Researchers have discovered an eco-friendly method for recovering valuable plastics from electronic waste using N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) as a solvent. This approach recovers up to 89% of polycarbonate from cell phone plastic and can be reused multiple times.
The Sandia transport triathlon tested the safe transportation of spent nuclear fuel by combining data from three modes of transportation: truck, ship, and train. The test yielded valuable insights into the stresses experienced by fuel rods during routine handling and transportation.
A Washington State University research team has developed a technique to greatly strengthen permeable pavements by adding waste carbon fiber composite material. The recycling method reduces energy consumption and chemicals, making it a critical factor for recycling waste materials.
The project aims to convert waste heat into cooled water, offering potential cost and energy savings to U.S. manufacturers. The innovative turbo-compression cooling system has numerous large-scale practical applications, including dairy producers transforming waste heat into chilled milk.
Researchers at INRS develop a hydrometallurgical process to decontaminate treated wood waste, removing over 90% of contaminants. The process is environmentally friendly and cost-effective, diverting wood waste from landfills and incineration.
A new study by Ohio State University found that adults waste significantly less food when preparing their own meals versus consuming pre-packaged, boxed lunches. In the study, participants who cooked their own meals averaged only 3.5% of plate waste compared to 40% in a lab setting.
In a Penn-led trial, cabozantinib significantly shrunk tumors in 34 out of 35 patients with metastatic, radioactive iodine-resistant thyroid cancer. The median time on the study was 35 weeks, and 54% of patients achieved a partial response.
Scientists at Swansea University are developing a circular economy solution using algae to clean up waste nutrients from food and farm waste. The ALG-AD project aims to cultivate algal biomass for animal feed and other products, reducing pollution and promoting sustainable agriculture.
A Penn State research team has created a system that uses microbial reactors to rapidly break down solid and liquid waste, producing a nutritious food source for astronauts on deep-space missions. The system, which can minimize pathogen growth, uses anaerobic digestion to convert human waste into edible biomass.
A new Duke University study finds that radioactivity in sediments at three disposal sites is 650 times higher than normal, with conventional oil and gas wastewater contributing to the contamination. The study confirms that radionuclide accumulation occurs after 2011, when authorities limited fracking wastewater disposal.
Researchers at Tokyo Tech have developed a new Langevin model that predicts low-energy fission more accurately by accounting for the deformation of nuclear fragments. The four-dimensional model fits empirical data better than previous models and has potential applications in radioactive waste containment and nuclear power generation.
Physicists at Mainz University have calculated that neutrino detectors could be useful in certain scenarios for monitoring nuclear waste. A suitable detector could detect if radioactive material had been removed without being documented, and verify the contents of a container without opening it up.
A team of scientists at Tokyo Institute of Technology has proposed a novel approach to tackle radioactive waste disposal. By adding a moderator to a fast spectrum reactor, they found that effective transmutation of long-lived fission products can be achieved without the need for isotope separation.
A new technique using blue LED lights and catalysts reduces the time to create radioactive molecules from months to hours, accelerating the arrival of new drugs to the marketplace. This innovation has the potential to bring medicines to patients much faster than before.
Researchers at Rutgers University have developed an extremely efficient molecular trap that can capture radioactive iodides in spent nuclear reactor fuel, far outperforming existing industrial materials. The material has high porosity and can be recycled and reused, making it a potential game-changer for nuclear waste reprocessing.
A new molecular trap, MIL-101-Cr, removes nearly all radioactive iodide from used nuclear fuel rods, exceeding current regulations by up to 0.003 percent. The breakthrough could save on fuel costs worldwide, as the new method is cheaper and more effective than existing industrial adsorbents.
Researchers found high levels of radioactive cesium-137 in beach sands and brackish groundwater beneath beaches up to 60 miles away from the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant. The study suggests that this new pathway for radionuclide release should be considered in managing coastal areas near nuclear power plants.
Indiana University scientists have developed a new method to predict the effectiveness of molecules that extract toxic elements from the environment. The discovery could significantly reduce the volume of nuclear waste, as well as improve water purification and soil remediation techniques.
A recent study at the University of Missouri found that collegiate sports venues can significantly reduce waste by implementing better recycling systems, donating unsold food to charities, and replacing high-emission foods with more sustainable options. By adopting these strategies, stadiums can achieve 'zero waste' operations and set ...
