Common bacteria could turn plastic waste into painkillers, study finds
Scientists have discovered that a strain of common faecal bacteria can convert plastic waste into the drug paracetamol, a finding that could lead to new recycling methods.
Exposure to tiny plastic fragments, called microplastics, is linked to a range of health issues, like hormonal disruption and several types of cancer.
Scientists have been experimenting with various methods to sustainably recycle plastic waste. Of the methods they have tested, the use of bacteria and their enzymes to produce desirable small molecules from plastic waste has shown promise.
Microbes have a 'toolbox' of highly active chemicals integral to their metabolism which scientists hope to harness for the production of a range of industrial small molecules.
Using microbes and their metabolic chemicals in different industries could lower the existing chemical manufacturing routes that heavily rely on diminishing fossil fuels.
Scientists have found that a type of chemical reaction which takes place in living cells can be catalysed by phosphate molecules present in the gut bacteria E coli, known to cause urinary tract infections and gastric ailments.
This chemical reaction, known as Lossen rearrangement, produces a type of nitrogen-containing organic compound essential for cell metabolism.
'The reaction occurs in vivo, under ambient conditions, is non-toxic to E coli and is catalysed by phosphate in cells,' scientists explained.
In a study published on Sunday in the journal Nature Chemistry, researchers used various methods to degrade polyethylene terephthalate plastic bottles to produce the starting molecule needed for the Lossen rearrangement chemical reaction. They showed that the metabolic process inside cells could then remediate PET.
Researchers revealed this plastic-derived molecule could be used as a starting material for producing paracetamol in E coli with a 92 per cent yield.
This is the first time paracetamol has been produced from E coli using a waste product.
'The Lossen rearrangement substrate can also be synthesised from polyethylene terephthalate and applied to whole-cell biocatalytic reactions and fermentations generating industrial small molecules, including the drug paracetamol,' scientists said.
Researchers hope the new technique could pave the way for a general strategy to remediate and upcycle plastic waste across ecosystems.
They say the method outlined in the study could lead to better metabolic engineering for manufacturing such nitrogen-containing organic chemicals.
Scientists say further research involving different types of bacteria and plastic may generate other useful products.
'Overall, this work expands the available toolbox of metabolic chemistry for small-molecule synthesis,' they wrote.
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The Guardian
3 hours ago
- The Guardian
‘It's something that happens': are we doing enough to save Earth from a devastating asteroid strike?
It is a scenario beloved of Hollywood: a huge asteroid, several miles wide, is on a collision course with Earth. Scientists check and recheck their calculations but there is no mistake – civilisation is facing a cataclysmic end unless the space rock can be deflected. It may sound like science fiction, but it is a threat that is being taken seriously by scientists. Earlier this year, researchers estimated that asteroid YR4 2024 had a 3.1% chance of hitting Earth in 2032, before revising that likelihood down to 0.0017%. This week, new data suggested it was more likely to hit the moon, with a probability of 4.3%. If that happens, the 53- to 67-metre (174ft-220ft) asteroid previously called a 'city killer' will launch hundreds of tonnes of debris towards our planet, posing a risk to satellites, spacecraft and astronauts. Before that, in April 2029, 99942 Apophis – an asteroid larger than the Eiffel Tower – will be visible to the naked eye when it passes within 32,000km of Earth. This attention-grabbing close encounter has prompted the UN to designate 2029 as the international year of planetary defence. When it comes to apocalyptic asteroid strikes, there is precedent, of course. Most scientists believe such an event hastened the demise of non-avian dinosaurs 66m years ago. 'This is something that happens,' said Colin Snodgrass, a professor of planetary astronomy at the University of Edinburgh. 'Not very often, but it is something that happens. And it's something that we could potentially do something about.' As Chris Lintott, a professor of astrophysics at the University of Oxford, told the UK parliament's science, innovation and technology committee this week, the risk posed by an asteroid originating beyond our solar system is minimal. Instead, he said, the greater threat comes from those in our cosmic back yard. 'Most asteroids in the solar system exist in the asteroid belt, which is between Mars and Jupiter, but they become disrupted, usually by encounters with either of those planets, and they can move into orbits that cross the Earth,' said Lintott, who presents the long-running BBC astronomy series The Sky at Night. 'Then it's just a case of whether we're in the wrong place at the wrong time.' The chances of an enormous asteroid – the type that did for the dinosaurs – hitting Earth is admittedly low. 