Turning mixed plastic into useful chemicals
Almost 80% of plastic in the waste stream ends up in landfills or accumulates in the environment. Oak Ridge National Laboratory scientists have developed a technology that converts a conventionally unrecyclable mixture of plastic waste into useful ch.....»»
"Easy, convenient, cheap": how single-use plastic rules the world
Each year the world produces around 400 million tonnes of plastic waste, much of it discarded after just a few minutes of use......»»
Environment takes center stage as global summits loom
Global warming. Disappearing plant and animal species. Fertile land turning to desert. Plastic in the oceans, on land, and the air we breathe......»»
Apple Watch SE might go plastic next year, but is that worth the tradeoff?
Earlier this summer, reports started to emerge that Apple is testing a new “rigid plastic” body for the next generation . It was initially expected at last week’s Apple event, but unexpectedly got delayed. While a plastic casing would undoubted.....»»
Genomics reveals sled dogs" Siberian lineage
New research co-led by Cornell University examines thousands of years of Arctic sled dog ancestry and reveals when and how Siberian and Alaskan sled dogs' DNA mixed......»»
Exploring ternary metal sulfides as electrocatalysts for carbon dioxide reduction reactions
One of the most promising avenues for actively reducing CO2 levels in the atmosphere is recycling it into valuable chemicals via electrocatalytic CO2 reduction reactions. With a suitable electrocatalyst, this can be achieved under mild conditions and.....»»
New method to break down forever chemicals uses nanoparticles and ultrasound
What do firefighting foam, non-stick cookware, water-repellent textiles and pesticides all have in common? They all contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS—human-made chemicals that don't break down naturally. It's no wonder, then, tha.....»»
Enzyme-inspired catalyst puts chemicals in right position to make ethers
Taking inspiration from enzymes, chemists at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign developed a catalyst to simplify the synthesis of ethers, key functional components of many drugs, foods, personal care items and other consumer goods. The catal.....»»
Catalyzing environmental cleanup: A highly active and selective molecular catalyst and electrified membrane
Some chemicals create environmental problems; others, fortunately, can help clean them up. Chemists from Yale University and their colleagues have developed an electrochemical catalyst and membrane that offers an efficient and sustainable way to trea.....»»
Crispr-Enhanced Viruses Are Being Deployed Against UTIs
With antibiotics losing their effectiveness, one company is turning to gene editing and bacteriophages—viruses that infect bacteria—to combat infections......»»
These household brands want to redefine what counts as “recyclable”
51 companies were asked if they agreed with the proposed redefinition of “recyclable” plastic. Enlarge (credit: Olga Pankova/Moment via Getty Images) This story was originally published by ProPublica, a Pulitzer Pri.....»»
Meta just accidentally revealed its next VR headset
Check out Meta's leak of an official image of the Quest 3S, which gives confirmation of a budget version of the popular Quest 3 mixed reality headset......»»
Zeolite catalyst method uses microwaves to convert waste cooking oil into useful chemicals
Researchers from Kyushu University have revealed that a zeolite material called Na-ZSM-5 is effective in improving the chemical conversion of biomass into olefins—a precursor chemical that makes everything from plastics to pharmaceuticals—using m.....»»
Zeolite catalyst method use microwaves to convert waste cooking oil into useful chemicals
Researchers from Kyushu University have revealed that a zeolite material called Na-ZSM-5 is effective in improving the chemical conversion of biomass into olefins—a precursor chemical that makes everything from plastics to pharmaceuticals—using m.....»»
How well are NZ companies reporting their climate impacts? A new tracker shows very mixed results
Interpreting corporate reports on carbon emissions can be challenging. The current, adhoc approach to how businesses share this information makes it difficult to see whether they have set the right targets, have realistic plans to meet them or are be.....»»
The world is pumping out 57 million tons of plastic pollution a year
The world creates 57 million tons of plastic pollution every year and spreads it from the deepest oceans to the highest mountaintop to the inside of people's bodies, according to a new study that also said more than two-thirds of it comes from the Gl.....»»
Plastic pollution hotspots pinpointed in new research—India ranks top due to high levels of uncollected waste
We have used machine learning to identify the biggest plastic pollution hotspots across more than 50,000 towns, cities and rural areas worldwide. Our new global model reveals the most detailed picture of plastic pollution ever created with the highes.....»»
Populism"s summer of discontent: Are voters turning their backs on authoritarians?
Is authoritarian populism finally being rejected by citizens around the world?.....»»
Last minute Apple event rumors, plastic Apple Watch SE appeal, and new Mac mini
Benjamin and Chance get hyped for Apple’s upcoming ‘Glowtime’ September event, discussing some last-minute rumors and leaks about the products on deck. They discuss the market for the rumored plastic body Apple Watch SE, the latest on the M4 Ma.....»»
3D imaging allows researchers to observe degradation of micro- and nanoplastics with unprecedented detail
In a global first, University of Waterloo researchers have used 3D imaging technology to understand the fine details of microplastics, paving the way for more effective methods of plastic waste recycling......»»
New filter removes chemical contaminants from water even at very low concentrations
Pharmaceuticals and personal care products pose a major environmental threat. These chemicals, found in everyday items like medicines and cosmetics, can pollute waterways, harming the plants and animals living in the waterways and the humans who use.....»»