New Study Finds Bio-Based Plastic and Plastic-Blend Textiles Do Not Biodegrade in the Ocean
Scripps Institution of Oceanography
Published: 24 May 2023
A Scripps study tested natural, synthetic, and blended fabrics in the ocean. Natural cellulose textiles degraded in a month, while PLA and oil-based plastics showed no breakdown even after 428 days, raising concerns over “biodegradable” claims.
Keywords: textile pollution, biodegradation, PLA plastic, cellulose fabrics, microfibers, Scripps Pier, marine pollution
From the Ocean to the Happiest Place on Earth
Scripps Institution of Oceanography
Published: 29 May 2023
Scripps alumna Astrid Hsu (MAS MBC ’16) now works as Environmental Integration Manager at Disney, helping achieve 2030 sustainability goals. Her path blends marine conservation, interdisciplinary science, and stakeholder engagement.
Keywords: Astrid Hsu, Scripps alumni, Disney, sustainability, marine conservation, interdisciplinary science, leadership
Scientists Uncover Cellular Process Behind Oxygen Production
Scripps Institution of Oceanography
Published: 31 May 2023
Scripps researchers discovered a proton pump enzyme (VHA) that boosts photosynthesis in diatoms, contributing up to 12% of Earth’s oxygen. The finding links evolution, symbiosis, and climate relevance.
Keywords: phytoplankton, diatoms, photosynthesis, oxygen production, VHA enzyme, evolution, carbon fixation
