Weekly Science Recap: Innovation in Recycling, Risks of Constant Scrolling, and Inner Workings of Mars

In a significant breakthrough, scientists from Northwestern, Purdue, and Iowa State universities have developed a novel approach to potentially recycle mixed plastic waste without the need for presorting. This new method could transform the way we handle plastic waste, upcycling it into higher-value products such as lubricants, fuels, and candlesticks.

The innovative catalyst at the heart of this recycling method is a nickel-based substance activated by a special powder. This catalyst is capable of breaking down polyolefin plastics, which make up a large portion of the world's plastic, into oils, waxes, or hydrocarbon gas. The team behind this development, led by Margarita Poderyte, primarily focuses on difficult-to-recycle or degraded PET plastic.

Meanwhile, a recent study has linked scrolling on a smartphone while in the toilet to a higher likelihood of developing hemorrhoids. The study, which surveyed and collected medical data from 125 healthy individuals getting routine colonoscopies, found that this behaviour could potentially be a predictor for hemorrhoids.

The advice given by the study's author, Dr. Trisha Pasricha, is to avoid bringing a smartphone into the bathroom. If it's unavoidable, setting a timer is recommended. Dr. Pasricha also encourages bringing short, non-scrollable materials such as comics, poetry, or "Far Side" into the bathroom instead of smartphones.

In other news, new research using data from NASA's Insight mission reveals that Mars' core has an inner solid core and a liquid outer core, similar to Earth's. The rocky road structure of Mars' mantle, the layer between its core and crust, may slow down the cooling of the planet's core and be part of the reason why Mars doesn't have a magnetic field. Scientists believe that Mars once had a magnetic field, but it is no longer present.

The first seismometer on Mars' surface was placed by NASA's Insight mission in 2018. This seismometer has provided valuable data about Mars' internal structure, including its solid and liquid cores.

The effectiveness of the new catalyst in plastic facilities is yet to be evaluated by the industry. As the world continues to grapple with plastic waste, this groundbreaking development offers a glimmer of hope for a more sustainable future. However, it's also a reminder to be mindful of our habits, such as avoiding doom scrolling in the bathroom, to maintain our own health and wellbeing.

Weekly Science Recap: Innovation in Recycling, Risks of Constant Scrolling, and Inner Workings of Mars