Scientists from Osaka University create borane molecules that exhibit red-shifted light emission upon binding to fluoride, enabling versatile materials for electronic display and chemical sensing applications. The researchers also achieve fine-tuning of the color of light emission by adjusting the quantity of added fluoride.
SourceOsaka University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 15, 2024
Researchers at FAMU-FSU have created a sustainable polymer product from CO2 and lignin, fully degradable without microplastics or toxic substances. The material can be recycled repeatedly without losing properties, enabling a true circular economy.
SourceFlorida State University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateApr 10, 2024
New study reveals high concentrations of small microplastics in surface water samples from the Southern Weddell Sea off Antarctica, surpassing previous studies. The research suggests ocean currents play a crucial role in pollution and highlights the need for further investigation into their impact.
SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalScience of The Total Environment·DateApr 9, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
A new study by CSIRO Australia and University of Toronto estimates that between 3-11 million metric tonnes of plastic pollution are sinking to the ocean floor. The research suggests that the ocean floor has become a reservoir for most plastic pollution, with plastic clusters around continents.
SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalDeep Sea Research Part I Oceanographic Research Papers·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 4, 2024
A new study presents a novel surgical technique for treating Moebius syndrome, a rare condition that prevents smiling and affects social engagement. The technique involves utilizing the ipsilateral facial nerve to power gracilis free functional muscle transfer in select patients with residual facial nerve activity.
SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalFacial Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 27, 2024
Researchers found that forests in Japan's Quercus serrata trees trap approximately 420 trillion airborne microplastics per year, acting as a terrestrial sink. The study used alkaline extraction to detect microplastics adhering to leaf surfaces, revealing a higher number than previously estimated.
SourceJapan Women's University·JournalEnvironmental Chemistry Letters·DateMar 26, 2024
Researchers at EPFL's EMSI lab discovered a positive correlation between crack complexity and material toughness, revealing that more energy is required to advance complex cracks than simple ones. This finding could improve materials testing and development for safe and cost-effective composite materials.
SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 22, 2024
Researchers have found tiny microplastic particles in archaeological soil samples dating back to the first century, potentially compromising preserved remains. The study suggests that preserving archaeology in situ may no longer be appropriate due to microplastic contamination.
SourceUniversity of York·JournalScience of The Total Environment·DateMar 22, 2024
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.
Researchers have created a method to make fully recyclable polymers from plant cellulose, which can replace some plastics and reduce plastic pollution. The new polymers have various structures that offer different applications, including high-performance materials for optical, electronic, and biomedical uses.
SourceHokkaido University·JournalACS Macro Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 20, 2024
A recent study by UFZ and AWI researchers found significant accumulations of plastics in the North Pacific Ocean, extending far beyond the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Microplastics were also discovered in a remote marine protected area northwest of Hawaii, challenging previous assumptions about their distribution.
SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeCase study·DateMar 19, 2024
Researchers developed mesoporous metal oxides on flexible materials using synergetic effect of heat and plasma at lower temperatures. The devices can withstand bending thousands of times without losing energy storage performance.
SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMar 18, 2024
Researchers at KTH Royal Institute of Technology report that global warming and plastic pollution are inextricably linked, with rising temperatures causing plastics to deteriorate more rapidly. This acceleration in plastic waste leads to increased greenhouse gas emissions, further exacerbating climate change.
SourceKTH, Royal Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 18, 2024
GoPro HERO13 Black
GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.
A pioneering approach produces high-performance polyamides from sugar cores derived from agricultural waste, with impressive atom efficiency and recyclability
SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Sustainability·DateMar 13, 2024
Research reveals micro- and nanoplastics can persist in the human body for longer than previously thought, being passed on to newly formed cells during cell division. The study also suggests these tiny plastic particles may promote the spread of cancer by increasing tumor migration.
SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalChemosphere·DateMar 6, 2024
Rice University researchers have developed a new, energy-efficient process to upcycle glass fiber-reinforced plastic (GFRP) into silicon carbide, widely used in semiconductors and sandpaper. The method involves heating the mixture of GFRP and carbon to extremely high temperatures, transforming it into conductive silicon carbide.
