New biodegradable plastics are compostable in your backyard
We use plastics in almost every aspect of our lives. These materials are cheap to make and incredibly stable. The problem comes when we're done using something plastic—it can persist in the environment for years. Over time, plastic will break down.....»»
How feeding birds may be polluting local environments
New research led by an NAU alumnus shows that backyard bird feeders, although put out with the best of intentions, is changing the chemistry of local ecosystems, including introducing a potentially harmful amount of phosphorus into the environment......»»
19 Good News Science Stories to Savor This Summer
From lifesaving cancer treatments and frog “spas” to a view of the cosmos from your own backyard, science can keep you going through the long, hot days of summer.....»»
How solar panels went from ’50s satellites to your backyard
From Einstein's theories of light to Bell Lab's revelations about doping silicon, solar power has been inching toward its current craze for more than a century. Here's how we got here......»»
The Cure for Disposable Plastic Crap Is Here—and It’s Loony
Stretchy seaweed, reverse vending machines, QR-coded take-out boxes: They’re how we can break society’s absurd addiction to single-use plastics......»»
Researchers realize multi-heterojunctioned plastics with high thermoelectric figure of merit
Organic thermoelectric materials hold great promise as flexible energy sources for the Internet of Things and wearable electronics. However, their relatively low dimensionless figure of merit (ZT) compared to traditional materials has been a major ob.....»»
New research on 3D-printed materials toward future generations of stronger, lighter plastics
A new analysis of the deformation mechanisms which cause 3D-printed materials to fail under strain could help create future generations of stronger, lighter plastics, unlocking transformative benefits for industry......»»
Virus that causes COVID-19 is widespread in wildlife, scientists find
SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, is widespread among wildlife species, according to Virginia Tech research published July 29, 2024 in Nature Communications. The virus was detected in six common backyard species, and antibodies indicati.....»»
Innovative method uses oxygen and light to recycle unsaturated polymers
A study published in Cell Reports Physical Science showcases a novel method for the recycling of unsaturated polymers such as rubber and plastics......»»
US to phase out federal purchase of single-use plastics
President Joe Biden's administration on Friday announced plans to phase out single-use plastics in all federal operations by 2035, as part of a broader effort to combat what it deemed a rising global crisis......»»
Can rattlesnakes really climb trees in California? Swim? Here"s what experts say
You're enjoying the evening breeze in your California backyard when you notice something dark and scaly slithering up a tree branch......»»
A black bear may pave the way for new wildlife crossings
A bear taking the scenic route around Southern California may help researchers learn how wild animals cross freeways to get from one habitat to the next—and how they might be kept out of your backyard......»»
New chemical process separates textile fibers for easier recycling
A combined team of chemical and biomolecular engineers from the University of Delaware, and the Center for Plastics Innovation, both in the U.S., has developed a way to chemically separate fibers in textiles, allowing them to be recycled more quickly.....»»
Norway could lead the fight against plastic pollution
Norway's coastline is littered with plastics from around the world. Plastic pollution is a global problem, but Norway can be a role model in putting an end to it......»»
Dubai rowers to brave Arctic to highlight plastics pollution
At an indoor pool in Dubai, three rowers battle artificial rain and simulated waves as they train for an Arctic voyage intended to highlight the perils of marine pollution......»»
Alpacas in Idaho test positive for H5N1 bird flu in another world first
The alpacas were known to be in close contact with infected birds. Enlarge / Suri alpacas on a farm in Pennsylvania. (credit: Getty | Susan L. Angstadt) Four backyard alpacas in southern Idaho have tested positive for hi.....»»
Proposed Plastics Law Could Slash Wasteful Packaging
A law proposed in New York State seeks to reduce plastic packaging, ban certain plastic chemicals and mandate that producers of packaged consumer goods fund the recycling or disposal of what they sell.....»»
Rattlesnake Bites 2-Year-Old in Family’s Backyard
Rattlesnake Bites 2-Year-Old in Family’s Backyard.....»»
Ambitious targets are needed to end ocean plastic pollution by 2100, analysis finds
A collaboration between researchers at Imperial College London and GNS Science, suggests that reducing plastic pollution by 5% per year would stabilize the level of microplastics—plastics less than 5 mm in length—in the surface oceans......»»
A research team is developing a method to recycle more plastics
Despite consumer efforts to sort and separate recyclables, most plastic bottles still end up in the landfill. Standard recycling methods to sort, shred and remake plastics are limited to just type-1 and type-2 plastics—basically only soda bottles,.....»»
Flexible, biodegradable and wireless magnetoelectric paper for simple in situ personalization of bioelectric implants
A research team, jointly led by Professors Jiyun Kim, Chaenyung Cha, and Myoung Hoon Song from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at UNIST, has unveiled the world's first flexible, biodegradable bioelectronic paper with homogeneously.....»»