The research team successfully controlled the emission wavelength of carbon quantum dots from UV to yellow-green using waste polyamide as a single precursor. They achieved a total tuning range of 244 nm and demonstrated that controlled defect-state engineering can systematically regulate the optical emission.
The book delves into practical approaches to reducing waste and improving environmental performance in the tourism sector, covering topics such as food waste, plastic and e-waste, and eco-friendly hospitality. It emphasizes policy-driven solutions to promote responsible tourism development.
A study combining phosphatidylethanol biomarker tests and self-reported measures of alcohol use found that 5.8% of patients below hazardous threshold had elevated PEth levels, while AUDIT and self-reported measures varied in flagging risky consumption. The findings support a multimethod approach to screening in primary care.
A Worcester Polytechnic Institute-led research team aims to recover valuable resources from industrial waste using biomolecules and organic scaffolds. The project could transform large volumes of waste into marketable products, reducing reliance on newly mined resources and lowering environmental footprints.
A team at Rice University has developed a method to capture fluoride from environmental waste and recycle it into a useful reagent, silver fluoride. The process can recover 90% of the fluoride as silver fluoride, removing over 99.9% of the fluoride available in the PFAS.
Researchers developed an ABCS reactor for simultaneous treatment of solid waste and wastewater from biomanufacturing, achieving a 1.62-fold increase in methane production. The technology improves wastewater treatment efficiency, reduces facility size, and enables energy self-sufficiency.
Combining microbial biofertilizers with biochar made from waste enhances soil health, plant growth, and resilience. The co-application consistently outperforms using either treatment alone, improving nutrient-use efficiency and plant biomass.
Researchers found that energy-demanding tissues have larger macrophage crews to manage waste, with the number of macrophages tracking mitochondrial activity and waste production. This system is critical for tissue health and function, and may help preserve tissue function as we age.
A graded recycling framework for real-world waste plastics aims to maximize carbon retention and improve recycling efficiency. The framework organizes mechanical recycling, chemical reconstruction, gasification, and biological upgrading as complementary strategies.
Researchers at Tsinghua University have developed microwave catalytic systems for the conversion of waste plastics into high-value chemicals. The technology achieves efficient and rapid conversion of various types of plastics, including polyesters, polyolefins, and others, with high yields and selectivity. The study highlights the pote...
Scientists from the Food Packaging Forum Foundation propose a novel approach to better protect consumer health by grouping chemicals in food packaging and prioritizing them for regulatory review or phase-out. The approach can help policymakers and manufacturers overcome data gaps and prevent regrettable substitutions.
A collaborative research team has successfully upcycled phosphine waste into high-value electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution, a critical process for a hydrogen economy. The catalyst achieves exceptional performance in water splitting, making hydrogen production spontaneous and thermodynamically favorable.
Researchers developed a hierarchical graphene nanowall nanomesh that enhances sensing performance and enables long-term gas monitoring on wearable masks. The 'nano-on-nano' structure confines gas molecules, increasing interactions with the graphene surface, and maintains breathability and flexibility.
Researchers developed a filament extrusion system to process recycled PET from waste plastic bottles, producing filament suitable for 3D printing. The recycled PET filament demonstrated competitive mechanical performance compared to PLA, highlighting its potential as a feedstock for additive manufacturing.
The journal focuses on research related to turning solid wastes into useful ecomaterials, aiming to advance a zero-waste society. The editorial team accepts original research, reviews, and industry reports on solid waste valorization, including artificial intelligence and data-driven approaches.
Savannah River National Laboratory has won a 2026 R&D 100 Award for its 'Engineered Cermets for Advanced Reactor Waste Disposal' project, which aims to develop durable solutions for nuclear waste management. The project, co-developed with academia and industry partners, focuses on reducing storage footprint and environmental impact.
Hiroshima University researchers demonstrate that food processing liquid waste can be reused to produce omega-3 fatty acids by cultivating Aurantiochytrium sp. The study shows that three types of pickle seasoning waste can be utilized by the thraustochytrid to produce DHA and EPA. Reusing the waste medium also produces DHA and EPA, but...
Researchers develop a genome-scale model-guided microbial engineering strategy to convert agricultural waste into biodegradable bioplastics. The approach enables efficient production of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) from radish hydrolysate, a promising feedstock for sustainable biomanufacturing.
Researchers from NUS have developed a method to turn waste from aircraft composite materials into aerogels that can be used for thermal insulation, sound absorption, and oil spill clean-up. The aerogels were found to be lightweight, non-toxic, and effective in absorbing sound and oil.
