Mobile phones and endless screen time are the bane of parents the world over. But while technology is often blamed for poor health in children and teenagers, new University of South Australia research suggests that the same devices could also be part of the solution.

This review presents an innovative perspective on the replacement of conventional petrochemical-based surfactants with microbial biosurfactants such as rhamnolipids and sophorolipids in shampoo formulations. It emphasizes the integration of green chemistry principles and circular bioeconomy concepts into personal care product development. Unlike synthetic surfactants like SLS, biosurfactants are biodegradable, skin-compatible, and eco-friendly, reducing both dermatological irritation and environmental pollution. The article innovatively links biotechnological fermentation processes with cosmetic formulation science, providing comparative analyses of cleansing efficacy, foam stability, biodegradability, and protein protection in skin models. Moreover, it explores formulation optimization strategies, including hybrid surfactant systems and pH buffering to overcome stability and cost barriers. By combining environmental metrics with dermatological performance, this review establishes a holistic framework for sustainable shampoo design. The innovative aspect lies in positioning biosurfactants not merely as replacements for synthetics, but as multifunctional active ingredients that enhance scalp microbiome health while advancing global sustainability goals in the cosmetics industry.

With an increasing intensity and severity of heat waves in the U.S., Rutgers Health researchers, in collaboration with the City University of New York (CUNY), found that older workers, particularly Black, Latino and low-income individuals, face an increased risk of work disability because of exposure to extreme heat.