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IMAGE: A modified plastic (left) breaks down after just three days in standard compost (right) and entirely after two weeks. view more
Credit: Christopher DelRe, UC Berkeley
Biodegradable plastics have been advertised as one solution to the plastic pollution problem bedeviling the world, but today s compostable plastic bags, utensils and cup lids don t break down during typical composting and contaminate other recyclable plastics, creating headaches for recyclers. Most compostable plastics, made primarily of the polyester known as polylactic acid, or PLA, end up in landfills and last as long as forever plastics.
University of California, Berkeley, scientists have now invented a way to make these compostable plastics break down more easily, with just heat and water, within a few weeks, solving a problem that has flummoxed the plastics industry and environmentalists.
To design truly compostable plastic, scientists take cues from nature
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Credit: Image by jplenio from Pixabay (cc)
A large-scale study of the link between innovation and financial performance in Australian companies has found more innovative companies post higher future profits and stock returns.
The findings highlight the significant financial benefits of innovation for companies, which in turn supports job creation and economic growth.
The study, conducted by Dr Anna Bedford, Dr Le Ma, Dr Nelson Ma and Kristina Vojvoda from the University of Technology Sydney, examined patent registrations from 1296 ASX-listed companies between 1997 and 2018.
They matched patent data with financial and market information and found the most innovative firms experienced 1.95% higher yearly growth in profitability compared to non-innovative firms.
SME honours 20 women working in robotics and automation
February 4, 2021
The SME advanced manufacturing association has recognized 20 female leaders in robotics and automation around the world, including a GE Aviation exec based in Quebec.
Marie-Christine Caron, senior engineering section manager for GE Aviation’s Global Robotics, Automation and Instrumentation R&D Centre in Bromont, Que., is the sole representative from Canada on the list.
In a statement, SME says the women represent a comprehensive cross-section of technologies in robotics and automation. Their common thread: a heightened awareness of the inherent impact humans exert on our planet, as well as the positive impact that concerted efforts in their various disciplines can have.