Articles tagged with Plastics
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A recent study has found that bisphenol A levels in Canadians are lower than those in Americans, with children and adolescents having the highest levels. The reason for this difference is unknown, but possible factors include differences in food packaging and thermal receipt papers.
Despite minimum recycling targets, Spanish cities struggle with paper and container waste separation. Only glass meets the 60% requirement, while plastic and metal waste are far below target. The study highlights the need for more efficient collection systems to increase recycling rates.
A University of Houston chemist has developed materials for use in creating sensors that can rapidly detect explosives, tainted milk, and other hazardous substances. The sensors are based on a concept called molecular imprinted polymers and have the potential to be used in hand-held scanners for bomb detection or nerve agent detection.
A portable device provides results in under 30 minutes with a small blood sample, revolutionizing point-of-care diagnostics. The device can detect biomarkers of disease and is expected to reduce healthcare costs.
According to Angelicque White, an assistant professor of oceanography at Oregon State University, the 'Great Garbage Patch' is less than 1% of Texas's geographic size. The amount of plastic in the North Pacific Ocean has not increased tenfold since the 1950s, contrary to previous claims.
Researchers have found that paper mulches can be an effective alternative to traditional polyethylene mulches in commercial vegetable production. Four types of paper mulches were compared with black plastic mulch and found to control weeds as well as or better than polyethylene in some situations.
A new study in the Journal of Consumer Research found that gift-givers who choose gifts that contradict their own identity experience discomfort and are more likely to choose alternative products. The researchers investigated how social closeness affects this process, revealing that those with stronger bonds experience greater discomfort.
A study suggests that adding a shear-thickening polymer like cornstarch to drilling mud could suppress instability, allowing the mud to sink and stop the leak. Physicist Jonathan Katz's idea was initially rejected by BP, but experiments show it might have worked.
A University of Gothenburg study finds that China's plastic bag charging policy reduces consumption by half, with 60% still not complying. The ordinance allows store owners to price bags and keep profits, but competition remains fierce.
Biopolymers are considered more eco-friendly due to biodegradability and low toxicity, but farming and energy-intensive chemical processing make them less environmentally friendly to produce. Traditional plastics can be cleaner to produce, according to a study in Environmental Science & Technology.
Cost-cutting advances in metallocene catalysts have led to production of stronger, more durable polyethylene plastics. These upgraded plastics are used in a range of consumer products, including garbage bags and camping cookware.
Researchers at Queen's University have discovered the molecular cooperation that enables light-controlled drug release and shape changes in glass and plastic. The findings could one day be used to facilitate medicinal drug distribution by allowing doctors to control the time and rate at which drugs are delivered into the body.
A group of French physicists have computed the trajectory of Roberto Carlos' famous 1997 free kick goal, revealing it was not an incredible fluke but a carefully calculated move. The 'spinning ball spiral' effect, as they call it, shows how the spin and velocity of the ball can create an unexpected trajectory.
A team of researchers has developed a product that makes corn-derived plastics more heat-tolerant, allowing them to be used in hot-filling applications. The heat-deflection temperature modifier is fully biodegradable and up to 90% corn-based.
A team of researchers from Sea Education Association and institutions found high concentrations of plastic debris in the western North Atlantic, comparable to the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. The study suggests that basic ocean physics explains why plastic accumulates in this region.
Researchers have developed a method to prevent phthalates from migrating from PVC plastics, leading to safer products and reduced health risks. The approach permanently bonds plasticizers to the internal structure of PVC, suppressing migration and improving product durability.
Scientists have validated a new organoclay material that is safer and more environmentally friendly for making plastics. The new material achieves mass producible organoclays that are cheaper and generate less dust compared to current alternatives.
USDA researchers found that using stainless steel water troughs with chlorinated water significantly reduces the survival of Johne's disease-causing bacteria. Chlorine is particularly effective in killing the bacteria on stainless and galvanized steel surfaces, but has limited impact on concrete and plastic.
Researchers at MIT have developed fibers that can detect and produce sound, opening up new possibilities for wearable microphones and biological sensors. The fibers use a piezoelectric material to convert vibrations into electrical signals, allowing for high-resolution sensing applications.
UCI chemists develop synthetic antibodies that block bee venom by encasing melittin, a peptide causing cells to rupture. These 'plastic antibodies' offer a promising alternative to natural antibodies for treating medical conditions, with potential applications in fighting deadly toxins and pathogens.
Researchers explore using forest biomass to develop green energy and chemicals, offering a carbon-neutral alternative to petroleum-based plastics. The potential for tree-based green chemicals to replace traditional bioplastics is significant, with eco-friendly benefits and reduced ecological impacts.
Researchers have successfully tested a plastic antibody that mimics natural antibodies in the bloodstream of living mice, demonstrating its ability to recognize and fight infectious substances. The breakthrough could lead to medical applications for custom-tailored nanoparticles to combat various antigens.
Researchers are exploring new applications for terahertz sensors using plasmonics and photonics technology. This technology has the potential to improve optical sources, detectors, and modulators, as well as create biomolecules such as plastic explosives.
Researchers design plastics to capture signaling molecules, blocking bacterial infection and biofilm formation. The approach aims to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria and reduce the risk of infections.
Dr. Koby Scheuer's plastic-based technology uses nano-sized grooves to filter noise from information in optical devices, making them smaller, more flexible, and powerful.
A new study found that dark-colored plastic mulches, particularly black and blue, increase early and total okra yields. The use of row covers also enhances plant growth, but may reduce early yields due to high air temperatures.
Researchers at Princeton University have developed a new technique to produce electricity-conducting plastics, potentially lowering the cost of manufacturing solar panels. The breakthrough allows for the use of low-cost printing techniques and replaces expensive materials like indium tin oxide.
Researchers will measure BPA levels in over 1,000 people with heart disease undergoing bypass surgery and thousands of individuals from Norfolk studied for over 10 years. The study aims to clarify whether BPA is linked to heart disease, which could impact public health by leading to controls on its use.
A recent study has discovered that certain marine bacteria can form biofilms on plastic fragments, potentially breaking them down. This research could lead to new methods for cleaning up microplastics and reducing their impact on marine life.
Scientists found widespread global contamination of sea sand and seawater with BPA from hard plastic trash and epoxy paint. The biodegradation of hard plastics releases BPA, posing risks to marine life in low concentrations.
The study reveals that plastics accumulate in garbage dumps and oceans, harming aquatic life and contaminating the food chain. Human exposure to plastic additives like BPA and phthalates is also a concern, particularly for infants, pregnant women, and individuals with compromised health.
Rice researchers have developed an inexpensive, printable transmitter for RFID tags that can be invisibly embedded in packaging. This technology has the potential to revolutionize checkout processes by allowing customers to walk through a scanner with their groceries without stopping at each item.
BPA exposure during pregnancy leads to epigenetic changes causing permanent reproductive issues in females, including fertility problems and hormone-related cancers. The study also suggests that early exposure can genetically program the uterus to be hyper-responsive to estrogen.