Articles tagged with Plastics
New analysis of US population data confirms a link between Bisphenol A (BPA) exposure and cardiovascular disease in adults. Higher BPA concentrations were associated with heart disease, as well as abnormal liver enzyme concentrations.
A European research team has created a method for locating plastic anti-personnel mines by analyzing temperature variations in the ground. The new system generates 3D thermal maps, reducing calculations by 34 times compared to other systems.
The Sea Education Association (SEA) is conducting an expedition to measure plastic marine debris in the North Atlantic Ocean. The trip will explore an area southeast of Bermuda, where large concentrations of plastic debris have been observed, similar to the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.
A study found that Laysan albatrosses nesting on Kure Atoll and Oahu ingested significantly different amounts of plastic, with those on Kure Atoll consuming almost ten times the amount. The birds' stomach contents revealed a wide range of plastic items, including Asian characters indicating their likely origin.
A study suggests that exposure to a combination of stress hormones and chemicals during fetal development can increase the likelihood of reproductive birth defects, including cryptorchidism and hypospadias. The research found that simultaneous exposure to these factors significantly increased the risk of such disorders.
Researchers have developed a new spectroscopy method that can detect explosive liquids in plastic bottles instantly, improving airport security. The method uses electromagnetic radiation to identify materials and a nanoelectronic device to detect signals, creating a detailed 'thumbprint' of the liquid's molecular signature.
University of Missouri researchers create a new type of blast-resistant glass that is thinner, lighter, and less expensive than current options. The glass features a layer of glass fibers embedded in plastic, increasing its strength and resistance to small-scale explosions.
Scientists report that plastics in the ocean decompose with surprising speed, releasing potentially toxic substances like bisphenol A and PS oligomer. This discovery highlights the need for further research on plastic decomposition and its effects on marine life and human health.
The innovative check valve spout developed by the University of Vermont's Proctor Maple Research Center increases sap yields by 50 to 90 percent per tree, extending the sugarmaking season by one-and-a-half to two-and-a-half weeks. This technology also helps mitigate the effect of global warming on the Vermont maple industry.
Scientists have developed an eco-friendly coating that enables consumers to wipe away oils with plain water, reducing the need for harsh detergents. The coating can be added to window cleaning sprays and used on a range of surfaces, including mirrors, windshields, and concrete floors.
Clemson University professor Rhett Smith receives $598,000 to study novel materials that can conduct electricity in thin, flexible plastic devices. The goal is to develop ultrathin displays and efficient thin-film solar cells.
Researchers have made the crystal/liquid interface visible for the first time using tiny plastic balls to model states of matter. The study reveals a narrow region known as the 'zone of confusion' where the boundary between solid and liquid states fluctuates rapidly, contradicting previous theories.
A study of 201 newborns found that high phthalate levels were consistently associated with low birth weight, highlighting the potential environmental risk factor for infant health. The research supports efforts to minimize phthalate exposure and reduce its impact on newborns.
A study by researchers at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center has found no statistically significant increase in hypospadias rates in New York State during the 1992-2005 period, contradicting earlier concerns about environmental chemicals. Maternal age is a significant risk factor for the birth defect.
University of Houston researchers have developed highly conductive nanocomposites using polycarbonate and carbon nanotubes, improving the integrity of electronics in aircraft, computers, and iPhones. The findings could lead to antistatic coatings and electromagnetic interference shields, increasing device lifespan and efficiency.
A photoselective polyethylene greenhouse covering film has been proven effective in controlling the height of potted gardenia plants. The study showed that this technology can reduce the need for chemical growth retardants, decreasing production costs and environmental pollution. However, further research is needed to optimize its use.
A study by Wagner and Oehlmann analyzed mineral waters for estrogenic chemicals, detecting contamination in 60% of samples. Plastic bottle water showed higher levels than glass-bottled water, with more embryos developing in New Zealand mud snails exposed to plastic bottles.
Researchers create a process that can produce nano-devices with features as small as 13 nanometers, outperforming silicon and steel. The use of bulk metallic glasses allows for molding fine details without grain size limitations.
A University of Rochester Medical Center study challenges common assumptions about BPA exposure, suggesting that levels can remain high even after fasting for 24 hours. The finding highlights the need for further research into the effects of BPA on adipose tissue hormones and function.
