The petroleum-based plastic that has become an integral part of our daily lives these days; but the damage it causes to the environment is immense. Now, a new study by University of Missouri (MU) researchers has suggested that it might be possible to replace these 'bad plastics' with a 'greener' alternative - plastic from plants. This new form of non-polluting, renewable plastic can significantly reduce our personal carbon footprints on the earth.
Reducing the carbon footprint and the dependence on foreign oil, this new 'green' alternative may also provide an additional cash crop for farmers.
World's Climate 'Clearly Out Of Balance': Study
Scientists have issued a statement warning that the world’s climate is “clearly out of balance and is warming”, and that changes to Earth’s climate system were not natural.
Scientists have issued a statement warning that the world’s climate is “clearly out of balance and is warming”, and that changes to Earth’s climate system were not natural.
"Plastics made from plant starch and soy protein have been used as an alternative to petroleum-based plastics for a while. What is relatively new - and exciting - is the idea of using plants to actually grow plastics," he added.
By employing a number of modern molecular techniques, scientists are able to introduce three bacterial enzymes into the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana.
Eco-warriors are No Different from Polluters
A new study of travel habits has shown that the biggest polluters are the people who are environmental conscious.
A new study of travel habits has shown that the biggest polluters are the people who are environmental conscious.
The polymer, known as polyhdroxybutyrate-co-polyhydroxyvalerate, or PHBV, is a flexible and moldable plastic that can be used to produce a wide range of products, such as grocery bags, soda bottles, disposable razors and flatware.
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Human Health Could Be Jeopardized By Climate Change
Climate change is expected to have a huge impact on human health and bold environmental policy decisions are needed now to protect the world’s population.
Climate change is expected to have a huge impact on human health and bold environmental policy decisions are needed now to protect the world’s population.
"Of the two plant enzymes that supply the chemical precursors for PHBV, one is produced in the mitochondria. Recently, we've successfully modified plants so that this enzyme is diverted to the chloroplast, which has been defined as the best place in the plant to produce PHBV," said Mooney.
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'Lights Out' as London Does Its Bit for Climate Change
Some of London's key landmarks and top hotels are to go dark for an hour on Thursday evening as the British capital does its bit for the fight against global warming and turns off its lights.
Some of London's key landmarks and top hotels are to go dark for an hour on Thursday evening as the British capital does its bit for the fight against global warming and turns off its lights.
These recent advances potentially remove two of the remaining technological hurdles limiting the ability of companies from turning acres of weeds into plastic factories.
The next step, according to Mooney, is to see if the technique works in 'real' plants, such as switchgrass.
Source-ANI
TAN/L
