Minerals in milks
A study has found significant variability in the mineral content of plant-based beverages – for example, soya-based versus almond-based drinks – and even between brands of the same type of product.
3D-printing wood
3D-printed objects made from a wood-based ink can morph into complex shapes – in a predictable fashion – as the ink dries. The way ink is laid down by the printer dictates the morphing behaviour when moisture evaporates from the printed piece, a team from Israel reported at the ACS Fall 2022 Meeting in Chicago.
Rail to capture CO2
Researchers have proposed retrofitting railcars for the direct capture and compression of CO2. The harvesting would rely solely on the train’s regenerative braking energy and onboard solar with no external charging requirements (Joule, doi: 10.1016/j.joule.2022.06.025).
Nanoplastics sensor
A carbon dot-based ‘e-nose’ for detecting bacteria has been repurposed as a sensor for monitoring nanoplastics in air. It can identify the types, amounts and sizes of plastic pollutants.
Agricultural robots
About 13% of global calories came out of production when Russian and Ukrainian borders shut down. The Russia-Ukraine war has put pressure on farmers globally to produce more crops to make up for a gap in supply left by the two countries. As prices of wheat, fuel and fertiliser rise, the total costs for farmers have been increasing.
Advanced materials
Read the latest Advanced Materials highlights in C&I Magazine Issue 9 2022 written by Arno Kraft, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, UK.
Biomedical
Read the Biomedical highlight by Kevin Burgess, Texas A&M University, US in C&I Issue 9 2022.
Closing the wheat gap
Global wheat yields are half what they could be, according to an evaluation of untapped genetic potential. This yield potential is what could be achieved with genetic improvements.
UK CO2 concerns
CF Fertilisers UK is to temporarily halt ammonia production at its Billingham, UK, site due to the price of natural gas, which has more than doubled in the past year and is forecast to increase further.
Organic chemistry
Read the organic chemistry highlights from C&I Issue 9 2022 written by G. Richard Stephenson, University of East Anglia, UK