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WWW.DEZEEN.COMSquid-bone sponge found to soak up 99.8 per cent of microplasticsA sponge made from a fusion of cotton fibre and squid bone could help to clear some of the world's microplastic pollutionafter a team of Chinese researchers found it can soak up as much as 99.8 per cent of the particles from water samples.Researchers from the University of Wuhan and Guangxi University produced the fibrous foam by combining cellulose fibres from cotton and the tough biopolymer chitin, which forms a squid's skeleton.When deployed in water, the sponge was found to remove between 98 and 99.8 per cent of microplastics, and the researchers believe the material's low cost and simple production could allow it to be scaled up for widespread use."Few practical technologies" for removal of microplasticsCellulose and chitin are two very abundant molecules in nature and are already often used to help cleanse pollutants from wastewater.The researchers' innovation involved combining the two in a way that offers unprecedented efficacy at cleaning up microplastics the tiny plastic particles that have pervaded the environment, posing a significant risk to ecosystems and human health."The planet is under great threat from microplastics," the researchers wrote in their paper in the journal Science Advances. "And aquatic ecosystems are the first to suffer as they provide convenient places for microplastics, which can combine with other contaminants and be ingested by multiple levels of organisms.""Currently, there are few practical technologies for efficient and extensive removal of microplastics, especially for those smaller than 10 [micrometres]."Read: Is a plastic-free future possible?Although the cellulose and chitin are fused on a molecular level to make the "Ct-Cel biomass foam", the production process was completed using readily available equipment.The researchers say that this combined with the low cost of the abundant materials and their non-toxic, biocompatible nature means that the foam could avoid the problems that have hampered other solutions from gaining traction outside of the lab."These works generally involved complex fabrication procedures or expensive raw materials, and the investment might be unaffordable for large-scale remediation of microplastics," they wrote.Biomass sponge is made simply and cheaplyTo make the biomass sponge, the researchers bonded the cellulose and chitin on a molecular level, forming a cross-linked fibrous network.This involved first soaking chitin flakes in a solution of one per cent acetic acid and then blending the material with a high-speed homogeniser a common tool in industrial food, pharmaceutical and cosmetics production.The cotton, meanwhile, was stirred by a soy milk machine to obtain a cellulose solution before the two compounds were mixed together, poured into a mould and frozen.The researchers tested their sponge in the lab and in four real-world settings an agricultural irrigation site, lake water, still water and coastal water.Not only did the sponge remove 98 to 99.8 per cent of microplastics during its initial use in these settings, but it was also found to remain effective when reused, removing around 95 per cent of microplastics after five uses.Read: The top 10 material innovations of 2024The researchers observed that the sponge worked through several mechanisms, including physically intercepting microplastics, attracting them electrostatically and occasioning interactions between the chitin, cellulose and plastic molecules.The researchers believe that, following further testing, the sponge could be used not just in seas and rivers but also to treat factory wastewater and as a filter in domestic washing machines and dishwashers, stopping microplastics from entering the natural world in the first place.Researchers have found microplastics in the human brain, blood and digestive system, where they have been shown to damage cells and affect hormone activity. They also have consequences for other species and ecosystems.Another recent innovation targeting microplastics is a device by the Tyre Collective that can catch tyre wear from cars one of the world's largest sources of microplastic pollution.The top photo by New Africa via Shutterstock.The post Squid-bone sponge found to soak up 99.8 per cent of microplastics appeared first on Dezeen.0 Kommentare 0 Anteile 189 Ansichten
