Water-activated paper battery may lead to greener disposable tech

Although it’s always best to reuse and recycle, many small, simple, low-power electronic devices tend to be single-use. A new paper battery could make them more eco-friendly, as it’s activated by water, and it biodegrades once discarded.Continue Readin… Continue reading Water-activated paper battery may lead to greener disposable tech

Water-activated paper battery may lead to greener disposable tech

Although it’s always best to reuse and recycle, many small, simple, low-power electronic devices tend to be single-use. A new paper battery could make them more eco-friendly, as it’s activated by water, and it biodegrades once discarded.Continue Readin… Continue reading Water-activated paper battery may lead to greener disposable tech

MIT’s silk capsules aim to take a bite out of microplastic pollution

Microplastics are a growing environmental problem, but a new study could help cut out a decent chunk of them. The authors showed that silk could be a biodegradable replacement for microbeads and plastic particles that are often added to cosmetics, pain… Continue reading MIT’s silk capsules aim to take a bite out of microplastic pollution

Plant-based plastic strong as PET, degrades into sugars in the environment

Plastics are tough and versatile materials, which is great when they’re in use but not so good when they end up in the environment. Scientists at EPFL have now developed a new PET-like plastic material derived from waste plant matter that can be chemic… Continue reading Plant-based plastic strong as PET, degrades into sugars in the environment

Eco-friendlier cement made from sludge and urine

The production of traditional Portland cement is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions, as the ingredients have to be heated to very high temperatures. Such is not the case with a new biocement, however, which also incorporates waste materials.Con… Continue reading Eco-friendlier cement made from sludge and urine

Algae energy harvester powers electronics for a year on its own

As the number of electronic devices grows, we’re going to have to get creative with our energy sources. Cambridge researchers have now demonstrated how an algae energy harvester can use sunlight to power a microprocessor for over a year without any hum… Continue reading Algae energy harvester powers electronics for a year on its own

Scientists boost the mosquito-killing effect of natural clove oil

The best method of limiting the transmission of mosquito-borne diseases is to kill the mosquito larvae, but doing so often involves the use of synthetic insecticides. A new study now suggests a method of improving the effectiveness of a cheaper, longer… Continue reading Scientists boost the mosquito-killing effect of natural clove oil

Freezable hydrogel offers a reusable alternative to ice cubes

When it comes to keeping things cold, ice cubes are hard to beat … although the things do melt, never to be used again. Scientists have set about addressing that limitation, with reusable water-based “jelly ice cubes” that hold their shape at all tempe… Continue reading Freezable hydrogel offers a reusable alternative to ice cubes

Plant-based biodegradable glitter sparkles without the microplastics

Glitter spruces up everything from makeup to craft projects, but one thing it doesn’t improve is the environment. Researchers at Cambridge University have now developed a biodegradable glitter that swaps out the plastic and aluminum for plant-based cel… Continue reading Plant-based biodegradable glitter sparkles without the microplastics

Old wind turbine blades may find use in “green” stand-up paddleboards

Although stand-up paddleboards are very eco-friendly to use, they’re typically made of not-so-green substances. German scientists are trying to change that, with a board made entirely of sustainable materials – obtained partially from old wind turbine … Continue reading Old wind turbine blades may find use in “green” stand-up paddleboards