Genetically Engineered Wood as Strong as Aluminum Cuts Carbon in Construction

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This Week’s Top 5 News Articles

🏗️ Genetically Engineered Wood as Strong as Aluminum Cuts Carbon in Construction

🧪 New Tech Zaps 'Forever Chemicals' in Seconds with Zero Emissions

⛽️ Researchers Develop Eco-Friendly Fuel from Captured CO2

🫧 Scientists Use 3D Imaging to Develop Biodegradable Plastics from Microplastics

📲 Quick, Easy Microplastic Detection Now Possible with New Technology

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Genetically Engineered Wood as Strong as Aluminum Cuts Carbon in Construction LINK

• University of Maryland researchers genetically engineered poplar wood with 13% less lignin, creating wood as strong as aluminum without harmful chemical treatments, offering a sustainable alternative for construction.

• This method reduces the need for energy-intensive processes and harmful chemicals, lowering the carbon footprint of wood production while enhancing its strength and durability.

• The breakthrough could be applied to other trees like pine, expanding sustainable building materials and supporting eco-friendly construction practices that reduce reliance on traditional materials like steel.

New Tech Zaps 'Forever Chemicals' in Seconds with Zero Emissions LINK 

• Startup 6K has developed a plasma-based technology called UniMelt that can destroy harmful "forever chemicals" (PFAS) in just two seconds using extreme heat and UV light.

• The technology is versatile and modular, offering potential applications for cleaning contaminated water, firefighting foam, and industrial sites like semiconductor plants.

• 6K aims to sign its first commercial development partner by year-end, offering a scalable solution for PFAS destruction without emissions, addressing a critical environmental issue.

Researchers Develop Eco-Friendly Fuel from Captured CO2 LINK

• Tokyo researchers created an efficient electrochemical cell that converts bicarbonate into formate fuel using a porous membrane design.

• The cell achieves 85% efficiency and runs for over 30 hours without needing pressurized CO2.

• This innovation could turn captured carbon into green fuel, aiding the fight against climate change.

Scientists Use 3D Imaging to Develop Biodegradable Plastics from Microplastics LINK

• University of Waterloo researchers used 3D imaging, like a CT scan, to observe how microplastics degrade, providing unprecedented insights into their breakdown.

• They used UV light and a titanium oxide catalyst to examine plastic degradation, which could lead to better recycling methods.

• The team is developing biocycling methods where bacteria ingest microplastics and excrete biodegradable materials for reuse in products like plastic bags.

Quick, Easy Microplastic Detection Now Possible with New Technology LINK 

• UBC researchers created a portable device to quickly detect microplastics in water using a smartphone app and microscope.

• Microplastics in tap and bottled water raise concerns about health risks and chemical exposure.

• This tool highlights the need for better filtration and biodegradable packaging to reduce plastic pollution.