A new study from the University of Illinois explores the effects of curbside compost collection programs in New South Wales, Australia. On average households redirected 4.2 kilograms of waste to composting, representing 25% of the waste that previously went to landfills.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalEnvironmental and Resource Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 26, 2024
Researchers propose a new strategy for converting waste heat into chemical energy through thermoelectrocatalysis, offering improved energy utilization efficiency and emission reduction. The study identifies four major working modes and explores ways to optimize thermoelectric properties for enhanced performance.
SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateMar 22, 2024
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.
The Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials has developed a high-temperature steam sterilization-type medical waste treatment system capable of processing 100 kg/h. This technology can eliminate the risk of infection during loading and transportation processes, saving hospitals KRW 71.8 billion annually.
SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·DateMar 13, 2024
Researchers discovered that spent brewer's yeast, used in Marmite production, can selectively capture metals from electronic waste streams, recovering over 50% of aluminum, copper, and zinc. The yeast can be reused multiple times, making the process economically feasible.
SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 12, 2024
Scientists at Washington University School of Medicine discovered that neurons coordinate to produce rhythmic waves that propel fluid through dense brain tissue, washing the tissue in the process. This finding has implications for delaying or preventing neurodegenerative diseases by enhancing the brain's cleaning abilities.
SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 28, 2024
Researchers found that an experimental drug called Yoda1 may help repair the brain's lymphatic system and glymphatic function in mice with craniosynostosis and aged mice. The study shows promise for treating Alzheimer's disease by improving brain waste-clearance systems.
SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 19, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed a method to accurately measure and predict neutron-induced transmutation, which can make nuclear waste more stable. This technique could lead to improved nuclear waste treatment facilities and new theories about the creation of heavier elements in the universe.
SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalPhysics Letters B·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 15, 2024
Researchers at University of Limerick in Ireland have discovered a way to efficiently convert low-grade heat into electricity using lignin-derived membranes. The breakthrough technology has significant potential for developing sustainable heat-to-electricity applications, reducing waste heat's environmental impact.
SourceUniversity of Limerick·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 13, 2024
A new study transforms sewage sludge into activated carbon, reducing energy costs and increasing its industrial value. The process produces a highly porous material useful for decontamination processes like water purification and gas treatment.
SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalJournal of Environmental Management·DateFeb 7, 2024
A new study found that a four-week family-based food literacy program reduced fruit and vegetable-avoidable waste in families with school-aged children. The program included online cooking classes, text messages, and toolkits to promote meal preparation and reduce food waste.
SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 6, 2024
GoPro HERO13 Black
GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.
A new study found that solid waste scales linearly, while wastewater production and greenhouse gas emissions scale superlinearly and sub-linearly, respectively. Cities with higher per-capita GDP generate more waste, highlighting the link between economic growth and waste generation.
SourceNew York University·JournalNature Cities·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 30, 2024
Cesium removal from radioactive wastewater is a challenging task due to the complex chemical nature of cesium and sheer volume of contaminated water. Recent studies have explored various methods, including adsorption and membrane separation, which show promise for effective treatment with low environmental impact.
SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Environmental Science & Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 24, 2024
A new study finds that cities with higher per-capita GDP generate more waste, while economies of scale reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The research uses scaling theory to analyze waste products from over 1,000 cities worldwide.
SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalNature Cities·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 18, 2024
Researchers from Kaunas University of Technology and Lithuanian Energy Institute investigate the possibilities of plasma gasification to convert surgical mask waste into hydrogen-rich syngas, which shows a 42% higher heating value than biomass. The obtained syngas can be used as clean fuel with low carbon emissions.
SourceKaunas University of Technology·JournalInternational Journal of Hydrogen Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 10, 2024
Researchers propose using waste materials like agricultural residues and old cotton textile waste to produce regenerative textiles. The study evaluates the potential of these waste sources for textile applications, identifying soybean, wheat, rice, sorghum, and sugarcane residues as suitable candidates.
SourceJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·JournalJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 9, 2024
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.