The ITERAMS project targets significantly reducing water consumption by circulating process waters and reducing tailings waste through valorisation of the mineral matrix. The project aims to maintain Europe at the forefront in efficient water circulation and sustainable tailings utilization.
A new study by an international research team has shown that the levels of cesium isotopes, particularly 134Cs and 137Cs, are generally consistent with background levels from aboveground nuclear testing during the 1940s and 50s. The study suggests that the risks to human health from eating contaminated seafood are likely to be negligible.
Researchers from Nanyang Technological University have developed a process to convert brewery waste into a valuable liquid nutrient that can grow beer yeast. This innovation reduces the need for commercial liquid nutrients and saves breweries significant production costs.
A study led by Argonne National Laboratory found that waste-to-energy production pathways generate less greenhouse gases than decomposing organic waste. Researchers suggest diverting waste to energy can avoid landfill emissions and promote energy independence.
Scientists use radioactive 129I to track ocean currents in the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans. The tracer's long half-life allows precise tracking of water circulation patterns, including the 'Arctic loop' and deep-water flows southward to Bermuda.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed a new measurement for the volume and activity of beta cells, which are responsible for producing insulin. The new test uses PET scanning to detect minute levels of a radioactive chemical in the mouse pancreas, providing a more accurate assessment of insulin production.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab and UC Berkeley have developed a new mechanism to attach radioactive fluorine atoms to chemical compounds, expanding medical imaging capabilities. This breakthrough enables the creation of new 'radiotracers' for PET scans, which can aid in detecting cancers and understanding biological pathways.
The study found that humans have generated 8.3 billion metric tons of plastics since the 1950s, with most becoming waste and accumulating in landfills or the natural environment. The researchers estimate that if current trends continue, 12 billion metric tons of plastic waste will be in landfills or the natural environment by 2050.
Researchers found that fungi can accumulate radioactive substances, making them suitable for assessing environmental contamination. The study suggests using fungi as biomonitors in ecosystems with low radioactive content, providing a new approach to monitoring environmental pollution.
Researchers found that treated fracking wastewater contaminated a Pennsylvania watershed with radioactive material, salts, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals. The study suggests tighter regulations could protect the environment and human health.
Researchers have developed a new technique that can characterize nuclear material in a location even after the material has been removed. By analyzing changes in valence electrons, they can determine the presence, strength, and type of radioactive material present.
Researchers find strong support for neutrino-driven supernova explosions, where neutrinos power the blast. The study confirms the theory using computer simulations and observations of radioactive elements in Cassiopeia A.
Researchers at ETH Zurich developed a simple yet effective hybrid filter that can remove heavy metals, radioactive waste, bacteria, and other toxic substances from polluted water. The membrane is made of denatured whey proteins and activated charcoal and has been patented in 90 countries.
A study by UNIST has introduced a method for remote detection of hazardous radioactive substances, increasing sensitivity 4,800 times over conventional methods. The new device can detect radioactivity at distances of tens to 100 km, enabling early warning systems and improved safety measures.
Researchers at Dartmouth College developed a new-generation microporous material that scrubs iodine from water. The breakthrough could hold the key to cleaning radioactive waste in nuclear reactors and after nuclear accidents like Fukushima.
Researchers at Concordia University have developed a low-temperature process using psychrophilic bacteria to break down food waste, producing methane comparable to traditional anaerobic digestion processes. The study shows promise for reducing the global impact of food waste on climate change and energy demands.
A new study published in Science magazine reveals that US nuclear regulators are relying on flawed analysis to justify their refusal to adopt critical safety measures. The consequences of a catastrophic nuclear-waste fire could be considerably larger than the Fukushima accident, forcing millions of people to relocate and resulting in $...
A young researcher at FAU has studied what causes recycled plastic to smell, identifying key contaminants such as mouldy, cheesy, or acidic-smelling molecules. The study's findings will help scientists develop strategies for reducing odours in recycled plastics.
Researchers have found that radioactive decay in rocky cores of icy bodies can produce molecular hydrogen, a key ingredient for life. This process, known as radiolysis, has the potential to support microbial communities on planets like Enceladus and Europa.
A Texas A&M research team has discovered a way to produce good quality carbon fiber from lignin, a structural part of plants that piles up as waste. The breakthrough could lead to the creation of new products like tennis rackets and cars, generating jobs and rural economic growth.
