Plastic is blowing in the wind
As the plastic in our oceans breaks up into smaller and smaller bits without breaking down chemically, the resulting microplastics are becoming a serious ecological problem. A new study at the Weizmann Institute of Science reveals a troubling aspect.....»»
California faces an uphill battle against plastic
Given its green bona fides, it's no surprise that California was the first state in the nation to ban single-use plastic bags 10 years ago. Many were hopeful that would make a dent in the plastic pollution crisis, one canvas tote bag at a time. But i.....»»
10 years ago, Hayao Miyazaki made a perfect companion film to Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer
In honor of its 10-year anniversary, let's look back at Hayao Miyazaki's 2014 masterpiece The Wind Rises, as well as its similarities to 2023's Oppenheimer......»»
Polymer science team develops additive that can "upcycle" a wide range of plastics
One doesn't need to be reminded that plastic production, and plastic pollution, have steadily increased over the years—the evidence is all around us. What if we were able to recycle plastic in a way that is truly sustainable?.....»»
Study: Replacing plastics with biodegradable alternatives would lead to significant carbon emissions reduction
Plastic pollution and its impact on the environment have become critical global issues in recent years. In response, the research teams have conducted a study to evaluate the carbon emissions associated with both traditional plastic products and biod.....»»
Advanced artificial photosynthesis catalyst uses CO₂ more efficiently to create biodegradable plastics
Amid growing global concern over climate change and plastic pollution, researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University are making great strides in the sustainable production of fumaric acid—a component of biodegradable plastics such as polybutylene su.....»»
How bananas can be used to fight the plastic waste crisis
Bananas are one of the most popular and widely consumed fruits in the world. They are also the fourth most grown crop in the world, trailing only rice, wheat and corn. What could this tropical fruit have to do with fighting the ongoing plastic waste.....»»
Erratic weather fueled by climate change will worsen locust outbreaks, study finds
Extreme wind and rain may lead to bigger and worse desert locust outbreaks, with human-caused climate change likely to intensify the weather patterns and cause higher outbreak risks, a new study has found......»»
OpenAI’s new AI-made videos are blowing people’s minds
OpenAI just debuted a new type of generative AI. Sora, a text-to-video model, might be its most impressive achievement to date......»»
Fake Caviar Invented in the 1930s Could Be the Solution to Plastic Pollution
An alternative to environmentally-harmful plastic is already within reach: seaweed......»»
How does "Abbott Elementary" cast its mind-blowing guest stars?
Quinta Brunson and the "Abbott Elementary" showrunners on how they decide which celebrity cameos make it into the hit sitcom. Jalen Hurts. Brandon Graham. Jason Kelce. Gritty. Aside from being Philadelphia sports icons, what do these four figur.....»»
Synthetic fibers and tire abrasion found to have the strongest impact on corals
Corals feed on plankton that they catch from the seawater. Due to the increasing pollution of the oceans, they also ingest tiny plastic particles. Sometimes, the corals are unable to expel the microplastics from their bodies. Instead, they store it i.....»»
Scientists improve materials for reconstructive and plastic surgery
Researchers from IOCB Prague and their colleagues from Ghent University in Belgium have been working on improving the properties of gelatin-based materials, thereby expanding the possibilities of their use mainly in medicine. In a paper published in.....»»
Microplastics in soils: First consistent risk assessment
Microplastics in soil are extremely diverse and complex. This makes it difficult to determine the risks of plastic pollution to soil life, which is an increasing concern among policymakers and scientists. Researchers from the Spanish Institute IMDEA.....»»
The escalating impact of global warming on atmospheric rivers
Ribbons of water vapor called atmospheric rivers wind through the troposphere, moving the planet's moisture from near the equator toward the poles. These aerial waterways are responsible for about 20%–30% of the annual rain and snow in parts of Eur.....»»
Color-changing materials could safeguard nuclear material, other valuable substances
Every over-the-counter medication bottle sports a protective seal, usually a plastic wrap or foam layer, or both. These seals offer signs of tampering attempts. In a parallel concern, the International Atomic Energy Agency relies on tamper-indicating.....»»
California"s war on plastic bag use seems to have backfired: Lawmakers are trying again
It was a decade ago when California became the first state in the nation to ban single-use plastic bags, ushering in a wave of anti-plastic legislation from coast to coast......»»
Researchers develop eco-friendly "magnet" to battle microplastics
Plastic pollution is a pressing environmental issue, and University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment researchers are leading the charge with an innovative solution......»»
Paper or no plastic: New bill may eliminate plastic bags in California entirely
For anyone who's shopped at Trader Joe's, it's already a familiar choice: You can carry your groceries out in a paper bag or perhaps a spare cardboard box, in a tote you brought from home or—if you're shopping lightly/daringly—by hand......»»
First Nations people must be at the forefront of Australia"s renewable energy revolution, say researchers
Australia's plentiful solar and wind resources and proximity to Asia means it can become a renewable energy superpower. But as the renewable energy rollout continues, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people must benefit......»»
When nanoplastics are not what they seem: Release of oligomers from polyester textiles
Plastic household items and clothing made of synthetic fibers release microplastics, particles less than five millimeters in size that can enter the environment unnoticed. A small proportion of these particles are so small that they are measured in n.....»»