University of Pittsburgh researchers have developed a natural, nontoxic method for biodegrading carbon nanotubes using the horseradish enzyme peroxidase. This finding could help address environmental and health concerns associated with the use of carbon nanotubes in various products.
Researchers have developed a new theory that explains the behavior of molecules in plastics, leading to more precise and cost-effective production of specialty plastics. This breakthrough could have applications in fields like engineering, nanotechnology, renewable energy, and medicine.
Cones starve to death due to structural changes in the retina, disrupting nutrient flow. Researchers propose boosting nutrient levels in cones to preserve daylight vision in patients.
Researchers have developed a new method to equip miniaturized laboratories with moving parts using magnetic colloidal particles. The technique allows for the creation of complex networks of individual components driven by a single magnetic field.
Fast molecular rearrangements in plastics allow them to absorb energy and change shape without breaking, enabling properties like plastic flow. This quality enables plastics to bend rather than break under stress, as observed in bulletproof glass that flows around bullets.
Researchers at Ohio State University found that popular football helmet faceshields can withstand high-velocity impacts equivalent to a kick in the face. The shields maintained structural integrity and optical quality, providing protection without disrupting players' vision.
Research studies reveal strong associations between exposure to Bisphenol A, phthalates and flame retardants and adverse health effects on humans and laboratory animals. Exposure during fetal life or prior to weaning can disrupt brain development, reproductive systems, and behavior.
A study published in JAMA found that higher levels of urinary Bisphenol A (BPA) are associated with an increased prevalence of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and liver-enzyme abnormalities. BPA concentrations were linked to a 39% increased odds of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
The team's breakthrough design features a Goretex-coated air-electrode that is more economical, easily sourced, and outlasts traditional platinum cells. Testing has shown no degradation or performance loss over 1500 hours of continuous use.
Researchers have overcome a major obstacle in producing transistors from networks of carbon nanotubes, paving the way for flexible electronics. The breakthrough allows for the creation of working nanonet circuits containing over 100 transistors.
A study by researchers at the US Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service found that certain romaine and 'crisphead' lettuce cultivars can stay fresh for longer when packaged using modified-atmosphere packaging. This innovation has the potential to improve shelf life, quality, and sales of pre-cut salads and lettuce.
Researchers compared two packing methods for grape quality and decay prevention, finding that the external wrapping method can be as effective as the liner method in preventing grape decay. This method has advantages over the use of box liners, including faster precooling and being more economical.
A team of Brown University researchers has invented mercury-absorbent materials to capture mercury vapor from broken compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs). The technology can be applied to packaging and plastic bags, making it an inexpensive solution to mitigate environmental concerns and health risks.
Researchers have discovered innovative ways to create polycarbonate plastics from carbon dioxide, which could lead to the production of more affordable, safer, and environmentally friendly products. The new process has the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions by trapping CO2 in plastics.
A team of researchers from MIT and CNRS studied the phenomenon of triangular tears in adhesives like tape and plastic sheets. They found that these tears arise from interactions between three properties: elasticity, adhesive energy, and fracture energy. The study has potential industrial applications in microtechnologies.
A new process developed by the University of Leeds can produce up to 97% pure titanium dioxide, reducing production costs and environmental impact. The innovative method uses less chlorine and recycles waste CO2 and heat, offering a sustainable alternative to current industrial processes.
Researchers found that boiling water increases BPA release from polycarbonate bottles, with rates increasing 15-55 times faster than at lower temperatures. The study's findings suggest that cumulative environmental exposures may harm human health.
The 'Incisions' gown is a unique teaching aid that uses zips to show where surgeons make cuts in the body. It aims to supplement traditional plastic models and help medical students understand the significance of the body as well as its structure.
Researchers found that self-expanding plastic stents (SEPSs) resulted in frequent stent migration, with over 60% of patients experiencing this issue. Long-term symptom improvement was also limited, with only six percent of procedures resulting in long-term resolution.
Researchers compared three strawberry production systems to determine consumer preference, finding that cold-climate plasticulture and advanced matted row systems were most popular. Consumers were willing to pay more for fresh berries from their preferred system, with quality characteristics like firmness differing among the production...
A new test can identify contaminated cardboard food containers that break phthalate safety rules. Researchers found significant exposure to diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP) in some boxes, emphasizing the need for unrecycled materials.
The new devices have electron-mobility values higher than amorphous silicon, low threshold voltages, and high operational stability. They can be produced at room temperature, making them compatible with flexible plastic substrates.
