Articles tagged with Plastics
According to a University of Missouri-Columbia scientist, environmental chemicals can alter fetal gene function, predisposing babies to obesity and disease. This 'thrifty phenotype' is programmed for starvation but becomes detrimental in modern environments with plenty of food.
A recent study by Yale University researchers found that BPA alters the expression of key developmental genes necessary for uterine development, potentially leading to infertility in females. The study used pregnant female mice exposed to varying doses of BPA, revealing a link between BPA exposure and fertility defects.
Researchers at Iowa State University have created a new type of bioplastic that can be used to make durable hog feeders. The feeders are made from a combination of corn and soybean oils, which are significantly cheaper than traditional petrochemicals.
A new theory suggests that phenotypic plasticity acts as a barrier to invasion unless invaders are given a huge competitive advantage. Invasions often alter ecological relationships, requiring species to modify traits to survive.
Researchers at Iowa State University have developed a process for producing bioplastics from natural oils, which will be used to create high-tech hog feeders. The new feeders are expected to reduce material costs and provide a more sustainable alternative to traditional petrochemical-based feeders.
Brandeis researchers discovered that cortical inhibition plays a key role in experience-dependent plasticity, with inhibitory networks within the cortex being highly plastic. This finding challenges traditional views on brain development and highlights the importance of targeting inhibitory networks for optimal cognitive growth.
A new process makes HMF from fructose, a compound used to make plastics, diesel-fuel additives, and diesel fuel. The method also offers environmental benefits by using carbon dioxide and modern solar energy that crop plants absorb.
The University of New Hampshire has delivered two identical Plasma and SupraThermal Ion Composition (PLASTIC) instruments for NASA's STEREO mission, which aims to study coronal mass ejections and their impact on space weather. The instruments will make measurements of the solar wind as they pass by the twin spacecraft.
Scientists create new OLED technology that enables 100% efficiency and prolongs lifetime by using a fluorescent dye, paving the way for mass-manufacturable, low-cost lighting solutions. The invention has the potential to revolutionize interior lighting and transform ceilings into giant light panels.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University discovered a way to create polymers that can conduct electricity by growing very pure, single RRP chains. The study shows that the nanostructure of these plastics enhances their ability to conduct electricity, and that increasing the width of RRP nanofibrils exponentially increases charge carri...
Researchers found that BPA can mimic estrogen's actions in developing neurons, leading to potential harm to the brain. The study suggests that even low concentrations of BPA may be hazardous, as they are comparable to human fetal exposures and water supply levels.
Scientists create a new class of materials called covalent organic frameworks (COFs), which can store hydrogen more efficiently. By slowing down the synthesis process, researchers can predict the internal structure and properties of COFs, allowing for tailored applications.
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a plastic diode that can transmit electrical current at room temperature, paving the way for flexible and low-power computer chips. The diode's design lends itself to easy manufacturing and has achieved strong quantum mechanical effects without manipulating individual molecules.
Hydrologists use a simple apparatus of ¼-inch-diameter plastic tubing to collect groundwater samples along the Columbia River's edge. The aquifer tube method provides an accurate picture of vertical distribution of contaminants in groundwater, allowing for effective monitoring at difficult-to-access sites.
A team of scientists has created a new method for controlled release of drugs by layering thin polymer films with embedded drugs. This technique allows for precise timing and sequence control, opening up broader applications in medicine.
The active millimeter-wave technology rapidly scans individuals and produces a high-resolution 3D image, eliminating the need for physical searches. This innovative technology can be used in various public areas to minimize delays and indignity.
Researchers have developed tiny rubber balls that can be embedded in plastics to improve adhesion and toughness. The core-shell particles are tailored to join with any plastic or ceramic, solving issues of adhesion found with untailored rubber particles.
Hebrew University researchers found that desert locusts use their polarization vision to determine if an area is land or water, avoiding water at all costs. This discovery could lead to the development of methods to deter locust swarms from flying over agricultural lands.
Researchers at Imperial College London have developed a technology that uses naturally occurring surface roughness to create an inherent identity code for materials. This 'fingerprint' can be easily read using a low-cost portable laser scanner and provides secure authentication and tracking, eliminating the need for tags or inks.
A computer vision system developed by the Georgia Institute of Technology Research Institute can detect foreign objects in processed poultry and food products with high accuracy. The system uses color discrimination algorithms and digital images to identify unwanted elements, allowing for efficient removal from the production line.