A new study finds that the world's growing solar panel waste could deliver significant economic benefits if recycled properly. Researchers estimate that global PV waste will reach 297-402 million tonnes by 2060, containing valuable materials like silicon and metals.
A multidisciplinary team of researchers converts polyvinyl chloride waste into high-performance lubricants with exceptional energy-saving potential. The discovery could address growing plastic waste challenges while advancing lubrication technologies.
A research team uses machine learning to regulate environmental processes, achieving precise and predictable remediation of polluted soil. This approach allows for the creation of high-performance charcoal-like substances from farm and forestry waste and polluted soil.
Diversion of U.S. food waste from landfills could significantly reduce climate impacts and nutrient pollution, with potential benefits including a 89-99% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and a 49-54% decrease in nitrogen pollution. However, the resulting compost and organic materials may carry up to 20,000 tons of microplastics in...
Researchers at UC Riverside develop a catalyst that effectively breaks down perchlorate at high concentrations, potentially reducing hazardous waste generated during drinking water treatment. The breakthrough technology could make it possible to destroy perchlorate after it has been captured on ion-exchange resin.
Scientists have identified a previously unknown waste drainage system at the back of the eye, called the posterior ocular lymphatic outflow, or POLO pathway. This discovery provides a new framework for understanding leading causes of blindness and opens opportunities for harnessing this system to treat disease.
TREASURES initiative builds on NUS CDE research strengths in environmental resilience and waste-to-resource technologies. The centre will support practical solutions for complex waste streams, transforming Semakau Landfill into a hub for resource recovery and reuse.
Researchers have devised a sustainable approach to convert coal tailings into a highly effective adsorbent that captures ammonia and neutralizes hazardous metals, offering a cost-effective solution for sustainable farming. The material demonstrated remarkable adsorption capabilities, achieving an ammonia adsorption capacity of 56.80 mg...
Researchers found impaired glymphatic function in ME/CFS patients, leading to brain fog and sleep disturbances. The study suggests that dysfunction in the brain's natural cleaning system may drive this condition.
Researchers developed a one-pot synthesis strategy for hierarchical ZSM-5 catalysts that can improve catalyst lifetime during microwave-assisted catalytic pyrolysis of plastic waste. The study found that crystallization temperature strongly controlled the catalyst's pore structure, acidity, morphology, and lifetime.
Studies in Sweden, Finland, and Denmark show that dirty waste disposal rooms evoke feelings of disgust, increasing the risk of incorrect waste disposal. Clean environments, on the other hand, lead to a decrease in littering.
A new study by Ellen Considine and Rachel Nethery shows that Indonesia's air pollution increased in 2018 and 2019 due to the diversion of plastic waste from China, which was previously a major import source. The team used satellite data to evaluate changes in fine particulate matter at 356 open dump sites in Indonesia.
A new study published in Biochar shows that the temperature used to produce biochar plays a decisive role in controlling nitrogen losses during food waste digestate composting. Hardwood biochar made at 400 °C reduced total nitrogen loss by 46.3% compared with composting without biochar, outperforming biochars made at 300 °C and 800 °C.
Scientists at Gladstone Institutes create new method to track brain waste exit points, revealing unexpected details on immune cell interaction and disease disruption. The 'nearest exit' model suggests that each brain region has a unique drainage system.
Researchers used game theory to identify promising porous carbon materials made from agricultural and industrial waste. The study found that certain samples, such as rice straw-KOH-level 2, performed well in terms of surface area and pore volume, making them suitable for applications in soil amendment, water conservation, and pollutant...
The FutuRaM project mapped Europe's 'urban mine', revealing a vast reservoir of metals and minerals essential for clean energy, digital technologies, and modern industry. By 2050, recovery systems could enable the EU to recover between 4.1 and 5.7 million tonnes of critical raw materials annually.
A review of food waste in Australia's quick service restaurants found order mistakes as the biggest driver of waste, with better staff training crucial for reduction. The study recommends ongoing training and making food waste metrics part of performance evaluations to mitigate back-of-house food waste.
A multi-stage coupled refining process converts high-acid-value waste cooking oil into high-performance natural ester insulating oil with improved physical, chemical and electrical properties. The process increases the oil's dielectric dissipation factor and power frequency breakdown voltage.
Researchers at the University of Bath discovered that a fungus can break down hard-to-recycle construction waste and turn it into sustainable insulation. The resulting biomaterial has comparable thermal performance to conventional insulation products with significantly lower carbon emissions.
Researchers at Newcastle University have created an electrically conductive, water-based reversible adhesive that can join electronic components and allow for their reuse or recycling. This technology has the potential to address the massive problem of e-waste globally.
