that dogs react best to actual explosives and not mimic compounds, challenging the use of products designed to replicate C-4's odor. The research team recommends training dogs with real explosives instead.
Researchers have discovered that the Plastisphere, a community of microorganisms living on ocean plastic, can pose significant risks to invertebrates and humans. The study found that certain bacteria thrive on these plastic islands and may cause diseases in animals and humans.
A new study by University of Illinois researchers finds that plastic shopping bags can be converted into diesel fuel, producing significantly more energy than required. The conversion process produces usable petroleum products, including natural gas and gasoline, making it a potential sustainable alternative to traditional fossil fuels.
Two solitary bee species use plastic materials to construct nests, replacing traditional plant-based building materials. The discovery suggests innovative use of common urban waste and potential benefits for parasite resistance.
New dynamic polymer created with commercially available ingredients shows promise for healing cracks and breaking down, with potential applications in coatings and paints. The breakthrough enables mass production of self-healing materials at low cost and without catalysts.
A University of Houston researcher is working on developing plant-based plastics that can match the strength, flexibility, and durability of petroleum-based polymers. The goal is to create biodegradable materials with better mechanical properties and a reduced environmental impact.
Researchers in India have developed a low-temperature process to convert LDPE into liquid fuel, releasing carbon-rich molecules that are similar to conventional petrochemical fuels. The process uses kaolin catalyst and can produce up to 700 grams of liquid fuel per kilogram of waste plastic.
Researchers discovered that paraffin wax molecules align similarly to liquid crystal display (LCD) technology, revealing a new connection between seemingly disparate products. This finding has significant value for the plastics industry, which relies heavily on injection moulding processes.
A recent study by Royal Holloway and the Natural History Museum revealed thousands of pieces of plastic submerged in the Thames Estuary, posing a significant threat to aquatic life. The discovery highlights the vast amount of hidden waste flowing through London, with potential impacts on wildlife in seas that rivers feed into.
A new method allows researchers to design and create three-dimensional structures with precise cell docking sites, enabling the study of individual cells in a close-to-reality environment. The technique uses direct laser writing and photoactive molecules to control the adhesion points for cells.
A new low-cost 3D printer developed by Michigan Technological University's Joshua Pearce can lay down thin layers of steel to form complex geometric objects. The printer is less expensive than commercial metal printers and is affordable enough for home use, but requires more safety gear and fire protection equipment.
Research by Plymouth University and the University of Exeter found that microplastic ingestion can decrease energy reserves in marine worms. The study also revealed that ingested plastic can deliver harmful chemicals to organisms, leading to reduced health. This has significant implications for the food chain and marine ecosystems.
A new study demonstrates that ingested microplastic delivers pollutants and additives into animal tissue, compromising key functions sustaining health and biodiversity. The findings show toxic concentrations of pollutants and additives in the tissues of animals that have eaten microplastic.
CRaTER, an instrument on NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, has made detailed measurements of radiation in deep space. The findings provide crucial data on the high-energy hazards at and around the moon, enabling astronauts to shield against radiation.
Large areas of vinyl flooring in daycares and schools are found to contain phthalates, which have been linked to reproductive and developmental problems. The study uses X-ray fluorescence analysis to verify the presence of these chemicals and highlights the need for further research on their indoor exposure.
A new system uses phased acoustic arrays and laser vibrometry to detect vibrations inside a container, revealing the presence of explosives. The technology can identify differences between low-yield and high-yield explosives from a distance, providing an additional layer of safety.
New research finds subalpine lakes contaminated with microplastics, which can enter food webs through freshwater invertebrates. Microplastic particles can also adsorb toxic pollutants and transport them to other habitats.
A study by Michigan Technological University finds that making products on a 3D printer uses less energy than producing them in factories and shipping them. The analysis also shows that using renewable resources like PLA plastic can further reduce environmental impact.
The increasing availability of 3D printers has sparked concerns about the design and production of custom plastic firearms. While the printed guns are currently unreliable, they can become more effective with advancements in technology. The American Chemical Society reports on this growing issue.
Cassini's Composite Infrared Spectrometer (CIRS) detects propylene, a chemical used in food-storage containers and car bumpers, on Titan's lower atmosphere. The detection fills a mysterious gap in Titan observations dating back to NASA's Voyager 1 spacecraft.
Researchers have developed a process to transform non-biodegradable plastic grocery bags into carbon nanotube membranes, offering potential solutions for environmental pollution and producing high-added value products. The innovative method uses waste plastic as a carbon source, eliminating the need for complex processes and equipment.
Researchers at TUM have developed a new family of electronic devices using carbon nanotubes, enabling rapid gas detection and low power consumption. These sensors can be integrated into food packaging to gauge freshness or built into electronic skin for robotic applications.
Researchers at Stanford University have created a theoretical framework to understand and predict the conductive properties of polymeric semiconductors. Their model reveals that the entangled structure of polymers, which allows them to bend, also impedes their ability to conduct electricity.
Scientists discover a new method to convert waste cooking oil and lard into olefins, a key ingredient in making plastics. This breakthrough could reduce reliance on petroleum-based plastics and promote more sustainable alternatives.
Researchers at UC San Diego developed a cost-effective and efficient robot called SkySweeper to inspect power lines. The robot can move along utility lines, searching for damage and other problems that require repairs, and can be scaled up for under $1,000.
Researchers found that practice reduces metabolic activity in primary motor cortex for internally generated movements, but not visually guided tasks. The study suggests the motor cortex is plastic and can store motor skills.
