Listen to today’s podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/silk-logic-sustainability-daily/id1842028080
Sustainability Daily Podcast
Today’s podcast episode was created from the following stories:
Sustainable, closed-loop 3D-printed recyclable desktop organizers
By Rain Noe — November 21, 2023
British firm Pearson Lloyd’s bFRIENDS organizers are 3D-printed by Batch.Works from recycled, plant-based plastic and designed for a return-to-recycle loop. Every piece can be disassembled by material and sent back for reprinting, giving offices a vivid, closed-loop desk system designed for Bene Office.
This engineered fungus cuts emissions and tastes like meat
By Xiao Liu (corresponding author), Xiaohui Wu (first author) — November 21, 2025
Researchers used CRISPR edits (without adding foreign DNA) to create a Fusarium venenatum strain that produces protein using 44% less sugar, 88% faster, and with up to ~60% lower life-cycle emissions than the conventional strain. With meatlike taste and improved digestibility, the work points to more efficient, lower-impact scaling of mycoprotein as an alternative to animal protein.
Parameterization of cell-free systems with time-series data using KETCHUP
By Mengqi Hu, Syed Bilal Jilani, Daniel G. Olson, Costas D. Maranas — November 21, 2025
An open-source update to KETCHUP enables fitting enzyme kinetics with time-series data and corrects time-lag errors, improving confidence in dynamic predictions. Parameters learned from single-enzyme assays accurately predicted a two-enzyme cascade, streamlining data-driven design for biomanufacturing and synthetic biology.
Sustainable, closed-loop 3D-printed recyclable desktop organizers
By Rain Noe — November 21, 2023
The bFRIENDS collection shows how desktop accessories can be made to circulate: print with recycled PLA, use, separate by material, and return for reprint. It’s a practical example of circular design moving from concept to everyday office gear.
Green synthesis of CuO nanoparticles from Punica granatum leaves and their application in the enhancement of cold-pressed calcareous alkali-activated materials for sustainability
By Meera Salama, Pwadubashiyi Coston Pwavodi — November 21, 2025
Scientists green-synthesized CuO nanoparticles using pomegranate leaf extract and added them to cold-pressed, calcareous alkali-activated materials. At a 0.5% dose, strength jumped 37% while porosity and water absorption fell, pointing to a low-energy route for stronger, more sustainable building components.
Tech investor and glass innovator joins SolarWindow board of directors
Author not specified — November 21, 2025
SolarWindow appointed Francisco Javier Bono Perez to its board following a $1M investment from Silica Holding, which he founded. The move strengthens ties across advanced glass manufacturing and could accelerate commercialization of transparent electricity-generating coatings for buildings and mobility.
Mastercard brings open-loop transit payments to Azerbaijan
Author not specified — November 21, 2025
Mastercard is rolling out open-loop transit payments in Azerbaijan, letting riders tap bank cards or phones instead of topping up a separate fare card. Proven in cities from London to Singapore, open-loop systems cut fare friction, reduce cash handling, and improve operations for agencies and riders alike.
Thousands of oysters are being re-introduced to Dublin Bay as nature’s super water cleaners
By Fiona Regan — November 21, 2025
After two centuries, 18,000 native oysters are being reintroduced to Dublin Bay to seed future reefs and restore water quality. Each oyster can filter up to 200 liters per day; DCU scientists are tracking contaminants and ecosystem recovery as community volunteers and partners drive a model for nature-based coastal restoration.
