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......»»
Journal that published faulty black plastic study removed from science index
Chemosphere cut from Web of Science, which calculates impact factors. The publisher of a high-profile, now-corrected study on black plastics has been removed from a critical index.....»»
First-of-its-kind study uses remote sensing to monitor plastic debris in rivers and lakes
A first-of-its-kind study from researchers at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities shows how remote sensing can help monitor and remove plastic debris from freshwater environments like the Mississippi River......»»
Antineutrino detection gets a boost with novel plastic scintillator
How do you find and measure nuclear particles, like antineutrinos, that travel near the speed of light?.....»»
Hyperspectral imaging lidar system achieves remote plastic identification
Researchers have developed a new hyperspectral Raman imaging lidar system that can remotely detect and identify various types of plastics. This technology could help address the critical issue of plastic pollution in the ocean by providing better too.....»»
Huge math error corrected in black plastic study; authors say it doesn’t matter
Correction issued for black plastic study that had people tossing spatulas. Editors of the environmental chemistry journal Chemosphere have posted an eye-catching correction to a.....»»
Stretchable, flexible, recyclable: 3D printing method creates fantastic plastic
Princeton engineers have developed an easily scalable 3D printing technique to manufacture soft plastics with programmed stretchiness and flexibility that are also recyclable and inexpensive—qualities not typically combined in commercially manufact.....»»
Six rare giant catfish surface in Cambodia
Conservationists in Cambodia on Friday celebrated the discovery of six highly endangered Mekong giant catfish in the critical Southeast Asian waterway plagued by illegal fishing, habitat loss and plastic waste......»»
Researchers reveal key factors behind Japan"s plastic waste removal rates in rivers
Plastic pollution is an ever-growing problem in today's world, as most societies have become overly dependent on plastics for packaging, medical supplies, and general goods......»»
How a piece of plastic shut down DNA testing at crime lab
It was technically a successful scientific discovery when analysts at the Hennepin County, Minnesota, forensic science lab recognized there was a contaminant somewhere in its DNA process. That did not lessen the sense of dread......»»
Finding traces of fish with DNA from water samples
Silje Halvorsen bends down and fills a plastic bottle with water from Gillsvannet lake, a sheltered bathing spot just outside the center of Kristiansand......»»
Biodegradable polymers show promise for nutrient encapsulation and replacing microbeads in beauty products
Microplastics are an environmental hazard found nearly everywhere on Earth, released by the breakdown of tires, clothing, and plastic packaging. Another significant source of microplastics is tiny beads that are added to some cleansers, cosmetics, an.....»»
Solving waste plastic processing with heat circulation: Researchers develop large-scale pyrolysis process
Dr. Byungwook Hwang's research team from the CCS Research Department at the Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER) has successfully developed a process that applies the circulating fluidized bed technology, commonly used in coal-fired power plant.....»»
Can plastic-eating insects help with our microplastic problem?
Plastic pollution occurs in every ecosystem on the planet and lingers for decades. Could insects be part of the solution?.....»»
960 million dirty diapers are a big waste problem—what can be done with them
The use of disposable diapers (nappies) is growing in African countries. The disposable diaper undoubtedly makes it easier for many parents to work or spend time on other things, including their own and their child's well-being......»»
Plastic pollution talks: the key sticking points
Divisions between countries have stalled negotiations on the world's first treaty to tackle plastic pollution, after a terse week of talks in South Korea's Busan......»»
Calls for extension as plastic treaty negotiations falter
Delegates seeking the world's first deal to curb plastic pollution began openly advocating for an extension of talks on Sunday, accusing a handful of nations of obstructing an ambitious agreement......»»
Why is a global treaty on plastic pollution dividing the world?
What on earth to do about all the plastic polluting the oceans, the food supply, even our bodies?.....»»
A tax on new plastic would slash waste—if built into the global treaty on plastics
Earlier this week, the mining magnate Andrew Forrest made headlines calling for a global "polymer premium"—or plastic tax—to be placed on every ton of newly manufactured plastics. A tax like this could form part of the Global Plastic Treaty being.....»»
Showdown looms on plastic treaty days before deadline
Diplomats warned Friday of a looming showdown in negotiations to reach the world's first deal to curb plastic pollution, after a new draft text emerged littered with competing visions and ongoing disagreements......»»
Plastic in the ocean and on our plates: What are the risks to human health?
It's no secret: when we savor a delicious piece of fish or a platter of seafood, we're not just consuming valuable omega-3s and vitamin D. Alongside these benefits come less appetizing elements—countless micro- and nano-plastics......»»