Microplastics are small particles in cosmetics or pharmaceuticals that don’t break down, but instead become part of the food chain via small aquatic animals and fish. Because of their danger to animals and humans, many politicians in Germany have called for a ban of microplastics in the industry.
The earth is 70% water. The oceans are the root of biological diversity and are home to an incredible range of organisms that, among other things, serve the human world as source of nutrition and raw materials. The seas are also the most important trading lane for the global economy, while coastal and inland waters are for many a place of rest and relaxation. But the marine ecosystem is threatened: experts have long warned of a decline in ocean biodiversity caused by climate change and the adverse impacts of human activity.
Nano-technicians can construct fascinating structures with the double-stranded DNA molecule. Based on the principle of base-pairing, distinct DNA sections can be programmed to interact with other DNA segments. This method allows for the construction of molecular nanostructures. In recent years this so-called “DNA-Origami”-technique has gained more and more recognition. If the DNA is programmed accordingly, the molecule will even morph into three-dimensional nano-building blocks and nano-machines.
Beer is not a new invention. In 6000 BC the Sumerians already established the first beer-like drink in Mesopotamia. At that time, the people put some bread in the water for a few days, producing an alcoholic concoction. Today, brewing takes place in huge fermenters made of steel. The starch in malted barley is converted into sugar by enzymes. This solution is fermented with hops and yeast.
A vaccination is training the immune system to be able to fight the pathogens in the future. Distinct surface structures on the germs are teaching the body’s defense system the corresponding immune responses for future infections.
Clean water is the basis for our own health as well as a healthy environment. Unfortunately in many waters micro pollutants exceed the legal limits and environmental guidelines. On a global scale approximately 50 million organic compounds are circulating in the waters, 5000 of which are potentially hazardous for the environment.
Copper is an important bulk metal for the German industry: it is mainly used in the cable and electrical industry, but also in the construction and automotive sectors, and in mechanical engineering. Until now most of it had to be imported either in the form of metal concentrates or crude ore. The world market leader Chile has been an important copper partner for Germany.
The common mussel has more to offer than pearls and tough threads with which it clings to the seafloor. Scientists at the Max-Planck-Institute of Colloids and Interfaces in Potsdam-Golm have gained first insights into the extraordinary process how mussel attachment fibres, known as byssus threads, are generated in the mollusc foot.
With a 2% share of the 300 billion tonnes plastics market and a turnover of €13bn compared to €11bn in 2015, the bioplastics market, however, still remains a niche market. Nova forecasts production to increase from the current volume to 8.5 million tonnes by 2021.
They are found in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, cleaning agents, on seeds and even in fire extinguishers: surfactants. These substances reduce the surface tension of a liquid or the interfacial tension between two liquid phases. Surfactants can be used to mix generally immiscible liquids together or separate them from each other in a controlled manner.
In mid-December, Biotensidon GmbH, a Karlsruhe-based subsidiary of the Swiss firm Biotensidon International AG, announced a breakthrough in the mass production of rhamnolipid surfactants.