Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology developed 3D-printed plasmonic plastic, enabling the mass production of optical sensors that can detect hydrogen gas. The composite material has unique optical properties, allowing it to filter out molecules except hydrogen, making it ideal for various applications.
SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalAccounts of Chemical Research·TypeNews article·DateSep 28, 2023
Researchers detected nine types of polymers and one type of rubber in cloud water, confirming microplastics play a key role in rapid cloud formation. The presence of hydrophilic polymers in the atmosphere could lead to significant changes in ecological balance and severe loss of biodiversity.
SourceWaseda University·JournalEnvironmental Chemistry Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 27, 2023
Researchers at SLU discovered high concentrations of microplastics in Cliff Cave's water and sediment, with highest levels near the entrance and in sediment. Flooding increases microplastic transport through the cave system, depositing debris in higher abundances near the mouth.
SourceSaint Louis University·JournalScience of The Total Environment·DateSep 27, 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.
Researchers investigated Japan's market for incorporating greener plastics to achieve carbon neutrality. They found that bioplastics have the lowest global warming potential, while recycled plastics are cheaper but with lower quality and recyclability. A robust recycling system is crucial to ensure quality assurance.
SourceKyushu University·JournalSustainability·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 26, 2023
Researchers found an average of 41 microplastic particles per square meter per day settled from the atmosphere, while sediment samples contained denser particles with higher population densities. The study suggests clothing is likely the prominent source of microplastics to the Ganges River system.
SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 25, 2023
Ghana has adopted a citizen science approach to address marine plastic litter, leveraging existing data and networks to inform policies and global SDG monitoring. The initiative has become a success story, providing valuable insights for other countries to incorporate citizen science into their SDG efforts.
SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalSustainability Science·DateSep 19, 2023
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 have genetically engineered Vibrio natriegens to produce enzymes that can break down polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in salt water. This breakthrough addresses the challenge of removing plastics from oceans and could lead to more sustainable solutions.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAIChE Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 14, 2023
Researchers create process to recycle polypropylene, polyethylene and polystyrene plastics into chemical ingredients useful for energy storage. The new method uses LEDs and a catalyst, reducing greenhouse emissions compared to traditional recycling processes.
SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalChem·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 13, 2023
A new study found that green nudges on a Chinese food-delivery platform increased the share of no-cutlery orders by 648 percent, saving over 3.26 million metric tons of plastic waste annually. The platform's rewards system, which included redeemable points for planting trees, was instrumental in changing consumer behavior.
SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalScience·TypeObservational study·DateSep 7, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
Researchers warn that microplastics and nanoplastics in agricultural soils could contribute to antibiotic-resistant bacteria entering the food chain. This phenomenon is not well known, but studies suggest that plastics can act as vectors for transmitting pathogenic and antimicrobial resistant bacteria.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalPathogens·DateAug 23, 2023
Researchers from Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA) have developed a fully recyclable, flame-retardant epoxy resin-based plastic. The new material retains excellent thermomechanical properties while being reshaped like a thermoplast due to the addition of a special phosphonate ester molecule.
SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 22, 2023
A study by Diamond Light Source reveals that mixtures of Zn-aggregates/micro-polymers leach out from commercial products containing Zinc Oxide, harming aquatic life. Microplastics can carry zinc particles, which can be ingested by fish and other organisms.
SourceDiamond Light Source·JournalGlobal Challenges·TypeImaging analysis·DateAug 17, 2023
A team of researchers has determined that microplastic particles are present in the marine atmosphere, even in remote parts of the world. The study found that different types of plastics, including polyester and polyethylene terephthalate, were detected in air samples collected from various sites along the Norwegian coast.
SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateAug 16, 2023
A study by Florida Atlantic University found that nearly all wristbands (95%) are contaminated with harmful bacteria, including E. coli and staphylococcus. The study suggests using metal types like gold and silver, which had little to no bacteria, and recommends regular sanitizing of wristbands, especially after gym activities.
SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalAdvances in Infectious Diseases·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 16, 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.