SourceRice University·JournalNature Sustainability·DateFeb 29, 2024
Researchers found that boiling and filtering calcium-containing tap water can effectively remove nearly 90% of nano- and microplastics. Boiling even in soft water samples removed around 25% of NMPs, suggesting this simple method could be a game-changer for reducing human plastic consumption.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateFeb 28, 2024
A study found that glitter's metal coating reduces light penetration, impairing photosynthesis of Large-flowered waterweed Egeria densa and affecting aquatic plant growth. The experiment showed a significant decrease in photosynthesis rates with the presence of glitter, highlighting the need for sustainable alternatives.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalNew Zealand Journal of Botany·DateFeb 26, 2024
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.
A recent study by UNM Health Sciences researchers has found that microplastics are present in all 62 human placenta samples tested. The concentrations ranged from 6.5 to 790 micrograms per gram of tissue, with polyethylene being the most prevalent polymer found. The study suggests that microplastics may be linked to puzzling increases ...
SourceUniversity of New Mexico Health Sciences Center·JournalToxicological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 20, 2024
Researchers have discovered microplastics and cellulose-based fibres in the intestine samples of four apex shark species caught off the coast of South East Queensland. The study found that 82% of analysed intestine samples contained microplastics, with a mean abundance of 31 particles/kg of samples.
SourceGriffith University·JournalChemosphere·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 18, 2024
A new study from Norway shows that only a third of fishing ropes can be recycled in a sustainable way. The researchers analyzed 15 types of rope and ranked them according to ease of recycling, highlighting the need for better waste management practices.
SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 13, 2024
New Jersey Institute of Technology chemists have developed a lab-based method to detect traces of PFAS from food packaging material, water, and soil samples in just three minutes or less. The approach, involving paper spray mass spectrometry, is 10-100 times more sensitive than current standard techniques for PFAS testing.
SourceNew Jersey Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Hazardous Materials·DateFeb 8, 2024
A team of researchers led by Prof. Yong Sik Ok proposes an innovative eight-phase methodology for analyzing microplastics in soils, addressing the lack of standardized procedures. The methodology emphasizes careful planning, processing, and analysis to ensure accuracy and precision.
SourceCactus Communications·JournalCritical Reviews in Environmental Science and Technology·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 8, 2024
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.
Researchers have identified nanoplastics in ocean water off the coasts of China, South Korea, and the US, with surprising diversity in shape and chemical composition. The tiny plastic particles, originating from consumer products, were found to be more toxic than larger plastic particles due to their small size.
SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 1, 2024
The study proposes technical, legal, and economic interventions to transition the global plastics system to net zero emissions by 2050. The authors emphasize the need for concerted action across four target areas: smart materials design, waste management, recycling, and reducing future demand.
Researchers found rapid microplastic accumulation and contamination across prey organisms, with Galápagos penguins showing the highest level. The study highlights the urgent need to reduce plastic waste and protect vulnerable ecosystems.
SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 24, 2024
Researchers found that microplastic particles are picked up by wind more easily than soil minerals, leading to underestimation of emissions. The study highlights an underappreciated way microplastics become airborne, affecting the environment and human health.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateJan 17, 2024
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.
Chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular disease significantly worsen prognosis for severely burned patients. The study analyzed data from 1,193 patients and found that nearly half did not survive their burns with impaired kidney function. Researchers highlight the need to integrate these findings into burn treatment scores.
SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalSurgery·DateJan 17, 2024
Researchers at KTH Royal Institute of Technology have developed a method to manipulate the shape of materials through microscale melting and cooling, enabling autonomous shapeshifting in 3D. This technology has far-reaching implications for industries such as aerospace and architecture.
SourceKTH, Royal Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 15, 2024
A new study published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society estimates that chemicals in plastics contribute to various diseases and disabilities in the US, resulting in significant healthcare costs. The study found that $67 billion is attributed to phthalate exposure, while PFAS exposure leads to $22 billion in health costs.
SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalJournal of the Endocrine Society·DateJan 11, 2024
A dry-packaged hydrating facial mask made of biobased and sustainable materials provides a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional sheet masks. The mask's ingredients, including plant-based polylactic acid and green tea extract, deliver moisture and nutrients while promoting antioxidant properties.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJan 10, 2024
A new study reveals that microplastic fibers settle substantially slower than spherical particles in the atmosphere, allowing them to reach remote regions such as Arctic glaciers. The research suggests that these fibers could even reach the stratosphere, with potential implications for cloud processes and ozone depletion.
SourceMax Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 9, 2024
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.
Researchers at Shinshu University propose a new chemical process to depolymerize cyclic α-substituted styrene-based vinyl polymers, resulting in the recovery of monomer precursors. This efficient recycling system can facilitate effective resource circulation and development of new plastic recycling technologies.
SourceShinshu University·JournalACS Macro Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 9, 2024
A new approach to designing plastic products with low environmental persistence could significantly reduce the environmental costs of single-use plastics. By analyzing the environmental degradation rate of different materials, researchers have identified alternative materials like cellulose diacetate and polyhydroxyalkanoates as potent...
SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateJan 8, 2024
A recent study published in Applied Spectroscopy reveals that Lake Tahoe's lakebed is contaminated with high amounts of plastic and other litter. The researchers collected 673 pieces of plastic from just a small fraction of the lake, including food containers, bottles, and toys. This data can help scientists better understand the sourc...
SourceDesert Research Institute·JournalApplied Spectroscopy·DateJan 2, 2024
A team at Hokkaido University has developed a method to reuse plastic waste while improving process safety and efficiency. The approach uses common plastic materials to initiate radical chain reactions, detoxifying hazardous chemicals and reducing toxicity.
SourceHokkaido University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 24, 2023
A team of experts has developed a way to convert polyethylene waste into ethylene and propionic acid through atomically dispersed metal catalysts. This method uses renewable solar energy to produce valuable chemicals with high selectivity, alleviating the need for complex separation processes.
SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2023
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.
A recent study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery reports that men prefer a moderately enhanced, well-proportioned appearance for their buttocks. The findings suggest that ratings from men and women were similar in terms of preferred proportions, with a focus on symmetry and avoiding a flat or protruding shape.
SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateDec 7, 2023
Researchers developed a robot prototype inspired by a snail's ability to collect food particles at the water-air interface. The device uses an undulating motion to suck in microplastics from the surface of oceans and seas.
SourceCornell University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 4, 2023
Research on marine amphipod Echinogammarus marinus found that exposure to toxic plastic additives compromises their ability to reproduce successfully. The study, published in Environmental Pollution, tested four widely used chemicals and found that all of them reduced the overall percentage of animals that formed pairs.
SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·TypeObservational study·DateNov 30, 2023
A new study discovered microplastics in the placentas of Hawaiʻi mothers between 2006 and 2021, with increasing presence found each year. The researchers believe microplastics may be ingested through food or inhaling dust particles, raising concerns about their impact on fetal health.
SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalEnvironment International·TypeImaging analysis·DateNov 29, 2023
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.
A data analysis estimates that the annual economic cost of cigarette plastics waste is around US$26 billion, with cumulative costs reaching US$186 billion over 10 years. This environmental toll is preventable and accumulating, highlighting the need for tobacco industry accountability for marine pollution.
SourceBMJ Group·JournalTobacco Control·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 28, 2023
A team of NTU scientists found a mix of harmful microorganisms, including Labyrinthulaceae and Lyngbya, that can poison marine life. However, they also discovered potential plastic-eating bacteria, such as Muricauda and Halomonas, which could aid in plastic degradation.
SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalEnvironment International·TypeImaging analysis·DateNov 26, 2023
Researchers establish new standards for laboratory experiments to improve PET recycling efficiency. Four engineered enzymes were tested, with LCC-ICCG outperforming the others in terms of depolymerisation rate and enzyme requirement. The study aims to accelerate the development of industrial-scale solutions for PET waste management.
SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalACS Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 24, 2023
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.
