Beat
REST OF THE WORLD
RESEARCH
Scientists create fluorescent
cotton, magnetic cotton
growing cellulose chain and chemically
integrated them into the cotton fibres.
One of these specialised molecules
turned the cotton yellow (under normal
light) and fluorescent green (under UV
light.)
Another specialised molecule
contained the rare earth element
dysprosium, which has magnetic
properties. When the plant incorporated
it into the cotton fibres, the cotton
displayed magnetic properties, as well.
Pic courtesy: American Council
on Science and Health
An international team of researchers
has created one type of cotton that
fluoresces and glows in the dark, and
another variety that is magnetic. For
this, the scientists placed tiny fertilized
ovules into a dish containing plant food
as well as molecules with the desired
properties. After 20 days, the ovules
produced cotton fibres with the desired
features.
The reason the plant could
incorporate these special molecules
is because they were attached to
glucose. Glucose (a sugar) is the key
ingredient in cellulose (a plant fibre).
When the plant soaked up the glucose-
linked molecules, it treated them
just like normal glucose molecules.
The plant shipped them out to the
UC San Diego scientists produce
algae-based flip flops
Pic courtesy: Erik Jepsen/UC San Diego Publications
changing the world for the better
environmentally.
These renewable flip flops, now
produced in an array of colours, are
allowing the UC San Diego team to
fine tune the chemistry for future shoe
soles, car seats and other products
traditionally made from petroleum.
APPOINTMENTS
Michelle Gass to take over as
Kohl’s CEO next May
Kevin Mansell, Kohl’s chairman, chief
executive officer and president is to
retire in May 2018 as of the close of
Pic Courtesy: Kohl
UC San Diego students and researchers
have produced the world’s first algae-
based, renewable flip flops. The first
prototypes consist of a flexible, spongy
slipper adorned with a Triton logo
and a simple strap. The impact of this
innovation could be revolutionary,
the company’s annual shareholders
meeting. Michelle Gass, who is
currently Kohl’s chief merchandising
and customer officer, will become
the CEO while chief operating officer
Sona Chawla would become the
president.
Industry 4.0 Compendium
The Future of Textile Manufacturing
Are you making a stride towards textile industry 4.0 and enabling digitalization and automation of
textile manufacturing processes?
If yes, then we want the world to know about your strategic initiatives.
Get Yourself Featured
38 | FIBRE 2 FASHION NOVEMBER 2017
Phone : +91 - 99099 41379 | Email : inquiry@fibre2fashion.com