'We think there's one of these every 10m to 100m years, probably,' Lintott told the Guardian. 'So I think you'd be right to ignore that when you decide whether to get up on a Thursday morning or not.' Snodgrass said there were 'precisely four' asteroids big enough and close enough to Earth to be considered 'dino-killers', and added: 'We know where they are, and they're not coming anywhere near us.' But damage can also be done by smaller asteroids. According to Nasa, space rocks measuring about one to 20 metres across collided with Earth's atmosphere resulting in fireballs 556 times over 20 years. Many collisions have occurred over the oceans, but not all. 'Chelyabinsk is the best example,' Lintott said. In 2013, a house-sized space rock – thought to have been about 20 metres across – exploded in the air above the Russian city with a force of nearly 30 Hiroshima bombs, producing an airburst that caused significant damage and hundreds of injuries, mostly from broken glass. Less dramatically, in February 2021 a space rock thought to have been just tens of centimetres across broke up in Earth's atmosphere, with fragments landing in the Cotswold town of Winchcombe in the UK. Thankfully, the damage was confined to a splat mark on a driveway. The types of asteroids we should perhaps be most concerned about are those about 140 metres across. According to Nasa, asteroids around that size are thought to hit Earth about once every 20,000 years and have the potential to cause huge destruction and mass casualties. The space agency has a congressional mandate to detect and track near-Earth objects of this size and larger, and a suite of new technological advances are helping them do just that. On Monday, the first images from the Vera C Rubin observatory in Chile were released to the public. This telescope is expected to more than triple the number of known near-earth objects, from about 37,000 to 127,000, over a 10-year period. In just 10 hours of observations, it found seven previously unspotted asteroids that will pass close to the Earth – though none are expected to hit. Also in the offing, though not planned for launch before 2027, is Nasa's near-Earth object (Neo) surveyor. Armed with an array of infrared detectors, this is 'the first space telescope specifically designed to detect asteroids and comets that may be potential hazards to Earth', the agency says. Lintott said: 'Between those two, we should find everything down to about 140 metres.' He said such observations should give scientists up to 10 years' warning of a potential collision. The European Space Agency (Esa) is planning a near-Earth object mission in the infrared (Neomir) satellite. Slated for launch in the early 2030s, this will help detect asteroids heading towards Earth that are at least 20 metres in diameter and obscured by the sun. Assessing the emerging capabilities, Edward Baker, the planetary defence lead at the UK's National Space Operations Centre (NSpOC) at RAF High Wycombe, said: 'I think we're in a good place. I can't see a situation like [the film] Don't Look Up materialising at all – though I wouldn't mind being portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio.' As our ability to spot near-Earth asteroids increases, Lintott said, we should get used to hearing about asteroids like YR4 2024, which initially seem more likely to hit Earth before the risk rapidly falls towards zero. He described the shifting probabilities as similar to when a footballer takes a free kick. 'The moment they kick it, [it looks like] it could go anywhere,' he said. 'And then as it moves, you get more information. So you're like: 'Oh, it might go in the goal,' and then it inevitably becomes really clear that it's going to miss.' Of course, scientists aren't just monitoring the risks to Earth. They are also making plans to protect it. In 2022, Nasa crashed a spacecraft into a small, harmless asteroid called Dimorphos that orbits a larger rock called Didymos to test whether it would be possible to shift its path. The Dart mission was a success, reducing Dimorphos's 12-hour orbit around Didymos by 32 minutes. In 2024, Esa launched a follow-up to Nasa's Dart mission, called Hera. This will reach Dimorphos in 2026 and carry out a close-up 'crash site investigation'. It will survey the Dart impact crater, probe how effectively momentum was transferred in the collision and record a host of other measurements. Esa hopes this will provide crucial insights that can be used to make deliberate Dart-style impacts a reliable technique for safeguarding Earth. 'Dart was much more effective than anyone expected it to be,' Lintott said. 'And presumably that's something to do with the structure of the asteroid. I think we need to know whether Dart just got lucky with its target, or whether all near-Earth asteroids are like this.' For the most part, scientists say the threat of an asteroid strike does not keep them up at night. 'We're safer than we've ever been and we're about to get a lot safer, because the more of these things we find, the more we can spot them on the way in,' Lintott said. As Esa has quipped on its merchandise: 'Dinosaurs didn't have a space agency.'
