Today's KNOWLEDGE Share : Research Update: PFAS found in several reusable period products

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share

Research Update: PFAS found in several reusable period products

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), or #foreverchemicals, are being identified in more places. Period products are on that list, likely because of the resistance to stains and liquids conferred by these chemicals. Building on previously presented research, a team publishing in #ACS’ Environmental Science & Technology Letters found that some reusable products, namely period underwear and reusable pads, contained #PFAS, which might be absorbed into the body through skin contact.

“We feel that this work is important not only because of the discovery of PFAS in an understudied segment of consumer products experiencing rapid growth, but also because it appears the use of PFAS is entirely unnecessary,” explains Graham Peaslee, the corresponding author of the study.

Previously, Peaslee, Alyssa Wicks, and colleagues screened several period products for the presence of #fluorinatedcompounds (precursors to PFAS) and presented their results at ACS Fall 2023. Many of the tested items, including single-use and reusable options, contained fluorinated compounds, whereas others lacked fluorine altogether. Now, the team has completed a more in-depth analysis, searching for 42 specific PFAS in items sourced from North America, South America and Europe.

Focusing exclusively on reusable products, the team screened 59 different period and hygiene products for the presence of fluorine and then selected a subset of 19 items (spanning all three regions) for PFAS analysis. The products tested included period underwear, reusable pads, menstrual cups, reusable incontinence underwear, and a reusable incontinence pad. They found that:

One-third of the period underwear and one-quarter of the reusable period pads contained fluorine at levels high enough to indicate intentional PFAS addition. 

One-quarter of the period underwear contained at least 1000 parts per million (ppm) of fluorine, with the highest reaching 77,000 ppm. 

All 19 products chosen for further analysis contained PFAS, although several were at very low concentrations and thus were assumed to be unintentional additions to the products.

The high concentrations of PFAS pose a concern for researchers because these “forever” chemicals may leach into wastewater when they’re washed or disposed of. Additionally, other studies have shown that skin contact may allow PFAS to be absorbed into the body.

However, most products (71%), at least one from each category, lacked intentional PFAS. This study’s results, combined with the team’s previous finding of certain products lacking fluorine altogether, suggest to these researchers that PFAS are likely an unnecessary component in the products’ manufacturing.

The authors acknowledge funding from the Indiana University Sustainability Research Development Grant. The New York Times Wirecutter provided product samples for testing.

source : ACS

Agilyx ASA reports Styrenyx analysis shows CO2 emission reductions of up to 86%

Agilyx ASA announces a third-party reviewed Product Carbon Footprint report of Styrenyx, Agilyx’s proprietary recycling technology, shows CO2 emissions can be cut by up to 86% by using depolymerization of waste polystyrene compared to fossil production.

To better assess the carbon footprint of Styrenyx, our advanced recycling, post-consumer waste circular styrene production, #Agilyx commissioned Sphera Solutions, Inc. to perform a cradle-to-gate product carbon footprint (PCF) consistent with ISO 14067:2018 standards, and compare results to conventional production of #styrene from fossil resources. As announced in March 2025, the results have now been reviewed by a third party, confirming that when #Styrenyx uses renewable energy to recycle #polystyrene (PS) to styrene, it can reduce up to 86% of carbon-equivalent emissions compared to fossil-based production.

At minimum, Styrenyx can save 46% carbon-equivalent emissions when powered by a standard electrical grid. This is higher than the 38% savings originally reported in March 2025.

“Our advanced #recycling technology not only enables a #circulareconomy for plastic, it does so with lower-carbon impact. Investing in and choosing innovative solutions for plastic waste is essential for building the infrastructure needed for a lower-carbon, more sustainable future, and helps solve the #plasticwaste crisis”, said Chris Faulkner, Chief Technology Officer of Agilyx.

source : Agilyx

Analysts assess cost, risk and logistics ahead of China’s Arctic container route launch

 China is preparing to launch the first liner-type container service between Asia and Europe via the Northern Sea Route (NSR) in September, prompting shipping analysts to weigh the logistics and costs of what remains a niche venture.

For the first time, a scheduled service resembling a conventional Asia–Europe loop will traverse the Russian Arctic, linking Qingdao, Shanghai and Ningbo-Zhoushan with Felixstowe, Rotterdam, Hamburg and Gdansk.

Intermodal head of research Yiannis Parganas noted that the inaugural voyage, already fully booked, promises an 18-day transit from East Asia to Northern Europe – less than half the time required via the Suez Canal. The service will be operated by China’s Haijie Shipping Co.

According to Mr Parganas, the appeal is clear on paper. The NSR avoids chokepoints such as the Suez Canal and the increasingly volatile Red Sea. “For high-value, time-sensitive cargoes – from fast fashion to consumer electronics – the NSR offers faster delivery, lower inventory costs, and the chance to bypass Europe’s congestion-heavy holiday peak season,” he said.

Experimental stage:

Yet beneath the headlines lies a more complex reality. Banchero Costa head of research Ralph Leszczynski described the project as “quite experimental” and, even if launched, “a rather niche operation.”

