Articles tagged with Recycling
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
Researchers have introduced a new class of polymers called polythioenones, which are mechanically and chemically recyclable and suitable for 3D printing. These polythioenones demonstrate better mechanical properties than conventional polyolefins thanks to a special ring-shaped building block.
Scientists at Linköping University have created a sustainable recycling process for perovskite solar cells, allowing all parts to be reused without hazardous solvents. The recycled cell retains the same efficiency as the original, paving the way for efficient energy harvesting and reduced e-waste.
A recent study found that autophagy, a natural defense mechanism in cells, is less efficient in female eggs with moderate or severe DNA damage. Boosting autophagy can improve egg quality and reduce the risk of miscarriage and birth defects. The study's findings offer new directions for improving reproductive health.
Recycling lithium-ion batteries recovers critical metals, emitting less greenhouse gases and using significantly less water and energy than conventional mining. The study's findings suggest that recycling can help relieve supply insecurity and mitigate climate change by utilizing existing battery sources.
Researchers developed a recyclable alternative to thermosets, making materials like car tires and hip joints more environmentally friendly. The new material, made from dihydrofuran, can be easily recycled and degrades naturally over time.
Researchers at Kyungpook National University have developed a new approach to map and engineer enzymes for enhanced plastic recycling. They employ landscape profiling to identify efficient biocatalysts for recycling polyethylene terephthalate (PET), producing high-purity monomers under mild conditions.
Researchers at Colorado State University have developed a stronger, biodegradable adhesive polymer that can replace common superglues. The new polymer, made from P3HB, offers tunable adhesion strength and is biodegradable under various conditions.
Researchers developed a novel method for carbon fiber recycling that leverages Joule heat generation, thermal stress, and expansion forces to separate fibers without chemicals. The technique is more effective than traditional methods, preserving longer fibers with higher strength and reducing environmental impact.
The use of plastic in Europe has skyrocketed, with each person generating an average of 36 kg of plastic packaging waste in 2021. KTU researchers conducted a macro-environmental analysis to examine six key areas influencing plastic packaging recycling, including outdated regulations and lower quality recycled plastics. This highlights ...
A new study reveals that US state policies are falling short of reducing food waste, with only California, Vermont, and Arizona projected to achieve the goal. Current policies focus on recycling methods, but experts suggest a shift towards prevention and rescue strategies is needed to address food insecurity.
A new method predicts the makeup of municipal solid waste with unprecedented detail, allowing waste managers to forecast specific materials and plan accordingly. This improvement enables more efficient recycling and landfill operations, making sustainable waste management a practical reality.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed an efficient storage agent for sustainable energy solutions using triphenylphosphine oxide (TPPO), a well-known chemical byproduct. The team's 'one-pot' reaction method enables the transformation of TPPO into a usable product with powerful potential to store energy.
Researchers estimate that human-made products store around 400 million tons of fossil carbon annually, equivalent to 9% of extracted fossil carbon. Recycling and increasing product lifetime can help reduce waste streams, while enacting policies to minimize landfill discharge is crucial.
Researchers from the University of the Basque Country have assessed the technical feasibility of automatically separating marine plastic waste from urban recycling. They found that PET plastic bottles of marine and urban origin can be separated with high effectiveness using an optical separation system.
A new study by Finnish researchers found that recycled plastic railway sleepers can significantly reduce carbon emissions, with potential savings of up to 3,610 tCO2e per year. The production process for these plastics requires less energy and generates fewer emissions than traditional materials like steel and concrete.
A new method developed by Penn researchers uses a chemical-separation technique to extract cobalt from 'junk' materials, increasing the capacity for purified cobalt production with minimal environmental harm. The process avoids harsh chemicals and generates lower costs than traditional methods.
The University of Cincinnati College of Medicine has launched a styrofoam recycling project to divert over 900 pounds of EPS waste from landfills each month. The program aims to reuse existing styrofoam materials, reducing the need for styrene and minimizing environmental impact.
Researchers have developed a method to convert black polystyrene waste into reusable starting materials using sunlight or white LEDs. The technique involves adding carbon black and exposing the mixture to high-intensity light, resulting in efficient breakdown of polymer bonds.
