Germ-killing, wound-healing, low-cost bandage made from durian husks

Although not a huge seller everywhere, durian fruit is consumed in great quantities in countries like Singapore. Scientists there have now developed a method of using its otherwise-discarded husks to create cheap, eco-friendly, antibacterial hydrogel b… Continue reading Germ-killing, wound-healing, low-cost bandage made from durian husks

Photosynthetic printing material gets stronger with exposure to light

As a seedling matures into a tree, its trunk and branches become stiffer and stronger. Scientists have now replicated this effect in a photosynthesis-assisted 3D-printing ink, made partially from spinach.Continue ReadingCategory: 3D Printing, Technolog… Continue reading Photosynthetic printing material gets stronger with exposure to light

Recyclable alternative to Styrofoam made from paper waste

It’s an unfortunate fact that many “cold chain” items such as food or medicine are shipped in single-use Styrofoam packaging, which is non-biodegradable and difficult to recycle. Such is not the case with a new material, however, which is made from dis… Continue reading Recyclable alternative to Styrofoam made from paper waste

Cellulose wound dressing uses peptides to kill bacteria

Although it’s vitally important to keep wounds free of harmful bacteria, antibacterial ointments have to be regularly reapplied, requiring bandages to be removed. A new wound dressing, however, is claimed to continuously kill bacteria all on its own.Co… Continue reading Cellulose wound dressing uses peptides to kill bacteria

Nanocellulose used to remove microplastics from water

While no one likes seeing plastic waste floating in our waterways, tiny unseen “microplastic” particles are also a threat to the aquatic environment – and to human health. A new study now suggests that a material known as nanocellulose could be used to… Continue reading Nanocellulose used to remove microplastics from water

Aerogel quickly and cheaply purifies water – by turning it to steam

By converting liquid salt water – or tainted water – into steam, it’s possible to obtain pure, clean drinking water. Doing so could soon be cheaper and easier than ever, thanks to a newly developed material.Continue ReadingCategory: Good Thinking, Life… Continue reading Aerogel quickly and cheaply purifies water – by turning it to steam

Another possible use for coffee grounds: Biodegradable plastic

We’ve been hearing more and more about eco-friendly biodegradable plastics, made from cellulose nanofibers. Although those fibers are typically harvested from wood waste, new research shows that they could also be obtained from mega-plentiful used coff… Continue reading Another possible use for coffee grounds: Biodegradable plastic

Swiss tech boosts cellulose content in 3D-printed objects

A type of natural polymer, cellulose is the main component of plant cell walls, and it’s increasingly been finding use as an eco-friendly, biocompatible 3D-printing material. Now, scientists have devised a method of printing complex objects with a high… Continue reading Swiss tech boosts cellulose content in 3D-printed objects

Coffee Makes 3D Printing Better

While we know some 3D printer operators who need coffee, Washington State University is showing an improved PLA material that incorporates used coffee waste. Regular PLA is not known for being especially strong, though It isn’t uncommon for vendors to add things to their PLA to change its characteristics.

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