The research group of professor Shiro Saka at the Dept. of Socio-Environmental Energy Science, Graduate School of Energy Science, Kyoto University (Kyoto, Japan; www.ecs.energy.kyoto-u.ac.jp) has developed a new process that efficiently produces bioethanol from non-edible lignocellulose resources, without generating carbon…
Mixtures of rare-earth metals (REMs) are notoriously difficult to separate, but a team of researchers from Harvard University (Cambridge, Ma.; www.seas.harvard.edu) has developed a method for efficiently extracting REMs with a high level of selectivity. By taking advantage of the…
The main mineral component of our bones and teeth — hydroxyapatite [HAP; Ca10(OH)2(PO4)6] — has been used by a Chinese team to develop a highly flexible paper with high antibacterial activity. The paper, made from silver nanoparticle-decorated ultra-long HAP nanowires…
Making more ARA Arcadia Biosciences Inc. (Davis, Calif.; www.arcadiabio.com) and Dupont Pioneer (Des Moines, Iowa; www.pioneer.com) recently completed field-trial validation for new safflower plants that produce high levels of arachidonic acid (ARA) oil, a high-value, specialty nutritional oil. The field…
Nature-inspired surfaces are being developed that are not only highly repellent to water, but are even superomniphobic Although hydrophobic materials have been in use for many years, advances in nanotechnology are causing a revolution in the coatings and surface-treatment field.…
Polylactic acid (PLA) is a versatile biopolymer, but its applications are somewhat limited due to its brittleness. Now, an alternative bio-based composite material has been developed that overcomes this limitation. Developed by the industry-university consortium of Hitachi Zosen Corp. (HITZ;…
This article examines the measures — both global and local — that chemical processors are taking to instill sustainability into everyday operations Although discussions about sustainability in the chemical process industries (CPI) are usually geared toward making processes more environmentally…
A proprietary technology and patented process from GreenMantra Technologies (Brantford, Ont., Canada; www.greenmantra.ca) that produces synthetic waxes from underutilized plastic recycling streams, including films and bags, has reached commercialization. The company’s first industrial-scale manufacturing plant started up in May, and…
The CPI requires more innovative and comfortable chemical-resistant clothing, goggles and gloves to protect workers The purpose of chemical protective clothing (CPC) is to shield and protect workers from chemicals. However, explains Sally J. Smart, a Certified Safety Professional and…
Scientists from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL; Livermore, Calif.; www.llnl.gov) have combined biology and 3-D printing to create the first reactor that can continuously produce methanol from methane at room temperature and pressure. The team removed enzymes from methanotrophs —…