Scientists at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and JBEI developed a simple
SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalOne Earth·DateNov 17, 2023
Scientists have developed a new method to investigate the deposition and impact of microplastics in soil, using neutron and X-ray tomography. The technique allows for the precise location of microplastic particles and analysis of changes to soil structure, shedding light on the environmental implications of microplastic pollution.
SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 16, 2023
A new technology enables the printing of complex robots with soft, elastic, and rigid materials in one go. This allows for the creation of delicate structures and parts with cavities as desired.
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.
Researchers analyzed microplastics in mountain clouds and found they can modify particles in ways that enable them to affect cloud formation. The study also found that clouds can increase the presence of toxic metals on these particles.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateNov 15, 2023
An international team at DTU has increased the durability of CO2 electrolyzers, enabling the conversion of captured CO2 into valuable green chemicals like ethylene and ethanol. The breakthrough could play a significant role in the green transition by reducing global CO2 emissions
SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalNature Catalysis·DateNov 14, 2023
Researchers have created a new analytical method to identify and measure small microplastics in the environment. The technique combines flow cytometry with pyrolysis gas chromatography mass spectrometry to characterize and count these tiny particles, providing a more complete picture of their abundance and type.
SourceBigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences·JournalLimnology and Oceanography Methods·DateNov 13, 2023
A new polyurethane production technique using CO2 creates easily recyclable plastics with a thermoset structure, but can be reshaped by exchanges of chemical bonds. These plastics offer multiple ways of recycling materials at their end-of-life, eliminating additives.
A team of international scientists cautions that reliance on mechanical cleanup devices to address plastic pollution is ineffective and may even harm marine life. They argue that reducing plastic production and consumption is the most cost-effective way to prevent further pollution.
SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalOne Earth·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 9, 2023
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.
Researchers emphasize the need for a holistic approach to tackle plastic pollution, prioritizing 'upstream' issues such as reducing production and consumption of plastics. The treaty should prioritize early interventions, focusing on ecosystems and chemical simplification.
SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScience·DateNov 9, 2023
A group of 35 scientists calls out conflicts of interest in global plastic treaty negotiations, which have hindered timely action on health and environmental issues. They recommend implementing guidelines to prevent industry influence on the UN's Science Policy Panel on chemicals, citing past examples of pollution protection dilution.
SourceGreen Science Policy Institute·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateNov 9, 2023
Rotifers, microscopic zooplankton found in ocean and freshwater, break down microplastics into nanoplastics. This process creates massive amounts of nanoparticles, posing unknown risks to the environment and human health.
SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateNov 9, 2023
Researchers at University of Tokyo developed a new plastic material called VPR, which can maintain complex shapes, repair itself with heat, and biodegrade in seawater. The material has improved toughness, shape memory, and recyclability.
SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalACS Materials Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2023
A Cornell University collaboration developed a model to simulate atmospheric transport of microplastic fibers, revealing flat fibers travel farther and are more prevalent than spherical ones. The research could help attribute sources of microplastic particles and inform management plans.
SourceCornell University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateOct 30, 2023
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.
Producing new plastic via advanced recycling of post-use plastic reduces GHG emissions by 18-23% and fossil energy use by 65-70%. The study analyzed 2017-2021 data from eight companies and found a further 40-50% reduction when factoring in current end-of-life practices.
SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalJournal of Cleaner Production·DateOct 12, 2023
Researchers have developed a new protocol to test the toxicity of micro- and nano-plastics in various organisms, considering particle-specific properties and dynamic behavior. The protocol takes between 24h to 2 months and can be applied by students, academics, and industries.
SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalNature Protocols·DateOct 10, 2023
Researchers at Lund University discovered that certain fungi can 'clean up' their surroundings by catching nanoplastics, reducing their toxic effects. This finding highlights the potential for fungi to mitigate soil pollution and provides hope for a more sustainable future.
SourceLund University·JournalScience of The Total Environment·DateOct 9, 2023
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.
Researchers at Princeton University demonstrated that ocean bursting bubbles can transport microplastics into the atmosphere, adding to evidence of plastic pollution's oceanic reach. The study projects an annual emission of around 100,000 metric tons of microplastics from the ocean.
SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalPNAS Nexus·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 3, 2023