https://phys.org/ en-us Phys.org internet news portal provides the latest news on science including: Physics, Nanotechnology, Life Sciences, Space Science, Earth Science, Environment, Health and Medicine. A review of research published in the Interdisciplinary Environmental Review on single-use plastics argues that tackling the waste problem will require a shift from recycling alone to a broader circular economy approach, in which materials are kept in use through reuse, recovery, recycling and redesign. https://phys.org/news/2026-08-plastics-reveals-broader-circular-economy.html Environment Thu, 13 Aug 2026 14:00:08 EDT news705845041 At a Massachusetts lab, pebble-sized pellets are transformed into forks and films that won't leave persistent microplastics in the environment. https://phys.org/news/2026-08-traditional-plastic-forks-microplastics-sugar.html Environment Mon, 10 Aug 2026 19:20:03 EDT news705587356 The search for leather alternatives has led researchers somewhere unexpected: fungi. Although traditional leather is durable, producing it requires animal agriculture, which carries negative environmental impacts. Meanwhile, vegan alternatives are typically made from petroleum-based plastics that are difficult to recycle. Researchers report in ACS Applied Bio Materials that mycelium, the underground network of fibers below mushroom caps, can be pressed into a durable yet compostable leather-like fabric. They even sewed the fabric into a purse. https://phys.org/news/2026-08-handbag-mushrooms.html Biochemistry Thu, 06 Aug 2026 10:40:06 EDT news705229201 Virginia Tech chemist and chemical engineer Guoliang "Greg" Liu and his lab have developed a process that converts the plastic polyvinyl chloride (PVC) into polyalphaolefin, a key component in lubricants such as engine oil. Published Aug. 5 in the journal Nature, the research could help address two environmental challenges: recycling one of the world's most difficult plastics and producing a valuable industrial material. https://phys.org/news/2026-08-world-difficult-plastics-premium-lubricant.html Polymers Wed, 05 Aug 2026 11:00:07 EDT news705067441 A new white paper released by experts at the UTS Business School highlights the risks businesses face if they ignore growing scientific evidence and consumer awareness of the dangers posed by microplastics. https://phys.org/news/2026-08-microplastic-businesses-urged.html Environment Wed, 05 Aug 2026 10:40:05 EDT news705144782 A study from the University of Manchester into the effects of polymer cross-contamination on the outcome of mechanically recycling plastics has found that the presence of contaminants radically alters degradation mechanisms. https://phys.org/news/2026-08-mechanical-recycling-contamination-circular-plastics.html Polymers Mon, 03 Aug 2026 15:40:03 EDT news704986203 When trying to make more sustainable clothing choices, many consumers follow a simple rule: Choose natural fibers over synthetic ones. Cotton instead of polyester. Wool instead of acrylic. Linen instead of nylon. https://phys.org/news/2026-07-chemical-footprint.html Environment Thu, 30 Jul 2026 15:00:01 EDT news704633462 Researchers at Colorado State University have developed a process to transform naturally occurring, highly stable carbon dioxide into recyclable, high-performance materials that could replace today's plastics in many situations. Their catalytic process, described in the journal Nature, is another step toward a circular economy that reduces plastic waste and supports environmental sustainability. https://phys.org/news/2026-07-captured-carbon-dioxide-yield-strong.html Polymers Wed, 29 Jul 2026 11:00:02 EDT news704451400 In a study conducted by São Paulo State University (UNESP) in Brazil and the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom, the presence of chlorinated organophosphorus esters was identified in samples of solid waste—discarded materials that could be used by others. These substances are used in industry as flame retardants and plasticizers. https://phys.org/news/2026-07-potentially-substance-solid.html Environment Tue, 28 Jul 2026 14:20:08 EDT news704459881 Plastic recycling could become far more effective thanks to a new technique that restores the strength of damaged engineering plastics by repairing them at the molecular level. https://phys.org/news/2026-07-scientists-plastics-molecular-boosting-recycling.html