A University of Michigan-led study suggests that recycled pacemakers can be used safely and effectively in patients with life-threatening cardiac conditions. The international clinical trial involved nearly 300 people across seven countries and found no significant differences in pacemaker function up to 90 days after the procedure.
Research reveals UK households are 'wishcycling' instead of recycling due to confusing product labels and differing recycling facilities. The study recommends standardization of bin collection services and uniform labelling to make recycling more effective for consumers.
Researchers at RMIT University have developed a technique using waste carpet fibers to reduce early-age shrinkage cracking in concrete by up to 30%, improving durability. The team aims to address the massive environmental challenge of textile waste disposal, which poses significant concerns for firefighting materials.
Researchers developed a new process to create high-performance polymer blends with improved mechanical properties. The process forms stable nanocrystalline layers at the interfaces between different polymer phases, enhancing the transfer of mechanical stresses and increasing tensile properties.
A new open-access database, LitChemPlast, has compiled over 3,500 substances measured in plastic products across 47,000 samples. The study highlights substantial knowledge gaps, including contamination of recycled plastics with hazardous substances and limited regional coverage in low- and middle-income countries.
Researchers aim to refine mechanical recycling process through segregation to enhance recycled foam performance. The project will create components suitable for the footwear and automotive industries, reducing environmental impact.
Despite Norway's ambitious circular economy goal, the country incinerates more than 65% of collected waste, with significant gaps in data collection and measurement methods. Researchers propose 18 new methods to improve efficiency, highlighting the need for more accurate reporting on recycling rates.
A new recycling process reduces environmental impact by eliminating energy-intensive methods, producing harmful waste streams. The innovative technique recovers critical metals with high purity (>95%) and yield (>85%), addressing critical metal shortages and negative environmental impacts.
Researchers found that stored human urine had little impact on soil bacterial communities, increasing nitrifying and denitrifying groups compared to synthetic fertilizers. The study suggests that recycled urine could enhance agricultural sustainability, reduce wastewater pollution, and decrease reliance on synthetic fertilizers.
A new type of mussel-inspired adhesive has been developed that can be deactivated 'on command' through oxidation, allowing for efficient repair and recycling. The biobased adhesive loses its stickiness without becoming dramatically hydrophobic, making it easier to remove.
A novel method for the selective chemical recycling of PET has been developed, allowing for the recovery of polyester from textile waste. The method uses alcohols and an inexpensive iron trichloride catalyst to yield diethyl terephthalate and ethylene glycol with high selectivity.
A new chemical process can vaporize plastics, reducing waste and creating hydrocarbon building blocks for new plastics. The catalytic process efficiently degrades a mix of post-consumer plastic waste, bringing closer a circular economy for many throwaway plastics.
A new study reveals that eco-friendly activewear companies' post-consumer circular economy policies are hindered by geography, making them ineffective for global customers. The research found that many companies have take-back schemes but restrict them to domestic customers or specific locations, limiting their environmental impact.
A new substrate material developed at MIT, University of Utah, and Meta enables not only the recycling of materials and components but also scalable manufacture of complex multilayered circuits. The material's design allows for easy processing and dissolving, making it suitable for recycling precious metals and microchips.
A review explores the application of machine learning in biological treatment processes for organic waste, improving efficiency and sustainability. ML algorithms are used to predict treatment outcomes, optimize process parameters, and enable real-time monitoring.
A nationwide bottle deposit program could significantly increase the rate of plastics recycling in the US, from 24% to 82%, according to MIT researchers. With the right policies in place, including sufficient demand for recycled material, PET bottles can be safely made into new products with high quality and minimal processing.
Researchers at the University of Konstanz have identified a molecular mechanism in plant cellular recycling, crucial for managing environmental stress. The ESCRT machine plays a key role in sealing autophagosomes, allowing plants to recycle damaged cell components and recover valuable resources.
Researchers at the Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, have developed a cost-effective method to produce nearly oxygen-free titanium. This process could facilitate mass production of titanium alloys in industries such as electronics and aerospace.
Researchers developed a method to recycle cement using electric arc furnaces, significantly reducing emissions from concrete and steel production. The process can replace up to half of cement in concrete with recycled cement, producing zero-emission cement if powered by renewable energy.