Drewry senior manager for container research Simon Heaney echoed this view, characterising the venture as still in “beta testing mode.”

For now, the NSR service is expected to be strictly seasonal, confined to a July–November window until a sufficient fleet of high ice-class container ships can extend operations. This year, only one voyage is planned.

“Even in peak summer, when ice is at its minimum, you still need ice-class reinforced ships, which are scarce and far more expensive than standard vessels,” said Mr Leszczynski. “In many cases, you also need icebreaker assistance, which further drives up insurance and operating costs.”

Logistics and viability:

Compared with the NSR, the Suez Canal still offers year-round reliability and the economies of scale of 20,000+ TEU vessels. “The Arctic’s first liner is launching with a 4,890-TEU ship – large for ice navigation, but modest by Asia–Europe standards,” Mr Parganas explained.

Mr Leszczynski added, “The NSR may save time, but costs per TEU will certainly be higher. For most containerised cargo, low cost and safe delivery matter more than shaving off a few days at sea.”

He further noted that shippers prioritising speed already have established alternatives, “If speed is what you need and you’re willing to pay for it, air freight or the existing China–Europe rail service are viable options.”

Mr Heaney shared the same view: "The route offers clear potential for faster shipping, but the cost of using ice-strengthened vessels and Arctic escorts compared with routes via the Suez Canal or Cape of Good Hope remains uncertain.

Analysts also pointed to persistent risks. Sparse Arctic infrastructure, unpredictable ice conditions, and limited search-and-rescue capacity continue to undermine reliability. “Even today, with Russia’s nuclear icebreakers on standby, insurers and charterers remain wary of a route shaped more by geopolitics than commerce,” Mr Parganas observed.

For now, Intermodal suggests viewing the NSR not as a replacement for the Suez but as a seasonal hedge – a pressure valve that operators, particularly Chinese ones, may exploit under favourable conditions. The shipbroker highlighted the double-edged nature of the route: intriguing as an alternative at a time when supply chains demand resilience, but marginal given its seasonal, small-scale capacity geared only to high-value cargoes.

Geopolitical dimensions:

China’s development of a liner-type service along the NSR has reignited debate over whether the Arctic will emerge as a new arena for global competition.

Mr Parganas noted that Russia has made the NSR a strategic priority, tasking Rosatom with expanding infrastructure and icebreaker support. China, meanwhile, has incorporated Arctic shipping into its Polar Silk Road, deepening ties with Moscow amid mounting Western sanctions. “Recent Chinese investments in Arctic ports such as Arkhangelsk, along with joint plans for new ice-class container ships, show that Beijing is playing the long game.

The NSR also offers China a corridor less exposed to Western naval power and sanctions – a point not lost on European policymakers. “For European nations already concerned about maritime security, a larger Chinese presence in the Arctic will be scrutinised as much politically as commercially,” Mr Parganas added.

Environmental concerns:

The project has also raised alarm among environmental groups. Clean Arctic Alliance lead advisor Dr Sian Prior warned the Arctic is already under severe stress. “Its waters are warming and acidifying faster than the global average. As a result, sending container ships across the Arctic raises a lot of red flags,” she said.

The alliance cautions that increased Arctic shipping would heighten climate impacts through black carbon emissions, disturb wildlife and local communities, and raise the risk of oil spills.

Dr Prior stressed that any vessel on the route should be ice-strengthened, Polar Code–certified, and prohibited from using residual fuels such as VLSFO. Instead, ships should use distillate fuels or other new fuels with low black carbon emissions, and implement noise abatement plans.

source: Riviera

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share : UAE to ban single-use plastic products’ import, production, trade from 2026

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share

UAE to ban single-use plastic products’ import, production, trade from 2026

The #UAE will implement a comprehensive #ban on the import, production, and trade of single-use plastic products from January 1, 2026, said Dr Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment.

This comes as part of the phased approach initiated in 2024 with the ban on plastic bags.

“This builds upon the phased approach initiated in 2024 with the ban on plastic bags. This decisive action underscores our resolve and commitment to environmental stewardship, driving us towards a future where waste and pollution are designed out of our systems,” Dr Amna said on the occasion of World Environment Day which is marked on June 5.

She called on all community members in the UAE to play their role in eliminating unnecessary plastic.

“Each of us, as responsible members of our community, can play a leading role in realising our nation’s vision by joining the mission to eliminate unnecessary plastic from our daily lives. Let us become active agents of change, leading a powerful movement towards thriving communities, and a vibrant, resilient environment. Let us protect the land and the sea that are so integral to our lives, for ourselves, our loved ones, and for generations to come,” the minister said.

She reiterated that this year's theme, 'Beat Plastic Pollution', is a call to action for every member of the community.

Dubai and other emirates imposed a ban on #singleuseplasticbags and implemented 25 fils tariff from January 1, 2024. The ban covered stirrers, Styrofoam food containers, table covers, cotton swabs, straws and single-use Styrofoam cups made of plastic.

Starting January 1, 2026, single-use plastic cups and lids, single-use plastic cutlery, plastic food containers and plastic plates will be banned. 