Geeky Gadgets
6 hours ago
- Geeky Gadgets
Forget Lithium Batteries : Sodium-Based Fuel Cells Are Here
What if the future of aviation didn't rely on heavy lithium-ion batteries or complex hydrogen systems, but instead on a fuel as simple and abundant as sodium? At MIT, researchers are turning this bold vision into reality with a new sodium-based fuel cell. Capable of achieving energy densities up to five times greater than traditional lithium-ion batteries, this innovation could redefine what's possible for electric aircraft. Imagine a world where long-haul electric flights become not just feasible but efficient, all while contributing to environmental sustainability. Yet, as with any innovative technology, challenges such as power density and scalability loom large, demanding creative solutions and further exploration. In this breakdown, Ziroth uncover how this molten sodium-powered system works, why it holds such promise for aviation, and the hurdles it must overcome to take flight. From its ability to capture carbon dioxide to its dynamic weight-reduction feature, the sodium-based fuel cell offers a glimpse into a cleaner, more efficient future for air travel. But the story is far from complete—questions about environmental impact and thermal management remain unanswered. Could this technology truly transform aviation, or will its limitations ground its potential? Let's explore the possibilities and complexities of this innovative innovation. Sodium Fuel Cell Innovation The Importance of Energy Density in Aviation Energy density is a crucial factor in aviation, directly influencing the range and efficiency of electric aircraft. The sodium-based fuel cell achieves an impressive energy density of 1,000–1,400 Wh/kg, significantly surpassing the 200–300 Wh/kg range of traditional lithium-ion batteries. This four- to fivefold increase could enable electric aircraft to undertake longer flights, meeting one of the aviation industry's most pressing requirements. While increasing the sodium fuel supply can further enhance energy density, it introduces a trade-off: a reduction in power density. Balancing energy storage with power output is a key engineering challenge that must be resolved to make this technology viable for commercial aviation. Addressing this issue will require innovative design solutions and advanced materials to optimize performance without compromising efficiency. The Inner Workings of the Sodium-Based Fuel Cell The sodium-based fuel cell is built around a straightforward yet innovative design, consisting of three primary components: Molten Sodium Fuel: Heated to approximately 100°C (200°F), molten sodium serves as both the fuel and a critical element of the system. Heated to approximately 100°C (200°F), molten sodium serves as both the fuel and a critical element of the system. Beta-Alumina Solid Electrolyte (BASE): This specialized material allows sodium ions to pass through while generating electricity, acting as the core mechanism of the fuel cell. This specialized material allows sodium ions to pass through while generating electricity, acting as the core mechanism of the fuel cell. Porous Nickel-Based Foam Cathode: Assists the electrochemical reactions required to produce power efficiently. During operation, sodium ions migrate through the solid electrolyte, generating electricity as the sodium fuel is consumed. This design eliminates the need for heavy, pressurized hydrogen tanks, offering a lighter and more practical alternative to traditional fuel cells. The simplicity of the system also reduces manufacturing complexity, potentially lowering production costs and improving scalability. MIT Sodium Fuel Cell Explained Watch this video on YouTube. Dive deeper into energy with other articles and guides we have written below. Environmental Impacts and Sustainability One of the most compelling aspects of this technology is its potential environmental benefits. The sodium-based fuel cell produces water and sodium hydroxide as byproducts. Sodium hydroxide reacts with atmospheric carbon dioxide to form sodium bicarbonate, commonly known as baking soda. This reaction offers two notable environmental advantages: Carbon Capture: The process could contribute to reducing carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere, aiding efforts to combat climate change. The process could contribute to reducing carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere, aiding efforts to combat climate change. Ocean Deacidification: By neutralizing excess carbon dioxide, the technology could help mitigate the effects of ocean acidification, a growing environmental concern. However, the localized distribution of these byproducts raises questions about their long-term environmental impact. Further research is essential to evaluate and mitigate any unintended ecological consequences, making sure that the technology aligns with broader sustainability goals. Advantages Over Existing Energy Systems The sodium-based fuel cell offers several distinct advantages compared to current energy storage and generation technologies: No Pressurized Storage: Unlike hydrogen fuel cells, the sodium-based system does not require high-pressure tanks or cryogenic