A UTA chemist has developed a new method to separate and recycle mixed plastics using supercritical fluid chromatography. The technique can differentiate oils created from various plastics, holding promise for improving recycling rates and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
A new method recovers phosphorus from sewage sludge ash through chemical and heat treatment, providing a valuable resource for industries. The process can be implemented with lower energy requirements and costs than conventional technologies, making it an attractive solution for addressing the depletion of phosphorus ores.
Researchers at the University of Washington developed a new PCB that performs on par with traditional materials and can be recycled repeatedly. The process uses a solvent to transform a type of vitrimer into a jelly-like substance, allowing solid components to be plucked out for reuse or recycling.
Disposable vape sales quadrupled in the UK between 2022 and 2023, contributing to e-waste accumulation. The technology contains valuable resources like lithium, but recycling is often difficult due to lack of clear instructions. Experts call for urgent reform of disposable electronics practices to protect the environment.
A new 3D printer developed by researchers at MIT and NIST can automatically identify the parameters for printing with unknown materials. This allows for the use of renewable or recyclable materials that were previously difficult to characterize, reducing the environmental impact of additive manufacturing.
A new study from the University of Illinois explores the effects of curbside compost collection programs in New South Wales, Australia. On average households redirected 4.2 kilograms of waste to composting, representing 25% of the waste that previously went to landfills.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a novel electrochemical process to extract precious metals, including gold and platinum group metals, from discarded electronics and low-grade ores. This method uses less energy and fewer chemical materials than current methods, producing high-purity metals with minimal waste.
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.
Researchers discovered that spent brewer's yeast, used in Marmite production, can selectively capture metals from electronic waste streams, recovering over 50% of aluminum, copper, and zinc. The yeast can be reused multiple times, making the process economically feasible.
Scientists at Lund University have successfully developed a method to recycle cotton textiles into viscose fibers, a common component of clothing. The process involves treating old cotton with zinc chloride solution and then dissolving it in sodium hydroxide, producing high-quality viscose fibers.
A new electrolyte improves batteries in aerial electric vehicles, allowing them to be repurposed in less demanding applications. The study reveals that stressed-out batteries can still meet typical power demands, but require alternative battery technologies for high-power-demand applications.
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.
Researchers have developed a low-tech method to collect rare-earth metals from spent fluorescent bulbs, mimicking lamp components with magnetic field-controlled chromatography. The process recovered 93% of the rare-earth phosphors, paving the way for practical recycling applications and sustainable technologies.
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.
Research by Utrecht University reveals that a significant portion of European plastic sent to Vietnam is not recyclable and ends up in nature. The study highlights the need for a systemic approach to tackle human and environmental harm throughout the value chain.
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.
Scientists created a new type of foam packaging from upcycled cardboard waste, which is stronger and more insulating than traditional plastic-based cushioning. The biodegradable foam has excellent thermal insulation, energy-absorbing properties, and outstanding cushioning capabilities.
A study by researchers from the University of Münster found that China will be able to meet its demand for primary lithium for electric vehicles through recycling as early as 2059, while Europe and the US will not achieve this until after 2070. Recycling is also expected to ensure China's need for cobalt by 2045 and nickel by 2046.
A recent study by Goethe University Frankfurt has identified a mechanism that could be a suitable starting point for developing novel drugs against leukemia cells. The researchers discovered that the mutated NPM1 gene variant drives pro-autophagic activity, enabling cancer cells to recycle their structures and meet their needs.
Researchers in Panama have created a novel insulation material using rice husk and cellulose, reducing plastic consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The material has competitive thermal conductivity compared to natural and recycled insulation materials.
Researchers from ICIQ describe a circular process to recycle biobased polycarbonates, which can contribute to a more sustainable circular economy. The study uses a multi-task catalyst to promote depolymerization and repolymerization of the polymer.
Scientists at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and JBEI developed a simple
Researchers developed a water-based emulsion adhesive that can be separated by acidic or alkaline water, making it ideal for recycling. The glue's reversible nature enables efficient detachment of labels from bottles, reducing waste sent to landfill.