Polymers Tue, 28 Jul 2026 07:20:02 EDT news704440910 That kitchen sponge sitting by your sink is not as innocent as it looks. It could be harboring Salmonella enteritidis, E. coli or Staphylococcus aureus—and there's no way to tell just by looking at it or smelling it. https://phys.org/news/2026-07-bugs-kitchen-sponge-weeks-wont.html Cell & Microbiology Mon, 27 Jul 2026 17:40:07 EDT news704376542 Earlier toilet training and new recycling technologies are among expert-backed solutions to reduce the environmental impact of disposable diapers and other hygiene products, according to a new study led by UCL researchers. https://phys.org/news/2026-07-earlier-toilet-curb-diaper-crisis.html Environment Thu, 23 Jul 2026 19:40:04 EDT news704038081 A moth caterpillar identified by the agribusiness sector as one of the most destructive pests of soybean, cotton and corn crops may harbor fungi and bacteria in its gut that can degrade expanded polystyrene, also known as Styrofoam. In an article published in the journal BMC Microbiology, researchers from the Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar) and São Paulo State University (UNESP) in Brazil presented the results of a study investigating the gut microbiota of Helicoverpa armigera and its role in degrading this petroleum-derived plastic. https://phys.org/news/2026-07-destructive-crop-caterpillar-harbors-fungi.html Cell & Microbiology Thu, 23 Jul 2026 16:30:01 EDT news704039282 Keeping food waste out of landfills provides climate and other environmental benefits, and Vermont requires residents to divert these materials to better management pathways. With other states considering similar policies, UVM researchers studied the potential outcomes of bringing these efforts to a national scale. https://phys.org/news/2026-07-national-food-recycling-major-climate.html Environment Thu, 23 Jul 2026 05:00:03 EDT news703933742 Mandatory curbside collection of soft plastic (chip bags, bread bags, plastic wrap) has just been pushed back from 2027 to 2030. https://phys.org/news/2026-07-soft-plastic-recycling-laws-delayed.html Environment Wed, 22 Jul 2026 13:20:05 EDT news703941721 From microplastics clogging up our oceans to landfills leaching dangerous chemicals, plastic waste is a serious and growing problem for human health and the environment. We need to recycle more and, crucially, recycle better. https://phys.org/news/2026-07-super-enzymes-recycling.html Polymers Wed, 22 Jul 2026 12:20:04 EDT news703937221 A new way of converting stubborn plastic waste into high-value chemicals using only water and oxygen has been developed by an international team of scientists. https://phys.org/news/2026-07-tiny-droplets-stubborn-plastic-valuable.html Biochemistry Wed, 15 Jul 2026 16:00:05 EDT news703340193 Plastic has become a ubiquitous part of modern life—in water bottles, shopping bags and car dashboards. But once discarded, it is among the hardest materials on Earth to recycle. Most recycling processes require plastics to be sorted by type first, a step that is both labor-intensive and costly. As a result, only 9% of discarded plastic is actually recycled, while 79% is dumped in landfills and another 12% is incinerated, releasing carbon dioxide in the process. https://phys.org/news/2026-07-plastic-hydrogen-fuel.html Materials Science Wed, 15 Jul 2026 10:50:03 EDT news703329171 In an innovative gas fermentation process, reducing the concentration of carbon dioxide was found to significantly improve microbial production of the biodegradable plastic poly[(R)-3-hydroxybutyrate]. Researchers found that hydrogen-oxidizing bacteria grown under safe, nonflammable gas conditions enable more efficient production of biodegradable plastic at lower CO2 levels. The study provides a promising strategy for sustainable carbon recycling and efficient CO2 utilization. https://phys.org/news/2026-07-carbon-dioxide-microbial-production-biodegradable.html Materials Science Tue, 14 Jul 2026 21:40:04 EDT news703241788 The resistance of materials to mechanical loads is a decisive factor in component safety, such as in aircraft. Working as part of an international team, researchers from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) have found a previously unknown damage mechanism in metals: Contamination in the form of stiff particles can cause the volume of voids to increase up to sixfold