Burned as waste for years, this overlooked plant material is poised to reshape how nylon gets made
Most people have seen nylon listed as a material on their clothing tags, but nylon is used in an array of other products, too, including automotive parts, wire insulation and medical supplies. Unfortunately, one of the building blocks of nylon, adipic acid, is produced from petroleum-derived benzene through energy-intensive processes and has a rather high carbon footprint. However, there may be a better way to produce this ubiquitous polymer.
The science section covers breakthroughs in medicine, physics, biology, and technology. We surface discoveries that expand what humanity can do, from new treatments reaching clinical trials to engineering feats that seemed impossible a decade ago. Every link goes to the original publisher so you can read the full study or press release yourself.
An exhibition examining how moths adapt to environmental changes has opened in Kestle Barton.
Scientists have discovered that a gene normally considered a DNA-protecting "good guy" can become dangerous when cells m…
A surprising new study suggests the earliest primates didn't originate in tropical forests but in cold, dry parts of Nor…
Genes are not passed on exclusively from parents to their offspring. Some are mobile and can also jump to other species,…