Scientists increasingly warn that tiny micro- and nanoplastic particles — which are everywhere — regularly enter the hu…
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A new U.S. study links chemicals in household plastics—specifically phthalates—to higher death rates from heart disease. They are commonly found in cosmetics, cleaning products, solvents, plastic pipes, insect repellents, and…
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Most types of chewing gum sold in stores are made from synthetic rubbers derived from petroleum, similar to the plastics used in car tires. “If that makes you uneasy,” says…
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This change is driven by efforts to protect the environment. Who would have thought that opening a plastic bottle could ruin your mood for an entire week? What was once…
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Mind & Life
4.9 Million Tons of Plastic Are Floating in the World’s Oceans — and the Problem Is Growing
Researchers at the 5 Gyres Institute warn that, by 2040, the rate at which plastic enters the world’s oceans could increase 2.6-fold. But the trend can be reversed if people…
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Excess weight, thinning hair, and eczema are just some of the unpleasant changes in appearance and health linked to microplastics. These tiny pieces of plastic, measuring less than 5 millimeters…
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Science & Technology
Air moisture breaks down PET plastic bottles into reusable material in four hours
Researchers at Northwestern University in the U.S. found a way to break down plastic waste using moisture from the air. The process turns a common type of plastic into a…
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In their recent research, Stanford University engineers Michael Lepech and Zhijie Li discuss the possibility of using recycled reinforced fiberglass polymer composite, which is used in parts of cars, boats,…