Researchers create tandem catalytic strategy to efficiently upcycle polyethylene into aromatic chemicals without precious metals or external hydrogen acceptors. The process achieves high aromatics yield and demonstrates excellent stability, offering a promising solution for managing plastic pollution and reducing fossil resource reliance.
Researchers developed a high-performance sodium-ion anode material by converting discarded mobile phone batteries into NiCo₂S₄ and combining it with lignin-derived carbon. The new material achieved improved capacity, rate capability, and cycling stability, making it a promising alternative for lower-cost battery production.
Researchers at RMIT University have discovered that eucalyptus bark can be converted into a highly porous form of carbon that traps pollutants, providing a practical solution to clean polluted water and air. The findings highlight the potential of turning waste materials into useful environmental resources.
An international study has found bowhead whales are recovering in stocks where large areas of hazardous sea ice conditions limited whaling centuries ago. This provides important natural sanctuaries for the species, allowing populations to recover more quickly today.
A new research study by Australian energy companies and waste management firms has shown how organic waste can be safely turned into clean gas for homes and businesses. The team identified critical specifications for optimal biomethane quality, making it more cost-effective to produce.
A new study highlights the gap between India's hazardous waste production and registered contaminated sites, emphasizing the need for coordinated monitoring and robust remediation processes. The researchers propose a Contaminated Site Monitoring, Assessment, and Remediation (CS-MAR) framework to improve governance of contaminated sites.
Researchers at the University of Manchester have found that terrestrial hot spring microbiomes can transform industrial CO2 waste into biomass and other valuable compounds. This discovery could enable the production of value-added products directly from CO2-rich waste streams, reducing emissions while generating economic value.
A new study by Cornell University suggests that animal and human waste could meet 102% of nitrogen and 50% of phosphorus needs for US agriculture, reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers. However, implementation challenges such as processing and transport need to be addressed to unlock this potential.
Researchers developed a quasi-dynamic mathematical model to optimize Thermally Integrated Carnot Batteries (TI-CB) under fluctuating conditions typical of factory environments. The study yielded crucial insights, including a clear roadmap for handling off-design fluctuations, bringing Carnot batteries closer to widespread deployment.
A new method developed by researchers at the University of Cambridge uses solar-powered acid photoreforming to break down hard-to-recycle plastics into clean hydrogen fuel and valuable industrial chemicals. This approach could create a circular system where one waste stream solves another, reducing plastic waste and pollution.
Researchers developed a biodegradable composite made from spent coffee grounds and natural polymer, offering strong thermal insulation while being environmentally sustainable. The new material has a thermal conductivity comparable to commercial expanded polystyrene and is fully derived from renewable resources.
Researchers transformed waste into high-performance porous carbon materials for soil and water conservation. The study identified top-performing materials from agricultural wastes, which exhibited high surface areas and favorable pore structures, enhancing adsorption capacity and water retention.
In Ethiopia's city of Mekelle, spotted hyenas consume organic waste, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and preventing disease. By doing so, they save the city over $100,000 in waste management costs, highlighting the vital ecosystem service they provide.
Researchers found that black soldier fly larvae can break down RNA viruses in organic waste, reducing potential risks. The larvae's frass still contained some active viruses, highlighting the need for additional treatment.
A team from UCO develops a 100% recycled paving block made from mollusk shells and mining waste, replacing natural aggregates and conventional cement. The block meets mechanical, durability, and safety criteria without using single natural material, contributing to circular economy and decarbonization in the construction sector.
A new Concordia study reveals that UK household recycling rates are influenced by factors such as garbage collection frequency, education, and population density. The research found that districts with less frequent garbage collection and convenient recycling systems had higher recycling rates, with median levels of around 61%.
A new study in Management Science found that small operational decisions can increase profits while reducing spoilage. By optimizing product display and discounting strategies, retailers can achieve a rare win-win, benefiting both profitability and sustainability.
Researchers at the University of Waterloo have discovered a way to convert microplastic waste into acetic acid, the main ingredient of vinegar, using sunlight. The breakthrough offers a promising new approach to reducing plastic pollution through photocatalysis, creating a valuable chemical product.
Researchers develop a new method to transform waste streams into a promising material for next-generation sodium-ion batteries. The study demonstrates how waste recycling can reduce environmental pollution and support the transition to sustainable energy storage technologies.
A meta-analysis of 55 studies found a significant protective association between spirituality and hazardous alcohol and drug use. The study suggests that spiritual practices may be effective in preventing or reducing the risks associated with these substances.
A meta-analysis of longitudinal studies found that broad spiritual practices, such as attending religious services and meditation, were associated with a 13% reduced risk of hazardous drug and alcohol use. This reduction was greater (18%) among individuals attending religious services at least once per week.