Researchers at the University of Exeter estimate that bio scientific research generates 1.8% of global plastic production, equivalent to 67 cruise ships a year. They propose funding agencies incentivize greener practices with budget for lab recycling facilities and grant application requirements.
Researchers have developed a simple and inexpensive way to extract high-purity silica compounds from agricultural waste using ethylene glycol and ethanol. This process could significantly reduce carbon emissions and costs associated with traditional methods.
A new University of Washington study confirms that composting food scraps is the right thing to do for the environment. Composting significantly reduces methane emissions from landfills compared to sending food waste to landfills.
Researchers found biochar produced from tomato crop green waste can be used as a substrate for soilless hydroponic tomato production. The study showed that tomatoes grown in biochar-based substrates had similar growth, yield, and fruit quality to those in pine sawdust.
A new study suggests that lifting the EU pigswill ban could save around 1.8 million hectares of land by using heat-treated food waste as pig feed, cutting land use by 21.5% and feed costs in half. The model also shows that swill feeding is a safer alternative to grain-based diets.
According to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) survey, Ontario students reported high levels of hazardous drinking, with 29% of 12th graders engaging in hazardous drinking. The survey also found that more students used electronic cigarettes than tobacco cigarettes.
Researchers found that only half of water bodies have fish consumption advisories in line with EPA recommendations. The largest fish sizes need new advisories, affecting up to 65% of sites examined.
New research from the University of Texas at Austin suggests that rock salt used to store nuclear waste may not be as impermeable as previously thought. Deformation of the salt can create connected pore networks that allow fluids to flow, making it a more significant concern for storage sites.
The Precourt Institute for Energy at Stanford University has awarded $2.1 million in seed grants to support promising clean energy research. The projects focus on developing new technologies for solar energy, nuclear waste management, and biofuels, with the goal of reducing our reliance on fossil fuels.
A recent study found that oily waste containing natural radionuclides can strongly alter the microbial community in soil, selecting for resistant species and affecting community function. The long-term effects of such contamination on soil health and function are still unclear.
Researchers are developing an electrochemical separation process to remove challenging elements like cesium and strontium from used nuclear fuel. This approach aims to create less waste, separate out nuclear waste for better management, and extend the life of electrolyte solutions.
Researchers at the University of York have developed a self-assembling gel that can selectively extract precious metals like silver and gold from electronic waste. The gel is then converted into conducting nanoparticles, enhancing its electrical conductance and making it suitable for various high-tech applications.
A new study reveals that potato waste in Switzerland can be reduced significantly through improved cultivation methods and quality standards. The researchers found that 53% of conventionally produced table potatoes are wasted, while organic production leads to a higher waste proportion.
University of Missouri researchers have created a biodegradable active layer in organic electronics using peptides, enabling full biodegradability. The discovery could significantly reduce electronic waste in landfills and minimize health risks associated with e-waste exposure.
Researchers at the University of Utah have successfully created LEDs from food and beverage waste, reducing toxic waste and offering a cost-effective alternative. The development utilizes carbon dots made from discarded pieces of tortilla and soft drinks, eliminating concerns over toxic elements.
Estimated electricity production from African urban waste could reach 122.2 TWh in 2025, alleviating energy poverty for millions. However, poor waste management limits actual potential to 83.8 TWh, affecting 27 million families.
A recent review of the effects of a series of biomedical research reviews found that some initiatives have reduced waste and increased value, but more needs to be done. The reviewers questioned whether it's time to reconsider the current system for awarding research funding, which may not reflect changing biomedical research needs.
The Ocean Conservancy's report outlines specific land-based solutions for reducing ocean plastic waste, including a four-point plan to cut leakage by 45% in 10 years. The report estimates a total cost of $5 billion and significant returns to the global economy.
Research emphasizes that lean efforts must consider health and safety regulations to maintain quality and productivity without compromising employee well-being. The lean philosophy aims to minimize waste, including non-value adding activities that result in accidents and employee compensation.
Researchers estimate that 47% of edible US seafood supply is lost annually, mainly from consumer waste. The study suggests that reducing waste can support increased seafood consumption without stressing aquatic resources.
A recent study by University of California, Berkeley researchers found that neighborhoods with higher percentages of Hispanic and African American residents had poorer air quality and closer proximity to hazardous waste sites. The study reveals stark racial disparities in environmental health hazards across California communities.
