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Made in gb
Ridin' on a Snotling Pump Wagon






How do!

A repository type thread to share news from the world of Science. Because there’s interesting stuff afoot, some of which could change our world.

Quick caveat? News reporting of Science is typically oversimplistic, and quite often overhyped. So pinch of salt at hand. Though I’m happy to say our inaugural link seems…fairly balanced?

BBC News reports on a method to incorporate the spores of plastic eating bacteria into plastic products, which will activate in compost

The bacteria exists. And in this application are genetically modified so the spores survived the process of making the plastic.

Seems an intriguing and encouraging development. And whilst I don’t disagree with the comments in the article about reducing reliance and use of plastic is probably a better idea? I say “why not both?”

   
Made in us
Storm Trooper with Maglight





The best thing we can do with plastic is recycle it. It can only be recycled in a traditional way so many times before it degrades too much, though there is a way to reduce degraded plastic to its polymers, essentially turning it into oil which can then be made into plastic again.

Of course we don’t live in an ideal world where all plastic is responsibly sent to recyclers. Still, I don’t see much benefit in deliberately making plastic that can be composted (as the article mentions).

Also I have concerns about making vast quantities of a bacteria that we don’t know much about. Apocalypse ahoy.
   
Made in gb
Ridin' on a Snotling Pump Wagon






It seems the idea behind it is you can still recycle it, but if it is say, thrown from a moving car into a hedgerow? It will decompose.

Not necessarily swiftly, but eventually. Which is considerably preferable to the current state of affairs.

   
Made in us
Legendary Master of the Chapter





SoCal

How long until that bacteria brings down a Boeing?

   
Made in gb
Revving Ravenwing Biker



Wrexham, North Wales

Boeing don’t need the help.
   
Made in gb
Ridin' on a Snotling Pump Wagon






 BobtheInquisitor wrote:
How long until that bacteria brings down a Boeing?


It did make me think of an obscure Judge Dredd story where a bacteria from the Cursed Earth starts devouring Polypropylop.


Automatically Appended Next Post:
BBC News reports on work being done to make white bread just as healthy as whole meal.

Interesting stuff. Me, I like a whole meal or seeded loaf for soups and dips and that. But white bread/roll for sandwiches.

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2024/05/01 10:27:04


   
Made in us
Master Tormentor





St. Louis

El Torro wrote:
The best thing we can do with plastic is recycle it. It can only be recycled in a traditional way so many times before it degrades too much, though there is a way to reduce degraded plastic to its polymers, essentially turning it into oil which can then be made into plastic again.

Of course we don’t live in an ideal world where all plastic is responsibly sent to recyclers. Still, I don’t see much benefit in deliberately making plastic that can be composted (as the article mentions).

Also I have concerns about making vast quantities of a bacteria that we don’t know much about. Apocalypse ahoy.

Unfortunately, most plastic in single stream recycling ends up a landfill, often exported to developing countries so we never have to see it again. The best thing we can do is simply to stop using plastic as much as possible, with biodegradable plastics like this being a far second.
   
Made in us
Longtime Dakkanaut





Laughing Man wrote:
Unfortunately, most plastic in single stream recycling ends up a landfill, often exported to developing countries so we never have to see it again. The best thing we can do is simply to stop using plastic as much as possible, with biodegradable plastics like this being a far second.


As my Environmental Science teacher observed more than 30 years ago, landfills are basically recycling storage bins for future generations. We've already learned that the methane generated by decomposition in them can be tapped for renewable energy. Storing plastics (and metals) for future use isn't a bad idea.

Honestly, I thought this thread was about why cold beer tastes better.


Want a better way to do fantasy/historical miniatures battles?  Try Conqueror: Fields of Victory.

Do you like Star Wars but find the prequels and sequels disappointing?  Man of Destiny is the book series for you.

My 2nd edition Warhammer 40k resource page. Check out my other stuff at https://www.ahlloyd.com 
   
Made in gb
Decrepit Dakkanaut




UK

 Mad Doc Grotsnik wrote:
How do!

A repository type thread to share news from the world of Science. Because there’s interesting stuff afoot, some of which could change our world.

Quick caveat? News reporting of Science is typically oversimplistic, and quite often overhyped. So pinch of salt at hand. Though I’m happy to say our inaugural link seems…fairly balanced?