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WWW.YANKODESIGN.COMThe Small Samurai: Upgrade Your EDC with this Ultra-Compact Titanium Pocket KnifeI remember reviewing a tiny knife earlier this year and using the phrase Napoleon of EDC to describe how compact-yet-ruthlessly-efficient it was. To be honest, its a phrase Ive come to love and I wish I could use it all the time but the problem is that there can only be one Napoleon. However, the NanoMax embodies a similar spirit, with its small form-factor. Barely the size of a key when closed, the NanoMax opens up to become quite the powerhouse, getting you through any scenario where a sharp blade comes in handy.Compact yet impressively capable, the NanoMax by TiGo is designed to slip seamlessly into your everyday routine. Crafted with a strong GR5 titanium frame and a premium M390 steel blade, this mini folding knife measures a mere 6.9cm (2.7 inches) when closed and weighs just 53.5g. The result is a tool thats as convenient to carry as a house key, yet robust enough to tackle demanding tasks whenever they arise.Designer: TiGoClick Here to Buy Now: $79 $109 (28% off) Hurry! Only 58 Discounted Units Left!Rather than merely shrinking down a standard knife, the NanoMax brings purposeful design to the EDC scene. Its sleek titanium handle, fortified with surface anti-slip grooves, ensures a confident grip in any condition, while the M390 blade maintains a razor-sharp edge through long stretches of frequent use. The combination isnt just about aestheticsits about long-term durability, reliable cutting performance, and a consistently refined experience.Two distinct deployment methodsan integrated back flipper and a thumb grooveallow for effortless one-handed opening. Meanwhile, a secure liner lock mechanism keeps the blade firmly in place once engaged, providing peace of mind whether youre slicing open a package, paring down kindling, or performing detailed craftwork. A roller bearing system ensures each opening action feels smooth and satisfying, minimizing any hesitation when you need the blade most.Once flipped open, youre greeted with a curved-belly Wharncliffe blade that looks like it means business. Measuring 53mm (2.1 inches), the blades tiny, but goes above and beyond to get the job done. Made from M390, a martensitic chromium steel thats incredibly tough, corrosion-resistant, and easy to sharpen, the blade complements the NanoMaxs titanium handle perfectly. It outshines other steels like D2 and Damascus with how well it retains edges, and that Wharncliffe blade profile (also known as sheepsfoot) handles everything from cutting to slicing, piercing, whittling, and scraping. Itll just as easily slice through boxes as it will through your seatbelt, giving it the kind of versatility thats somewhat uncommon in the tiny knife world.In an emergency, the titanium frame can pair with a ferro rod to help spark a fire, making the NanoMax more than a mere cutting tool. Whether youre slicing rope on a campsite or opening letters at the office, this knife transitions smoothly between urban and outdoor environments. Its slim profile ensures that it never feels cumbersome or out of placejust ready for action at a moments notice.For added practicality, a built-in keychain hole and pocket clip give you flexible carry options. Attach it to your keys, clip it to your pocket or bag, or hang it as a pendant. The NanoMaxs Tritium slot (vial sold separately) even lets you add a subtle glow-in-the-dark element for easy spotting in low light, reinforcing that this knife is designed with real-world conditions in mind.At under 2 ounces, and roughly the size of a key or a thumbdrive, the NanoMax really does live up to its name. Its tiny, but not as a compromise because it definitely maxes out with the materials it uses. To be honest, the use of titanium and M390 are exactly what allow the NanoMax to be so tiny, giving you something that punches well above its weight.The NanoMax comes in just a single colorway for now, with its nude titanium and steel finish that kind of does feel like a classic color palette, if you ask me. The rawness of this lack of color or anodization gets taken away by the fact that the knife comes with a fair bit of detailing, including straight lines, sharp angles, and the judicious use of curves and radii. Simple grooved patches give the knife grip, and those tritium slots let you customize the EDC, making it visible even in low-light.Although TiGo doesnt explicitly mention this anywhere, you can expect a knife like the NanoMax to last you decades without breaking a sweat. Titanium has the ability to withstand pretty much any form of physical abuse, while the M390 blade will do so too but just in case its edge wears out after a few years, a quick sharpening session gets you back to the NanoMax being its deadly, compact self. Sort of like the tiny little warrior I referenced earlier.Click Here to Buy Now: $79 $109 (28% off) Hurry! Only 58 Discounted Units Left!The post The Small Samurai: Upgrade Your EDC with this Ultra-Compact Titanium Pocket Knife first appeared on Yanko Design.0 Kommentare 0 Anteile 184 Ansichten
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WWW.NYTIMES.COMGoogle Proposes Fix to Solve Search MonopolyThe search giants proposals included allowing flexibility for companies and consumers in choosing a search engine.0 Kommentare 0 Anteile 191 Ansichten
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WWW.NYTIMES.COMGoogle Antitrust Case: Why Chrome May Be Sold and What Happens NextThe federal judge who ruled Google was a monopolist in search is weighing his options to fix the monopoly. Heres what happens now.0 Kommentare 0 Anteile 185 Ansichten
