Pepsin-degradable plastics of bio-nylons from itaconic and amino acids
Currently available conventional nylon such as nylon 6, nylon 66, and nylon 11 are nondegradable. On the other hand, bio-nylons derived from itaconic acid showed higher performance than conventional ones and are degradable in soil, but degradability.....»»
Exploring bamboo charcoal"s slow-release properties for enhanced anti-acne formulations containing bamboo vinegar
Bamboo vinegar is a concentrated liquid obtained from bamboo under high temperature and anaerobic conditions. It contains more than 200 organic components, including organic acids, phenols, ketones, alcohols, and esters, among which acetic acid is th.....»»
Bacteria make thermally stable plastics similar to polystyrene and PET for the first time
Bioengineers around the world have been working to create plastic-producing microbes that could replace the petroleum-based plastics industry. Now, researchers from Korea have overcome a major hurdle: getting bacteria to produce polymers that contain.....»»
Small molecule organic eutectics show potential for replacing plastics
Plastics have long been a mainstay in modern manufacturing, but their environmental impact has increased demand for eco-friendly alternatives. Researchers at The University of Warwick have made significant progress in the search for sustainable alter.....»»
Rapid removal of emerging endocrine disruptors in wastewater using high-performance single-atom catalysts
Bisphenols are widely used as the main raw material for plastics such as receipts, water bottles, water containers, and vinyl due to their heat-resistant and mechanochemical properties. Among bisphenols, bisphenol A (BPA), which we often refer to as.....»»
Honda and Nissan fast-track plastics recycling to meet new EU rules
High costs of plastics recycling could ramp up expenses for automakers, as Europe demands greener vehicles......»»
Chemical cocktail from plastics: Pilot study describes degradation and leaching process of plastic consumer products
Plastic waste in rivers and oceans is constantly releasing chemicals into the water. Until now, it was unknown how large these quantities are and which substances are released particularly strongly. In the large-scale P-LEACH project, experts from fo.....»»
Scientists "cautiously optimistic" about AI"s role in drug discovery
The human body contains at least 20,000 different proteins, often called the "workhorses of the cell" because of their role in keeping cells healthy. Each protein consists of a unique string of amino acids that affects its shape and function—or dys.....»»
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 create ADP- or ATP-containing molecules with improved yield and consistency
Adenosine diphosphate (ADP) or adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-containing important biological molecules can modify macromolecules like proteins and nucleic acids to alter their function in the cell. Synthesizing ADP- and ATP-containing molecules using.....»»
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......»»
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......»»
Signatures of life could survive near surfaces of the moons Enceladus and Europa, NASA experiment suggests
Europa, a moon of Jupiter, and Enceladus, a moon of Saturn, have evidence of oceans beneath their ice crusts. A NASA experiment suggests that if these oceans support life, signatures of that life in the form of organic molecules (e.g. amino acids, nu.....»»
Discovery of a tRNA modification enzyme that also acts on nucleosides
The genetic information on DNA is transcribed into messenger RNA (mRNA) and translated to the amino acid sequence by transfer RNA (tRNA) on the ribosome. Modified nucleosides within RNA are involved in maintaining and regulating the protein synthesis.....»»
Photoenzymatic synthesis achieves efficient oxidation of fatty acids
A research team designed and built a photoenzymatic cascade by combining photochemical water oxidation/O2 reduction with P450 peroxygenase catalysis to achieve efficient visible-light-driven oxidation of a range of fatty acids (C12-C20), leading to p.....»»
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.....»»
AI approach optimizes development of antibody drugs
Proteins have evolved to excel at everything from contracting muscles to digesting food to recognizing viruses. To engineer better proteins, including antibodies, scientists often iteratively mutate the amino acids—the units that are arranged in a.....»»
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......»»