BBC News reports on a method to incorporate the spores of plastic eating bacteria into plastic products, which will activate in compost

The bacteria exists. And in this application are genetically modified so the spores survived the process of making the plastic.

Seems an intriguing and encouraging development. And whilst I don’t disagree with the comments in the article about reducing reliance and use of plastic is probably a better idea? I say “why not both?”


I can't help but feel that whilst it might have a use, its not the best approach

Building a bio-degrading element into plastics that's based on a bacteria activating sounds to me like a disaster in the making for people if those bacteria spread. "Compost" is a diverse term. Would you have to worry that putting your plastic cup down on a muddy hill for a few hours whilst working could activate its bacteria and the next thing you know is your plastic mug bacteria has now spread to everything else in the cupboard and is eating its way toward your Warhammer!

I think bacteria at a controlled facility is far better; you control it and it reduces the chance of it getting out and doing funky bacteria things like evolving or spreading!

A Blog in Miniature

3D Printing, hobbying and model fun! 
   
Made in us
The Conquerer






Waiting for my shill money from Spiral Arm Studios

 Overread wrote:

Building a bio-degrading element into plastics that's based on a bacteria activating sounds to me like a disaster in the making for people if those bacteria spread. "Compost" is a diverse term. Would you have to worry that putting your plastic cup down on a muddy hill for a few hours whilst working could activate its bacteria and the next thing you know is your plastic mug bacteria has now spread to everything else in the cupboard and is eating its way toward your Warhammer!

I think bacteria at a controlled facility is far better; you control it and it reduces the chance of it getting out and doing funky bacteria things like evolving or spreading!


Being able to eat plastic doesn't make this bacteria any better at protecting itself from the typical ways to control them, so even if it does start coming for your plasticrack you can control it.

And honestly if the worst that could happen is plastic eating bacteria might occasionally eat away at your unused dishes I think it would be worth the downside. Remember that this bacteria will still need the rest of the stuff that they need to grow, proper temperature, moisture, as well as food. The simple act of putting your cups through the dishwasher and drying them would probably make any worry a non-issue even if this bacteria did become endemic to the environment at large or was built into your plastic.

And if the spores are built into the plastic, they will only activate once the plastic is damaged in some way. The spores on the surface will be killed by you using it, washing it, etc... as they will activate and become vulnerable to those things. This will only leave the spores buried inside the plastic itself. Which presumably will only be exposed at some point when your plastic has been disposed of. Either crunched up in a facility for the biodegrading of the plastic itself OR left on the metaphorical side of the road where it can activate and the bacteria will be allowed to do their thing.

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2024/05/04 01:34:46


Self-proclaimed evil Cat-person. Dues Ex Felines

Cato Sicarius, after force feeding Captain Ventris a copy of the Codex Astartes for having the audacity to play Deathwatch, chokes to death on his own D-baggery after finding Calgar assembling his new Eldar army.

MURICA!!! IN SPESS!!! 
   
Made in gb
Decrepit Dakkanaut




UK

Yeah, thing is if the plastic already has to be damaged to activate surely its better to have that at a processing plant level; since there will surely be plastics on the market that the Bacteria won't work with.

Of course that's a very 1st world viewpoint where we can have effective waste collection, sorting and disposal. Poorer nations or those with less developed infrastructure might well welcome self degrading plastics as they won't have the infrastructure in place. Though honestly I suspect proper plastic control will require such infrastructure t obe developed anyway.

A Blog in Miniature

3D Printing, hobbying and model fun! 
   
Made in gb
Ridin' on a Snotling Pump Wagon






The way I see it from my limited knowledge and perspective? It’s a promising development and proof of concept, which in due course could be applied more widely and efficiently. The main thing being “we’ve genetically engineered the bacteria to be heat resistant” widening its possible applications.

And seriously, for dealing with carelessly discarded plastic? It’s a solid solution.

   
Made in gb
[DCM]
Fireknife Shas'el





Leicester

 Mad Doc Grotsnik wrote:
The way I see it from my limited knowledge and perspective? It’s a promising development and proof of concept, which in due course could be applied more widely and efficiently. The main thing being “we’ve genetically engineered the bacteria to be heat resistant” widening its possible applications.

And seriously, for dealing with carelessly discarded plastic? It’s a solid solution.


