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. Feelings of despair at the state of the world can be overwhelming. Social and environmental problems persist, but political discourse is polarized, divisive and often ineffective. https://phys.org/news/2026-05-nudge-theory-responsibility-big-business.html Economics & Business Mon, 11 May 2026 18:40:01 EDT news697724222 Recycled polyester activewear and swimwear are now everywhere. Major global brands sell leggings, swimsuits and puffer jackets with labels that claim they're "made from recycled plastic bottles." Millions of people buy these products believing they're making a more sustainable choice. https://phys.org/news/2026-04-recycled-polyester-leggings-sustainable.html Environment Tue, 28 Apr 2026 10:40:01 EDT news696588122 With nearly 400 years under its cork, glass is still the top choice for consumers when it comes to packaging preferences for wine, but sustainability concerns may open the way to other container types, a study by food science and economics researchers has found. https://phys.org/news/2026-04-glass-dethroned-wine-packaging-unbox.html Economics & Business Thu, 23 Apr 2026 07:00:03 EDT news696140702 With the aim to precisely understand its function, researchers from the Inorganic Chemistry Department and Interface Science Department of the Fritz Haber Institute, together with colleagues from the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Energy Conversion, investigated the Cu/ZnO/Al₂O₃ catalyst system used for industrial methanol production during reaction conditions. They found that the dynamic, temperature-sensitive nature of the Cu-ZnO interaction is the key to its function—opening up new avenues for rationally improving this process. Their findings are published in Nature Catalysis. https://phys.org/news/2026-04-catalyst-reveals-temperature-driven-shifts.html Analytical Chemistry Wed, 22 Apr 2026 15:00:05 EDT news696078782 Researchers at the University of Bayreuth have discovered a new class of polymers as part of the work carried out within the Collaborative Research Center (CRC) 1357 Microplastics. These polymers are characterized by biodegradable and recyclable properties and can also be processed in a more sustainable way. The researchers report their findings in the journal Small. https://phys.org/news/2026-04-discovery-polymer-class-compostable-alternative.html Polymers Wed, 22 Apr 2026 12:40:04 EDT news696075541 Antimicrobial resistance is becoming a global burden in human health and food production, so affordable new materials are needed to overcome this growing problem. To answer the call, a multidisciplinary research team led by Flinders University with U.K. experts has discovered a novel solution for safe and effective use in antimicrobial and antifungal applications. https://phys.org/news/2026-04-breakthrough-sulfur-polymer-dangerous-fungi.html Polymers Tue, 21 Apr 2026 13:00:13 EDT news695986546 Among the various plastic recycling methods being explored, one promising approach is biological plastic recycling, also known as biorecycling, which utilizes enzymes or microorganisms to break down polymer molecules. One group of enzymes attracting attention is microbial cutinases. These enzymes are naturally produced by bacteria and fungi to degrade the waxy outer layer of plants, known as the cuticle. Because they can act on similar chemical bonds, they are considered promising for recycling poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), a plastic used in bottles and synthetic fibers. https://phys.org/news/2026-04-enzyme-reveals-plastic-recycling.html Polymers Mon, 20 Apr 2026 12:20:05 EDT news695903101 Conflicts of interest and unclear responsibilities are hampering efforts to recover lost and illegally discarded fishing gear in the Baltic Sea. Despite EU and regional measures, progress on tackling "ghost gear" pollution has stalled, according to a new study published in Maritime Studies. The authors, including RIFS researcher Ben Boteler, call for stronger cross-sectoral coordination and clearer mandates. https://phys.org/news/2026-04-gaps-baltic-sea-ghost-gear.html Environment Wed, 15 Apr 2026 21:40:01 EDT news695493122 The Environmental Protection Agency is reconsidering whether facilities that recycle plastic chemically should be held to the same strict air pollution standards as incinerators. https://phys.org/news/2026-04-epa-ease-chemical-plastic-recycling.html Environment Wed, 15 Apr 2026 09:40:03 EDT news695464497 Rhodium is one of the most powerful catalytic metals known to chemistry. Small amounts of it can drive reactions that produce millions of tons of useful chemicals every year. But getting rhodium to work well—quickly, selectively, and without degrading—depends heavily on the ligands surrounding it. https://phys.org/news/2026-04-scientists-arsenic-lined-crystal-pore.html Analytical Chemistry Sun, 12 Apr 2026 17:00:01 EDT news695035888 A new University at Buffalo study finds that people in the United States generate similar amounts of plastic packaging waste regardless of income, education level or where they live. Yet wealthier and