Does science have a plastic problem?

Microbiologists take steps to reducing plastic waste

 “Everyone can make a difference!” urge microbiologists after developing a new approach that could reduce their laboratory’s plastic waste by over 500kg a year.  

The group, based at the University of Edinburgh’s Roslin Institute, developed an approach to reduce plastic waste produced by their lab. They have shared their approach in the journal Access Microbiology, with the hope that other labs will follow suit.

Led by Dr Amy Pickering (no relation – Ed.), the lab replaced single-use plastics with re-useable equipment. Where alternatives were not available, the group decontaminated and re-used plastic equipment which would have usually been thrown away after one use.

“We knew that we were using plastic daily in our research, but it wasn’t until we took the time to quantify the waste that the volumes being used really hit home. That really emphasized the need for us to introduce plastic reducing measures,” said Dr Pickering.

The lab developed a new scheme which focused on sustainability, moving away from the use of single-use plastics wherever possible. In some cases, the research group would use reusable wooden or metal items instead of plastic.

If there were no alternatives, the group focused on reusing plastic equipment by chemically decontaminating the plastic tubes before a second level of decontamination under heat and pressure – known as autoclaving. 

To determine the success of the scheme, the lab of seven researchers spent four weeks documenting the plastic waste produced in regular conditions. They then measured the amount of waste produced over the next seven weeks with new processes to reduce the consumption of single-use plastic. 

Dr. Pickering said: “Once the measures were in place it was quickly clear that large impacts were being seen. The most surprising thing for us was how resilient some plastics are to being autoclaved and therefore how many times they can be re-used. This means that we were able to save more plastic than we originally anticipated.”

In implementing these replace and reuse practises, 1670 tubes and 1300 loops were saved during a four-week period. This led to a 43-kilogram reduction in waste. 

The typical microbiology laboratory uses mostly disposable plastic, which is often not recycled due to biological contamination. In 2014, 5.5 million tonnes of plastic waste were generated in research laboratories worldwide. The Edinburgh lab works with dangerous disease-causing bacteria, due to the dangers of contamination, their waste must be autoclaved and incinerated at a high environmental and monetary cost.

Practices to reduce plastic waste in research labs is becoming increasingly popular in the UK, with researchers from the University of York decontaminating and re-using plastic flasks and researchers from a chemistry lab in Edinburgh recycling 1 million plastic gloves in 2019.

“It’s important to take some time identifying what plastic items you are using the most. This will allow you to identify both the easy wins, such as replacing plastic inoculation loops for re-useable metal ones, as well as the bigger tasks, such as re-using plastic tubes. That will help you to bring others on board and build momentum,” added Dr Pickering.  

The new protocols not only prevent plastic waste, but also save money according to Dr Pickering: “Over a 3-month period of implementing the protocols we will have saved over £400 of plastic tubes, inoculation loops, and cuvettes” she said. 

The full details of the lab’s new waste-reducing protocols are free to read in Access Microbiology.

UK satellites to help lead the fight against climate change

New satellite data centre will use cutting-edge satellite technology to help combat climate change.

  • new government-backed virtual satellite data centre will analyse the impact climate change is having on the UK, help shape policies on reducing carbon emissions, and contribute to reaching net zero targets
  • 50 new PhD researchers and £5 million investment to enable use of satellite images to better predict future weather trends and protect communities from flooding and pollution
  • Earth Observation experts from the Universities of Edinburgh and Leeds will work with 18 businesses on pioneering work to monitor the impact of climate change

Continue reading UK satellites to help lead the fight against climate change

Systemic change needed to address disadvantage in STEM subjects, says Holyrood committee

Disadvantages as a result of deprivation, gender and rurality need to be addressed to improve learning experiences in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), according to a new Holyrood committee report. Continue reading Systemic change needed to address disadvantage in STEM subjects, says Holyrood committee

The sky’s the limit for City space firm

Lord Provost, Frank Ross has paid tribute to Skyrora as one of the leading lights of the city’s business world during a visit to space firm’s offices. 

He visited the Princes Street offices of the rocket developer to meet its team and learn more about its future launch plans.  Continue reading The sky’s the limit for City space firm

What Next? Pint of Science Festival launched

Curious about science but not an expert? The Pint of Science festival Edinburgh brings esteemed scientists down to their local pub to answer the biggest question: What Next? Continue reading What Next? Pint of Science Festival launched

Putting down roots: the importance of STEM subjects to be explored

The importance of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects in the early years of Scottish education is to be explored by the Scottish Parliament’s Education and Skills Committee. Continue reading Putting down roots: the importance of STEM subjects to be explored

Edinburgh Science Festival: The Musical Brain

Playlist for Life are the UK’s leading music and dementia charity and the University of Edinburgh’s Prevent Dementia project aims to identify the earliest signs of the disease.  And together, they are exploring how the power of music can help those with dementia.  

This event, The Musical Brain, will be outlining the neuroscience behind the phenomenon, offering an engaging showcase of how this works in practice and explaining current research while giving advice on how everyone can protect their brain health.

The talk will take place on Saturday 13th April at 1200 in the Auditorium at the National Museum of Scotland.  Tickets are available online

The Edinburgh Science Festival runs until 21st April

2019-Programme