Articles tagged with Plastics
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Scientists discovered a previously unrecognized degradation process in silicone-urethane plastics used in medical devices, including pacemakers and defibrillators. The plastics break down within 3-6 years under conditions simulating the human body.
A team of researchers at the University of Pennsylvania has developed flexible, low-voltage electronic circuits using cadmium selenide nanocrystals. The new technology offers improved performance and manufacturing cost compared to traditional silicon-based electronics, enabling potential biomedical and security applications.
The material combines a plastic polymer with nickel particles, allowing it to heal efficiently while maintaining conductivity. The researchers tested the material by cutting it multiple times, finding it could regain up to 75% of its strength within minutes.
Researchers at University of Cincinnati develop a paper-thin plastic screen that can be folded or rolled up repeatedly, eliminating pixel borders. This breakthrough technology uses ambient light to reduce power consumption and enables magazine-quality color displays in foldable e-devices.
Biologists have recorded a significant increase in plastic litter on the seabed of the Arctic deep sea, with quantities doubling over the past decade. The main victims of this contamination are deep-sea inhabitants, which can suffer injuries, impaired breathing, and reduced reproduction due to contact with plastic.
Case Western Reserve University researchers have won a $1.2 million grant to develop technology for mass-producing flexible electronic devices. The team aims to create flexible electronics that can be worn on the skin, foldable devices as thin as plastic wrap, and implantable nerve-stimulating electrodes.
Emory researchers capture decoupling of rotation and movement in glass particles as they approach the glass state. The findings provide a key piece to understanding condensed matter physics.
Researchers are using open-source Arduino microcontrollers and 3D printers to create their own lab equipment, reducing costs by thousands of dollars. This DIY approach is making science more accessible to schools and universities, enabling more discoveries with limited budgets.
A study reveals that charge traps in plastic semiconductors are caused by a similar energy level, allowing for the estimation of expected electron current and design of trap-free materials. This breakthrough has important implications for both plastic LEDs and solar cells.
A study from the University of Texas at Austin reveals that people tend to prefer ritual beliefs with repetition and procedural steps, even in the absence of concrete evidence. This suggests that humans have an evolved cognitive system for making sense of the unknown, prioritizing cause-and-effect thinking over logical reasoning.
A new study by University of British Columbia researchers reveals substantial increases in plastic pollution along the northern Pacific coast, with 92.5% of beached northern fulmars found to contain plastics
A study found that a simpler lifestyle with fresh foods and limited use of environmental chemicals can reduce exposure to EDCs. Researchers analyzed urine samples from OOM women and compared them to NHANES data, finding lower levels of BPA and phthalates in the former group.
Children with higher phthalate levels have nearly five times the odds of being obese compared to those with lower levels, according to a new study. The research found that elevated DEHP levels correlated with body mass index and percentage of fat mass, increasing obesity risk independently of physical activity and daily calorie intake.
University of Utah physicists created a spintronic device that uses MEH-PPV plastic paint to detect magnetic fields, showing exceptional impact in real-world applications. The new magnetometer can accurately measure fields ranging from weak to strong, with potential consumer products on the market in three years or less.
Scientists have developed a new technology to mass-produce high-precision molds for making tiny plastic components using bulk metallic glasses. The components can be used in computer memory devices, microscale testing kits, and chemical reactors with microscopic surface patterns.
Scientists at Linköping University have developed a method to precisely control the threshold voltage of plastic transistors, a crucial property for their use in logic circuits. By modifying the gate electrode material, they were able to reduce the threshold voltage by up to 0.9V.
A new study reveals a 100-fold surge in small plastic debris in the North Pacific Ocean Subtropical Gyre, altering marine habitats and changing natural ecosystems. The influx of plastic has led to an increase in sea skater egg densities, potentially affecting animals across the food web.
Researchers found that fetal exposure to BPA increases mammary bud density and advances gland development in rhesus macaques, increasing breast cancer risk. The primate study supports rodent models as a reliable method for studying BPA's effects on human health.
Chemical engineers at UMass Amherst have discovered a new method to produce p-xylene with an efficient yield of 75%, using most of the biomass feedstock. The process creates the same chemical used in petroleum-based plastics, but from renewable biomass sources.
