More than eight million tons of plastic end up in the oceans every year—a serious danger for the environment and health. Biodegradable bioplastics could provide an alternative. In the journal Angewandte Chemie, a research team has now introduced a new method for the production of protein-based plastics that are easily processable, biodegradable, and biocompatible, as well as having favorable mechanical properties.

Feeling close to other people who are similar to us can help increase consensus on conflictual political topics. In an online study, an international team of researchers led by Dr Stefano Balietti from Heidelberg University investigated the circumstances under which people change their own attitude towards a certain topic. The results suggest that having points in common helps people move towards one another, even in the case of extremely divisive political issues.

A systematic review has uncovered a plethora of models used to understand mental health problems with ramifications for how people are assessed and supported.

Finally, researchers have found a way to brew non-alcoholic beer that tastes just like regular beer. Even more, the method is far more sustainable than the existing brewing techniques. “It’s a game changer for non-alcoholic beer,” states researcher behind the new method.