Health
Fast-Acting Enzyme Breaks Down Plastics And Changes Recycling Game | The Optimist Daily
We’ve all wondered when we take out the recycling just how much of it will be recycled, remade, and repurposed into a new product as we hope. Sadly, only 10 percent of plastics globally are successfully recycled, and there’s a lot of work to do to ensure everything we put in the recycling bin is reused.
Biological researchers from the University of Texas in Austin have developed a new enzyme that can break down plastics, facilitating industrial recycling and even more.
The biological approach
Many industrial methods of plastic recycling involve energy-intensive processes of glycolysis, pyrolysis, and/or methanolysis. Besides these, many plastics are just harmfully burnt in landfills, releasing noxious gasses and wasting what could otherwise be reused. Tackling the problem biologically, however, changes the game.
The new enzyme from UT Austin could give industrial recycling a super boost by breaking down and reusing plastics at the molecular level.
“The possibilities are endless across industries to leverage this leading-edge recycling process,” says Hal Alper, professor in the chemical engineering department at the University of Texas at Austin.
It’s aimed at a polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a very common plastic found in soda bottles and about 12 percent of the world’s plastic waste. The enzyme — called FAST-PETase (functional, active, stable, and tolerant PETase) — was able to successfully break down the PET plastic into smaller parts and then chemically put it back together, what’s called depolymerization and repolymerization. It can also do this in as little as 24 hours, while most plastics take up to hundreds of years to naturally decompose, and it can do it at 122 degrees Fahrenheit, far below the extreme temperatures of other recycling methods.
“Beyond the obvious waste management industry, this also provides corporations from every sector the opportunity to take a lead in recycling their products. Through these more sustainable enzyme approaches, we can begin to envision a true circular plastics economy,” says Alper.
Beyond industry?
Alper and the team plan to take this FAST-PETase into the world to use in landfills and in the environment at large to clean up plastic waste. They plan to scale up enzyme production and refine the process to apply it to high-waste industries, as a resource for landfills, and to clean up polluted sites.
“When considering environmental cleanup applications, you need an enzyme that can work in the environment at ambient temperature. This requirement is where our tech has a huge advantage in the future,” Alper says.
Source Study: UT News — Plastic-eating Enzyme Could Eliminate Billions of Tons of Landfill Waste – UT News (utexas.edu)
This story was part of our Best of 2022 series highlighting our top solutions from the year. Today we’re featuring environment and climate-focused solutions.
The post Fast-acting enzyme breaks down plastics and changes recycling game first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.
Health
Discover The Refreshing Benefits Of Mint Water, Your Summer Hydration Solution | The Optimist Daily
Nothing beats a cool drink on a hot summer day. While sugary drinks may tempt you, there is a healthier option that promises to quench your thirst while also improving your health: mint water. Let’s explore the myriad reasons why you should make mint water a staple in your summer hydration routine.
Mint water: a summer essential
Mint water is a simple but refreshing mixture of water mixed with fresh mint leaves. Mint, which belongs to the Mentha plant family, has long been revered for its therapeutic benefits. Whether spearmint or peppermint, this aromatic plant offers a blast of flavor to your hydration routine, keeping you cool and energized all day.
The health benefits of mint water
Improves digestion
Mint water improves digestion by relaxing the digestive tract and relieving symptoms such as gas and bloating. According to research published in the journal Biology, peppermint has digestive advantages because it relaxes stomach muscles, encouraging better digestion.
Smooths out hormonal imbalances
Mint water may help control hormone levels, especially in cases of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). According to a study published in Biomolecular Concepts, spearmint has hormone-balancing qualities, which can help with hormonal abnormalities.
Keeps you hydrated
Proper hydration is essential for healthy physical processes, and mint water is a tasty alternative to ordinary water. By infusing water with mint, you improve its appeal while also guaranteeing appropriate hydration to promote general health.
Reduces stress
Mint’s relaxing characteristics make it a natural stress reliever. Incorporating mint water into your daily routine will help you relax and fight stress efficiently, enhancing mental health.
Helps you lose weight
Mint water is a delicious, low-calorie, sugar-free beverage that aids in weight loss. According to research published in the International Journal of Obesity, replacing sugary drinks with water can help people lose weight.
Boosts immunity
Mint water is high in vitamins and antioxidants, which help to improve the immune system and defend against infections and illnesses. These nutrients support cellular defense processes, which protect your health.
Improves skin health
Mint’s salicylic acid and vitamin A concentration promote clear and bright skin. Mint water’s antimicrobial properties also aid with inflammation and acne, supporting skin health from the inside.
How to make mint water at home
Making mint water at home is an easy process. Simply follow these steps.
– Rinse fresh mint leaves thoroughly.
– Place the leaves into a pitcher or container.
– Fill the container with water and allow it to soak for several hours or overnight.
– Chill the mint-infused water for a cool, pleasant beverage.
Potential side effects and precautions
While mint water has various health benefits, it is important to exercise caution, particularly if you have certain medical issues. Mint water may aggravate symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in some people. Consult your doctor before adding mint water to your diet, especially if you have severe digestive or kidney problems.
This summer, embrace the stimulating deliciousness of mint water and up your hydration game with a delightful combination of taste and well-being!
The post Discover the refreshing benefits of mint water, your summer hydration solution first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.
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