Given that our main non-chemical method for killing bacteria is heat, I’d want some rigorous testing done before those genes get released into the wild.

There was that wonderful incident back in the 90’s where somebody reengineered a soil bacteria (Klebsiella planticola from a quick Google) so that it directly produced ethanol as a potential green fuel, but only tested it in sterile soil. Fortunately right towards the end of the project someone thought to test it in real, non-sterile, soil and discovered that it could replace / interbreed with normal soil bacteria and the ethanol levels could severely affect domestic crops. It’s often touted that it could kill all plant life, which seems to be an exaggeration, but a significant, widespread reduction in crop yields would not be pretty for human society.

Make damn sure you understand all of the potential consequences, before you take something out of the lab.

DS:80+S+GM+B+I+Pw40k08D+A++WD355R+T(M)DM+
 Zed wrote:
*All statements reflect my opinion at this moment. if some sort of pretty new model gets released (or if I change my mind at random) I reserve the right to jump on any bandwagon at will.
 
   
Made in at
Second Story Man





Austria

so a case study for high temperature resistant bacteria that is inserted into plastics so that the material is decomposing over time

yet they don't know if there are any negative side products (aka poisonous chemical compounds) and if the bacteria is really decomposing the plastic and not just generating micro plastic

count me impressed that the basic idea for the future of "just make less plastic" is still set aside with "maybe we found a solution so better wait some years to see if this is going to work"

Harry, bring this ring to Narnia or the Sith will take the Enterprise 
   
Made in gb
Rampaging Reaver Titan Princeps





Earlobe deep in doo doo

More worryingly is that bacteria the ultimate way for GW to enforce you to upgrade your armies each edition change?

"But me no buts! Our comrades get hurt. Our friends die. Falkenburg is a knight who swore an oath to serve the church and to defend the weak. He'd be the first to tell you to stop puling and start planning. Because what we are doing-at risk to ourselves-is what we have sworn to do. The West relies on us. It is a risk we take with pride. It is an oath we honour. Even when some soft southern burgher mutters about us, we know the reason he sleeps soft and comfortable, why his wife is able to complain about the price of cabbages as her most serious problem and why his children dare to throw dung and yell "Knot" when we pass. It's because we are what we are. For all our faults we stand for law and light.
Von Gherens This Rough Magic Lackey, Flint & Freer
Mekagorkalicious -Monkeytroll
2017 Model Count-71
 
   
Made in gb
Ridin' on a Snotling Pump Wagon






Wild Orang Utan observed using medicine to help heal a wound

This is pretty cool!

   
Made in gb
Decrepit Dakkanaut




UK

I recall reading about a paste (I think again from Orangutan) which they thought would help with rheumatic pains.

A Blog in Miniature

3D Printing, hobbying and model fun! 
   
Made in us
Legendary Master of the Chapter





SoCal



Talk about some viral marketing.

Apes together strong.

   
Made in us
Master Tormentor





St. Louis

Commissar von Toussaint wrote:
Laughing Man wrote:
Unfortunately, most plastic in single stream recycling ends up a landfill, often exported to developing countries so we never have to see it again. The best thing we can do is simply to stop using plastic as much as possible, with biodegradable plastics like this being a far second.


As my Environmental Science teacher observed more than 30 years ago, landfills are basically recycling storage bins for future generations. We've already learned that the methane generated by decomposition in them can be tapped for renewable energy. Storing plastics (and metals) for future use isn't a bad idea.

That would be nice if plastics stayed in the landfills. Unfortunately, they don't, with microplastics and chemicals leaching into the water supply. Landfills account for about 40% of the world's microplastics.
   
Made in gb
Ridin' on a Snotling Pump Wagon






Child’s hearing completely restored following successful gene therapy

Well this is pretty exciting stuff.

   
Made in gb
Decrepit Dakkanaut




UK

That's wild! That kind of targeted repair could be a huge thing for a lot of people born with a whole variety of conditions. Heck being able to repair DNA in theory could also mean eventually being able to limit effects of aging since a lot of aging is basically DNA picking up errors after being copied so so so many times (here endeth my limited medical understanding)

A Blog in Miniature

3D Printing, hobbying and model fun! 
   
