Tag: plants

The farming industry could greatly reduce its pesticide use. But using natural solutions such as messengers released by female insects is better still. The Nobel prize-winning founder of a California-based startup has developed a process to produce these messengers, or pheromones, from raw materials and bio-catalysts. When sprayed on plants, these mask the pheromones naturally produced by female insects,...

Wastewater from soybean production can provide fodder for fish. Meantime, a university research team from the US has been experimenting with wastewater from beer and potato production, as the sodium acetate it contains is a carbon compound offering a low-cost alternative to glucose. Like glucose, it can be a carbon source for the protein-rich microalgae Chlorella sorokiniana. The team...

New glasses make blind spots visible again. In Australia, however, a research team is focusing on how to treat retinal diseases such as macular degeneration in the early stages of the condition. Preferably without the need for the injections. Lipo-soluble pigments from Gac fruit were integrated into a solution similar to eye drops. Using nanotechnology allowed the pigments -...

Probiotics can strengthen coral's immune system. But suncream worn by swimmers often damages it. Enter a research team in Singapore and its coral-friendly UV protection agent made from camellia and sunflower pollen. Their shells, after all, are not only extremely tough biopolymers but also naturally UV-resistant. The team removed the inner contents of the flower’s pollen and made their...

Lunar micturition comes with unexpected benefits. The role human excretions play on earth has recently preoccupied an American-based research team. More specifically, the biochar made from solid human excrement, which has proved ideal as fertiliser once microplastics and chemicals have been removed from it. Mixing the biochar with nutrients from urine could provide 15% of the phosphorus needed to...

Fish waste can be used to manufacture sustainable packaging. Though water hyacinth protects fish, the proliferous plant harms biodiversity and destroys fishing nets. Enter a Kenyan founder' startup with a sustainable solution. Fishermen collect the weed, earning money for each dried kilo. Fibres are then extracted and, in a patented process, turned into a plastic alternative using an organic...

Some skateboard wheels rid the streets of used bubble gums. Now an international research team from Finland and the USA has established how chewing gum could help to combat viruses. Their choice of arms? The hyacinth beans. These fruits have been eaten in countries such as Kenya for a long time and also contain a protein that neutralises viruses....

Cocoa waste is a sweet deal for farmers. And pineapple plant leaves could prove just as useful. A startup in London has combined with farmers in the Philippines to use the plant’s leaf fibres to create an alternative to leather. First the fibres are extracted from the leaves - with remaining waste used as fertiliser or as basis for...