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...
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 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.
Researchers found that crushed concrete reacts with strontium-90 to form stable calcite mineral structures, removing up to 98% of the contaminant from solution. Phosphate treatments also significantly enhance strontium retention, particularly in air-limited environments.
Researchers have discovered rare radioactive isotopes in a deep-sea manganese crust, pointing to an ancient cosmic event that occurred at least 100 million years ago. The discovery provides new insights into the formation of heavy elements in the universe and helps refine our understanding of past astrophysical events.
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 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.
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.
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.
A new study reveals that a single gust of wind transported cesium-rich microparticles (CsMPs) across Fukushima Prefecture, contaminating the area with high levels of radioactivity. The particles' uneven distribution reflects weather conditions and pose an additional environmental and health risk.
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.
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.
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 laser method allows researchers to study radioactive elements like neptunium and fermium, which have rugby ball-shaped atomic nuclei. The technique provides crucial information about the size and shape of atomic nuclei, essential for understanding actinide properties.
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.
Jason Ross has been honored for his work on the German-French ActiDecorp project, developing novel active substances to remove radioactive actinides from the human body. The project aims to address a growing risk of contamination through accidents or occupational exposure.
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.
Researchers at Jeonbuk National University have developed a new Prussian-blue based electrode that can effectively remove cesium from water. The electrode, made by combining Prussian blue with chemically treated carbon cloth, demonstrates high capacity for cesium adsorption and excellent reusability.
POST-PURPLE aims to convert urban wastewater and organic waste into valuable resources through innovative bio-based technologies. The project will demonstrate practical pathways toward cleaner, more circular urban biorefineries and reduce diffuse emissions.
A recent study analyzing 6,049 contamination records revealed that 46% of the world's aquatic environments are classified as 'dirty' or 'extremely dirty'. The most critical contamination cases are found in mangroves, with plastics and cigarette butts accounting for nearly 80% of the waste.
A HKUST research team developed an innovative urban food waste management framework analyzing food waste data from 29 large cities worldwide. The study shows that grinding food waste and diverting it into sewage systems can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 47% and lower total waste-management costs by 11%.
A team of researchers has found that a common soil fungus can extract large amounts of residual phosphorus from phosphogypsum, a byproduct of phosphoric acid production. The study shows that more than 40% of the phosphorus locked inside this waste material can be recovered through a biological process.
A groundbreaking field-based research study from Nankai University found the average carbon emission of dismantling a single unit of E-waste increased from 1.2513 kgCO2 to 1.3335 kgCO2 between 2013 and 2020, highlighting the urgent need for more efficient recycling technologies.
A cellulose-based composite sheet can simultaneously adsorb and shield radioactive elements like cesium, iodine, and strontium. The resulting composite demonstrates its potential for controlling environmental contamination.
Scientists at Technical University of Munich create constructed soils by mixing excavated soil with compost and biochar, resulting in improved fertility and carbon accrual. These new urban soils can be tailored to specific use cases, such as protecting groundwater or enhancing plant growth in green areas.
Researchers compared seedling germination, growth and nutrient uptake in pure food waste substrate, commercial potting mix and blends with varying ratios. Mixtures with less than 50% food waste compost produced better results.
A new study has found that radioactive seed localization (RSL) is an effective and comfortable alternative to traditional wire localization for breast cancer surgery. Patients who received RSL reported less pain and anxiety, while surgeons rated the technique as more convenient and satisfying to perform.
A new study from the University of Illinois finds that a 10% increase in imported plastic waste is associated with a 0.6% increase in littered plastic bottles collected from coastal areas. The researchers used citizen science data to investigate how the global plastic waste trade contributes to litter along coastlines and waterways.
A first-in-human study found that a single dose of the alpha-emitting radionuclide <sup> 211 </sup> At was both well-tolerated and effective in achieving disease control without molecularly targeted drugs. The therapy has potential to reduce treatment burden and broaden access to effective care for patients with refractory disease.
A University of Michigan study reveals that Ghana's informal e-waste recycling industry exposes workers to severe air pollution, compromising their health and the environment. The study finds that urbanization drives population growth, which exacerbates pollution in settlements like Agbogbloshie.
A study published in Energy & Environment Nexus highlights the benefits of biochar in semi-continuous anaerobic digestion systems treating food waste. Biochar enhances hydrogen and methane production, stabilizes pH, and promotes microbial resilience, making it a practical and cost-effective additive for improving TPAD performance.
Researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine found that streamlined surgical preference cards can significantly reduce hospital waste and improve operational efficiency. By analyzing thousands of surgeries, they identified unnecessary items and optimized lists to save up to $3 million over five months.
Researchers at Kaunas University of Technology have developed a new way to turn textile waste into energy and high-performance cement materials. The production of alternative fuel from textile waste can reduce CO2 emissions during cement production, while also providing an innovative approach to textile waste management.
Researchers found that adding biochar to advanced food waste recycling systems can significantly increase hydrogen and methane production. Biochar acts as a natural buffer, keeping pH levels optimal for microbes and supporting robust microbial communities.
Researchers explore using municipal solid waste as a low-emission, cost-effective feedstock for sustainable aviation fuel, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80-90%. The study suggests that adopting municipal solid waste-based jet fuels could save airlines money under carbon pricing systems.
A study by Osaka Metropolitan University found that lecanemab treatment does not change short-term waste clearance function in Alzheimer's patients. The glymphatic system, which carries away metabolic waste like Aβ, is already damaged in AD patients, and treatment may not be enough to restore lost function.
A team of engineers at Rice University has developed a cleaner approach to recycling lithium-ion battery waste by recharging the cathode materials. The process produces high-purity lithium hydroxide with minimal energy consumption, making it a promising solution for sustainable battery production.
A new study finds that deep-sea mining waste can disrupt marine life in the midwater 'twilight zone', where vast communities of zooplankton support the ocean's food system. The waste, released during a 2022 mining trial, has lower concentrations of amino acids, threatening the delicate balance of the food web.