Recycling news: 2026

Research & science “Cannot be explained” – New ultra stainless steel stuns researchers A team at the University of Hong Kong has developed a new “super steel” that can survive the harsh conditions needed to make green hydrogen from seawater. The material uses an unexpected double-protection mechanism that resists corrosion far better than conventional stainless steel. Even more impressive, it could replace costly titanium parts used in today’s hydrogen systems. ScienceDaily — Hazardous Waste · 10 May 2026 Research & science Retreatment with talquetamab and pomalidomide in triple‐class–BCMA–GPRC5D refractory myeloma - Wiley Online Library Journal of Industrial Ecology (Wiley) · 10 May 2026 Research & science Screening and characterization of microbial consortia for biodegradation of high-salt and high-oil food waste Food waste, characterized by high salinity and oil content, resists biodegradation, making conventional disposal methods inefficient. This study aimed to screen microbial strains tolerant to these conditions to enhance degradation efficiency. Strains were isolated from food waste, followed by gradient screening for salt/oil tolerance and amylase activity. Four efficient degraders were obtained:… Waste Disposal & Sustainable Energy (Springer) · 9 May 2026 Research & science After more than a century, Labour has lost Wales It was once unthinkable – and former first minister Eluned Morgan losing her seat added to the party’s catastrophic result. Cardiff University — The Conversation institution feed · 8 May 2026 Research & science Antarctic sea ice defied global warming for decades – now, hidden ocean heat is breaking through In the Antarctic, things may be unfolding faster than climate models predicted – new study. University of Southampton — The Conversation institution feed · 8 May 2026 Research & science Old bottles and battery acid can drive production of valuable industrial chemicals Battery acid from old cars, with a little help from a catalyst, can give plastic waste a new purpose, using it to drive the production of useful chemicals, powered by sunlight alone. A recent study by researchers at the University of Cambridge found a way to turn everyday plastics such as PET from water bottles, nylon, and polyurethane into useful chemical feedstocks. Phys.org — 'circular economy' search feed · 8 May 2026 Research & science Relational aspects and care-based support in Zero-Deforestation Commitments by Adelina Chandra, Janina Grabs, Eva-Marie Meemken, Rachael D. Garrett A rising number of companies have made zero-deforestation commitments (ZDCs) to decouple deforestation from their supply chains, encapsulated in No Deforestation, No Peat, and No Exploitation (NDPE) commitments. These interventions are designed by powerful downstream supply chain actors, typically without the involvement of… PLOS Sustainability and Transformation · 8 May 2026 Research & science Elections 2026: Experts react to the Reform surge and Labour losses What do the results mean for Labour – and is it the end of two-party politics in the UK? University of Manchester — The Conversation institution feed · 8 May 2026 Research & science Five reasons to add peas into your diet Peas can be a good source of protein, fibre and micronutrients. University of Nottingham — The Conversation institution feed · 8 May 2026 Research & science Swansea spin-out Bionema Group receives second King’s Award for Enterprise Bionema Group Ltd , a Swansea University spin-out specialising in biological crop protection and sustainable agriculture, has been awarded the King’s Award for Enterprise : Sustainable Development 2026. Swansea University News · 8 May 2026 Research & science How a repurposed medical device is helping us investigate ancient climate tipping points From blood to mud: medical tech that once studied viruses and tumours now analyses ancient mud and ice to look for environmental changes. University of Southampton — The Conversation institution feed · 8 May 2026 Research & science Ultrasound waves rupture COVID-19 and flu viruses without damaging cells Researchers at the University of São Paulo (USP) in Brazil have discovered that high-frequency ultrasound waves similar to those used in medical exams can eliminate viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 and H1N1 without damaging human cells. In an article published in Scientific Reports, they describe how the phenomenon, known as acoustic resonance, causes structural changes in viral particles until they … Phys.org — 'e-waste' search feed · 7 May 2026 Research & science The AI scientist: now academic papers can be fully automated, what does this mean for the future of research? The era of fully automated research has arrived. University of Southampton — The Conversation institution feed · 7 May 2026 Research & science AI in the emergency department: promising, powerful but still unproven A new study shows AI beating doctors at triage. But is anyone ready to govern it