Researchers investigate how exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals in plastics may increase atherosclerosis and CVD risk, particularly in children. The study aims to establish a novel therapeutic target for chemical-induced CVD and explore gene-EDC interactions.
A new recycling method reduces emissions by 60% and opens the door to reusing materials like plastic film, multilayer materials, and colored plastics. The technique recovers olefins from pyrolysis oil and uses them in a chemical process to convert into aldehydes and industrial alcohols.
SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalScience·DateAug 10, 2023
A team of researchers at Virginia Tech has developed a new method for upcycling plastics into high-value chemicals used in soap production. By heating and cooling polyethylene, they break down the long carbon chains into short-chain waxes that can be converted into fatty acids and soap.
A study by Duke University researchers has found microplastics in the fats and lungs of two-thirds of marine mammals, suggesting that ingested plastics can travel into tissues. The presence of polymer particles and fibers in whales' fat and organs may cause harm, including hormone disruption.
SourceDuke University·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·TypeObservational study·DateAug 10, 2023
A pilot study reveals microplastics in heart tissue samples from patients undergoing cardiac surgery, with evidence suggesting direct introduction during procedures. The findings suggest various microplastics can accumulate and persist in the heart's innermost tissues.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateAug 9, 2023
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.
A £1.75m project led by Professor Chenyu Du aims to develop new processes for recovering polyester and cellulose from mixed cotton and polyester fibres. The goal is to create a roadmap towards net-zero for the textiles industry, reducing plastic waste and increasing recycling rates.
A team of researchers at the University of Florida has developed a new method for recycling plastics that promises to reduce energy requirements without sacrificing quality. This breakthrough approach uses chemical recycling and depolymerization, which can produce recycled plastic with similar or better properties than the original mat...
SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalChem·DateAug 7, 2023
A breakthrough solution has been discovered to recycle blended fabrics like polyester/cotton using a simple technique involving heat, non-toxic solvent, and household ingredient. This environmentally friendly approach can recover cotton on a scale of hundreds of grams while preserving the plastic component.
SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateAug 4, 2023
Researchers developed a precise crosslinking method to impart elastic recovery to ferroelectric materials. The new material combines elasticity with high crystallinity, offering broad application prospects in wearable electronics and smart healthcare.
SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience·DateAug 3, 2023
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
The seventh cohort of Innovation Crossroads aims to develop transformative energy technologies. Cohort 7 fellows are creating innovative solutions for plastic waste recycling, energy storage, and wind turbine blade production.
SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·DateAug 3, 2023
Researchers from Aarhus University have developed a simple chemistry method to recycle polyurethane foam from old mattresses, extracting its main components and reusing them as raw materials. The process has been repeated several times, replacing up to 64% of the mattress without impairing quality.
SourceAarhus University·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateAug 1, 2023
A new method called Degradation Upcycling (Deg-Up) recovers aromatic chemicals from polystyrene waste in a two-step process. This approach produces valuable chemicals for the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries, offering a circular plastics economy solution.
SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2023
Researchers at the University of Konstanz have developed a biodegradable mineral plastic with self-healing properties, replacing polyacrylic acid with sustainable polyglutamic acid. The new material retains its positive properties and has been shown to degrade in just 32 days using microorganisms from forest soils.
SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalSmall Methods·DateJul 27, 2023
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 successfully engineered microbes to produce biological alternatives for the starting ingredients in poly(diketoenamine), an infinitely recyclable plastic. This breakthrough creates a bio-based material with improved properties and reduced costs, offering a sustainable solution to the plastic waste problem.
SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Sustainability·DateJul 27, 2023
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University have detected the elusive ethyl radical intermediate in the ethane pyrolysis reaction, a key driver of chemical reactions in the plastics and natural gas industries. This discovery could lead to more efficient production of plastics and other chemicals with reduced byproducts and pollution.
SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 26, 2023
Researchers at Technical University of Munich have developed an automated analysis method for identifying and quantifying microplastics. The new process uses Raman microspectroscopy to analyze plastic particles directly, allowing for quick and reliable detection of their size, shape, and composition.
SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalAnalytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 26, 2023
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.
Researchers found fungi can effectively degrade low-density polyethylene (LDPE) plastic without wood present. In the absence of wood, fungal biodeterioration of LDPE increased, suggesting a potential natural method for plastic waste management.
A new method for polyurethane synthesis without isocyanates was developed by Kobe University and AGC Inc. using fluorinated compounds, enabling the creation of highly elastic, wear-resistant, and durable polyurethanes with improved environmental sustainability.
SourceKobe University·JournalBulletin of the Chemical Society of Japan·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 21, 2023
Researchers recruited tourists to collect sediment samples on remote Arctic beaches, finding a higher-than-expected level of microplastic pollution. The study identified two specific sources of plastic pollution: polypropylene fibers from fishing nets and polyester-epoxide particles from ship color coatings.
SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Environmental Science·TypeObservational study·DateJul 21, 2023
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.
Exposure to plastic particles from microwaved baby food containers can be deadly, with up to 75% of cultured kidney cells dying after two days. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln study found that polypropylene containers release 1,000 times more nanoplastics than microplastics.
SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJul 20, 2023
Researchers at Vienna University of Technology have developed a measurement method to detect individual nanoplastic particles, orders of magnitude faster than previous techniques. The new technique uses Raman scattering and an extremely fine gold grid to amplify the light signal, allowing for rapid detection even at low concentrations.
SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 18, 2023
A USTC research team introduces a novel dehydroaromatisation and hydrogenolysis tandem strategy to convert HDPE plastics into cyclic hydrocarbons without solvents or hydrogen. The method guarantees the continuity and stability of the catalytic reaction, making it suitable for various polyethylene plastics.
SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJul 15, 2023
Researchers found microplastics in all studied lakes and reservoirs, with higher concentrations in densely populated areas. Human interaction with lakes is the biggest contributing factor to microplastic contamination.
SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalNature·TypeSurvey·DateJul 12, 2023
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.
Researchers found that micro- and meso-plastics accumulate heavy metals, with copper and chromium being prominent contaminants. The study reveals how surface features like holes, biofilms, and mineral crystals facilitate the collection of pollutants on plastic particles.
SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·JournalEcotoxicology and Environmental Safety·DateJul 8, 2023
Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder have developed a new way to recycle polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic using electricity and chemical reactions. In small-scale lab experiments, PET was broken down into its basic building blocks, which can be recovered and potentially reused to make new plastic bottles.
SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalChem Catalysis·DateJul 5, 2023
A study has revealed that a quarter of all plastics potentially encountered by petrel species are in remote international waters, posing a significant threat to their survival. The research highlights the need for international cooperation to address plastic pollution in the world's oceans.
SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 4, 2023
Scientists at the University of Cambridge have developed a solar-powered reactor that captures CO2 from industrial processes or directly from the air and converts it into sustainable fuels. The technology also uses plastic waste, converting it into glycolic acid and other valuable chemical products.
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.
Researchers developed an automated method to detect and count microplastics in contact lenses, finding that lenses with shorter lifetimes shed more microplastics when exposed to sunlight. The study estimates that over 90,000 microplastic particles per year could be shed from some lenses if worn for 10 hours a day.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJun 15, 2023
Researchers have discovered that microplastics can accumulate in the nasal cavity and oropharynx, increasing the risk of respiratory diseases. The study's findings highlight the importance of awareness about microplastic exposure and its potential health impacts.
SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateJun 13, 2023
Research found that microplastics can increase sand temperature, potentially altering sea turtle sex ratios and hatchling success. Concentrations of up to 30% microplastic had the greatest impact, with temperatures rising by 0.58 degrees Celsius.
SourceFlorida State University·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateJun 13, 2023
Chronic exposure to low levels of contaminant metals through household items, air, water, soil, and food increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. Monitoring environmental metal levels and testing for exposure are key steps to implement public health initiatives.
SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalCirculation·DateJun 12, 2023
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.
Researchers developed a model to predict microplastic concentrations in Swiss waters, finding that around half of the microplastics remain in the country. The Rhine river near Basel has the highest concentration of microplastics, with major cities contributing significantly to pollution.
SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalNature Water·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 12, 2023
Scientists have developed a technique for applying liquid metal to surfaces that don't easily bond with it, using force-responsive adhesion. The method allows for the creation of electronic 'smart devices' from everyday materials like paper and plastic.
SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 9, 2023
A multidisciplinary team of scientists conducted a comprehensive study to understand the sources and sinks of plastic debris in the Southern North Sea. Local citizen scientists played a crucial role in tracking the distribution pathways of plastic particles, revealing that two-thirds were washed ashore within 25km of their release site.
SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 6, 2023
A new study reveals that diverting streams and rivers for irrigation can significantly extend the time microplastics spend in river catchments. Researchers found a strong link between urbanisation and microplastic concentrations, with microplastic loads increasing downstream of more urbanised areas.
SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalWater Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 5, 2023
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.
A University of Virginia-led study challenges traditional understanding of associative polymers' behavior, revealing that reversible bonds slow down polymer movement without creating a rubbery network. This discovery has implications for materials used in sustainability, health, and engineering applications.
SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 2, 2023
A recent study published in Environmental Science & Technology found that cutting boards made of plastic and wood can release tens of millions of microparticles when chopped, which may have negative health impacts if ingested. The researchers estimated that polyethylene microplastics could produce 14 to 71 million particles per year.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJun 1, 2023
A new study emphasizes the need for a more precise definition of circularity beyond metrics and indicators. The researchers propose a product-centric circularity scorecard that captures aspects of a product's environmental sustainability, focusing on production, use, and end-of-life.
SourcePolitecnico di Milano·JournalWaste Management·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 30, 2023
A combination of microneedling and cupping therapies has been found to significantly improve skin thickness and increase collagen levels in a study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. The experimental study examined the effects of adding cupping therapy to microneedling on skin regeneration and scar healing.
SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalPlastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open·DateMay 25, 2023
A study by McGill University found that microplastic pollution alters the gut microbiomes of seabirds, increasing pathogens and antibiotic-resistant microbes. The research warns humans to be wary of microplastics in their environment and food, as they can also impact human health.
SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 24, 2023
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.
A new camera technology developed by Aarhus University and Newtec Engineering A/S aims to make it easier to recycle plastic materials. The technology uses hyperspectral imaging to analyze the chemical composition of plastic waste, allowing for the removal of unwanted additives that may be banned or harmful.
Researchers at Flinders University have discovered a new way to make 'green' polymers from low-cost building blocks using just a small amount of electricity. The reaction is fast, occurs at room temperature, and can be recycled into its constituent building blocks in high yield.
SourceFlinders University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 19, 2023
Researchers discovered Vibrio pathogens can stick to microplastics, adapting to plastic, and have aggressive behavior, forming biofilms and causing infections. The study highlights the risks of Sargassum-plastic marine debris interactions, with potential for opportunistic pathogens and disease transmission.
SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalWater Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 18, 2023
A study by the University of Bonn found that paper-based packaging received significantly better environmental scores than bioplastics, but respondents were skeptical about its practicality. Meanwhile, conventional plastic packaging scored worst on eco-friendliness.
SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalFood Quality and Preference·TypeSurvey·DateMay 15, 2023
Researchers develop a method to estimate the age of microplastics in the ocean, finding that nearshore microplastics range from 0 to 5 years old while offshore microplastics range from 1 to 3 years old. The study provides insights into how microplastics are generated and spread in the environment.
SourceKyushu University·JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 14, 2023
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.
A recent study led by Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) and University of Leipzig reveals the molecular level details of PET degradation by polyester hydrolases. The research shows that only two PET subunits are needed for the enzyme to cut the polymer, and it can 'walk' along the chain to move from one cut to the other.
SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalACS Catalysis·DateMay 12, 2023