Researchers at Texas A&M University found that pairing popular vegetables with school entrees, such as burgers and chicken nuggets, can lead to increased vegetable consumption. The study suggests optimizing entrée-vegetable pairings in schools meals could positively impact vegetable intake for students relying on school meals.
Researchers at UNIST developed a simple process to treat waste coffee grounds for methane storage using sodium hydroxide and heating. The process produces a stable carbon capture material with environmental benefits of recycling a waste product.
A European Union-funded project estimates that 4.7 million tonnes of discarded electronics were wrongfully mismanaged or illegally traded in Europe, valued at €800-1.7 billion annually. The study calls for better guidelines and harmonized penalties to combat e-waste crime.
Researchers at the University of Adelaide have discovered that grape waste can be converted into a competitive biofuel, producing up to 270 litres of ethanol per tonne of grape marc. The process involves fermentation and pre-treatment with acid and enzymes, which increases yields to 400 litres per tonne.
Researchers analyzed toilet waste from international flights to identify disease-causing microorganisms and resistance genes. The study found geographical differences in resistance genes and microorganism prevalence, highlighting the potential for airports as global surveillance sites.
A recent study assesses e-waste recycling's economic potential and finds it worth billions of euros, with potential revenues expected to rise from €2 billion in 2014 to €3.5 billion by 2020. The recycling industry also aims to reduce environmental pollution by conserving virgin resources.
Researchers at the University of Missouri found that meat food waste has a significant impact on the environment due to increased energy use in its production. The study suggests that consumers and institutions should be more conscious of not only the amount but also the types of food being wasted.
A new study finds that EU consumers waste an average of 123 kg per capita annually, equivalent to 16% of consumed food. The majority of this waste is avoidable, with vegetables, fruit, and cereals being the most wasted due to shorter shelf-life and over-purchasing.
The UK is the worst offender in European avoidable food waste, with nearly 80% of all food waste being avoidable. The study found that vegetables, fruit and cereals contribute most to lost resources, while meat production uses more resources in the first place.
Researchers from Spain and Portugal used photonic crystal optical fibers to develop innovative sensors capable of withstanding high temperatures. The system successfully measured toxic gas levels and temperature variations in coal waste piles, allowing for early detection of potential fires.
A new nationally representative survey found that nearly three-quarters of Americans believe they waste less food than the national average, despite 31-40% of the American food supply being wasted. The top foods wasted are fruits and vegetables, with food waste costing Americans $161.6 billion annually.
A study from Cornell Food & Brand Lab reveals that buying too much food, preparing in abundance, and improper storage lead to significant household food waste. Implementing efficient meal planning strategies and proper food storage techniques can significantly reduce waste and save money.
KU Leuven researchers create sustainable process to convert wood waste lignin into chemical building blocks for various products. The resulting chemicals can be used in paint, insulation foam, and several other applications.
Research from the University of Cincinnati explores solvent-free chemistry, finding it can be just as reliable for chemical reactions without drawbacks. This approach reduces waste and costs, offering a financial savings.
Researchers found anaerobic co-digestion to have cost, energy, and environmental benefits compared to digestion of manure but disposal of food waste in a landfill. The process resulted in a 25-year net value of over $8.4 million for dairy farm manure and food waste co-digestion.
A study published in Waste Management highlights the need for a multi-dimensional approach to managing solid waste in developing countries. The research emphasizes the importance of considering environmental, socio-cultural, legal, institutional, and economic linkages in implementing effective waste management systems.
Researchers at the University of Sheffield suggest that deep borehole disposal could dispose of all UK's high-level nuclear waste in just six boreholes, 5km deep. The concept has several advantages over current solutions, including reduced construction costs, easier site selection, and lower environmental impact.
Researchers at the University of East Anglia have discovered five strains of yeast capable of breaking down agricultural by-products into bioethanol. This breakthrough could lead to the production of over 400 billion litres of bioethanol annually from crop waste, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Researchers at the University of the Basque Country have developed a system to recover hydrogen from waste plastics in electronic boards. The technology has been patented and shows promise as a clean energy source.
A study of 210 primary care resident physicians found they rarely perform alcohol screening and brief intervention, despite its effectiveness in detecting and reducing unhealthy alcohol use. The researchers suggest that medical school curricula focus on binge drinking rather than chronic dependence.