Plastic in lungs, brains, breast milk

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) on Thursday warned that plastic pollution is contaminating water supplies, food sources, and the air we breathe. “As plastics break down, they enter the food chain. Microplastics have been detected in human arteries, lungs, brains, and breast milk,” it said.

It said global plastic consumption is projected to reach 516 million tonnes this year, and if current consumption patterns continue, it will rise to over 1.2 billion tonnes annually by 2060.

13 million deaths

The UN body said environmental factors contribute to the deaths of about 13 million people worldwide each year. Almost half of these fatalities are attributed to air pollution. The health and economic costs of unhealthy air pollution currently amount to $2.9 trillion.

source : Khaleej Times

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share : The Truth Behind Germany’s Cartilage Repair Gel

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share

“New Knee Without Surgery?” – The Truth Behind Germany’s Cartilage Repair Gel

Recently, social media was flooded with posts claiming that German scientists had invented a brand-new miracle gel to regrow knee cartilage—without surgery—and that it would be available in Europe by 2026. Thousands of people shared it, raising hope for patients with joint pain.

But here’s the truth: this isn’t new at all.

What Is ChondroFiller?

The treatment being discussed is called #ChondroFiller, a collagen-based gel developed in collaboration with Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute. It has been on the market since 2013. Far from being a quick injection, it requires minimally invasive keyhole surgery where the gel is applied to the damaged #cartilage. After the procedure, the joint must be immobilized for 48 hours.

As of 2025, more than 20,000 patients worldwide have been treated with ChondroFiller.

What Social Media Got Wrong

Claimed it was “brand new” → Truth: Available since 2013.

Said no surgery is needed; truth: requires minor surgery.

Claimed no risks → Truth: Allergic or inflammatory reactions to collagen are possible.

This is a reminder that medical misinformation spreads fast online, and as doctors, we must guide patients with facts.

Future of Cartilage Regeneration

Global research continues. Duke University (2022) and Northwestern University (2024) have been testing biodegradable injectable hydrogels that dissolve as new tissue grows. These are still in animal trials and not available in clinics yet.

This means the real breakthroughs are still in the pipeline, and doctors in India must be prepared for these next-gen therapies.

What Does This Mean for Doctors in India?

Patient Counseling: Many patients will walk into clinics quoting social media posts. Doctors need to explain the difference between current treatments and experimental claims.

Opportunity in Regenerative Medicine: As demand for alternatives to knee replacement grows, regenerative orthopedics may soon become a vital specialty.

Trend Awareness: India could see similar solutions entering the market, but regulatory, cost, and training factors will decide how fast adoption happens.

Final Takeaway

The cartilage gel from Germany is not a “miracle cure” but a decade-old technology with proven yet limited scope. However, the future of biodegradable, injectable cartilage therapies is exciting—and Indian doctors must stay ready.

source: The Doctorpreneur Academy

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share : Sandwich Structures

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share

Composite materials especially carbon fiber are well known for their excellent strength‑to‑weight ratio. However, there is a way to push this ratio even further: by creating sandwich structures.

A sandwich structure consists of two strong, stiff face sheets (skins) bonded to either side of a lightweight core. The skins carry the in‑plane tensile and compressive loads, while the core maintains the spacing between them increasing the momentum of inertia and resisting shear forces. This makes the structure particularly strong due to the way it distributes loads, working in a similar way to an I‑beam.

By separating the high‑strength material into outer layers, the bending stiffness increases dramatically without a proportional increase in weight. This is why sandwich structures used in sectors wind energy, automotive, & aerospace.

Core Materials for Sandwich Structures

The outer skins of a sandwich structure can be made from many different materials, including metals, but one of the most popular options is composites. For the core, there is also a wide range of materials that pair well with skins made from carbon, aramid or glass fiber.

Foam Core Materials

One of the most popular core material is foam.

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) foam is widely used because it is compatible with infusion, prepreg, and RTM processes, and it offers a very favourable balance of cost, processability, and mechanical properties.

PMI (Polymethacrylimide) foam is another popular choice thanks to its excellent specific stiffness and its ability to withstand temperatures up to 180 °C (356 °F), making it highly desirable in automotive & aerospace applications.

Honeycomb Cores

Honeycomb cores have proven particularly effective for withstanding the loads experienced by the core. Several materials can be used in this configuration:

Nomex® aramid honeycomb is very popular in high‑performance applications thanks to its excellent fire resistance, low weight, and dielectric properties.

Thermoplastic honeycomb made from PET or polypropylene is used in lightweight applications requiring some degree of impact resistance.

Aluminium honeycomb offers excellent thermal conductivity and compressive strength. While it is heavier than other options, it can be ideal where extreme lightness is not required. If combined with carbon fiber skins, a protective treatment must be applied to prevent galvanic corrosion from direct contact between the two materials.

 

Natural Core Materials

Two popular natural options for sandwich cores are:

Balsa wood: the lightest known wood, with a long tradition in wind turbine blade manufacturing and marine applications. It must be sealed to prevent moisture absorption, but it offers excellent compressive strength.

Cork: increasingly used for its outstanding acoustic and vibration damping properties, with the added benefit of being a renewable material.

source:Managing Composites