Researchers discovered wind pushes lightweight plastics below ocean surface, potentially vastly underestimating total plastic amounts. A new model can be used to collect more accurate data in the future.
Scientists have developed a way to reuse expensive enzymes used in laundry detergents hundreds of times, opening the door for new eco-friendly laundry products. The reusable enzyme-coated plastic flakes and strips could make cheaper detergents more effective.
A team of researchers has proposed standardised guidelines for the recording and characterisation of microplastic particles in the sea. By analysing 68 scientific publications, they found that the results are difficult to compare due to varying methods used. However, they discovered that using a net with a mesh of 85 micrometres can fi...
Scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a method to produce customized carbon fibers from polyethylene, with potential applications in filtration, catalysis, and energy harvesting. The process allows for tailoring of surface contour and filament diameter, enabling the creation of fibers with unique properties.
Scientists have developed a new type of plastic that can repair scratches and cuts, changing color to warn of damage and healing itself when exposed to light. This self-healing plastic has potential applications in products such as cell phones, laptops, and cars, offering advantages over traditional plastics
Researchers at the Public University of Navarre have designed and manufactured composite PVC materials with enhanced thermal stability based on nanofillings. These materials can improve photostability, thermal resistance, and gas permeation properties.
Researchers find high concentrations of heavy metals and restricted brominated flame retardants in mixed plastics from disassembled electrical and electronic equipment. The study emphasizes the importance of implementing strict quality management to prevent substance release into the environment or new products.
Researchers found that female mice exposed to very high doses of phthalates develop significant reproductive alterations and precancerous lesions as they grow up. The study provides new insights into how these chemicals affect developing female reproductive systems, with the potential for long-term health effects.
Researchers at Northwestern University discovered that squeezed polymers can generate significant amounts of energy for chemical reactions. However, they also found that certain polymer-based medical implants release harmful free radicals under moderate pressure, raising concerns about their safety.
Researchers at ETH Zurich successfully created two-dimensional polymers for the first time using a novel synthesis method. The resulting 'molecular carpets' have potential applications in filtering tiny molecules and could lead to the development of new materials with unique properties.
Researchers develop a novel method for fabricating flexible organic semiconductors using a kitchen gadget-inspired approach. The technique improves the interface between the semiconductor and gate insulator, enhancing electrical performance and durability.
The American Chemical Society revisited key research advances from 2001, including self-healing plastics and carbon-based electronic devices. These discoveries have had lasting impacts on various fields of science.
Researchers develop tiny Stirling engine with a plastic bead that performs work and runs with the same efficiency as a macroscopic heat engine under full load. Microscopic processes cause the machine to run rough due to collisions with surrounding water molecules.
Researchers have developed a promising replacement for plastics using amorphous bulk metallic glass (ABM) alloys. These alloys offer excellent electron emission properties and robust thermal stability, making them suitable for various applications such as field emission devices, electron microscopes, and modern display devices.
Researchers at Ohio State University developed a high-tech waterproof coating inspired by the unique texture of the Brazilian fern Salvinia molesta. The coating performs similarly to the plant's hairy surface, which traps air and provides stability in water.
A Norwegian Institute of Public Health study investigates the impact of cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) pipes on drinking water quality. The research found that while there are no health risks associated with PEX pipes, certain types may cause prolonged undesirable taste and odor, especially when water remains in the pipes over time.
Researchers have successfully tied molecules into a complex pentafoil knot using self-assembly, expanding the understanding of material properties and potentially leading to new materials with improved properties. The knot is composed of just 160 atoms, approximately 16 nanometers in length.
University of Toronto researchers develop high-efficiency OLEDs on plastic, a less costly alternative to traditional glass-based manufacturing, enabling flexible form factors.
A study by Uppsala University found that Bisphenol A exposure in newborn mice causes permanent changes in brain function, leading to hyperactivity and poor adaptation to new environments. The effect persists into adulthood, affecting the cholinergic signal system.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have developed a new type of molecular sieve that can speed up filtration processes and reduce energy consumption. The breakthrough uses ultra-thin zeolite nanosheets to create more efficient separation membranes, promising cost savings in fuel and plastics production.
Researchers at the University of Leeds and Durham University have developed a high-tech 'recipe book' to create new plastics with specific properties. The breakthrough will increase recycling abilities and save industries time, energy, and money.
