You might not think about it when you're looking at a microscope slide, but making histology slides can release tiny plastic particles into the environment. These microplastics (MPs) are showing up in every corner of the earth, from the deepest oceans to the highest mountains. And guess what? They'r
Scientists have found a clever way to improve the light-emitting properties of tiny crystals called Cs₂NaBiCl₆. They added a bit of indium to the mix and discovered that the crystals shone brighter and more steadily. These crystals are special because they don't contain any lead, making them safer f
Imagine what happens when you toss a disposable face mask into a landfill. Scientists have been looking into this, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic led to a surge in mask use. They found that these masks can break down over time, releasing tiny pieces called microplastics and harmful chemicals
In today’s farming landscape, a popular method to boost crop growth involves the use of neonicotinoids, a type of insecticide. However, these chemicals can have a negative impact on both the environment and human health. To address this concern, scientists have developed an innovative, self-powered
Nitroaromatics are super important in industries like medicines, dyes, pesticides, and more. But the way we usually make them is a big problem. It creates lots of pollution and has trouble with different chemical groups. So, scientists are searching for a better, cleaner way to make nitroaromatics.
2024 is shaping up to be the hottest year ever recorded. The World Weather Attribution (WWA) recently released a report showing that climate change played a significant role in the extreme weather events this year. The report highlights that man-made warming, with a record increase of 34. 34 Fahrenh
Imagine if the power needed to secure Bitcoin's blockchain could be harnessed through physical tasks instead of digital computations. That's what researchers are exploring with the idea of "physical one-way functions. " This concept aims to replace electricity-guzzling digital one-way functions with
As the world shifts towards using more biodegradable and bio-based plastics, it's crucial to understand how these tiny pieces, known as microplastics, affect plants and animals. Plant lovers, beware! High doses of polylactic acid (PLA) microplastics can cut down on nitrogen and biomass in plants and
The world of online retail is booming, but so is the pile of packaging waste. A recent study took a closer look at two types of reusable packaging in Canada's apparel eCommerce market. They compared these with disposable options using something called Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). In the first scena
Ever wondered how we can turn carbon dioxide (CO2) into something useful, like fuel? This is where copper (Cu) comes in. As a unique element in the periodic table, Cu can convert CO2 into valuable products such as ethylene (C2H4) and ethanol (C2H5OH). But Cu isn't perfect—it has low activity and poo
