Saving our oceans: Novel plastic material biodegrades in ocean water
Around the planet, evidence of plastic pollution stretches from grocery bags in the deep sea to microplastics in our food supplies.
The Brighter Side of News features good news, compassionate news and inspirational news from around the world
Sign up for the Brighter Side of News newsletter
Joshua Shavit
- Sep 24
Scientists create an eco-friendly battery made from an unexpected source — crab shells
Accelerating demand for renewable energy and electric vehicles is sparking a high demand for the batteries that store generated energy
Joseph Shavit
- Sep 14
Print, recycle, repeat: Scientists demonstrate a biodegradable printed circuit
According to the UN, less than a quarter of all U.S. electronic waste gets recycled. In 2021, global e-waste surged at 57.5 million tons.
Joshua Shavit
- Aug 16
Silk offers an alternative to some microplastics
Microplastics, tiny particles of plastic that are now found worldwide in the air, water, and soil, are increasingly recognized.
Joseph Shavit
- May 25
Gamechanging process breaks down plastics using only UV light
Scientists at Bath found that incorporating sugar units into polymers makes them more degradable when exposed to UV light
Joseph Shavit
- Feb 18
Using sunlight to convert oil spills into seawater
Researchers discovered that 10% of the oil floating on the Gulf after the Deepwater Horizon disaster was dissolved into seawater by sunlight
Joseph Shavit
- Feb 14
Protein-based plastics could save the oceans
A research team has now introduced a new method for the production of protein-based plastics that are easily processable and biodegradable.
Joseph Shavit
- Jan 5
Seaweed based biodegradable material designed "to make packaging disappear"
Sustainable startup Notpla has created an edible, biodegradable packaging made from seaweed and plants that was designed to replace plastic.
Joseph Shavit
- Dec 30, 2021
New 'smart' bacteria-killing packaging keeps food fresh
Researchers developed a ‘smart’ food packaging material that is biodegradable, sustainable and kills microbes that are harmful to humans.
Joseph Shavit
- Dec 15, 2021
Bugs and microbes around the world are evolving to eat plastic, study finds
The number of microbial enzymes with the ability to degrade plastic is growing, in correlation with local levels of plastic pollution.
Joshua Shavit
- Sep 18, 2021
Using bacteria to build eco-friendly construction materials
Researchers are investigating whether the natural properties of bacteria could help in developing a new type of biodegradable plasterboard.