This new plastic can dissolve within hours
The new material can disintegrate within hours in saltwater or soil without leaving harmful microplastics, according to a study published in the journal Science.
The plastic maintains the strength of traditional petroleum-based plastic but breaks down into its original components when exposed to salt, which are then digested by naturally occurring bacteria.
Researchers are developing coatings to allow the dissoluble plastic to be used in packaging and other everyday applications, with interest already expressed by the packaging industry.
The plastic alternative is non-toxic, non-flammable, and emits no carbon dioxide as it breaks down, but challenges remain in scaling it for wider commercial use.
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The Guardian
5 hours ago
- The Guardian
Scientists identify bacterium behind devastating wasting disease in starfish
A decade after the onset of a sea star wasting disease (SSWD) epidemic considered the largest ever documented in the wild, researchers have identified the microbial culprit responsible: a strain of the bacterium Vibrio pectenicida. In 10 years the bacterium has ravaged sunflower sea stars (Pycnopodia helianthoides), a large sea star or starfish, along the western coast of North America, with a loss of 5.8 billion since 2013 – or 90% of the total global population. The sunflower sea star is now included on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's red list of critically endangered species. Previous studies had tested for V pectenicida in tissue samples and yielded inconclusive results. Instead, by examining the sea stars' coelomic fluid, which acts like blood, researchers were able to confirm with certainty V pectenicida's role in causing SSWD due to its high abundance there. Infection with the V pectenicida strain FHCF-3 begins with exterior lesions, leading to limb loss and contortion, and ultimately kills afflicted individuals by melting their tissues into a white, mucus-like paste. Identifying the disease in afflicted sea stars was impossible without a known pathogen, as sea stars can respond with similar visual signals to other stressors such as low oxygen, salinity variation and extreme heat. The indirect link between rising ocean temperatures and SSWD remains a key area of interest, since V pectenicida is known to proliferate in warm water during seasonal variations and anomalous marine heating events. The research, published this week in the journal Nature Ecology & Evolution, was led by Dr Melanie Prentice and Dr Alyssa Gehman of the Hakai Institute in British Columbia, Canada, as part of a four-year international collaboration involving the University of British Columbia, the University of Washington and the Nature Conservancy, among other parties. The decline of sunflower sea stars has ramifications for marine ecosystems beyond the loss of a single species. 'Identifying the cause of SSWD is incredibly impactful,' Prentice said. 'In the absence of sunflower stars, [kelp-eating] sea urchin populations increase, which means the loss of kelp forests, and that has broad implications for all the other marine species and humans that rely on them.' Kelp forests provide a habitat for thousands of marine creatures, support local economies through fisheries and recreation, and are culturally important for First Nations and tribal communities. They also stabilise sediments, protect coastlines from storms, and are an important carbon sink for sequestering carbon dioxide. Sign up to Down to Earth The planet's most important stories. Get all the week's environment news - the good, the bad and the essential after newsletter promotion Though the epidemic is still ongoing, the hope is that this breakthrough will aid recovery and treatment efforts for various sea star species across the world and the ecosystems affected by their decline. Methods being explored include captive breeding for resistant individuals and developing probiotic solutions which can be introduced to ecosystems. 'Now that we have found the causative agent of disease, it makes me hopeful that we might actually be able to do something for sunflower sea stars,' says Gehman. 'We can be really targeted in how we work with them, and I think that's going to help us move a lot faster and to try to tackle SSWD.'
Geeky Gadgets
6 hours ago
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Gemini Deep Think : The Future of Precision AI Complex Problem-Solving?