storage, significantly reducing weight and cost. Unlike hydrogen fuel cells, the sodium-based system does not require high-pressure tanks or cryogenic storage, significantly reducing weight and cost. Dynamic Weight Reduction: As the sodium fuel is consumed during operation, the system becomes progressively lighter. This feature mirrors the fuel consumption dynamics of conventional jet engines, enhancing efficiency and performance in aviation applications. These advantages position the sodium-based fuel cell as a promising alternative to lithium-ion batteries and hydrogen fuel cells, particularly for long-range electric flights. Its lightweight design and high energy density could enable electric aircraft to achieve unprecedented levels of efficiency and performance. Challenges and Areas for Improvement Despite its potential, the sodium-based fuel cell faces several technical and practical challenges that must be addressed to enable widespread adoption: Low Power Density: The current prototype achieves a power density of only 40 W/kg, far below the levels required for commercial aviation. Enhancing power density is critical to making the technology competitive with existing systems. The current prototype achieves a power density of only 40 W/kg, far below the levels required for commercial aviation. Enhancing power density is critical to making the technology competitive with existing systems. Thermal Management: Maintaining the molten sodium at operational temperatures requires advanced thermal management systems, adding complexity and potential inefficiencies to the design. Maintaining the molten sodium at operational temperatures requires advanced thermal management systems, adding complexity and potential inefficiencies to the design. Environmental Concerns: While the carbon capture potential is promising, the localized impact of byproducts such as sodium bicarbonate needs thorough evaluation to ensure ecological safety. Overcoming these challenges will require significant advancements in materials science, engineering, and environmental research. Collaborative efforts between academia, industry, and government will be essential to accelerate the development and deployment of this promising technology. Applications and Commercialization Efforts The sodium-based fuel cell holds significant promise for the aviation industry, particularly for long-haul electric flights. Air travel accounts for approximately 10% of global transportation emissions, making it a critical target for decarbonization. By offering a lightweight, high-energy alternative to existing technologies, this innovation could play a pivotal role in reducing emissions and operational costs in the aviation sector. To bring this technology to market, a startup named Propel Aero has been established. Led by experienced clean-tech innovators, Propel Aero aims to refine the sodium-based fuel cell and scale it for commercial use. While the path to commercialization is fraught with challenges, the involvement of dedicated industry players underscores the technology's potential to transform electric aviation. As research and development efforts continue, the sodium-based fuel cell could emerge as a cornerstone of the next generation of sustainable aviation technologies. Its unique combination of high energy density, cost-effectiveness, and environmental benefits positions it as a compelling solution for the future of air travel. Media Credit: Ziroth Filed Under: Technology News, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Daily Mail
15 hours ago
- Daily Mail
The Great British cuppa really could be a lifesaver, as scientists find two cups of tea a day could drastically lower your risk of heart failure and stroke - just don't add SUGAR
Britons drink 100million of them every day – and it turns out the Great British cuppa could be a lifesaver. Tea, which Oscar Wilde described as the only simple pleasure left, lowers the risk of heart problems and stroke, according to new research. Up to two cups of unsweetened tea a day reduces the risk by up to 21 per cent. But add sugar or sweeteners and the benefits are lost, say academics. Researchers from Nantong University, China, used data on 177,810 UK adults, with an average age of around 55. Of those, 147,903 were tea drinkers, and 68.2 per cent did not add sugar and sweeteners. All were healthy at the start of the study, but over an average of 12.7 years, 15,003 cases of cardiovascular disease were diagnosed, including 2,679 strokes and 2,908 heart failures, it was reported in the International Journal of Cardiology Cardiovascular Risk and Prevention. Those who drank up to two cups of unsweetened tea a day had a 21 per cent reduced risk of heart failure, a 14 per cent lesser chance of having a stroke and were 7 per cent less likely to be diagnosed with coronary heart disease. No such effects were found for sweetened tea. It is thought an unsweetened cuppa better preserves biologically active compounds, including polyphenols, in the tea, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Both sugars and artificial sweeteners can promote insulin resistance and metabolic dysregulation, which are well-established cardiovascular disease risk factors.
