From recycling to food: Can we eat plastic-munching microbes?
Researchers are trying to turn plastic-eating bacteria into food source for humans. Enlarge (credit: Olga Pankova/Moment via Getty Images) In 2019, an agency within the US Department of Defense released a call for resear.....»»
Untreated sewage and fertilizer runoff threaten the Florida manatee"s main food source, contributing to malnutrition
The gentle, slow-moving Florida manatee has no natural predators......»»
Study finds four global policies could eliminate >90% of plastic waste and 30% of linked carbon emissions by 2050
A study released in Science determines that just four policies can reduce mismanaged plastic waste—plastic that isn't recycled or properly disposed of and ends up as pollution—by 91% and plastic-related greenhouse gases by one-third......»»
Asus ROG Falchion Ace HFX review: too expensive for plastic
Asus finally has a Hall Effect keyboard with the Falchion Ace HFX, but its high price and all-plastic build hold the keyboard back......»»
Most surveyed grocery shoppers report noticing shrinkflation
Over three-quarters of surveyed consumers say they have noticed shrinkflation at the grocery store in the previous 30 days, according to the October 2024 Consumer Food Insights Report (CFI)......»»
Seaweed proteins could be the next sustainable food source
The protein in sea lettuce, a type of seaweed, is a promising complement to both meat and other current alternative protein sources. Seaweed also contains many other important nutrients, and is grown without needing to be watered, fertilized or spray.....»»
Portable spectrophotometer approach predicts shelf life of strawberries in real time
Based on non-invasive technology, a research group at the University of Cordoba has created a tool to guarantee optimal strawberry quality and minimize food waste......»»
NZ"s food manufacturers are embracing the idea of a circular economy but are slow to implement it
Around the world, the growth of industry and consumption has escalated environmental damage through increased emissions, waste and pollution from landfills......»»
Agrivoltaics for sustainable food, energy and water management in East Africa
Combining solar power production with agriculture can significantly boost crop yields, conserve water and generate low-carbon electricity for areas particularly vulnerable to climate change, a new study has shown......»»
New type of weather radiosonde can find its way back to where it was launched
Some 80% of weather radiosondes—remote measurement instruments containing plastic, batteries and electronic parts—end up lost in nature after one flight. But a startup created by an EPFL master's student is set to change that with a new, ultra-li.....»»
Could microbes help create sustainable electronics?
Imagine a world where electronic devices are powered by living organisms and biodegrade after use, eliminating the problem of electronic waste. This isn't the plot of a futuristic sci-fi movie—it's a real, growing area of research known as bioelect.....»»
Microbial-based plastic shows potential for replacing PET bottles
Currently, the world is suffering from environmental problems caused by plastic waste. A KAIST research team has succeeded in producing a microbial-based plastic that is biodegradable and can replace existing PET bottles......»»
Transforming polyethylene: From functionalization to antibacterial properties for sustainable applications
Polyethylene (PE) is one of the most widely used and versatile plastic materials globally, prized for its cost-effectiveness, lightweight properties and ease of formability. These characteristics make PE indispensable across a broad spectrum of appli.....»»
Leeches are making a medical comeback—here"s why we should celebrate it
As we tidy away the Dracula capes and glow-in-the-dark plastic fangs for another winter, one notorious blood sucker has had a particularly good year......»»
43 monkeys remain on the run from South Carolina lab. CEO thinks they"re having an adventure
Forty-three monkeys bred for medical research that escaped a compound in South Carolina have been spotted in the woods near the site and workers are using food to try to recapture them, authorities said Friday......»»
Improving pulse flours for consumer use: Using synchrotron light to determine optimal particle size for milling
Chickpeas, lentils, beans and peas are a fast-growing food market, with new uses going well beyond bean salads and hummus—think brownies, vegan meats, and salad dressing. Researchers like Chitra Sivakumar are working to drive dining innovation by s.....»»
After decades, FDA finally moves to pull ineffective decongestant off shelves
Last year, FDA advisors unanimously voted that oral phenylephrine is ineffective. In a long-sought move, the Food and Drug Administration on Thursday formally began the process of.....»»
Europe wants ministers at plastic pollution treaty talks
Europe is pushing for ministers to take part in UN talks this month to ensure that the world's first treaty on plastic pollution will be "highly ambitious"......»»
Making "stressed" potatoes more climate-resilient
Heat, dry spells and flooding—the whole of nature is under stress, and potatoes are no exception. As a food staple, there is particular interest in getting potatoes fit for the new climate reality. As part of the EU's four-year ADAPT project, an in.....»»
Lab-cultured plant yogurt rivals dairy creaminess
Food engineers have harnessed the power of lupins (legumes) to create a yogurt that rivals dairy in taste and texture while delivering more nutrition than typical plant-based yogurts......»»
Food security in Africa: Managing water will be vital in a rapidly growing region
Sub-Saharan Africa's population is growing at 2.7% per year and is expected to reach two billion by the year 2050. The region's urban population is growing even faster: it was at 533 million in 2023, a 3.85% increase from 2022......»»