Researchers at Simon Fraser University and Kwantlen Polytechnic University are developing sustainable clean-tech solutions for global potable water and clean food production. The project aims to improve energy and water consumption, as well as environmental and carbon footprint in closed greenhouses.
Researchers develop process to mix chicken droppings with Mexican sunflower to produce biogas, which can power generators and used as fertilizer. The method produces more than 3 kg of biogas from 8 kg of poultry waste and sunflowers, reducing environmental pollution.
Geologists used radioactive elements trapped in calcite crystals to create a 'clock' that measured the age of each event, revealing 13 distinct seismic events over 400,000 years. The study sheds light on the mechanics of earthquakes in intraplate faults and their relationship with human activities.
Researchers at Rice University have developed an eco-friendly method to recycle electronic waste by using a cryo-mill to pulverize circuit boards into separated powders. The process breaks down components into homogenous powders that can be reused, reducing the need for energy-intensive processes and minimizing environmental harm.
Researchers at the University of Manchester have discovered a potential method for separating toxic elements from nuclear waste using arsenic molecules. The breakthrough, published in Nature Communications, could make nuclear waste clean-up safer and more effective.
A study found that funding agencies are not transparent about their methods to reduce waste and support methodological research, and governments are not holding them accountable. This has led to a lack of comprehensive strategies for data sharing and reducing research waste.
Leaf-cutting ants can identify unsuitable plants for their fungus gardens based on colony waste cues, a study shows. Foraging ants avoided wasteful privet leaves after exposure to treated leaves' waste.
Researchers are developing a new robotic system to map and analyze radioactive sites using advanced sensing technologies, including optical spectroscopy and radiation detection. The project aims to improve the decommissioning process and reduce costs.
A Washington State University study has improved understanding of challenging nuclear waste by analyzing the chemistry of technetium-99. The research could lead to better cleanup methods, particularly addressing difficult plutonium byproducts.
Researchers have gained insight into the atomic and nuclear structure of heavy, radioactive elements for the first time. The technique involves laser ionization, which significantly increases sensitivity and accuracy, allowing for measurements of atoms per second.
A team of researchers has discovered a novel approach to treating juvenile Batten disease by activating a protein called TFEB, which stimulates the cell to produce more lysosomes and degrade cellular waste. This breakthrough may lead to improved neurological symptoms in patients with the condition.
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a new technique for extracting uranium from an aqueous solution using soap-like chemicals, potentially reducing the need for harsher separation methods. The technique also shows promise for legacy waste treatment and environmental cleanup.
Researchers at Rice University and Kazan Federal University have found a way to extract radioactivity from water using oxidatively modified carbon (OMC) material. The OMC is highly efficient at absorbing radioactive metal cations, including cesium and strontium, making it a promising solution for purifying contaminated water.
A new study found that educating diners about the environmental impact of food waste reduces waste, but this benefit disappears when participants know their scraps will be composted. The study highlights the complexity of managing food waste and suggests a nuanced approach to address the issue.
Research found elevated levels of uranium-234, thorium-230, lead-210 and polonium-210 in drill cuttings from Marcellus Shale wells. The study suggests that at low pH, uranium isotopes can leach into the environment from landfills.
Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology has been awarded a grant to turn their energy-producing waste water treatment technology into a startup company. The technology uses bacteria to clean environment-polluting waste water while generating electricity, offering a sustainable source of energy.
A team of scientists has completed research into radioactively contaminated material to gain further understanding around safely decommissioning nuclear facilities. The study identified the specific location of radioactive isotopes in a concrete core, which could lead to more efficient decontamination and cost savings.
Physicists can now accelerate radioactive beams to explore the unique duality in nuclear freedom, pushing back nuclear physics research boundaries. The HIE-ISOLDE project enables design of experimental tools for both single-particle and collective degrees of freedom.
Scientists have created a new thermoelectric material that can convert waste heat into electricity at an unusually high rate, producing 22 watts per square centimeter. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient energy conservation and reduced CO2 emissions by harnessing abundant and free fuel sources.
Researchers use gold nanoparticles with radioactive tracers to target cancer cells' telomeres, shutting down telomerase and halting growth. The method holds promise for delivering a lethal payload to cancer cells, improving treatment outcomes.
Recent studies have shown variable levels of radioactive contamination in fish, but population-level effects have not been observed. The long-term fate of the contamination remains unknown, with further research needed to understand its effects on marine ecosystems.