Researchers at the University of Toronto have developed a way to help reduce one of the biggest sources of the plastic pollution choking our oceans: not single-use straws or bags, but tiny fibres shed from synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon. Read more in CIC News.
CICNews
PFAS ‘forever chemicals’ common in kids’ school uniforms
Products intended for children, particularly school uniforms, have been found to have high levels of PFAS chemicals, potentially exposing kids to levels of these substances that could have harmful health effects, according to a study in the journal Environmental Science and Technology. Read more in CICNews.
How switching to silicon could help batteries last longer
As the world begins to rely ever more on batteries to store and provide power as part of the fight against climate change, scientists are working hard to find ways to make those batteries hold more charge and last longer. Jasper Woodard, a PhD student at the University of Alberta, is one of those scientists […]
Mercury in fish may not be as bad as we thought
Mercury, especially in its organic methylmercury form, is well known to cause severe problems in the brain – famously, Alice in Wonderland’s Mad Hatter is thought to be a victim of mercury poisoning. Because mercury in the environment – both from natural sources and from pollution – can find its way into the food we […]
What toxic chemicals might be leaching from leather goods and medical implants?
Many products, like leather gloves or sandals, spend a lot of time in close contact with our skin – and some, like surgical implants, are even underneath it. While these products undergo testing to ensure they are safe to use, they can still produce dangerous chemical by-products as they age and weather. Yolanda Hedberg, Canada […]
How microwaves could help fight COVID-19
When the COVID-19 pandemic started Khashayar Ghandi, a materials chemist at the University of Guelph, had already been experimenting with using microwaves to kill bacteria and other pathogens. So he decided to see if the technique could work on the virus as well, either as a treatment or a disinfectant. Read more in CICNews.