Filter-feeding fin whales expel colossal volumes of water through baleen strainers in their mouths when dining on krill, but new research published in Journal of Experimental Biology shows that krill clogging the baleen could be a problem for the massive mammals, slowing water leaving their mouths to a 0.02m/s dribble unless they can keep the baleen clear. Then the whales can expel the water in just 31s to keep diving for dinner.

From ocean pollution to carbon emissions, mixed plastics are an environmental headache. Japanese researchers have now developed a catalyst that selectively degrades polyurethane in mixed plastic waste while leaving coexisting polyester and nylon intact. Using an iridium-based catalyst with a phenolate salt additive and hydrogen gas, the method was successfully tested on blended textiles and end-of-life car seats, offering a practical route to recycling complex plastic combinations long considered too difficult to separate.

Researchers used a specially engineered form of polarized light to enhance the perception of Boehm's brushes in about a dozen healthy volunteers.