Researchers have developed a process to convert recyclable plastic into high-quality lubricating oil, which can assist auto manufacturers in meeting mandated fuel economy specifications. The production of this oil is expected to be used commercially overseas, primarily in the Middle East.
A recent study found that NICU infants are exposed to high levels of DEHP, a phthalate linked to reproductive issues and other health problems. The study showed a direct correlation between the use of DEHP-containing medical products and elevated MEHP levels in infants' urine.
Researchers have identified a protein piece that can attach to polypyrrole, a synthetic polymer, allowing for the development of implantable devices that stimulate nerve growth. The breakthrough could lead to new treatments for nerve damage and tissue engineering applications.
Loo aims to increase polyaniline's conductivity by up to 10-fold, enabling applications such as flexible electronics and implantable medical devices. Her process uses a polymeric acid molecule, which increases the material's ability to dissolve in water.
Researchers found that exposure to BPA and BBP altered gene expression in mammary tissues of young rats, increasing protein production with age. The study suggests these estrogens could contribute to breast cancer development.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new family of materials that can change shape in response to light, offering potential for minimally invasive surgery and other applications. The polymers use molecular switches that bind together when exposed to UV light, allowing them to maintain their shape until the light is switched off.
Research found low doses of BPA in female rats inhibit estrogen-induced synaptic connections, affecting hippocampal development and memory. High concentrations of BPA have been reported in pregnant women's blood, potentially impacting human hippocampal development and long-term effects on children's learning ability.
Researchers at the Naval Surface Warfare Center developed a method to process contaminated plastic waste, leading to the creation of the Plastics Waste Processor. The device has been installed on over 650 Navy ships and has improved the sustainability of naval operations.
A Northwestern University team has designed organic molecules that self-assemble into ultra-thin layers for use in transistors. Their tailored molecular components reduce operating voltage and power consumption, making low-power consumption OTFTs a reality.
Researchers at PNNL have developed a process to convert corn into isosorbide, which can improve the properties of plastic materials. The technology has the potential to reduce the amount of petroleum necessary to make plastics and create new jobs for rural economies.
Researchers found a way to convert hydrogen into water using an oxygen sponge, allowing the reaction to continue until most of the starting materials are used up. This new process reduces the amount of energy needed for separation and makes the product less contaminated.
Scientists create a novel polymer, polylimonene carbonate, using limonene oxide and CO2, offering an alternative to petroleum-based plastics. The biodegradable material has characteristics similar to polystyrene, a commonly used plastic.
A new five-year project at NIST seeks to create standardized measurement methods and diagnostic probes for organic electronics. The goal is to accelerate the development of practical plastic microchips, which could enable large-area applications like wall-sized electronic murals.
Researchers have developed new, non-toxic additives for poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) to improve its fire retardancy. The additives, which rely on copper atoms, work by creating chemical crosslinks that form an inert char on the surface of PVC, helping to block flammable gases.
A Clemson University spin-off company has developed a new type of plastic made from polylactic acid derived from corn, which can replace up to 50% of chemicals used in regular plastics. This material could reduce 5 billion pounds of non-biodegradable plastics discarded annually and lower air pollutants.
Princeton scientists develop a breakthrough technique using nanoimprinting to mass-produce devices with tiny features, achieving unprecedented density and space between ridges. The method uses a mold made from a fine comb-like pattern, enabling the creation of miniature electronic circuits with improved memory capacity.
A new sensor, smaller than a dime, measures blood glucose levels by detecting changes in acidity and frequency. The device requires no internal power supply or connections outside the body, allowing users to wave their hand to get a reading.
A new, low-cost hand-held magnetic surgical tool has been developed to reduce X-ray exposure during long bone repair surgeries. The device uses electronic sensors instead of X-rays to locate screw holes, making the process precise and reducing radiation exposure for surgeons.
The Wildlife Conservation Society recently rounded up over 300 threatened flamingos in the Altiplano region, collecting data on their health and tracking population trends. The organization has been participating in a banding project for three years, working to conserve vulnerable species like James' and Andean flamingoes.
Scientists have developed a novel fabrication technique to study charge transport in organic crystals, resulting in the highest recorded mobility in an organic semiconductor. The method eliminates exposure of fragile surfaces to conventional processing, allowing for pristine crystal samples to be used for device fabrication.
