Did you know that plastic waste can take hundreds of years to break down? That's why scientists are on the hunt for better solutions. One promising find is polyhydroxybutyrate, or PHB, a biodegradable polymer made by microbes. Mexico, with its diverse microbial world, is a hotspot for these tiny hel
Ever wondered why leaf beetle larvae prefer to munch on old leaves while their parents enjoy fresh ones? Scientists found that these tiny creatures have a secret weapon: bacteria-borrowed genes. These genes help the larvae break down cellulose, a tough fiber found in mature leaves. Without these gen
Did you know that some plastics can soak up heavy metals like a sponge? Biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) mulch is designed to replace conventional polyethylene (PE) mulch in farming. The goal? To cut down on plastic waste and microplastics in soil. But it turns out, these tiny plastic bits can al
Researchers have come up with a smart new way to figure out how much coastal cliffs are eroding. They combined data from drones, satellites, and laser measurements to see how bad the erosion is. This method helps us understand both natural wear and tear on cliffs and damage to protective structures
Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, has a clear view: life on Earth has improved in many ways over the past 50 years. Things like infant deaths, global literacy, and poverty rates have all gone down. But there's a big exception: the natural world. It's been hurt by pollution and overuse. Amazon, Bezo
Scientists are exploring a new angle in the mystery of brain diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. These diseases often show up late in life and cause problems with how your brain works. Both diseases have something in common: they cause your brain to get inflamed. So far, some studies have hi
Imagine using tiny, harmless algae to fight tough bacteria and clean up polluted water. Scientists are exploring this idea by making tiny silver particles, called nano-particles, using algae. These particles can kill tough, drug-resistant bacteria and help break down harmful dyes in wastewater. One
Golf superstar Jhonattan Vegas recently made a big comeback. He won the 3M Open after a long break due to injuries. But who's behind the scenes, supporting him all the way? Meet Hildegard Struppek, Vegas' wife. They've been together since 2013 and have two kids, Louis and Sharlene. Hildegard isn't
Scientists have found a clever way to turn a natural compound into a tool for fighting cancer. This compound, called Oridonin, can help in the design of new drugs called PROTACs. PROTACs are like tiny agents that can hunt and destroy specific proteins in cancer cells. So, what makes Oridonin specia
Hexafluoropropylene oxide trimer acid, or HFPO-TA, is a newer option replacing traditional PFASs. It's tough to break down and can harm living things, hence the search for better ways to tackle it. One method that stands out is using UV light with sulfite and iodide. This mix can break down HFPO-TA