Scientists have made progress in developing a device to produce highly pure ethylene from ethanol with high efficiency and low cost. The fluidized bed reactor shows great significance for promoting economic development.
Engineers at UC Berkeley created the first user-interactive sensor network on flexible plastic, responding to touch with instant light emission. The new e-skin technology has potential applications in robots, wallpapers, dashboard displays, and health monitors.
Researchers found that chlorinated BPA and modified forms of the chemical produced similar but distinct effects on hormone signaling pathways. The modified BPA worked through membrane estrogen receptors to deactivate key signaling enzymes, potentially leading to cell signaling disruptions.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new metallic bubble wrap that provides improved protection, lightness, and flexibility compared to traditional materials. The material has been shown to be strong enough to protect contents in areas as thin as a few millimeters, while also being heat- and chemical-resistant.
A new study found that phthalate exposure is associated with reduced fertility in women undergoing IVF treatment. Exposure to specific phthalates was linked to lower IVF success rates, including implantation failure and reduced oocyte retrieval rates.
Researchers found at least 1000 types of bacterial cells on plastic debris, including autotrophs, heterotrophs, and symbionts. The plastisphere may alter ocean ecosystems and transport harmful microbes, sparking concerns about its impact on marine life.
Scientists from UNH and SwRI report that lightweight materials like plastics provide effective shielding against the radiation hazards faced by astronauts during extended space travel. This finding could help reduce health risks to humans on future missions into deep space.
A recent study by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) has mapped out areas of deep-sea debris in the ocean, revealing a significant accumulation of trash in Monterey Canyon. The researchers found that plastic bags and metal objects were the most common types of debris, with many pieces smothering or choking marine life.
Scientists are working to reduce ocean pollution from microplastics, tiny bits of plastic that can harm marine ecosystems. Researchers at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science have developed biodegradable microbeads made from naturally occurring compounds called PHAs, which break down quickly in water and wastewater treatment plants.
A new system of inflatable sound absorbers can modify a performance hall's acoustics to accommodate various musical styles, such as classical and rock. The technology has been shown to lower reverberation times by up to 45% in relevant frequency bands.
Researchers found a correlation between dietary exposure to DEHP phthalate and elevated systolic blood pressure in children. The study suggests that environmental factors may contribute to the increasing prevalence of childhood hypertension, alongside obesity.
A KAIST research team developed in vivo silicon-based flexible large scale integrated circuits for bio-medical wireless communication. The devices were monolithically encapsulated with biocompatible liquid crystal polymers and demonstrated stable operation in live rats.
Researchers at Queen's University have developed a new smartphone called MorePhone that can visually signal incoming notifications, reducing the likelihood of missed messages. The device uses a thin, flexible display and shape memory alloy wires to create visual cues, such as bending corners to convey different types of messages.
Researchers at the University of Arizona have developed a new chemical process that transforms waste sulfur into a lightweight plastic, which may improve batteries for electric cars and other applications. The new plastic has great promise as something that can be produced easily and inexpensively on an industrial scale.
Researchers found 85% of collected particles in Lake Erie were smaller than two-tenths of an inch, with 1.5-1.7 million per square mile. Plastic pollution in the Great Lakes may be even worse than in oceans due to their large volume.
University of Michigan engineers create thin-layer, conducting, highly aligned film for high-performance plastic electronics by designing semiconducting polymers with natural twist and flexible arms. This breakthrough enables faster charge carrier mobility and could lead to cheaper, greener electronics.
Researchers at Michigan Technological University have developed a process to recycle old milk jugs into plastic filament for 3D printing, reducing energy consumption and costs. The open-source RecycleBot process uses free software and low-cost materials to produce usable plastic filament.
Researchers at Eindhoven University of Technology have invented a circuit that makes packaging test possible, reducing food waste by estimating freshness. The ultra-low-cost plastic circuits have numerous potential uses, including pharmaceuticals.
Scientists at the University of Southampton have created a method to generate bone cells on nanoscale surfaces, opening up new opportunities for bone repair therapies. The research used human embryonic stem cells cultured on plastic materials with nanotopographical patterns, without chemical enhancement.
Artificial bone created using stem cells and lightweight plastic can heal shattered limbs by encouraging real bone growth. The implant's honeycomb structure allows blood to flow through it, supporting the attachment of patient-derived stem cells.
A Case Western Reserve University researcher is creating ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene with embedded magnetic nanoparticles to monitor degradation and wear. The goal is to make implants more resistant to the environment inside the body.
A UC Irvine study reveals that low-dose exposure to the chemical tributyltin during pregnancy can lead to obesity in offspring and great-grandchildren, affecting gene expression and fat accumulation. The findings suggest permanent effects without subsequent exposure, highlighting the risks of endocrine-disrupting compounds.
Research finds that exposure to certain plastics and hydrocarbons can cause reproductive diseases and obesity in descendants, leading to epigenetic inheritance. The study identifies nearly 200 molecular markers for exposure and disease, paving the way for diagnostic tools and new therapies.
Research highlights the adverse effects of plastics on human health, including endocrine-disrupting properties of BPA and DEHP. Biodegradable plastics are not without risk, while recycling poses environmental challenges.
Researchers at TUM developed a cost-effective process to improve CMOS sensor performance using ultra-thin organic films. Spray-coating was found to be the most effective method, resulting in up to three times more sensitivity to light than conventional sensors.
Researchers engineered blue-green algae to grow chemical precursors for fuels and plastics, a step towards replacing fossil fuels. The U.S. Department of Energy aims to obtain a quarter of industrial chemicals from biological processes by 2025.