more college-educated communities are much more likely to recycle soda bottles, takeout containers and other plastic packaging. Why? It's complicated, but the study, published in Communications Sustainability, suggests that unequal access to recycling infrastructure plays a key role. https://phys.org/news/2026-04-doesnt-recycle-plastic-lack-access.html Environment Wed, 08 Apr 2026 05:00:03 EDT news694795321 In a high-end fashion store or luxury car showroom, the term "vegan leather" sends a strong message of quality. For many shoppers, it promises the look and feel of real leather without using animal skins. As brands move away from animal leather, "vegan" has come to suggest something that is both kinder to animals and better for the planet. https://phys.org/news/2026-04-vegan-leather-isnt-sustainable-ecofriendly.html Materials Science Tue, 07 Apr 2026 20:50:02 EDT news694775117 A breakthrough method for chemically recycling acrylic—one of the world's most widely used plastics—has been developed by researchers at the University of Bath. In contrast to conventional mechanical recycling, this method uses lower temperatures and sustainable solvents without losing material quality, meaning the plastic can be recycled many times over with minimal environmental impact. https://phys.org/news/2026-04-uv-method-recycling-acrylic-plastics.html Polymers Thu, 02 Apr 2026 15:20:05 EDT news694351321 The world is struggling to deal with ever-growing quantities of waste. A new World Bank Group report, What a Waste 3.0, shows that more than 2.6 billion tonnes of municipal solid waste (which includes rubbish from households, businesses and street cleaning) were generated in 2022. That figure is projected to rise to 3.9 billion tonnes by 2050. The good news is that the share of waste that is mismanaged is expected to fall over that period, from around 30% to around 20%. https://phys.org/news/2026-03-world-mountain-alarming.html Environment Sun, 29 Mar 2026 13:00:03 EDT news693655056 Today's nearly $70 billion U.S. biofuels economy is powered by two technology toolboxes. Biochemical technologies—used to produce around 17 billion gallons of ethanol annually—leverage microorganisms to convert plant biomass sugars into alcohols, other biofuels, or chemicals. Chemical technologies, the second toolbox, use catalysts to turn biomass and wastes into similar target products. https://phys.org/news/2026-03-cells-chemicals-enzymes.html Biotechnology Fri, 27 Mar 2026 22:30:01 EDT news693835350 Potentially harmful chemicals can contaminate untreated water used in recycling plants to clean plastics before they're processed into new products, according to a new study by an Iowa State University research group. Researchers from Iowa State's Polymer and Food Protection Consortium tested common industrial plastic-washing practices and found that some methods left the wash water with high levels of two types of phthalates—a class of widely used additives linked to cancer risks and hormone disruptions related to reproduction and development, especially in children. https://phys.org/news/2026-03-plastic-recycling-spike-phthalates-wastewater.html Environment Wed, 25 Mar 2026 15:40:02 EDT news693671762 Billions of dirty diapers end up buried or burned every year in Japan—more from seniors than babies—but a recycling breakthrough has given them a new lease on life, one hot mess at a time. https://phys.org/news/2026-03-dirty-diapers-born-japan-recycling.html Environment Wed, 25 Mar 2026 05:40:02 EDT news693634560 Hawaii has a plastic problem. The island state faces economic and logistical challenges in recycling plastic waste, including marine debris that lingers in its ocean waters. Researchers in Hawaii are pioneering a method to recycle the islands' derelict fishing nets and residential plastic trash into asphalt roads. Early demonstrations show that these recycled materials may provide a viable end-of-life fate for the region's garbage. https://phys.org/news/2026-03-hawaii-asphalt-recycled-plastics-fishing.html Materials Science Sun, 22 Mar 2026 05:00:01 EDT news693124078 Researchers at the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory have invented a reusable adhesive from waste polymers that is tougher than commercial glues, works underwater as well as in dry environments, and bonds a variety of materials, including wood, glass, metal, paper and polymers. https://phys.org/news/2026-03-mussel-recycled-plastics-detached-reused.html Polymers Sat, 21 Mar 2026 13:00:08 EDT news692964017 Despite polyethylene terephthalate (PET) being one of the most widely recycled plastics, only about 20% of used PET bottles are actually recovered as high-quality raw materials. The majority are transformed into lower-grade fibers or fillers before eventually being discarded. Addressing this gap, researchers at UNIST have developed a novel chemical recycling process that not only restores PET to its original high-grade form but also produces valuable chemicals and clean hydrogen, all under mild conditions. https://phys.org/news/2026-03-recycling-method-pet-high-quality.html Polymers Fri, 20 Mar 2026 13:30:04 