Scientists have developed new, eco-friendly plastics that outperform traditional polycarbonate materials in terms of heat resistance and biodegradability. These innovative plastics are set to replace BPA-containing plastics in baby bottles, shopping bags, and other products.
Researchers have created a cost-effective solution to address the growing issue of arsenic-contaminated drinking water in developing countries. The new technology uses pieces of plastic bottles coated with cysteine to remove arsenic from water, producing drinkable water with levels significantly lower than the current safe standard.
Researchers developed a large molecule stable and inexpensive to produce, paving the way for plastic-based flexible electronics. The technology may turn into everyday realities, including artificial skin, smart bandages and wearable electronics.
Researchers have developed a new theory to understand slow dynamics of polymers in liquids under fast-flow, high-stress conditions. The theory explains how polymer molecules respond and predicts tube confinement and reptative motion.
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a new antenna design that can be integrated into clothing, offering a range four times larger than traditional antennas. The system overcomes previous problems of body absorption and interference by surrounding the body with multiple antennas working together.
A new study finds that paper money from around the world contains bisphenol A, a potentially toxic substance. The amounts of BPA on currency are higher than in house dust, but human intake is lower due to dermal absorption.
Researchers found that organic memory transistors retain their on/off states over a wider voltage range when heated, despite initial decreases in memory window. This temperature-dependent behavior could be useful for applications such as temperature sensing.
A study by University of Cincinnati researchers found that stainless steel- and/or co-polyester lined-aluminum bottles did not release BPA, while aluminum bottles with epoxy-based resins showed variable contamination. However, boiling water increased BPA migration from epoxy-lined bottles.
The UGA technology makes textiles permanently germ-free, effectively killing a wide spectrum of bacteria and other microorganisms. The treatment can be applied during manufacturing or at home, maintaining effectiveness without repeated applications.
A study by Christopher A. Cullis found that the environment influences helpful mutations in plants, even within a single generation. The experiment showed each strand of flax responded differently to its grown conditions, and the LIS-1 sequence appeared in response to nutrient deficiencies.
A Scripps study found 9.2% of mid-water fish contained plastic debris, primarily small pieces smaller than a human fingernail, in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre. The researchers estimate tens of thousands of tons of debris are ingested by fish annually.
Researchers at Caltech have developed a new method for processing metallic glass, utilizing inexpensive processes used to produce plastic parts. The new technique allows for the creation of strong, tough parts in just a few milliseconds.
A new case study found extremely high bisphenol A (BPA) levels in a pregnant woman and its potential link to her infant's neurobehavioral abnormalities. The study advises pregnant women to reduce their exposure to BPA by eating fresh fruit and vegetables, decreasing use of plastic food storage containers.
A new study found that using fake cigarettes can significantly boost a smoker's chances of quitting. The research analyzed the effectiveness of nicotine-free inhalers in helping people overcome their addictive behavior and ritual of smoking.
The laser printing process is now being used to produce functional products, with applications in industries such as automotive and medical devices. The additive manufacturing market is expected to continue growing, driven by advances in polymer materials and increasing demand for customized products.
Hybrid spintronic computer chips are being developed using a combination of inorganic and organic materials. The new technology could lead to computers that require less power and produce less heat, enabling instant on and flexibility. This breakthrough promises significant advances in information processing.
Biocontainers offer a sustainable alternative to traditional plastic containers, with rice hulls showing the highest vertical dry strength and lowest water loss rates. Researchers recommend selecting biocontainers based on specific physical properties to meet greenhouse needs.
Scientists report on a new material called nano-bricks that combines montmorillonite clay with polymer materials to create an eco-friendly, transparent coating. The coating can improve the shelf life of foods and beverages by slowing gas loss and preventing spoilage, making it a potential alternative to current packaging materials.
Researchers at Yale University have successfully created complex shapes using newly developed bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) that can be blown molded with unprecedented ease and precision. The BMGs are twice as strong as typical steel, making them a promising material for various applications.
Microscopic relaxation processes contribute to macroscopic changes in polymer network properties. Over ten hours, elasticity decreases by about a fifth and remains stable, shedding light on the aging process of elastic polymers.