A new modified plastic material, known as thermally rearranged (TR) plastic, has been developed to separate carbon dioxide from natural gas more effectively. The TR plastic works four times better than conventional membranes at separating out carbon dioxide through pores.
A new plastic membrane with hourglass-shaped pores can separate carbon dioxide from methane at a faster rate than conventional membranes. This technology has potential to improve energy efficiency of water purification and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in natural gas processing.
University of Michigan researchers developed a composite plastic that's as strong as steel but lighter and transparent by mimicking the molecular structure found in seashells. The new material consists of layers of clay nanosheets and a water-soluble polymer, achieving ideal transfer of stress between nanosheets and a polymer matrix.
Research by NSW DPI has identified the Whitefringed weevil larvae as the culprit behind small holes in leaky irrigation pipes. The larvae can chew through plastic piping using their dark brown pincers, leading to significant yield loss and water waste for lucerne growers.
The American Chemical Society presents groundbreaking research on the biotechnology of health and wellness, including a study that reveals 'good' cholesterol can be bad for the heart. Additionally, scientists uncover new information about HDL cholesterol's protein composition, which could lead to more accurate lab tests and life-saving...
A study by Andrea Dietrich at the American Chemical Society meeting found that cPVC has a low odor potential, while HDPE had the highest odor production. The researchers also discovered that certain types of plastic piping can leach organic compounds into drinking water.
Researchers create nanoreactors with enzymes and plastic membranes to run three different enzymatic reactions simultaneously without interference. The system allows small molecules to pass through while trapping larger ones, enabling precise control over reaction cascades.
Researchers led by Eric Weeks found that glasses are solid-like because they can't move when the sample chamber is thinner than typical group size. The study uses particles rather than atoms to directly observe how confinement influences glass transition, providing a simple framework for understanding other questions about glass.
Researchers developed a single-particle technique to study small portions of semiconductor material at the nanoscale. The study found that 'deep traps' are formed in plastic semiconductors, which can decrease efficiency and cause defects. This breakthrough could lead to improved devices made from these materials.
Researchers found that plastic morphometric characters are associated with branch level and fixed traits with colony level in Stylophora pistillata corals. This adaptive plasticity allows the formation of species-specific architecture through variable developmental routes.
A new tandem organic solar cell has been developed with increased efficiency of six and a half percent, marking the highest level achieved for solar cells made from organic materials. The discovery utilizes semiconducting polymers recognized by the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, which promises to be less expensive to produce.
Researchers found that adding grease to certain plastics improves their electrical conductivity, enabling flexible switches for transistors and displays. The discovery outlines a chemical process to produce next-generation tiny switches, promising breakthroughs in plastic electronics.
Researchers have developed plastic railway sleepers made from waste polystyrene and polyethylene, which can last for centuries compared to wood or concrete sleepers. These biodegradable sleepers also provide a cost-effective solution for Network Rail's goal of using 23% recycled material by 2012.
A UK-based research project aims to create mass-market organic light emitting devices (OLEDs) that could revolutionize lighting and display technology. The devices, made from thin, flexible plastic, could be integrated into clothing, packaging, and other materials to display electronic information.
Dr. Yueh-Lin Loo at the University of Texas at Austin has developed a plastic with changeable conductivity, which can be altered during manufacturing to meet the needs of future electronic devices. This breakthrough could lead to flexible, inexpensive wiring in products such as military camouflage and foldable electronic displays.
A University of Manchester engineer has pioneered a way to make single-layered planar plastic transistors and diodes using fast and simple printing techniques. This could lead to the production of information displays that can be rolled up, intelligent tickets for public transport systems, and electronic stamps for letters and packages.
Researchers have discovered a new type of plastic that can conduct electricity as well as current semiconductors, enabling mobile phones and other devices to withstand accidental drops. This material has the potential to revolutionize consumer electronics, making products cheaper and more durable.
Rutgers engineers have developed a process to recycle waste latex paint by blending it with common plastics, resulting in materials that are as good as or superior to those made without paint. The technology has the potential to reduce disposal costs and environmental impact of waste paint products.
The CRADA team, comprising Argonne National Laboratory, USCAR and the Plastics Division of the American Chemistry Council, has been awarded the Plastics Recycling and Sustainability Award. The team's work focuses on mechanical recycling technologies and chemical conversion of end-of-life vehicle materials to fuels and chemicals.