safely? University of Edinburgh — The Conversation institution feed · 7 May 2026 Research & science How The Devil Wears Prada 2 speaks the hidden language of fashion The Devil Wears Prada 2 shows how fashion operates as a language of identity, signalling status, ambition and belonging. Cardiff University — The Conversation institution feed · 7 May 2026 Research & science UCL Graduations - UCL | University College London UCL News · 7 May 2026 Research & science PVGIS 5 user manual - joint-research-centre.ec.europa.eu EU Joint Research Centre (JRC) news · 7 May 2026 Research & science Getting started with PVGIS 5 - joint-research-centre.ec.europa.eu EU Joint Research Centre (JRC) news · 7 May 2026 Research & science Troubled waters: Jakarta battles deadly, invasive suckerfish Mounds of slimy carcasses pile up on a riverbank in Jakarta where authorities are fighting an uphill battle against a fast-breeding invasive fish flourishing in Java island's heavily polluted waterways. Phys.org — 'e-waste' search feed · 7 May 2026 Research & science This town found clean energy deep inside old coal mines Cumberland, B.C. is reimagining its coal mining past as a clean energy opportunity. Water trapped in abandoned mine tunnels could be used in a geothermal system to heat and cool buildings efficiently and with minimal emissions. The project could lower energy costs, support new development, and attract businesses. It’s a striking example of turning industrial leftovers into a sustainable communi… ScienceDaily — Sustainability · 6 May 2026 Research & science Clean energy's nickel rush is heading straight for some of Earth's richest ecosystems Meeting future nickel demand for stainless steel and clean energy technologies will require tough decisions with potential environmental trade-offs, a new study has found. Dr. Jayden Hyman from The University of Queensland's School of the Environment led an international analysis of known nickel deposits, current mining and demand forecasts. Phys.org — 'battery recycling' search feed · 6 May 2026 Research & science NASA captures wild swirling clouds and rare arctic storm over Alaska Southern Alaska’s winter finale delivered a spectacular atmospheric display, captured by a NASA satellite. Cold Arctic air flowing over warmer ocean waters created long bands of clouds, swirling vortex patterns, and even a compact polar storm with powerful winds. As the air traveled offshore, it evolved into increasingly complex cloud formations. The result was a dramatic, ever-changing sky tha… ScienceDaily — Recycling and Waste · 6 May 2026 Research & science There’s little love for the SNP – so why does the party look set to win in Scotland? Scots are calling it the ‘scunner factor’ – widespread distaste for the major parties. University of Edinburgh — The Conversation institution feed · 6 May 2026 Research & science Even in Japan, robots are a long way from being fully-fledged carers – here’s why Japan has long been the global leader in the development and deployment of care robots. University of Edinburgh — The Conversation institution feed · 6 May 2026 Research & science Rain barrels and other household stormwater strategies are working—for now In the last two decades, coastal urban areas have taken steps to better minimize flooding and runoff by creating more permeable surfaces and encouraging residents to participate in water retention and use-reduction programs. These efforts, ranging from adding rain barrels and cisterns, to installing water-efficient fixtures, are making a difference, according to new research from Drexel Univers… Phys.org — 'circular economy' search feed · 5 May 2026 Research & science Greener process recovers over 96% of rare earths from permanent magnets Researchers from the University of Jyväskylä, Finland, have developed a solid-phase extraction process that enables the eco-friendly recovery of critical raw materials from NdFeB magnets. The developed method utilizes organic methanesulfonic acid, which is a greener option for traditional inorganic acids. The developed process proved to be highly effective, and it was also patented. Phys.org — 'circular economy' search feed · 5 May 2026 Research & science Europe’s dilemma – to use China’s turbines to meet its renewable targets or not China dominates the wind turbine market, but it wants to expand further. University of Nottingham — The Conversation institution feed · 5 May 2026 Research & science School dinners are changing: the strong emotions and memories around these meals reflect their social, economic and cultural importance When people remember school dinners they remember how they made them feel as much as what they ate. University of Sheffield — The Conversation institution feed · 5 May 2026 Research & science Nitrogen pollution identified as major driver of biodiversity loss in UK coastal waters A new study of the British Isles’ coastal ecosystems has revealed that nitrogen enrichment is significantly reducing the abundance and variety