Microplastics transport metallic pollutants
There are a relatively large number of studies on the accumulation and transport of persistent organic pollutants by microplastics, which has resulted in good data in this regard. Data, however, on the accumulation of metals that are toxic to the environment are very rare and sometimes scie ... more
New membrane separates small organic molecules
A new membrane developed at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht (HZG) separates small dye particles or drug substances not only by size but also by their electrical charge. This additional function enables organic molecules with lateral dimensions of one to two nanometres to be such high-effic ... more
Wireless microengine made from a twisted fibre
A highly efficient, micro-sized motor-cum-energy storage system has been presented by researchers from the Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht (HZG) and the University of Bordeaux in the journal ‘Science’. The ‘microengine’ is made from polymeric micro-fibres, which are stiff at room temperature. ... more