Tech & Science Daily podcast: ‘High levels’ of microplastics in operating theatres

‘High levels’ of microplastics in operating theatres
PA Wire
Jon Weeks|Rachelle Abbott27 January 2023

A team of researchers from the University of Hull have found high levels of microplastics in hospital operating theatres.

Jeanette Rotchell, professor of environmental toxicology at the university told Tech & Science Daily her team believe the tiny bits of plastic are likely coming from the plastic medical tools and packaging like bubble wrap used in operating theatres themselves.

Consumer group Which? has found that nine out of the 11 electric blankets, throws and shawls it bought from third-party sellers on AliExpress, Amazon, eBay and Wish shouldn’t be sold legally in the UK.

It found that nine were badly made or had problems with packaging, markings or instructions, with three of them posing an electric shock hazard because of unsafe wiring or dangerous plug adapters.

A study suggests a new test could detect Alzheimer’s disease three and a half years before it is diagnosed.

Research from the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience at King’s College London has established a blood-based test that could predict the risk of the condition.

Scientists believe they have finally solved the mystery surrounding the identity of a 17th century Dutch warship found off the coast of England in 2019.

Until now it’s been called the "Unknown Wreck off Eastbourne", but thanks to tree-ring analysis of the wreck’s wood samples, experts believe it is in fact the Dutch warship Klein Hollandia, which sank in 1672.

And the rest

Figures reveal a slow start for the UK Government’s green heating scheme, a study shows the sugar tax ‘prevents thousands of cases of obesity per year’ in older girls, scientists suggest a Pilot whale stranding in the UK is evidence of the impact of climate change, and how BuzzFeed’s planning to use AI tools to personalise its content.

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