of marine life. Swansea University News · 5 May 2026 Research & science Technologies for Identifying Deepfakes, Cyberattacks and Drone Threats Artificial intelligence, advanced sensor technologies and immersive simulation are opening new possibilities for law enforcement and public security agencies. From May 20 to 22, 2026, the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft will present new internal security solutions at the GPEC General Police Equipment Exhibitions & Conference in Leipzig. These will include technologies for analyzing digital evidence, id… Fraunhofer Research News · 5 May 2026 Research & science Welsh broadcasters target voters with digital election coverage From explainers to quickfire interviews, digital coverage is transforming the Senedd campaign coverage. Cardiff University — The Conversation institution feed · 5 May 2026 Research & science Stanford science reveals genetically distinct ‘ghost elephants’ - Stanford Report Stanford Report · 5 May 2026 Research & science Upcycling pyrolyzed biowaste into functional alkali-activated biochar for hydrogen sulphide capture Waste Management & Research, Ahead of Print. Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) is a hazardous gas that requires effective removal. In this study, biochar derived from vegetable-tanned, chrome-free leather industry residues was produced via pyrolysis at controlled temperatures 750°C and chemically activated ... Waste Management & Research (SAGE) · 5 May 2026 Research & science Eucalyptus bark points the way to cleaner water and air Eucalyptus bark, usually stripped from logs and treated as waste, could be repurposed to help clean polluted water, filter dirty air and capture carbon dioxide, according to new research from RMIT University. Researchers at RMIT have shown the bark can be converted into a highly porous form of carbon that traps pollutants as water or air flows through it. The findings point to a practical way o… Phys.org — 'circular economy' search feed · 4 May 2026 Research & science Programmable Monomaterial for High-Tech Athletic Shoes High-quality athletic shoes are usually made from a complex combination of materials. This has consequences for both production and recycling. In the ZiProMat project, Fraunhofer researchers have found another way. A sole made of programmable monomaterial performs various functions and is also made of the same material as the upper. The concept combines high-tech, sustainability and recyclability. Fraunhofer Research News · 4 May 2026 Research & science New Measurement Method Detects Field Emissions of Nitrous Oxide Nitrous oxide is the third most significant greenhouse gas in terms of climate impact after carbon dioxide and methane. It is primarily generated as a result of nitrogen fertilization in agriculture. The Fraunhofer Institute for Physical Measurement Techniques IPM has developed a compact and cost-effective measurement system that detects nitrous oxide emissions from farmland directly in the fie… Fraunhofer Research News · 4 May 2026 Research & science Wireless Endoscope Transmits Data via Light Medical imaging devices such as endoscopes transmit their data via cables to monitors and hospital information systems. In collaboration with partners, Fraunhofer researchers in the OWIMED project are working to make data cables superfluous in the operating room of the future. The project team has developed a prototype for an endoscope that uses light to transmit the images from a laparoscopic … Fraunhofer Research News · 4 May 2026 Research & science Biodegradable Seed Coating for Effective Seedling Protection and Supply While germinating, seeds must be supplied with sufficient water and protected from herbicides, as undisturbed crop development is key to ensuring stable and high yields. As part of the SeedPlus project, researchers from three Fraunhofer institutes have developed a biodegradable seed coating that features integrated water storage capacity and protection from herbicides to facilitate high germina… Fraunhofer Research News · 4 May 2026 Research & science Innovative Numerical Simulation Methods for Resilient Hydrogen Networks Green hydrogen is a key area of opportunity in the energy transition. However, the use of pipelines to transport this energy source is associated with a degree of risk. Research scientists at the Fraunhofer Institute for High-Speed Dynamics, Ernst-Mach-Institut, EMI, are developing a hydraulic simulation tool to assist with the planning of a resilient hydrogen infrastructure designed to safegua… Fraunhofer Research News · 4 May 2026 Research & science Scientists turn plastic waste into clean hydrogen fuel using sunlight Scientists are using sunlight to turn plastic waste into clean fuels like hydrogen, offering a breakthrough solution to both pollution and energy challenges. While still in development, the approach could transform trash into a valuable resource for a low-carbon future. ScienceDaily — Recycling and Waste · 4 May 2026