Made in gb
Ridin' on a Snotling Pump Wagon






It could be major for stuff like Sickle Cell Anemea, which is probably the genetic illness that first comes to my mind as being particularly widespread.

Certainly as a proof of efficacy and not just concept? This feels like a major step forward.

   
Made in gb
Frenzied Berserker Terminator




Southampton, UK

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/algae-evolution-agriculture-plant-history-b2539453.html

No biggie... It's only happened twice before - the last time it resulted in plants; the first time it resulted in all eukaryotic (non-bacterial) life forms...
   
Made in gb
Calculating Commissar





England


Very interesting.

I suspect cystic fibrosis will be next, the respiratory tract is also very amenable to a viral vehicle.

Sickle cell will be a bit harder because it would require a virus that can reach the bone marrow, and most of those could have pretty serious consequences if the attenuation is unsuccessful (like HIV).

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2024/05/09 17:11:30


 ChargerIIC wrote:
If algae farm paste with a little bit of your grandfather in it isn't Grimdark I don't know what is.
 
   
Made in gb
Ridin' on a Snotling Pump Wagon






I think I’m more blown away in my medical ignorance because gene therapy actually works!

I’ve been aware of it as a thing since Stargate Atlantis. But to see it actually doing the job? That’s astounding.

   
Made in gb
[DCM]
Fireknife Shas'el





Leicester

Crispy78 wrote:
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/algae-evolution-agriculture-plant-history-b2539453.html

No biggie... It's only happened twice before - the last time it resulted in plants; the first time it resulted in all eukaryotic (non-bacterial) life forms...


Interesting. Starting to look like that’s not behind the Fermi Paradox then.

DS:80+S+GM+B+I+Pw40k08D+A++WD355R+T(M)DM+
 Zed wrote:
*All statements reflect my opinion at this moment. if some sort of pretty new model gets released (or if I change my mind at random) I reserve the right to jump on any bandwagon at will.
 
   
Made in gb
Quick-fingered Warlord Moderatus







I thought this was important..
https://thedebrief.org/nasa-veterans-propellantless-propulsion-drive-that-physics-says-shouldnt-work-just-produced-enough-thrust-to-defeat-earths-gravity/

TLDR: Anti-grav technology is real now.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-px27tzAtVwZpZ4ljopV2w "ashtrays and teacups do not count as cover"
"jack of all trades, master of none; certainly better than a master of one"
The Ordo Reductor - the guy's who make wonderful things like the Landraider Achillies, but can't use them in battle..  
   
Made in gb
[DCM]
Fireknife Shas'el





Leicester



Be very, very sceptical of this kind of claim. This sounds like another version of the EMdrive, which has been knocking around for two decades at this point without having any definitive evidence that it actually works. Any anomalous results in independent testing of the device have eventually been traced to errors or artefacts of the test setup.

Fundamentally, if someone tells you they’ve invented something that breaks or rewrites the laws of physics, they are almost certainly wrong. Or trying to scam you.

DS:80+S+GM+B+I+Pw40k08D+A++WD355R+T(M)DM+
 Zed wrote:
*All statements reflect my opinion at this moment. if some sort of pretty new model gets released (or if I change my mind at random) I reserve the right to jump on any bandwagon at will.
 
   
Made in us
Wolf Guard Bodyguard in Terminator Armor




 Mad Doc Grotsnik wrote:
It could be major for stuff like Sickle Cell Anemea, which is probably the genetic illness that first comes to my mind as being particularly widespread.

Certainly as a proof of efficacy and not just concept? This feels like a major step forward.


But the mutation that makes sickle cell anemia widespread is also responsible for immunity or heightened resistance to malaria. Which is why a deleterious (well, for those of us in malaria-free countries) mutation like that was able to spread in the first place.
Wonder if gene therapy can fix one without touching the other.
   
Made in au
Anti-Armour Swiss Guard






Newcastle, OZ

From memory, SCA is due to receiving TWO copies of the mutant gene (i.e. from BOTH parents), one copy gives you a slight resistance to malaria but not the other issues.

Like Haemochromatosis requires two copies of a specific gene (one each from both parents) or a few other inherited conditions.

I'm OVER 50 (and so far over everyone's BS, too).
Old enough to know better, young enough to not give a ****.

That is not dead which can eternal lie ...

... and yet, with strange aeons, even death may die.
 
   
 
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