when exposed to deformation by shear loading. https://phys.org/news/2026-07-reveals-sixfold-growth-stiff-particles.html Materials Science Tue, 14 Jul 2026 07:50:01 EDT news703233471 In a study recently published in the journal Environmental Research, scientists from the University of Sharjah have drawn renewed attention to contamination by polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), a class of man-made chemicals formerly used as flame retardants in a wide range of products, including electronics, household appliances, vehicles, furniture and upholstery. https://phys.org/news/2026-07-chemicals-endanger-environmental-health-middle.html Environment Mon, 13 Jul 2026 05:56:52 EDT news703140992 Ever wondered where your plastics end up? A PET bottle can be washed, shredded, melted and given a second life. But most everyday items—toys, mattresses, car seats—are made from different plastics that refuse to mix when melted, producing unusable, contaminated material. Sorting is difficult and expensive, so most mixed plastic waste ends up burned or buried, and the materials are lost for good. https://phys.org/news/2026-07-catalyst-plastic-recyclable-chemical.html Polymers Thu, 09 Jul 2026 18:00:06 EDT news702801769 The research group of Professor Kotohiro Nomura, Tokyo Metropolitan University, in cooperation with the research groups of Senior Researcher Hiroshi Hirano and Director Seiji Higashi of the Osaka Research Institute of Industrial Science and Technology, and Associate Professor Hiroki Takeshita of The University of Shiga Prefecture, has developed biobased poly(ester amide)s from inedible biorenewables that can be easily chemically recycled and exhibit better mechanical (tensile) properties in film than commodity plastics. https://phys.org/news/2026-07-biobased-polymers-excellent-tensile-properties.html Polymers Tue, 07 Jul 2026 00:00:02 EDT news702538064 A new study from the University of Eastern Finland shows that the transition toward a circular plastics economy is hindered by systemic interdependencies and internal contradictions within ecosystems. https://phys.org/news/2026-07-reveals-barriers-circular-plastics-transition.html Environment Fri, 03 Jul 2026 12:00:01 EDT news702210258 Newcastle University researchers have demonstrated that plastic bottles attached to fishing nets can help dolphins detect and avoid being caught and killed in the deadly gear. https://phys.org/news/2026-07-discarded-plastic-bottles-dolphins-fishing.html Plants & Animals Thu, 02 Jul 2026 19:00:01 EDT news702217487 In the world of market competition, having the best and brightest package could send company sales into the millions. On the other hand, the amount of colored plastic waste increases, adding to the growing challenge of recycling it. https://phys.org/news/2026-07-plastic-recycling-downgrading.html Polymers Thu, 02 Jul 2026 18:30:04 EDT news702230521 As part of their marketing strategy, many companies send public relations packages full of curated products to social media influencers, who film themselves opening the gifts on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. https://phys.org/news/2026-06-explores-environmental-perceptions-pr-gifts.html Economics & Business Thu, 25 Jun 2026 11:20:06 EDT news701597401 A new "prescription for the planet" aims to address the deepening environmental crisis. https://phys.org/news/2026-06-prescription-environmental-crisis.html Environment Tue, 23 Jun 2026 21:20:01 EDT news701447161 In the future, microorganisms could help return hard-to-recycle plastics to the recycling loop. Nick Wierckx, a molecular biologist at Jülich, explains the opportunities offered by biological recycling processes and the challenges of a truly circular economy. https://phys.org/news/2026-06-qa-biological-plastic-recycling-raw.html Biotechnology Fri, 19 Jun 2026 12:00:02 EDT news701086621 Tourism businesses across Aotearoa New Zealand are working to become more sustainable, but a new study shows the process is complex and rarely straightforward. The research, based on in-depth interviews, data analysis and site visits with established tourism operators across the country, examines how businesses move from good intentions to more sustainable ways of working. https://phys.org/news/2026-06-tourism-firms-complex-path-sustainability.html Economics & Business Wed, 17 Jun 2026 23:00:01 EDT news700914882