EDT news693231541 In a new study, scientists from the universities of Portsmouth and Manchester report that a specially engineered enzyme can significantly speed up the breakdown of PET—the plastic used in water bottles, food packaging and polyester clothing—when it is processed at high concentrations similar to those used in industry. The findings are published in the journal Bioresource Technology. https://phys.org/news/2026-03-plastic-fusion-enzyme-polyester-textile.html Biochemistry Fri, 20 Mar 2026 13:20:01 EDT news693221906 Hungry gulls do not only steal our chips and sandwiches. They learn our habits, and look for reliable sources of food. That includes waste treatment centers, landfill or anywhere food waste is concentrated. Many gull populations have moved inland from the coast to exploit these sources of food. https://phys.org/news/2026-03-birds-plastic-pollution.html Ecology Thu, 19 Mar 2026 19:10:06 EDT news693141180 Researchers at the University of St Andrews have unveiled two breakthrough techniques for chemically recycling and upcycling nitrile‑rubber products, such as disposable gloves, seals, and industrial parts, into new materials that are also capable of capturing carbon dioxide. https://phys.org/news/2026-03-scientists-rubber-materials-capture.html Polymers Wed, 18 Mar 2026 17:40:02 EDT news693064441 Scientists have developed a new material that can use sunlight and water to convert carbon dioxide (CO₂) into carbon monoxide (CO)—a key building block for making fuels, plastics, pharmaceuticals and other everyday chemicals. The finding could support the development of future technologies that recycle greenhouse gases to make fuels and useful chemicals more sustainably, using nothing more than light and water. https://phys.org/news/2026-03-material-approach-carbon-dioxide-conversion.html Analytical Chemistry Tue, 17 Mar 2026 19:40:03 EDT news692978401 Jie Wu, an engineering graduate student, was studying a type of striking white beetle found in Southeast Asia and attempting to figure out how to mimic its brilliant color when an unexpected discovery upended the experiment. https://phys.org/news/2026-03-biodegradable-plantbased-packaging-natural-fibers.html Materials Science Tue, 17 Mar 2026 12:40:01 EDT news692969582 Turning waste into wealth may no longer be just a marketing slogan, as a team of researchers in China has found an eco-friendly way to do exactly that. The abundant sunlight our planet receives was put to use for transforming polystyrene waste, one of the world's largest plastic polluters, into useful chemicals that can help advance the semiconductor industry. By adding elemental sulfur (S₈), they converted the plastic waste into two useful molecules: 2,4-diphenylthiophene and 1,3,5-triphenylbenzene. The first can be transformed into materials used in optoelectronics and high-performance semiconductors, while the second has a unique, rigid planar structure that makes it a great building block for creating advanced functional materials. https://phys.org/news/2026-03-solar-energy-polystyrene-valuable-chemicals.html Polymers Tue, 17 Mar 2026 08:10:01 EDT news692888889 Biodegradable plastics could help alleviate the plastic waste crisis that is polluting the environment and harming our health. But how long plastics take to degrade and how environmental bacteria work together to break them down is still largely unknown. https://phys.org/news/2026-03-ocean-bacteria-team-biodegradable-plastic.html Environment Mon, 16 Mar 2026 13:20:05 EDT news692882461 A drug to treat Parkinson's disease can be made from waste plastic bottles using a pioneering method, a study shows. The approach harnesses the power of bacteria to transform post-consumer plastic into L-DOPA, a frontline medication for the neurological disorder. It is the first time a natural, biological process has been engineered to turn plastic waste into a therapeutic for a neurological disease, researchers say. https://phys.org/news/2026-03-plastic-bottles-parkinson-drug-bacteria.html Cell & Microbiology Mon, 16 Mar 2026 06:00:03 EDT news692627939 Plastic is one of the most durable materials humans have ever made. That durability has made it indispensable in medicine, food packaging and transport. But it's also created one of the defining environmental problems we have faced. https://phys.org/news/2026-03-plastic-vinegar-sunlightpowered-breakthrough.html Polymers Sat, 14 Mar 2026 16:00:01 EDT news692529457 After years of research, international experts have confirmed the discovery of a new chemical reaction, launching new opportunities for rapid advances in a range of fields—from recycled plastics to pharmaceuticals. In the article, "Spontaneous Trisulfide Metathesis in Polar Aprotic Solvents" in Nature Chemistry, the interdisciplinary team explore how sulfur-sulfur bonds can be formed and broken rapidly and cleanly at room temperature, opening new avenues for drug development, biotech and protein science, and chemical and material science. https://phys.org/news/2026-03-plastics-pharmaceuticals-discovery-chain-reactions.html Polymers Fri, 13 Mar 2026 06:00:04 EDT news692538061