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APPLEINSIDER.COMNew Aqara devices leak, Apple's smart home progress continues, & more on HomeKit InsiderOn this episode of the HomeKit Insider Podcast, your hosts break down the latest Apple smart home news and several leaked devices ahead of CES 2025.HomeKit Insider PodcastApple continues its work on new smart home devices with several rumors coming out this week. This includes work on its new custom in-house wireless chips.They're reported to launch in the first devices in 2025, including Apple's new smart home devices. Creating these chips themselves may result in better device-to-device communication, essential for smart homes. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums0 Kommentare 0 Anteile 189 Ansichten
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APPLEINSIDER.COMHow to remove your personal information from the internet in 2025 with IncogniA key aspect of staying safe online is minimizing your digital footprint, and while tools like Surfshark VPN can help, take it a step further by bringing the fight to data collectors with Incogni.Remove your personal information from the internet - Image credit: IncogniThere are companies that exist with the sole purpose of buying personal data online in massive hauls. The data can be used for legitimate purposes like training ad targeting, but it can also be used by bad actors seeking to commit identity theft or target specific groups.What's worse, if bad actors can gather enough aggregate data about an individual, they can more easily steal their accounts or identity online. While it may seem fruitless to try and fight these massive companies, there are simple strategies that go a long way. Continue Reading on AppleInsider0 Kommentare 0 Anteile 174 Ansichten
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APPLEINSIDER.COMSonos Sub 4 review: A minor update helps future proof the high-end subwooferSonos didn't change its iconic look when it introduced the new Sub 4, but its minor tweaks help ensure the powerful subwoofer remains at top form for years to come.Sonos Sub 4 review: A new top contenderThe new flagship subwoofer from Sonos debuted in November, 2024 alongside the Arc Ultra. They're easy companions for one another, though they don't have to be paired together.You can use the Arc Ultra on its own which we recently reviewed and the Sub 4 can be paired with various models in the Sonos lineup. We've been listening to it for a few weeks now to see how it stand up. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums0 Kommentare 0 Anteile 184 Ansichten
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GAMINGBOLT.COMOctopath Traveler Series Crosses 5 Million Units SoldOctopath Travelerhas grown into one of Square Enixs bigger and more successful properties over the course of the last few years, and it continues to attract players in decent numbers. As announced by Square Enix, the series has hit another major sales milestone.Taking to Twitter, the publisher announced that theOctopath Travelerseries has collectively sold over 5 million units worldwide across all platforms. The company hasnt provided specific, individual sales figures for the titles, but at last count, the originalOctopath Travelerhad hit 3 million units sold as of 2022, while last year, Square Enix announcedOctopath Traveler 2had hit 1 million units sold.Given the critical and commercial success the HD-2D turn-based RPG series has consistently enjoyed, its safe to say well be seeing moreOctopath Travelergames down the line, but for now, Square Enixs pipeline has plenty of HD-2D content.Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remakelaunched in November, andDragon Quest 1 and 2 HD-2D Remakeis due out sometime next year.#500 #2https://t.co/jinSDSFmhJ pic.twitter.com/h6itndyZN2 II (OCTOPATH TRAVELER II) (@OCTOPATH_PR) December 21, 20240 Kommentare 0 Anteile 190 Ansichten
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GAMINGBOLT.COMMicrosoft Has More Games Planned for 2025 Besides Whats Officially Announced Rumour2025 is looking like a packed year for Xbox, with several major first-party titles lined up to release over the course of the year, though journalist Tom Warren of The Verge is claiming Microsoft has yet more games coming out during the year that the company hasnt yet publicly confirmed.Thus far, Microsoft hasFable, Avowed, The Outer Worlds 2, South of Midnight, DOOM: The Dark Ages,and the full release ofTowerborneofficially scheduled for 2025. Taking to BlueSky, Warren has claimed that in addition to those titles, the company also has additional games coming in 2025 that we dont yet officially know about.Leaks have claimed that an Xbox Developer Direct presentation is planned for January, where the rumoured remake ofThe Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivionwill be unveiled ahead of a 2025 release. Meanwhile, previously leaks have also suggested thatGears of War: E-Daycould be targeting a 2025 launch.and more Tom Warren (@tomwarren.co.uk) 2024-12-19T23:30:26.901Z0 Kommentare 0 Anteile 180 Ansichten