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Fishing for a better future: New process to recycle plastic waste

A new method to recycle PA-66, a type of polymer found in fishing nets and automotive parts, has been developed. The process involves introducing melamine into melted waste, resulting in a nylon material with improved properties that can be reprocessed up to three times.

SourceIndian Institute of Science (IISc)·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·DateOct 22, 2025
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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Reimagining waste as a resource: Scientists in Saarland transform polystyrene into nylon precursors

Researchers at Saarland University have developed a process that transforms hard-to-recycle polystyrene into a sought-after feedstock for high-quality technical and high-performance polymers. This 'biological upcycling' enables the production of nylon precursors, offering a clear advantage over conventional recycling.

SourceSaarland University·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 30, 2025

KAIST develops eco-friendly, nylon-like plastic using microorganisms​

Researchers at KAIST have successfully developed an eco-friendly, bio-based plastic that combines the advantages of PET and nylon. The new material was produced through microbial fermentation and exhibited characteristics similar to high-density polyethylene, making it strong and durable enough for industrial use.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Chemical Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2025

The future of batteries is in your closet

Scientists at King Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST) have discovered a way to increase the performance of lithium-metal batteries by incorporating nylon into the design. This breakthrough could lead to more energy-dense batteries with lower carbon dioxide emissions.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalACS Energy Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 6, 2025

Biodegradable nylon precursor produced through artificial photosynthesis

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have synthesized a biodegradable nylon precursor through artificial photosynthesis, producing an eco-friendly alternative plastic. The breakthrough utilizes L-alanine and ammonia to create raw materials for a nylon-type biodegradable plastic.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalSustainable Energy & Fuels·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 22, 2025

Scientists have come up with a technology to recycle used clothes rather than simply burning them

Scientists have developed a technology to recycle used clothes by separating different fibers, which could significantly increase textile recycling rates. The method uses heat and chemicals to break down elastane fibers in mixed fabrics, allowing for the processing of materials that were previously impossible to recycle.

SourceAarhus University·JournalGreen Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 11, 2024
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.

Rallying for a better badminton birdie

Researchers improved nylon shuttlecock design to mimic feather shuttlecock behavior at high speeds, reducing air resistance and making them harder to return. The study's findings have the potential to revolutionize the sport of badminton.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateJan 9, 2024

KAIST proposes alternatives to chemical factories through “iBridge”

A novel computer simulation program 'iBridge' was developed at KAIST to predict gene targets for efficient production of valuable compounds in microbial cell factories. The system successfully established E. coli strains capable of producing three high-demand compounds, including panthenol and nylon components.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalCell Systems·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 9, 2023
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

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Leipzig research team develops process for bio-based nylon

The Leipzig research team has developed a process to convert phenol into adipic acid using electrochemical synthesis and microbial conversion, achieving high yields of electrons and cyclohexanol. The technology has the potential to replace fossil-based nylon production, reducing emissions and energy consumption.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalGreen Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 4, 2023

This new fabric coating could drastically reduce microplastic pollution from washing clothes

Researchers at the University of Toronto have developed a two-layer coating made of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) brushes that significantly reduces microfibre shedding from synthetic fabrics. The coating, which can reduce pollution by more than 90%, is environmentally friendly and has been shown to work on various surfaces including gla...

SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalNature Sustainability·DateJan 26, 2023

Polymer chains unlinked

A new recycling process has been developed to convert Nylon-6 into ε-Caprolactam with over 95% selectivity and 90% yield, eliminating the need for solvents or toxic chemicals. This breakthrough offers a promising solution for managing plastic waste.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 20, 2022
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.

Robot sleeves for kids with cerebral palsy

UC Riverside engineers develop low-cost robotic clothing to help children with cerebral palsy. The soft machine garments contain sealed regions that inflate to provide force for movement, enabling natural limb functioning.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateSep 23, 2022

Researchers "color code" webbing material for exposure to damaging UV rays

A new study creates a photochromic nylon webbing that changes color in response to UV exposure, allowing for long-term UV sensing. The webbings' color decay rate depends on the initial dye concentration, with customized dye levels enabling varying lifetimes.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 16, 2022

