We welcome submissions on this themed collection of Biomimetic functional Materials, Devices and Systems guest-edited by Ajay Kottapalli, Virgilio Mattoli and…
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Fossil-free plastics production to start with sustainable polymer tech
World’s first industrial-scale fossil-free plastics production complex to be built in Belgium.
The world’s first industrial-scale fossil-free plastics production facility is set to be established in Belgium. The facility will use Lummus’ proven sustainable polymer technology. Vioneo has Lummus as its facility’s polypropylene partner.
The complex will also be highly electrified using renewable electricity and use renewable hydrogen as key components to its operations.
The company claimed that plastics produced will be fully traceable and CO2 negative, allowing customers to reduce their Scope 3 emissions.
Apollo 17 samples reveal new clues to ancient lunar landslide mystery
Moon’s time capsule: Apollo-era rock core sample tells tale of ancient landslide.
NASA intentionally set aside a significant portion of this haul for future study, a decision now paying off.
The rock core was studied using advanced micro-CT scanning to analyze its contents in fine detail, an imaging technology that didn’t exist when the samples were first brought back.
The new research focused on clasts, fragments broken off from the mountain during the landslide.
US’ secret, unmanned military space plane to embark on new mission
US secret military space plane to embark on new mission with undisclosed goal.
Developed by Boeing, the uncrewed spacecraft is used by the U.S. military to conduct experiments in high and low Earth orbits.
Boeing earlier claimed that the space plane is equipped with state-of-the-art technologies that provide exceptional performance and durability. Its modular design allows for a wide range of experiments and missions, making it a versatile and valuable asset in space exploration.
While it looks like a smaller version of the now-retired space shuttle, the X-37B can’t get into orbit without a boost. For this upcoming mission, it’s hitching a ride on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket inside the rocket’s fairing, a protective enclosure made of carbon composite that keeps it safe during the launch until it’s ready to be released into orbit, reported ABC News.
Injection-based drug delivery may replace cancer infusion drips
New delivery method lets cancer patients skip IVs, self-inject protein drugs at home.
Patients with cancer, autoimmune diseases, and metabolic disorders often endure hours-long intravenous infusions.
These treatments involve protein-based drugs, which must be given in high doses but remain stable only at low concentrations. Until now, IV infusions were the only option.
A Stanford research team has developed a delivery platform that changes this. The method allows protein drugs to be concentrated at far higher levels without losing stability.
The hidden chain of errors behind modern plane crashes revealed
Why modern planes still crash, and how each tragedy reshapes aviation safety.
Why don’t planes crash as often anymore? Because every wreckage becomes tomorrow’s blueprint for safer skies.
Austrian hook-and-loop fastener to cut building repair costs
What the hook? 3D-printed joints cut repair costs, prevent construction waste.
Scientists in Austria have developed a new hook-and-loop fastening system that has the potential to dramatically reduce construction waste and make buildings easier to adapt, repair, and reuse.
The innovative component was designed by an interdisciplinary research team at the Graz University of Technology (TU Graz) in the Austrian province of Styria as part of the ReCon project.
Inspired by Velcro, the original hook-and-loop fastener invented in 1948 by Swiss engineer George de Mestral, the novel product enables structural components to be securely connected and easily separated when needed.