Researchers at NIST quantify the problem and solution of carbon nanotube demixing, revealing flow conditions that can lead to demixing. The findings provide insight into how to process nanotubes more efficiently for various applications.
A new reference material from NIST helps researchers and implant manufacturers optimize processing parameters for crosslinking, reducing brittleness and improving wear resistance in orthopedic hip implants. The material provides precise dimensions and swelling information from round-robin tests.
Professor Behrokh Khoshnevis has developed a new machine that can produce 3D 'printouts' in plastic and metal more quickly and cheaply than existing systems. The 'Selective Inhibition of Sintering' (SIS) process uses high heat to melt only selected areas, reducing energy intensity and cost.
A surgical 'sling' made from polytetrafluoroethylene has been used to lift tissues under the chin, reducing sagging and improving skin elasticity. The procedure has shown a high patient satisfaction rate of over 90%, with no requests for removal.
Researchers have developed a method to apply nanowires to glass or plastics at room temperature, enabling the production of efficient computer chips and optical displays. This breakthrough could lead to durable consumer electronics and advanced military applications.
Research reveals that microscopic cracks on glass surface are scattered light, not dirt, and can only be cleaned away by dissolving the cracks with an aggressive solution. This discovery challenges long-held assumptions about the properties of glass.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed tiny plastic particles that can release medicine over a prescribed period, without triggering an immune response. The particles are designed to dissolve slowly in the body and cross the mucus lining of air passages, reaching their target cells underneath.
A new smart blending technique optimizes plastic materials for maximum effectiveness, enabling the creation of tougher, electrically conductive, and porous plastics. The technology, developed at Clemson University, has potential applications in food packaging, personal hygiene products, automotive uses, and even breakfast cereals.
Scientists create novel processing methods for producing organic conducting polymer circuits, leveraging micro contact printing for low-cost, adaptable, and fast production. The technique utilizes functionalized polymers that attach to surfaces via chemical reactions, overcoming conventional ink printing limitations.
Matson's work on ultra-barrier coatings has the potential to replace glass in electronic displays, enabling flexible and cheaper alternatives for cell phones, TVs, laptops, and digital watches. The American Chemical Society's Industrial Innovation Awards recognize his contributions to commercial success and improved quality of life.
Scientists discover that low levels of bisphenol A exposure in animal lab lead to highly significant increases in egg abnormalities, including aneuploidy and disorganized chromosomes. Further study is warranted due to potential human health risks.
A study by Case Western Reserve University has found that Bisphenol A (BPA) in plastic bottles can cause abnormal pregnancies in mice. The researchers discovered that even extremely low doses of BPA produced detectable effects, highlighting the potential risks to human reproduction.
Scientists at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute create computer models of proteins to integrate them into dry substances like plastic. This development could lead to new applications in the security and medical industries, such as ultra-hygienic surfaces and chemical sensors.
Scientists at UCSB and Helsinki University of Technology develop a novel material combining the favorable economics of mass-produced plastics with the properties of designer plastics. The resulting material, mostly made of polystyrene, exhibits the conducting properties of polyaniline.
A Dartmouth study found that better transportation decisions, such as driving fuel-efficient cars, could save more energy than recycling plastic and aluminum. Researchers used life-cycle analysis to measure the environmental benefits of different activities.
Vandenberg discovered isotactic polypropylene, a strong and resistant form of polypropylene used in dishwasher-safe containers and water-resistant outdoor carpets. He has since developed new biomedical polymers with potential applications in implants and medical devices.
Brookhart's research team has made new polymers by constructing metal catalysts that insert monomers in the middle of chains, resulting in branched polypropylene with improved properties. His work expands the range of available polymers, with several licensed for commercialization.
A Rochester chemist has developed a new method to activate hydrocarbons directly with small, extremely reactive metals, cutting out an inefficient middle step in the process. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient production of plastics and other products.
Researchers have discovered that forces within granular materials decrease as they slide, but are then transferred to a network of 'force chains' that increase in strength. This new understanding could improve modeling of geological systems and design of industrial devices such as hoppers.
Scientists at Ohio State University have developed a new material that can store and transfer data through the spin of electrons, enabling faster processing speeds and lower power consumption. This breakthrough could lead to instant-on computers, reduced weight, and lower manufacturing costs.