A new AI tool finds ways to turn chemical waste into other useful products

 

Historically, the emphasis has been put on making stuff, and few people have cared about what to do with all the junk left as a by-product. A new AI computer synthesis platform called Allchemy has the ability to identify different drugs and agrochemicals that can be made from the chemical by-products. The software can simply try all the options and finally solve a problem no human chemist would ever be able to tackle because of its sheer volume. After predicting feasible synthetic routes, the program applies environmental, economic and geographic considerations to rank the reactions and even suggests greener alternatives to the known pathways. 

A Wołos et al, Nature, 2022, 604, 668 (DOI: 10.1038/s41586-022-04503-9)



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Caffeine With a Conscience: Sustainable Coffee at Home

Image
  Caffeine With a Conscience: Sustainable Coffee at Home ( How to keep your brew strong but your footprint light ) For many of us, coffee is less a drink and more a survival mechanism. But behind every comforting cup is an industry that comes with a hefty environmental and social cost. From deforestation to exploitative labour , the true price of coffee can be far higher than what you pay at the till. The good news? You don’t have to give it up. You just need to drink it smarter. The Hidden Cost of Coffee Coffee production is linked to deforestation, water waste , and pesticide use . Global demand encourages intensive farming that depletes soils and biodiversity . Billions of single-use cups and pods end up in landfill every year. Your morning pick-me-up doesn’t have to be part of the problem. Choose Better Beans Look for certifications that mean something: Fairtrade : Farmers get a fairer deal. Rainforest Alliance : Supports biodiversity and sustainab...
Read more

Terracycling Explained: Because Some Plastics Just Won’t Die

Image
  Terracycling Explained: Because Some Plastics Just Won’t Die ( And yet somehow still end up in my cupboard ) We all know the recycling drill: bottles, cans, paper, cardboard. Simple enough. But then you’re left holding a crisp packet , a toothpaste tube , or that mysterious plastic wrapper that looks recyclable but definitely isn’t . Welcome to the world of Terracycle – where the plastics that haunt your kitchen finally get a second chance. 🧟 The Problem: Zombie Plastics Some plastics refuse to die. Local councils won’t take them because they’re: Mixed materials (foil + plastic = nightmare) Too lightweight to sort Too low-value to recycle profitably Result? Landfill . Incineration . Ocean. Repeat. 🧩 The Terracycle Solution Terracycle runs specialist recycling schemes for things that normally can’t be recycled: Crisp & snack packets Toothpaste tubes & brushes Coffee pods Make-up containers Rubber gloves Even cigarette butts (ye...
Read more

Shower Power – Saving Water Without Turning Into a Smelly Hippie

Image
  Shower Power – Saving Water Without Turning Into a Smelly Hippie ( Or: How Solar Hot Water Quietly Became the Unsung Hero of Sustainability ) Let’s talk about something personal. Steamy. Daily. Environmentally impactful. That’s right — your shower. Now, I’m all for reducing water use, but not if it means becoming one with your own scent . You’ll be glad to hear that saving water and energy doesn't require cold showers, fewer showers, or turning into a low-pressure dribble monk. Especially if — like us — you’ve tapped into the magic of the forgotten solar : solar hot water . 🌞 Why Solar Hot Water Deserves More Hype Everyone's talking about solar PV panels, battery storage, and smart meters. But solar thermal panels ? Hardly a whisper. Which is a shame, because: They’re cheaper to install They have fewer moving parts The return on investment (ROI) is often higher And they provide hot water for free from around March to October 🗨️ “Yes, our kettle i...
Read more