Based in Princeton since it launched in 2022, PolyGone Systems developed “a floating filter” that can capture most of the invisible tons of microplastics that stream into the world’s waterways every year. […] Liu outlines how PolyGone’s filter works: Made of thousands of silicone fibers, it traps small particles due to their hydrophobic properties, meaning the microplastics stick to the bristly brush-like filter. […] Banks goes on to say that the filter allows wastewater systems to recover the collected plastics, separating them from the bristles. Since most plastic is either buoyant or lighter than water, they are usually found on the surface or in the first 30 centimeters of the water column, where PolyGone’s filter operates.

So a brush-like filter floating on the water, with the microplastics sticking to the silicon fibers penetrating the surface?

If the worker has a “choice” between a familiar application with guaranteed compatibility, there’s a slim chance a switch is going to take place. It requires standardizing document exchange on open format types (instead of continued use of Microsoft’s proprietary ones) and familiarization to the substituting software suite. This doesn’t mean these applications and formats should be dropped entirely (at least not short-term), but that FOSS applications and open standards should be defaulted to. Otherwise this should be regarded as gesture politics.

And so they double down… These regulations won’t stop until the open internet has been reduced to toddler content only, and all users, regardless of age, being required to compromise on their psuedonymity; in order to get some use out of it. Because surely an iPad kid playing a PEGI 18 game (“Call Of Duty”) should be able to expect an age-appropriate experience…