New research shows that many larval fish species from different ocean habitats are surrounded by…
Browsing: Plastic
Plastic is a versatile class of synthetic materials made primarily from polymers, which are long chains of molecules derived from petrochemicals or, increasingly, from bio-based sources. Since its widespread adoption in the 20th century, plastic has revolutionized industries from packaging and construction to healthcare and electronics due to its durability, light weight, and low cost. However, its persistence in the environment has also made it a symbol of modern pollution, prompting intense scientific focus on recycling technologies, biodegradable alternatives, and the ecological impact of microplastics. Research into plastic now spans materials science, environmental studies, and public health, reflecting both its utility and its challenges.
Trillions of plastic fragments are afloat at sea, which cause large “garbage patches” to form…
A research group at the Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden, has developed an efficient process…
Polystyrene persists in the environment for millennia, according to some international governmental agencies. This estimate…
A study published by researchers at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) shows that polystyrene, one…
MIT alumna addresses the world’s mounting plastic waste problem. It’s been nearly 10 years since…
From the Great Pacific garbage patch to inland rivers, plastics are among the most widespread…
Delicate wash cycles in washing machines were found to release more plastic microfibers than other…
Many people are trying to reduce their plastic use, but some tea manufacturers are moving…
Army research looks at pearls for clues on enhancing lightweight armor for soldiers. Round, smooth…
While collecting water samples and plankton in Tampa Bay, researchers discovered a high concentration of…
Plastics in our waste streams are breaking down into tiny particles, causing potentially catastrophic consequences…
Researchers from the University of Illinois have developed nonliving, synthetic materials that can heal and…
Chemical engineers at UMass Amherst have discovered a high-yield method of making plastic bottles from…
Yale undergraduates participating in Yale’s Rainforest Expedition and Laboratory course had their findings on organisms…
Polyurethane is one of the most commonly used plastics in different types of products, but…