Nylon cooking bags, plastic-lined cups can release nanoparticles into liquids

A new study found that nylon cooking bags and plastic-lined cups can release trillions of nanometer-sized particles into each liter of water they come into contact with. The levels of these particles are below regulatory limits for consumption, but still pose a potential health risk.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateApr 21, 2022

Scientists synthesize renewable nylon monomers with poplar wood

A research team at the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics synthesized renewable nylon monomers from poplar wood using a Pd/C catalyst. The total carbon yield was found to be 39.2%, enabling further conversion to valuable chemicals.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalChem Catalysis·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateFeb 14, 2022
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Making nylon 6-6 ‘greener,’ and without zinc

A team of researchers has developed a method to produce nylon 6-6 without using the environmentally endangered element zinc. They achieved this by using alternative metals such as iron and cobalt, and harnessing the power of solar energy. The new process reduces energy consumption, saves water, and minimizes hazardous chemicals.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateAug 22, 2021

Pepsin-degradable plastics of bionylons from itaconic and amino acids

Researchers from JAIST have synthesized high-performance BioNylons using itaconic acid and amino acids, which degrade under the pepsin enzyme found in mammal stomachs. These novel materials show improved thermal/mechanical performances compared to conventional nylons.

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalAdvanced Sustainable Systems·DateMay 11, 2021

Researchers rank various mask protection, modifications against COVID-19

Several types of consumer-grade and modified masks showed high filtration efficacies, rivaling those of N95 respirators. The study evaluated the effectiveness of various mask designs, materials, and modifications to determine their ability to block airborne particles carrying SARS-CoV-2.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateDec 11, 2020
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

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Sustainable nylon production made possible by bacteria discovery

Scientists from the University of Edinburgh developed a sustainable method to produce adipic acid, a key component of nylon, using genetically modified bacteria grown in liquid solutions containing guaiacol. This approach produces adipic acid without emitting nitrous oxide greenhouse gases.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalACS Synthetic Biology·DateAug 13, 2020

New plastic biomaterials could lead to tougher, more versatile medical implants

Researchers at the University of Birmingham have created a new thermoplastic biomaterial with shape memory properties, enabling it to be stretched and molded but reforming into its original shape when heated. The material offers a stable, long-lasting option for medical devices such as bone replacements.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 1, 2020
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Researchers use AI to plot green route to nylon

The NYU Tandon team discovered a way to improve the efficiency of organic electrosynthesis, a process that can easily integrate with renewable energy sources. By applying artificial intelligence to optimize the reaction, they achieved a 30% improvement in adiponitrile production.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 26, 2019

Nylon as a building block for transparent electronic devices?

Researchers at Max Planck Institute create high-performance nylon capacitors using a new method, paving the way for flexible and transparent electronic devices. The thin films are several 100 times thinner than human hair and can be used in wearable electronics.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Polymer Research·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 16, 2019
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Nylon fibers made to flex like muscles

MIT researchers create a new system for producing artificial muscle fibers that contract and expand like natural muscles, using ordinary nylon fiber. The approach harnesses the bending motions of nylon fibers by selectively heating one side to produce complex patterns of movement.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateNov 23, 2016

New ORNL catalyst features unsurpassed selectivity

The new catalyst developed by researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory features unprecedented selectivity and a conversion rate nearly twice that of conventional catalysts. This breakthrough enables the selective oxidation of cyclohexane to produce nylon precursor with increased efficiency.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 29, 2015

Rare-earth innovation to improve nylon manufacturing

A new chemical process utilizing cerium-based nanometer-sized particles with a palladium catalyst produces cyclohexanone, a key ingredient in nylon production. This method replaces high-temperature and pressure traditional methods, requiring less hydrogen and energy, significantly improving the manufacturing process.

SourceDOE/Ames National Laboratory·JournalACS Catalysis·DateMar 25, 2015
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.

Catalysts team up with textiles

Researchers have developed a process for immobilising organic catalysts on textiles using ultraviolet light, enabling simple textiles to be used in complex chemical reactions. The method results in excellent yields, little wear and tear, and provides several advantages over other forms of catalyst immobilisation.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateSep 13, 2013

Cancer research yields unexpected new way to produce nylon

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center discovered a molecule necessary for producing nylon using genetic changes found in cancer tumors. This breakthrough enables environmentally friendly adipic acid production from cheap sugars.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateSep 23, 2012