In Switzerland, researchers from the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa) have developed a biodegradable battery made from fungus. The battery is 3D-printed using fungi cells mixed with printing ink. The battery is activated by adding water and nutrients and works by creating an anode of yeast fungus and a cathode of […]
In Boston, foodtech startup Tender Foods and synthetic biology firm Ginkgo Bioworks are among more than 60 recipients of recent US Department of Energy grants for low-carbon technologies. Ginkgo Bioworks will receive $2.4 million to advance a precision fermentation technology for producing human lactoferrin. Specifically, Ginko is using a novel yeast strain to create hLF […]
In Brazil, the À_SOMBRA project has added a new eco-friendly end-of-life option. Designed by João Pedro Alves Cavalcanti and Jeanine Torres Geammal from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, À_SOMBRA consists of a biodegradable urn made from mycelium, the root system of mushrooms. The designers were inspired by the Gaia hypothesis, which posits an […]
In India, kombucha byproduct is being used to produce sustainable leather for shadow puppet exhibit Luminous Lore. The exhibit aims to showcase Tholu Bommalata, a traditional shadow puppet art with roots to Andhra Pradesh. Traditionally, such lamps are made from the hides from goat, deer or buffalo. The hand-painted illustrations exhibited in Luminous Lore tells […]
In Singapore, Umami Bioworks has unveiled cultivated caviar made from a mix of cultured sturgeon cells and plant-based ingredients. The caviar alternative addresses many of the sustainability and ethical sourcing concerns with caviar consumption. According to WWF figures quoted by Green Queen, about 90% of sturgeon species are endangered, primarily due to caviar demand. “By […]
In California, fast-casual burrito chain Chipotle has expanded its Cultivate Next venture fund by $50 million. The fund, which now totals $100 million, focuses on early-stage investments in agriculture and restaurant supply chains. Notably, the fund has invested in Zero Acre Farms, a fermentation-based cooking oils startup. Chipotle is currently testing the use of Zero […]
In Spain, e-commerce giant Amazon is packing and delivering groceries for Valencia customers using biobased bags made from vegetable materials, including corn starch and vegetable oils. The new, recyclable bags were developed by materials experts at Italian company Novamont, part of ENI-owned Versalis, with support from materials scientists at Amazon. The bags are durable, food […]
In Nebraska, Senator Barry DeKay has moved to “preserve and protect” the state’s agriculture industry by preemptively banning cultivated meat from manufacture, distribution or sale in Nebraska. The bill defines “cultivated food protein” and requires those products to be labeled “adulterated food products” under the Pure Food Act. “There are clear, recognized benefits of meat […]
In Denmark, toy block maker Lego has introduced a new futuristic design set that includes biobased plastics. Dubbed Lego Icons of Play, the 48,000-piece set “merges traditional crafting with cutting-edge technology,” according to Yanoticias. The set includes futuristic vehicles, architectural “marvels, and sci-fi inspired figures.” The Icons of Play set also includes blocks made from […]
In Denmark, design studio Mickus Projects has created a 3D-printed honeycomb-shaped bioplastic chandelier. Known as the Hedron Pendant, the chandelier “features a bulbous but subtly striated lampshade finished in an intricate hexagonal pattern, which wraps a stem with a delicate but illuminating LED light source,” according to design publication dezeen. Hedron Pendant is 3D printed […]
