Bioplastics: the stretch to sustainability
Plastics are everywhere: from the plastic packaging that keeps our food safe and fresh, to, unfortunately, the (micro)plastics that end up in our seas and oceans. "We can't avoid plastics, so we have to improve them," argues Hannelore Geeraert (VUB - FWO). Thus, with the help of bacteria, she worked on biodegradable bioplastics.
Sustainability
New materials
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VUB
Growing the future: material innovation using fungi
Your next jacket might be made from fungi! Mycelium, the underground root network of mushrooms, offers eco-friendly alternatives like leather substitutes and fireproof insulation. However, as a natural grown product, its variability poses challenges for factories. That's why Jara Saluena is researching how to grow more consistent, durable mycelium materials.
FWO
VUB
Is there music in prison?
99% of people in prison are released at some point. So it is crucial to prepare them for this release. Music can help with this, explains education scientist Silke Marynissen (VUB - FWO) in this video.
UGent
Vlerick
Three foundations for startups' survival and high growth
Did you know that many young businesses don’t survive beyond five years? Hamza Aurangzeb (Vlerick Business School, UGent) explores what helps young companies thrive and grow. Through interviews with successful young entrepreneurs, he identified three essential foundations—responsiveness, preparedness, and prioritization—that help businesses to remain flexible and succeed in challenging times, like during the COVID-19 pandemic.
UAntwerpen
Tailor-made care for vulnerable young people
Many young people in community settings struggle with mental health problems, such as the need for therapy or medication. Elien Craenhals (UAntwerpen) investigates how these institutions can offer young people the right care. Her recommendations aim to help vulnerable young people regain the prospect of a better future.
UAntwerpen
The ears in our head sometimes falter
A hole in your sock 🧦, your memory 🧠, your hand 💸 ... We've seen it all. But what about a hole in the eardrum of your ear? 👂 "You wouldn't expect it, but such holes are common, especially after chronic ear infections," explains Pieter Livens (UAntwerpen). He studies such holes to see how we can smoothly repair the eardrum. Hear hear!
UAntwerpen
Vaccinating with a nasal spray
Will we beat the next pandemic with a nasal spray? Yes, if it depends on Ilke Van Tente. She is working on new vaccines in the form of nasal spray. Because why administer vaccines via injections, and thus into the blood, when viruses such as the COVID virus enter our bodies through the nose?