Microplastics are adsorbing zinc oxide from sunscreens and microbeads from cleansers
A new study by a research team from Diamond Light Source looks at how microplastics wastes may interact with zinc oxide (ZnO) nanomaterials in freshwater and seawater scenarios. It also evaluated, a ZnO-based sunscreen and an exfoliating cleanser wit.....»»
Japanese scientists find microplastics are present in clouds
Researchers in Japan have confirmed microplastics are present in clouds, where they are likely affecting the climate in ways that aren't yet fully understood......»»
Researchers find high concentrations of microplastics in cave water and sediment
In two recent papers, Saint Louis University researchers report finding high concentrations of microplastics present in a Missouri cave system that had been closed to human visitors for 30 years......»»
Microplastics ingestion under the microscope in invertebrates
A study led by Griffith University researchers has exposed two generations of a sediment-dwelling invertebrate to microplastic and found that while the 'parent' generation experienced negative impacts, the 'child' generation did not, possibly suggest.....»»
Rivers contain hidden sinks and sources of microplastics, study finds
Significant quantities of microplastic particles are being trapped in riverbed sediments or carried through the air along major river systems, a new study has shown......»»
Researchers investigate microplastics in D.C."s waterways
A research team from American University has spent the last three years collecting samples from several freshwater streams that feed into Washington, D.C.'s Anacostia River. They have been looking for microplastics......»»
How do zeolite-encapsulated metal catalysts act on hydrogen-related catalytic reactions?
Zeolites encapsulated metal and metal oxide species (regarded as metal@zeolite) are an important type of heterogeneous catalyst. They give performances that steadily outperform the traditional supported catalysts in many important reactions and have.....»»
Study finds iron oxide nanoparticles are useful for medicinal plant sustainability under toxic metal conditions
Metal(loid) toxicity severely inhibits plant growth and development, thereby affecting yield and quality. It is crucial to seek favorable measures to improve plant survival under toxic metal(loid) conditions......»»
Zero-waste synthesis of new supramolecular materials with remarkable mechanical properties
Researchers from Japan have unlocked the potential of tannic acid and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene oxide by using them to synthesize strong and smart supramolecular gels in a zero-waste process. These gels exhibit remarkable characteristi.....»»
Scientists uncover mystery of important material for semiconductors at the surface
A team of scientists with the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory has investigated the behavior of hafnium oxide, or hafnia, because of its potential for use in novel semiconductor applications......»»
Researchers present novel principle for nitric oxide-mediated signaling in blood vessels
Although a simple molecule, nitric oxide is an important signal substance that helps to reduce blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels. But how it goes about doing this has long been unclear. Researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden now pr.....»»
A novel approach for removing microplastics from water
A new study led by Texas A&M AgriLife Research has identified what may be a novel biological approach for removing extremely small and potentially dangerous plastic particles from water......»»
Hydration matters: The interaction patterns of water and oxide crystals revealed
In a study recently published in the journal Nanoscale, researchers from Kanazawa University and AGC Inc. use three-dimensional atomic force microscopy to study the hydrated form and structure of commonly occurring oxide crystals......»»
Researchers examine emission factors for nitrous oxide from synthetic and organic fertilizers
In a collaboration led by Aarhus University, researchers have measured nitrous oxide emissions during two years at four different locations in Denmark, where representative crop rotations had been established to provide a realistic context for the me.....»»
Striking gold with molecular mystery solution for potential clean energy
Hydrogen spillover is exactly what it sounds like. Small metal nanoparticles anchored on a thermally stable oxide, like silica, comprise a major class of catalysts, which are substances used to accelerate chemical reactions without being consumed the.....»»
Metal organic framework nanosheets employed as ion carriers for self-optimized zinc anode
Aqueous rechargeable zinc ion batteries are promising components for electric grid storage due to their low cost and intrinsic safety. However, their practical implementation is hindered by poor reversibility of the zinc anode, primarily caused by th.....»»
New study finds extensive microplastics in Narragansett Bay
Two University of Rhode Island researchers estimate that the top 5 centimeters (2 inches) of the floor of Narragansett Bay now contain more than 1,000 tons of microplastics, and that buildup has occurred in just the last 10 to 20 years......»»
Microplastics discovered in the body tissues of whales, dolphins and seals, sparking concerns for human health
Marine mammals—animals including whales, dolphins, seals, sea lions, sea otters, dugongs and manatees—are threatened by an array of human activities. Species such as the North Atlantic right whale, Rice's whale and Vaquita porpoise have been push.....»»
Could microplastics in soil introduce drug-resistant superbugs to the food supply?
Like every industry, modern farming relies heavily on plastics. Think plastic mulch lining vegetable beds, PVC pipes draining water from fields, polyethylene covering high tunnels, and plastic seed, fertilizer, and herbicide packaging, to name a few......»»
Line-scan Raman micro-spectroscopy provides rapid method for micro and nanoplastics detection
Microplastics—plastics particles smaller than 5 mm in size—have caused an environmental pollution issue that cannot be ignored by our society. Raman spectroscopy technology, with its non-contact, non-destructive and chemical-specific characterist.....»»
Microplastics are adsorbing zinc oxide from sunscreens and microbeads from cleansers
A new study by a research team from Diamond Light Source looks at how microplastics wastes may interact with zinc oxide (ZnO) nanomaterials in freshwater and seawater scenarios. It also evaluated, a ZnO-based sunscreen and an exfoliating cleanser wit.....»»