Plastic Polymer Cables That Rival Fiber Optics
MIT scientists demonstrate a hair-like plastic polymer cable that can transmit data 10 times as fast as USB How fast does data flow? The answer: not fast enough. The search for more efficient data-transfer solutions to meet the ever-increasing.....»»
Research investigates structural evolution and high-temperature sensing performance of polymer-derived SiAlBCN ceramics
Gang Shao's group from Zhengzhou University, China recently investigated the structural evolution of pentagonal polymer-derived SiAlBCN ceramics (PDCs) and outlined PDC-based sensor technology for high-temperature extreme environments. The high-perfo.....»»
A thousand times smaller than a grain of sand—glass sensors 3D-printed on optical fiber
In a first for communications, researchers in Sweden 3D printed silica glass micro-optics on the tips of optic fibers—surfaces as small as the cross section of a human hair. The advance could enable faster internet and improved connectivity, as wel.....»»
Meta shuts down Workplace, its Slack rival that never really took off
Meta is sunsetting its online communication app and telling users to move to a Zoom-operated platform by August 2025......»»
Study shows how avocado pruning residues can be used produce more sustainable food packaging
Although plastic allows food to be packaged safely and hygienically, its extensive use constitutes a significant environmental challenge due to its limited recyclability and short shelf life. Thus, industry and the scientific community have been look.....»»
Tiny pieces of plastic pose one of the biggest threats to Chicago River wildlife and water quality
Wendella engineer Miguel Chavez climbed down a ladder and over a small dock to pull up a trap floating in the Chicago River near the Michigan Avenue Bridge. The size of a standard garbage can, the trap is designed to collect trash and can hold up to.....»»
Optical power evolution in fiber-optic networks: New framework for better modeling and control
With the emergence of internet services such as AI-generated content and virtual reality, the demand for global capacity has surged, significantly intensifying pressures on fiber-optic communication systems. To address this surge and reduce operation.....»»
Is dark matter’s main rival theory dead?
There’s bad news from the Cassini spacecraft and other recent tests. Enlarge / Galaxy rotation has long perplexed scientists. (credit: NASA/James Webb Telescope) One of the biggest mysteries in astrophysics today is.....»»
13-inch tablet power compared -- iPad Pro vs iPad Air
With the introduction of the 13-inch iPad Air, there's now a super-sized tablet to rival the iPad Pro. Here's what's different about Apple's biggest iPads.13-inch M4 iPad Pro [left], 13-inch iPad Air [right]Apple's first major update to its iPad line.....»»
Turning trash into treasure: Exploring biotic and abiotic methods for PET plastic upcycling
A paper published in Eco-Environment & Health introduces innovative biotic and abiotic methods for recycling and upcycling polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The review delves into sustainable strategies that improve the processing and utility of PET.....»»
Apple’s plastic-free packaging means pack-in logo stickers are going away
Pack-in Apple stickers go back at least as far as 1977’s Apple II. Enlarge / Many different Apple stickers from many different products and eras. (credit: Andrew Cunningham) As a noted sticker enthusiast, I’m alway.....»»
Solid-state polymer heat pump gets rid of the heat itself
Polymer changes temperature, shape when charged, moving to where the heat needs to be. Enlarge (credit: Jorg Greuel) Heat pumps are the most energy-efficient way of controlling indoor temperature. By moving heat between.....»»
Enabling rapid screening of poly(2-oxazoline)-based nanomedicine through divergent synthesis
A research collaboration has devised a new way to quickly and reliably diversify the reactive end-groups on poly(2-oxazoline)s, a biocompatible polymer class......»»
New patent for bio-based polymer to be used in piezoelectric devices
UD engineers are the lead inventors on a new patent for making piezoelectric devices, such as sensors and actuators, using Nodax, a biodegradable, bio-based polymer......»»
What are nanoplastics? An engineer explains concerns about particles too small to see
It's become common to read that microplastics—little bits of plastic, smaller than a pencil eraser—are turning up everywhere and in everything, including the ocean, farmland, food and human bodies. Now a new term is gaining attention: nanoplastic.....»»
A global plastic treaty will only work if it caps production, modeling shows
An international agreement to end plastic pollution is due to be sealed this year in Busan, South Korea. At the penultimate round of negotiations, held in Ottawa, Canada, Rwanda and Peru proposed a target to cut the weight of primary plastics produce.....»»
"Everywhere we looked, we found evidence": Microplastics expert on 20 years of pollution research
Thirty years ago, while counting barnacles, limpets and seaweeds along rocky shores, I started noticing a daily tide of litter, mostly plastic. As a marine biology Ph.D. student at Liverpool University, I kept removing it, but the next day, there'd b.....»»
Cold sintering may rescue plastic, ceramics, battery components from landfills
Recycling does not necessarily prevent an item from eventually ending up in a landfill, according to Enrique Gomez, interim associate dean for equity and inclusion and professor of chemical engineering in the Penn State College of Engineering. Instea.....»»
New process tackles pollution on dual fronts of plastic waste and fuel emissions
What if we could help the global plastic waste problem and the transportation industry with the same technology?.....»»
Kids study in overheated slum as Philippines shuts schools
Fourth-grader Ella Araza sat on a tiny plastic box in her Manila slum home, trying to finish her homework before the afternoon sun sent temperatures soaring to unbearable levels......»»
Study unveils 3D printing PQD-polymer architectures at room temperature
A technology enabling the fabrication of intricate three-dimensional (3D) quantum dot (QD)-based structures at room temperature has been developed......»»