In New Zealand and Switzerland, a team of researchers has used biobased films to create wood with luminescent properties that could sustainably replace conventional, energy-intensive forms of lighting. Previous attempts to develop wood films for optical applications suffered from “poor mechanical properties, uneven lighting, a lack of water resistance, or the need for a petroleum-based […]
In New York, startup Lab Farm Foods has launched in the rapidly growing cell-based meat market with a tasting showcase of its first three products: two varieties of chicken nuggets and pork liver pâté. One nugget variety was a 50-50 combo of cultured cells and plant-based proteins, while the second was a combo of conventional […]
In California, Twist Bioscience has collaborated with Beyond Earth, an artist collective, on the To Space, From Earth project to send art into space in the form of DNA. The synthetic biology powerhouse will encode artwork into silicon-based synthetic DNA to send into the final frontier by 2022. Beyond Earth artists that will contribute work […]
In Atlanta, mega-brand Coca-Cola has revealed an initial prototype for a paper bottle it hopes can be recycled with household paper recycling streams. Developed in partnership with Paboco (PAper BOttle COmpany), the prototype does contain a closure and liner made from recycled plastic, but the pop manufacturer aims to eventually develop packaging without a liner. […]
In California, google has pledged to replace half of the materials used in its products, which include speakers and smartphones, with renewable or recycled materials by 2025. An interim target, to include recyclable materials in all its products by 2022, has already been met for the tech giant’s Pixel and Nest devices. “Our new 50% […]
In London, a designer has produced bioplastic face shields using food waste and flowers from the city’s parks. Dubbed Dance Biodegradable Personal Protective Equipment (DBPPE) Post Covid Facemasks, inventor Alice Potts tells dezeen the 20 prototype face masks are biodegradable and vary in color, depending on what flowers are used in its production. “The food […]
In Cincinnati, ubiquitous diaper brand Pampers says its new Pampers Pure line features a plant-based liner enriched with shea butter, a 100% renewable moisturizer derived from the fat of the shea nut. Procter & Gamble, which produces Pampers, says the enriched liner “helps keep baby’s skin hydrated while also serving as a barrier between the […]
In North Carolina, a local entrepreneur has developed synthetic hair made from natural materials. Ciara May tells bizjournals her company, Rebundle, was founded in 2019 to replace the synthetic hair extensions commonly used by black women for braiding with a biodegradable alternative that does not contain irritants or toxic chemicals. “Last summer I experienced severe […]
In Massachusetts, bioengineering company Kalion has been picked to receive $5.7 million in US Department of Energy Funding to work jointly with the Agile BioFoundry to advance biobased glucaric acid. Working with National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, and Argonne National Laboratory from the ABF consortium, Kalion Inc. will […]
In Israel, cultured meat startup Aleph Farms has formed the Aleph Zero cultured meat project to one day enable astronauts to enjoy steak on a Mars mission, without the hassle of sending an actual cow into space. A key challenge of long-distance space exploration is the need to cultivate food in difficult environments. Sending bovine […]
