Important Innovations

Naturbeads from the UK - Green Replacement for Plastics Source:  Naturbeads New Innovation to Replace Plastic Microbeads in Cosmetics These biodegradable microbeads invented by engineers at the University of Bath in the UK are an eco-friendly replacement to plastic microbeads found in cosmetics. Their invention is called Naturbeads and they've created a company around it that's receiving investment money from Innovate UK and Sky Ocean Ventures.  Naturbeads are made of cellulose which is a naturally occurring material.  Unlike plastics, it causes no environmental damage. Scalable Tech The engineering team creates their Naturbeads by pressing liquid cellulose through tiny holes to create drops and then detach them with vegetable oil.  There are many uses for this new invention including safer, greener cosmetics.  The bottom-lime:  Naturbeads are biodegradable, cellulose microparticles that replace plastic microbeads.  They are plastic alternat...

Biosensor ID's Water Quality - Point of Use, Quick and Easy Source:  University of Bath UK Photo Breakthrough Water Test University of Bath UK scientists have developed a simple, paper-based test to determine if water is contaminated.  It's potentially a simple, low cost way for developing countries to limit the spread of water-born disease. Simple as a Litmus Test It's paper based like a litmus test to measure acid in water.  But the new device is breakthrough.  It consists of a microbial fuel cell (MFC).  It's made by screen-printing biodegradable carbon electrodes onto a single piece of paper.  MFC uses natural biology processes of electric bacteria- attached to the carbon electrodes - to generate an electric signal. Don't Drink the Water When the bacteria are exposed to polluted water, there's a change in the electric signals.  That's the red alert not to drink.  You're warned that the water is contaminated. Lots of Potential T...