Chemical recycling
Plastics producers say that chemical recycling – which converts waste polymers back into monomers – could boost recycling rates in future. Lou Reade reports
Surprise jump in GG emissions
Emissions of the potent greenhouse gas HFC-23 have been rising at record levels, according to new research. The findings seem to contradict claims by India and China that they had almost eliminated HFC-23 emissions.
Heart attacks and pollution
Short-term exposure to air pollution is linked to a rise in heart attacks, according to the findings of a nationwide survey in Japan (Lancet Planetary Health, 2020, 4: e15).
Chemophobia
Ask any non-chemist or scientist about chemicals and often as not they will say they don’t like them. In fact a recent survey published in Nature Chemistry found that almost 40% of Europeans want to ‘live in a world where chemical substances don’t exist’. For any chemist or scientist, the paradox is clear – the fact that everyone and everything is comprised of chemicals has passed most of society by.
Engineered moth trial
Researchers in the US have conducted an open field trial of a genetically engineered (GE) diamond-back moth that promises to slash losses of brassica crops impacted by this pervasive pest species.
Emissions trading rise
Turnover in global emissions trading rose for the third year in a row in 2019, reaching record highs largely due to price rises in Europe following stricter emissions regulations.
Cool mobile phones
Chinese researchers have devised a way to prevent electronic devices, such as mobile phones, from over-heating. It involves a coating that releases water vapour and allows heat to dissipate.
Machine for liver repair
A machine that repairs injured livers could reduce waiting times and save the lives of more patients awaiting transplant surgery. The perfusion system kept alive six out of ten poor-quality human livers that had been declined for transplantation in Europe and restored them to full function (Nature Biotechn., doi: 10.1038/s41587-019-0374-x).
Li for Alzheimer’s
Lithium can halt the signs of Alzheimer’s disease in rats, according to a new study. The dose administered was up to 400 times lower than what is presently prescribed to patients for mood disorders.
Arginine and arthritis
Restricting the amount of the amino acid arginine reduces the formation of harmful, disease-promoting cells in rheumatoid arthritis, researchers have found (Nature Commun., 2020, 11, 431).