Indigenous women in the Amazon region of Brazil created varnished gourds with complex decorations inspired by local flora and fauna as well as European and Asian embroidery patterns. The craft was recognized at the beginning of the 18th century and was mainly produced for the European market, participating in a process of globalization.
Researchers have developed a shellac-based coating to improve the gas barrier properties of moulded pulp materials, making them suitable for food packaging. The coating, combined with nanofibrillated cellulose, provides superior water resistance and thermal stability, while preserving environmental sustainability.
Researchers identified proteinaceous binding media used in polychrome layers of Qin Shihuang's terracotta army. Natural pigments and binding media were found to be composed of cinnabar, apatite, azurite, and malachite.
Researchers at HZB have discovered that the alum preservative used on Viking artifacts has led to acidic reactions, destroying cellulose fibers. They are now developing new materials to preserve these cultural treasures.
MacroChem Corporation has completed patient enrollment in a Phase II efficacy study for EcoNail, a topical antifungal treatment for onychomycosis. The company aims to assess early signs of efficacy and collect 24-week interim data later this year.