Articles tagged with Plastics
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.
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 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.
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.
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.