CELLULOSE NANOFIBRES COULD REPLACE PLASTIC| # SUSTAINABILITY

A research team at Japan’s Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research (SANKEN) at Osaka University has developed new hydrogels made from biodegradable cellulose nanofibres that could replace conventional plastics. Cellulose nanofibres are used by plants to help maintain rigid yet lightweight structures.

PROGRAMMABLE ROBOTS TEACH KIDS HOW TO CODE | # EDUCATION

Austrian coding and robotics company Robo Wunderkind has created a teaching package for primary-age students. Packages designed to be taught by educators of any background include a curriculum, teaching support, and continuous professional development opportunities for teachers. Once a class or school signs up, the Robo Wunderkind team helps design a personalised teaching programme.

TURNING BEER YEAST INTO SUSTAINABLE PROTEINS| # DRINK

French startup Yeasty has developed a more sustainable way of manufacturing meat-free proteins using beer yeast. Yeasty uses leftover yeast from breweries that would otherwise go to waste and processes the feedstock to remove its bitter taste so that it may be repurposed for various products.

REMOVING MICROPLASTICS WITH MAGNETS | # SUSTAINABILITY

Using magnetism, a team of researchers from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology’s STEM School of Engineering has created a quick way of cleaning vast volumes of water. Using an iron-based adsorbent in powder form, the team employed magnets to separate microplastics and other pollutants from water.

NEW MATERIAL MADE FROM WORTHLESS WASTE WOOD | # ARCHITECTURE

Japanese Studio Yumakano has created a wood-like material called ForestBank from organic scraps. Using a mix of items usually found on the forest floor, such as weeds, small trees, leaves, and seeds, the new material works like wood. It can be used everywhere that wood is usually used and is shaped with regular woodworking methods.