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Research News

Pilot study uses recycled glass to grow plants for salsa ingredients

Researchers at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley investigated if it was possible to partially substitute soil with recycled glass fragments because, if so, it would solve two problems at once: reduce landfill waste while growing edible vegetables. Their pilot study found that the glass-filled soil sped up plant development and reduced unwanted fungal growth for several common salsa ingredients, namely cilantro, bell pepper, and jalapeno. These results are particularly promising because the study was done without fertilizers, pesticides, or fungicides. Visit the website for more information.

Unlocking the last lanthanide

Researchers led by Oak Ridge National Laboratory used X-ray absorption spectroscopy to observe how the rare lanthanide element promethium forms chemical bonds when placed in an aqueous solution. Despite its rarity, promethium has a few interesting applications, including radiation therapy and creating long-lasting atomic batteries for pacemakers and spacecraft. However, because of its high instability, there remain many unknowns about this radioactive metal. The chemical properties uncovered by this study opens a new realm of research possibilities. Visit the website for more information.