New analysis by NREL researchers estimates that 56% of paper and cardboard waste is landfilled, contributing to energy and resource losses. The study highlights opportunities for diversion and recovery of technical and economic value from these materials.
SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·JournalWaste Management Bulletin·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 27, 2023
Researchers at KAIST have developed eco-friendly technologies for producing plastics and processing waste plastics using microorganisms. The team presented the latest microorganism-based technologies that can produce plastics from renewable biomass resources and decompose waste plastics, contributing to a circular economy.
SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 11, 2023
A team of experts has developed a way to convert polyethylene waste into ethylene and propionic acid through atomically dispersed metal catalysts. This method uses renewable solar energy to produce valuable chemicals with high selectivity, alleviating the need for complex separation processes.
SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2023
Researchers at Kaunas University of Technology develop method to treat cigarette butts using pyrolysis, producing oil, char, and gas with real applications in fertilizers, wastewater treatment, energy storage, and biofuels. The process reduces biodiesel production costs by adding triacetin-rich oil as an additive.
SourceKaunas University of Technology·JournalJournal of Analytical and Applied Pyrolysis·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 27, 2023
Researchers estimate that halving Europe's food loss and waste can save 51 million tonnes CO2 equivalents, 6% agricultural land use, and 7% water consumption. Monitoring and reporting of food loss and waste is crucial for policy intervention to prevent food loss and waste.
SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 6, 2023
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.
Researchers have developed a plastic-eating E. coli that can efficiently turn polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste into adipic acid, a feedstock for making nylon materials and other products. The engineered microbes converted up to 79% of PET waste into adipic acid, offering a potential solution to the global plastic waste problem.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Central Science·DateNov 1, 2023
Researchers analyze waste samples from 55 lined pit latrines in Malawi to understand the complex microbial communities. The findings reveal that aerobic microbes are more abundant near the surface and anaerobic microbes deeper in the pit, helping break down human waste and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPLOS Water·TypeObservational study·DateOct 31, 2023
Chinese researchers are exploring advanced porous nanomaterials and technologies to reduce radionuclide discharge into the environment. These materials possess high specific surface area, abundant pore structures, exceptional stability, and design flexibility, making them promising candidates for radionuclide removal.
SourceCactus Communications·JournalEco-Environment & Health·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 24, 2023
Lehigh University researchers have developed a technique using machine learning and advanced spectroscopy to characterize waste feedstocks for gasification-produced hydrogen. This process has the potential to eliminate hazards associated with stored coal waste and reclaim valuable resources, while also emitting fewer pollutants than tr...
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.
Researchers from Zhejiang University developed a new method to simulate radionuclide transport in fractured granite, using hyper-gravity experiments and 3D-printed fracture networks. This breakthrough could improve deep geological disposal methods and mitigate the risk of nuclear waste leakage.
SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalRock Mechanics Bulletin·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 16, 2023
Researchers at Osaka University have developed a novel radioactive antibody that can diagnose and treat a deadly type of pancreatic cancer. The antibody targets glypican-1, a protein highly expressed in PDAC tumors, allowing for early detection and treatment with improved survival rates.
SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 16, 2023
Researchers at Shibaura Institute of Technology developed a cellulose-based thickener to reduce environmental risks associated with liquefied stabilized soil. The thickener prevents bleeding, loss of fine particles, and unwanted settling, while maintaining soil strength.
SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalCase Studies in Construction Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2023
The planned releases of radioactive wastewater from Fukushima Daiichi will have negligible effects on the environment, according to a study published in Science. The predicted radiation doses from the discharges are smaller than exposure to natural radiation or medical x-rays, posing no real threat to local seafood consumers.
SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateOct 5, 2023
A novel numerical analysis successfully replicates observed excavation damaged zone (EDZ) trends at the Horonobe underground research laboratory. The study demonstrates high reproducibility and accurately depicts fracture failure modes, addressing a key aspect of rock deformation and fracturing interactions.
SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalRock Mechanics Bulletin·TypeCase study·DateSep 20, 2023
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.
Scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a technology that converts unrecyclable plastic waste into useful chemicals, reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. This new approach presents a promising strategy for establishing closed-loop circularity of plastics and fighting global plastic waste.
SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalMaterials Horizons·DateSep 20, 2023
A UH research team is developing innovative chemical processes to transform plastic waste into useful materials, aiming to create new ways to reuse and recycle polyolefins. The project seeks to produce durable thermoset materials that can be recycled multiple times, reducing environmental impact and promoting a circular plastics economy.
Researchers at Rice University have discovered a method to produce clean hydrogen gas from waste plastics using low-emissions technology. By utilizing rapid flash Joule heating, they can convert plastic waste into high-yield hydrogen and valuable graphene, which could offset the production costs of clean hydrogen.
SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 14, 2023
Researchers found elevated soil lead levels in city parks that previously housed garbage incinerators and waste ash, with some levels exceeding EPA's threshold. The study provides insights into potential lead exposures for park visitors.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateSep 12, 2023
The UK and Japan partnership aims to develop new technologies for detecting and processing radioactive waste. Researchers will focus on improving inspection technologies using hyperspectral imaging and exploring calcined clays as natural resources to engineer 'geopolymer binders'.
Meta Quest 3 512GB
Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.
A new study found that green nudges on a Chinese food-delivery platform increased the share of no-cutlery orders by 648 percent, saving over 3.26 million metric tons of plastic waste annually. The platform's rewards system, which included redeemable points for planting trees, was instrumental in changing consumer behavior.
SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalScience·TypeObservational study·DateSep 7, 2023
A new study found that 'green nudges' significantly reduced single-use cutlery waste in China's food delivery industry, increasing environmentally friendly orders by 648%. The intervention of defaulting to 'no cutlery' options and rewarding customers for choosing eco-friendly options saved over 21.75 billion sets of SUC annually.
SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateSep 7, 2023
Researchers found that nuclear weapon fallout from 60 to 80 years ago also contributes to the persistent radioactivity in German wild boars. The team measured cesium-137 levels and compared them to cesium-135 using a mass spectrometer, finding that nuclear weapons testing supplied between 10 and 68% of the contamination.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateAug 30, 2023
Engineers at RMIT University have developed a technique to make concrete 30% stronger using biochar made from roasted used-coffee grounds. This innovation reduces waste going to landfills and emits fewer greenhouse gases, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional construction materials.
SourceRMIT University·JournalJournal of Cleaner Production·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 22, 2023
A team of scientists led by Timothy Gray has discovered a long-lived excited state in radioactive sodium-32 nuclei, which has an unusually long lifetime of 24 microseconds. This finding challenges traditional nuclear structure models and raises questions about how nuclear shapes evolve over time.
SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 16, 2023
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.
A new technique converts kale waste into phytochemicals for use in health and personal care products, preserving potency and using non-toxic solvents. The method reduces energy consumption and emissions, making it attractive for industry adoption and supporting a circular economy.
SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalSeparation and Purification Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 16, 2023
Researchers from Michigan State University's School of Packaging have developed a bio-based polymer blend that is compostable in both home and industrial settings. The blend, which includes polylactic acid (PLA) and thermoplastic starch, reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills and enables efficient recycling.
SourceMichigan State University·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateAug 4, 2023
A new study from UC San Diego's Rady School of Management suggests that dynamic pricing could be a more effective way for grocery chains to reduce food waste and mitigate climate change. By analyzing data from Pick 'n Save, the study found that dynamic pricing can reduce waste by 21% while increasing profit margins among retailers.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalMarketing Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 25, 2023
Researchers at UC Irvine and CU Boulder found that curbing food spoilage increases the amount of produce in markets, leading to lower costs. This results in cheaper food that encourages consumers to buy and eat more, offsetting some environmental benefits.
SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalNature Food·DateJul 24, 2023
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.
A new University of Colorado Boulder study finds that reducing food loss and waste could lead to increased access to affordable food worldwide, but at the cost of reduced environmental benefits. The study suggests that more food availability would result in lower prices, leading to changes in consumer behavior.
SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNature Food·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 20, 2023
Researchers at UBC Okanagan have developed a new method to incorporate used plastic bottles into clay soil stabilization in landfills, strengthening the soil and preventing pollutants from escaping. This innovative approach has the potential to divert millions of metric tons of plastic waste from landfills each year.
SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalWaste Management·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 20, 2023
A new study reveals that artificial rocks from macroplastics, known as plastiglomerates, pose a significant environmental risk to coastal ecosystems. These 'rocks' are made up of plastic waste held together by coral fragments and can release toxic pollutants into the environment.
SourceKiel University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 2023
Researchers have discovered molecular crystals with exceptional iodine capture capacities, which could prevent radioactive waste from damaging reactor coatings. The crystals can be reused and have potential applications beyond iodine capture, including carbon dioxide capture and lithium-ion battery materials.
SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·DateJul 19, 2023
Researchers developed a novel inorganic silica-based adsorbent for selective separation of strontium from acidic media. The adsorbent exhibits good acid resistance stability and favorable adsorption on strontium stable nuclide.
SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalSeparation and Purification Technology·DateJul 11, 2023
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.
A new study from the University of Illinois finds that converting food waste into energy and bioproducts can be profitable in Illinois. The study analyzes supply chain logistics and technological and economic factors to determine the feasibility of this solution.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Cleaner Production·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 11, 2023
A new recycling method for carbon and glass fibre composites has been developed by researchers at the University of Sydney, which can reduce energy use by 70% and preserve mechanical properties. The approach ensures increased material recovery and improved energy efficiency compared to previous methods.
SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalComposites Part B Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 3, 2023
A new approach uses pretherapy imaging and dosimetry to personalize radioactive iodine treatment for refractory differentiated thyroid cancer patients. The method allows researchers to calculate personalized dosage of treatment, resulting in improved outcomes.
SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJun 22, 2023
A new calculation shows that a molecular gas filament protected the young Solar System from a nearby supernova explosion, allowing it to capture radioactive isotopes found in meteorites. The filament acted as a buffer, protecting the nascent Sun and helping to channel the isotopes into the forming Solar System.
SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 22, 2023
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.
Researchers at Pusan National University have developed a new adsorbent that utilizes problematic protons in acidic wastewater to enhance the removal of radioactive cesium ions. The adsorbent, potassium calcium thiostannate, shows improved capacity under strongly acidic conditions.
SourcePusan National University·JournalJournal of Hazardous Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 20, 2023
A University of Gothenburg study reveals that fish farm waste can be converted into biogas, reducing waste and generating nutrients for plants. The biogas can power the aquaponic farm, making it a sustainable energy source.
SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalAquacultural Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 20, 2023
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a process to convert waste PVC into a wax-based adhesive, which can replace traditional adhesives in the flooring industry. The new adhesive avoids volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and has potential applications in various construction sectors.
Clean technology can help reduce food waste and establish long-term sustainability goals in on-site foodservice providers. Engaging employees in the process is crucial for its success, as it helps measure and quantify waste production.
SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalJournal of Hospitality & Tourism Research·DateMay 26, 2023
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.
Researchers found that disposable diaper waste can replace up to 8% of sand in concrete and mortar used to build a single-story house, reducing construction costs. The study suggests using this unconventional material for low-cost housing in low- and middle-income countries.
SourceScientific Reports·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 18, 2023
A Phase 1 clinical trial has started to test the safety and tolerability of an experimental oral drug called HOPO 14-1 in healthy adults. The study aims to determine how the drug removes radioactive contaminants from the body, which can occur after nuclear accidents or exposure to dirty bombs.
SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateMay 15, 2023
Researchers have discovered that certain bacteria can use radioactive elements americium and curium to replace lanthanides in their metabolism. This finding has significant implications for bioremediation and the separation of lanthanides and actinides.
SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateMay 11, 2023
Research reveals that certain bacteria can replace essential lanthanides with actinides to sustain their metabolism. The findings suggest a possible role for these bacteria in decontaminating areas contaminated with radioactive elements or separating lanthanides and actinides for analytical purposes.
SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 11, 2023