A UNSW analysis of Sydney water has found at least 31 PFAS chemicals, including 21 not previously recorded in Australian tap water, and one detected in tap water globally for the first time.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), or forever chemicals, are being identified in more places. Period products are on that list, likely because of the resistance to stains and liquids conferred by these chemicals. Building on previously presented research, a team publishing in ACS’ Environmental Science & Technology Letters found that some reusable products, namely period underwear and reusable pads, contained PFAS, which might be absorbed into the body through skin contact.

A consortium of UK universities - led by the University of Manchester in collaboration with the University of Oxford, University of Plymouth and Loughborough University - has been awarded a major grant for a programme that will transform the lifecycle of graphite in nuclear energy - an essential material for the future deployment of nuclear power.