Microplastics

August 27, 2023

UBC’s Game-Changing Discovery: Can Plants Really Trap 99.9% of Microplastics?

Microplastic pollution, a looming environmental threat, might have met its match in the form of plants. UBC scientists have innovatively harnessed the power of wood dust and tannins to trap up to

Plastic·Pollution·Water

Lake Geneva’s Hidden Crisis: Plastic Levels That Rival the Oceans!

Lake Geneva, a picturesque gem nestled between the Swiss and French Alps, has long been a symbol of natural beauty and purity. Tourists and locals alike have been drawn to its shimmering waters, often considering it a near-pristine escape. However,

September 5, 2023

Barents Sea’s Unspoken Challenge: The Microplastic Invasion in Arctic We Can’t Ignore

Climate·Plastic·Pollution·Science

Today, when the heartbeat of our oceans is intertwined with the pulse of our climate, scientists have pinpointed ocean currents, melting ice, burgeoning tourism,

Microplastics Found in 100% of Testicle Samples: Could This Be Affecting Sperm Counts?

Health·Plastic

A scientific study has found microplastics in the testicular tissues of all the men and dogs involved, which researchers believe could contribute to the

Caption:To combat global micronutrient deficiency crises, MIT researchers developed novel materials that protect fragile nutrients under harsh cooking and storage conditions. The microparticles seen here are made of biodegradable polymers that dissolve in the stomach to release encapsulated vitamins and minerals. Credits:Credit: Linzixuan (Rhoda) Zhang, David Mankus, Dhruv Varshney, Ruiqing Xiao, Shahad Alsaiari, Abigail Lytton- Jean, Robert Langer, Ana Jaklenec

Beauty·Plastic

MIT’s Biodegradable Polymers Aim to Replace Microplastics in Beauty Products

In a development that could reshape the beauty and personal care industry, MIT chemical engineers have created biodegradable polymers to replace microplastic beads found in cleansers and cosmetics. These new materials break

Karmactive Staff

December 18, 2024

Caption: Representative Image. Field covered in Plastic Bags and other trash. Photo Source: Sohail Nawaz (Pexels)

Plastic·Pollution·World

Global Plastic Treaty Blocked: 200 Nations Fail to Act as Microplastics Surge and Output Hits 736 Million Tons by 2040

Approximately 200 nations participating in a United Nations-sponsored meeting in Busan, South Korea, failed to reach an agreement to stop plastic pollution after two years of negotiations, though they secured guarantees for

Karmactive Staff

December 6, 2024

Dr. Tianxi Yang and student Peter Yang. Photo credit: Martin Dee.

Plastic·Pollution·Technology

Device Detects Microplastics in Water in Minutes, Uncovering Millions of Nanoparticles in Disposable Cups

A research team at the University of British Columbia (UBC) has developed a portable device that can detect microplastic particles in water within 20 minutes, addressing growing concerns about plastic contamination in

Karmactive Staff

December 1, 2024

Health·Plastic·Pollution

Microplastics and PFAS Combine to Create Toxic Effects Threatening Aquatic Life and Ecosystems

New research from the University of Birmingham has exposed concerning evidence about the combined effects of two persistent pollutants – microplastics and PFAS chemicals. The study found that when combined, these substances

Karmactive Staff

November 28, 2024

Plastic·Pollution·Science

Microplastics to Graphene in 60 Seconds: How Scientists Turned 30 mg of Plastic into 5 mg of High-Value Material

In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists at James Cook University (JCU) in Australia have developed an innovative method to transform harmful microplastics into valuable graphene. The research, led by Professor Mohan Jacob and

Rahul Somvanshi

October 25, 2024

Colourful plastics may lead to more microplastics: new study. Photo Credits: University Of Leicester

Plastic·Pollution·Science

Study Reveals Red, Blue, and Green Plastics Degrade into Microplastics Quickly—What You Need to Know

As the world is gradually gripped by the effects of climate change and man made blunders, researchers have warned that brightly coloured plastics—red, blue, and green—are more dangerous than plain colours. This

Bilal Bhuttoand

Karmactive Staff

June 3, 2024

P. aeruginosa bacteria capture by polymeric magnetic microrobots in water.

Plastic·Science·Technology

Microscopic Robots Capture 80% of Waterborne Microplastics and Bacteria – See How They Work

When plastic waste breaks down, it becomes even more difficult to remove from oceans and bodies of water. Microplastics have also infiltrated the food chain and can bind bacteria that may cause

Rahul Somvanshi

May 28, 2024

Artist Impression of Microplastic on Finger, Photo Credit: Giganectar, {CC BY-SA 4.0 DEED}

Health·Plastic

Over 80% of Studied Clots Reveal Microplastic Presence—Links to Increased Stroke and Heart Attack Risks Uncovered

The patients, with an average age of 65, had diverse health and lifestyle histories, including smoking, alcohol consumption, high blood pressure, or diabetes. They used plastic products daily and were roughly divided

Tejal Somvanshi

May 24, 2024