Blog Post

Capturing COVID-19 From Thin Air

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By Madeeha Mohiuddin, C2ST Intern, DePaul University

The new Thermo Fisher Scientific AerosolSense air sampler has some promising potential for capturing pathogen particles and ultimately preventing and reducing the spread of COVID-19. Although there are several similar air samplers already on the market, this one in particular has been found to yield more promising outcomes. 

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Can Biorecycling Put An End To The Plastic Crisis?

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By Diana Abbasi, C2ST Intern, Rush University

Plastic pollution has become one of the most overwhelming environmental issues of our time. The effects of this type of pollution are wide-ranging, impacting wildlife, climate, and human health. No one wants to see images of sea turtles trapped in fishing nets or read about hazardous plastic byproducts contaminating our land and animals dying from starvation because their stomachs are filled with indigestible plastic, but that’s the current reality we live in. 

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Gene Defect Turns Rabbit Hops into Acrobatic Handstands

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By Diana Abbasi, C2ST Intern, Rush University

Sauteur d’Alfort is French for Alfort’s jumpers but interestingly, the breed of rabbits that carry the name don’t jump at all. Most rabbits push off the ground with both their back legs in order to move quickly, however, these unique rabbits send their back legs sky high and walk on their front paws. Now, researchers have identified the specific gene mutation that leads to this atypical limb movement in these rabbits. 

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Now You See It, Now You Don’t: Making Biodegradable Plastics Disappear

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By Laura Tran, C2ST Intern, Rush University

Biodegradables won’t solve our plastic crisis. Despite our efforts to recycle, the overall amount of plastic that is recycled is less than 9% in the U.S.¹. Many people do not recycle for several reasons, such as a lack of knowledge for what is recyclable and where to sort it, or they lack access to appropriate and convenient recycling facilities. To combat this issue, today’s biodegradable plastics are advertised as a solution to the world’s increasing plastic pollution problem. However, these materials come with their own challenges.

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