All articles tagged with #polystyrene
Aarhus University researchers upcycled discarded polystyrene into a solid amine-based carbon-capture material that works at both smokestack CO2 concentrations and ambient air; a two‑step bromination (gold catalyst) and amination (copper catalyst) builds a tunable porous structure, showing potential to derive carbon-capture materials from waste plastics, though energy use and performance trade-offs remain.
A mouse study found that polystyrene microplastics can accumulate in macrophages and disrupt their ability to engulf dead cells and pathogens, impairing infection clearance in the lungs. While microplastics are detected in many tissues, there is not yet clear evidence of direct human health effects; researchers caution about potential links to inflammation and cardiovascular issues and plan further human studies to assess relevance to human health.
Researchers at NYU created a hand-sized time crystal from styrofoam beads that levitate on a bed of sound; the beads interact to harvest energy from the waves and set their own rhythm, a non-Newtonian behavior with potential practical applications and deeper insights into clock-like dynamics.
Nissin, the maker of Cup Noodles, has announced that it will be updating the design of its iconic product in 2024, replacing the polystyrene packaging with paper, making it microwaveable. This revelation has caused confusion among consumers who have been microwaving Cup Noodles despite the label clearly stating not to do so. Microwaving polystyrene can release harmful substances into the food, and it can also compromise the structural integrity of the container. The new packaging will be more environmentally friendly, made with recycled fiber and without plastic wraps. Additionally, the new design will eliminate the need for boiling water, reducing the heating time.