What if the toughest problems humanity faces—those that stump our brightest minds and stretch the limits of human ingenuity—could be tackled by a single, purpose-built system? Enter Gemini Deep Think, an advanced artificial intelligence model designed to confront the most intricate challenges in mathematics, algorithm development, and design optimization. Unlike general-purpose AI tools, this system doesn't aim to be a jack-of-all-trades; instead, it's a master of depth and precision, engineered to excel where others falter. With features like parallel thinking and extended inference time, Gemini Deep Think pushes the boundaries of what AI can achieve, offering a glimpse into a future where even the most complex problems have solutions within reach. Prompt Engineering explores how Gemini Deep Think redefines AI-driven problem-solving, from its new innovations to its specialized applications in fields like advanced mathematics and software analysis. 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These features collectively make Gemini Deep Think a powerful tool for solving problems that demand advanced logical, mathematical, and creative reasoning. Performance Benchmarks: Redefining Excellence Gemini Deep Think has achieved remarkable results across a variety of benchmarks, solidifying its position as a leader in AI innovation. Its performance highlights include: International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) Benchmark: The model achieved gold medal-level performance on the 2025 IMO benchmark, solving advanced combinatorial and geometric problems with unparalleled accuracy. The model achieved gold medal-level performance on the 2025 IMO benchmark, solving advanced combinatorial and geometric problems with unparalleled accuracy. Reasoning and Coding Benchmarks: Gemini Deep Think excelled in tasks such as 'Humanity's Last Exam' and live code generation, setting new standards for AI in logical reasoning and programming. 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Its primary applications include: Advanced Mathematical Problem-Solving: The model is highly effective in solving intricate problems in combinatorics, geometry, and algebra, making it a valuable resource for researchers, mathematicians, and academics. The model is highly effective in solving intricate problems in combinatorics, geometry, and algebra, making it a valuable resource for researchers, mathematicians, and academics. Software Framework Analysis: Gemini Deep Think identifies gaps in software systems, proposes improvements, and implements robust solutions, streamlining development processes and enhancing system reliability. Gemini Deep Think identifies gaps in software systems, proposes improvements, and implements robust solutions, streamlining development processes and enhancing system reliability. Thought Experiments and Economic Impact Analysis: It models large-scale scenarios, providing insights into potential outcomes and aiding strategic decision-making for organizations and policymakers. These specialized capabilities position Gemini Deep Think as an indispensable tool for researchers, engineers, and organizations operating at the forefront of innovation. Limitations and Considerations While Gemini Deep Think excels in its specialized domains, it is important to recognize its limitations to ensure appropriate use: Specialized Focus: The model is optimized for specific problem domains and is not suitable for general-purpose tasks or casual applications. The model is optimized for specific problem domains and is not suitable for general-purpose tasks or casual applications. Higher Refusal Rate: Gemini Deep Think may decline certain requests more frequently than other models, particularly when prompts are ambiguous or outside its expertise. 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This technique allows the model to explore multiple solutions simultaneously, fostering creativity and reducing the likelihood of oversight in problem-solving. Iterative Refinement: By revisiting and improving its outputs over multiple cycles, the model achieves higher levels of accuracy and efficiency, particularly in scientific discovery and design optimization. By revisiting and improving its outputs over multiple cycles, the model achieves higher levels of accuracy and efficiency, particularly in scientific discovery and design optimization. Enhanced Safety Mechanisms: The system prioritizes objectivity and safety in its responses, making sure reliability even in high-stakes scenarios. However, this can sometimes result in refusals of ambiguous or unclear requests. These innovations ensure that Gemini Deep Think remains at the cutting edge of AI technology, particularly for applications requiring rigorous reasoning and precision. Competitive Edge: How Gemini Deep Think Stands Out When compared to other AI models, Gemini Deep Think consistently demonstrates superior performance in several key areas: Benchmark Dominance: The model outperforms competitors such as Grok 4 in reasoning and problem-solving benchmarks, showcasing its advanced capabilities in standalone tasks. The model outperforms competitors such as Grok 4 in reasoning and problem-solving benchmarks, showcasing its advanced capabilities in standalone tasks. Tool-Augmented Scenarios: While there is room for improvement in tool-augmented tasks, Gemini Deep Think's exceptional standalone performance highlights its core strengths and potential for further development. These comparisons highlight the model's leadership in specialized problem-solving while also identifying opportunities for future enhancements. Gemini Deep Think's Role in Shaping the Future Gemini Deep Think represents a significant advancement in AI technology, offering unparalleled capabilities in solving complex problems across mathematics, coding, and design. Its specialized features, new innovations, and exceptional performance make it a valuable asset for researchers, engineers, and organizations tackling humanity's toughest challenges. While it is not designed for general-purpose use, its precision and depth ensure its relevance in addressing critical, high-stakes problems that demand advanced reasoning and creativity. Media Credit: Prompt Engineering Filed Under: AI, 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.
Reuters
7 hours ago
- Reuters
US tariffs latest: Trump vows higher rates on India over Russian oil
Kantaro writes about the burgeoning space industry and a wide range of breaking news stories in Japan. A Tokyo native, he was the recipient of the Overseas Press Club Foundation 2020 Scholar Award.