A study on the Thames river found that greater numbers of resistant bacteria exist close to waste water treatment works, which are likely responsible for increasing antibiotic resistance. The researchers suggest that improvements in treatment processes could hold the key to reducing the prevalence of resistant bacteria in the environment.
Research conducted by Lynda Dunn reveals that diathermy smoke contains nine hazardous compounds, four of which are carcinogenic, posing a risk to surgical personnel. The use of extraction devices is recommended to minimize exposure and improve workplace conditions.
A new study by the NCEAS Marine Debris Working Group estimates that over 4.8 million metric tons of plastic waste enter the world's oceans from land annually, with a possible maximum of 12.7 million metric tons.
A recent study published in Science estimates that between 4.8 and 12.7 million metric tons of plastic enter the ocean every year, mainly from coastal regions. The researchers used a grand model to estimate the amount of plastic waste entering the ocean and found that it is significantly higher than previously estimated.
Researchers estimate that around 8 million tons of plastic waste entered the world's oceans in 2010, with coastal countries generating close to 275 million tons. To prevent this number from increasing by a full order of magnitude over the next decade, nations need to improve their waste management practices and adopt better strategies.
Research reveals that sleep plays a crucial role in removing toxic waste from the brain by increasing fluid flow and clearance of neurotoxic waste products. The glymphatic system, responsible for this process, is most active during sleep, suggesting the necessity of sleep for maintaining a healthy brain environment.
Researchers at the University of Guelph have developed a simple procedure to transport wet farm waste and produce energy from it. Pressure cooking yields compact, easily transportable material that can be used in energy-producing plants, producing similar amounts of energy as coal.
A new algorithm allows for the efficient decomposition of 3D objects into pyramidal parts, minimizing material waste and saving print time. This breakthrough has significant implications for 3D printing, molding, and casting, enabling the creation of complex shapes with minimal support material.
Researchers at Dartmouth College have created a 'green' process that reduces molecular switching waste by harnessing visible light. The new method efficiently modulates molecular switches without generating waste, opening up potential for industrial applications in fields like anti-cancer drug delivery and LCD displays.
A team of researchers at Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center developed an Induced Sputum (IS) technique to assess the effect of pollution on urban asthmatic children. The study found that IS is a more physiologically sensitive biomonitoring method than environmental sampling stations, detecting hazardous particles like mercury in the lungs.
A new method to produce lactic acid from glycerol, a waste feedstock, has been introduced, reducing CO2 emission by 30% compared to conventional fermentation. The process also lowers production costs, increasing the potential profit by 17-fold.
Researchers at Penn State have developed a thermally regenerative ammonia-based battery that converts low-grade waste heat into electricity with high efficiency. The battery can produce up to 60 watts per square meter of power, making it six to 10 times more efficient than other liquid-based thermal-electric energy conversion systems.
A new study reveals that traumatic brain injury can accelerate dementia by disrupting the brain's waste removal system, specifically the glymphatic system. This impaired system allows toxic proteins to accumulate in the brain, setting the stage for neurodegenerative diseases.
A team of researchers from the University of Florida has developed a process to convert human waste into rocket fuel, producing 290 liters of methane per crew per day. This anaerobic digester process can also produce non-potable water and hydrogen, offering a sustainable solution for space missions and potentially on Earth.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are exploring a new method to treat high-saline water from hydrofracturing and other processes by utilizing waste heat from thermoelectric plants. The goal is to develop a cost-effective technology that can recover clean water and reduce waste disposal costs.
Researchers found that using grocery byproduct as a supplemental feed source in total mixed rations improves dry matter intake and apparent digestibility, leading to increased animal performance. The study also developed a pricing method for the feed based on its nutrient content and market prices.
A new study revealed that 43% of nursing students engage in hazardous alcohol consumption, with significant variations among demographic groups. Hazardous drinkers were more likely to be young, smoke, and live outside family settings.
Researchers have developed a process that uses flash pyrolysis to produce fuels and raw materials from biomass and waste, including plastics and tires. The process produces bio-oil with a high energy density and can be used to replace petroleum-based products.
Researchers discovered flu virus exploits aggresome, a cellular waste bundle, to release genetic material. The process takes 20-30 minutes and is gradual, with the virus tricking the waste pickup and disposal system.