Researchers at Rutgers University develop innovative ammonia-salt based solvent that rapidly dissolves plant fibers, slashing enzyme use by up to 50-fold. The process can reduce biofuels production costs and extract more lignin from plant waste.
The EU project RES URBIS successfully generated bioplastics from urban waste, showing a higher economic value than traditional composting methods. The process produces polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) through volatile fatty acids decomposition.
University of Guelph researchers have developed a new tool for studying nuclear waste storage using antimatter. This breakthrough may help in designing safer underground vaults for permanent storage of radioactive waste. The study also reveals intriguing properties of clays that could be useful in other industries.
Researchers have discovered an unusual light-dependent enzyme in microalgae that can convert organic waste oils and fats into sustainable biofuels. The goal is to develop a system that can produce drop-in fuels from waste oils and fats, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Researchers at NTU Singapore have developed a method to turn plastic waste into valuable chemicals by harnessing sunlight, converting non-biodegradable polyethylene into formic acid, a chemical used in fuel cells and energy generation.
Researchers found that recycling nutrient-rich industrial waste products can enhance soil health while reducing carbon emissions and maintaining crop yields. The study used heat-inactivated spent microbial mass (SMB) as a fertilizer, which provided similar crop yields to conventional fertilizers but at greater rates.
A new pathway in the central nervous system removes brain waste substances through the creation of corpora amylacea (CA), aggregates formed by glucose polymers. CA acts as waste substance containers that are expelled from the nervous system and removed by the immune system.
Researchers in Kazakhstan create a composite material using local loam and industrial waste to build road foundations, showing high water and frost resistance. The new material could prolong road life span by two times and be used for various building materials, reducing environmental pollution.
Researchers at Queen's University Belfast have developed a low-cost technique to convert brewery waste into carbon, which can be used as a renewable fuel or in water filters. The method creates activated carbon and carbon nanotubes from barley waste, reducing emissions linked with the agriculture sector and creating a high-value product.
Researchers have developed a process to transform waste sugar cane and wheat straw into valuable chemicals, increasing value by 5000-fold. The new method produces high-value building blocks for food industry and pharmaceuticals directly from waste biomass in a single 'one-pot' process.
Using waste heat helps reduce the cost of producing hydrogen, a key step towards cleaner energy. Researchers developed an approach that uses low-grade waste heat to produce hydrogen, with potential for lower production costs and increased efficiency.
The review highlights the need for improved waste management solutions to handle growing numbers of retired electric vehicle batteries. Recycling methods are being improved to make processes more economically efficient, minimizing environmental impacts.
A new study highlights the need for governments and industry to act now to develop a robust recycling infrastructure for end-of-life lithium ion batteries. The UK has an enormous opportunity to address this issue, with analysis suggesting eight gigafactories are needed by 2040 to service demand for recycled materials.
The tourism industry is facing significant challenges due to food waste, with globally estimated 1.3 billion tons of food lost or wasted each year. Food waste in tourist households has been neglected despite growing numbers of tourists and diverse travel experiences.
Researchers have developed a method to produce pharmaceutical ingredients from woodchips, reducing waste and increasing efficiency. The process utilizes lignin, a component of wood, to synthesize potential drug candidates with promising antibacterial and anticancer activity.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a process to break down plastic waste into molecular-level gases, which can be transformed back into new plastics. This method could enable the creation of circular use of plastic and reduce reliance on oil and fossil gas.
A multi-institutional team led by Colorado State University aims to improve the economic and environmental sustainability of anaerobic digestion. They plan to redesign bioreactors using renewable electrons to produce valuable products such as hexanoic acid and isobutanol, reducing methane production and carbon dioxide emissions.
The Rice reactor produces valuable chemical in desired concentration and high purity, eliminating the need for hazardous transportation and purification. The low-cost carbon black catalyst enables point-of-use production of pure hydrogen peroxide solutions.
A new study estimates that about one-quarter of total US health care spending is waste, ranging from $76 billion to $94 billion. The authors found that the estimated annual cost of waste was $265.6 billion, with potential savings ranging from $191 billion to $282 billion
Researchers at UBC Okanagan have developed a new type of composite material made from discarded stone waste and polymers, which increases the strength and conductivity of the final product. The materials can be used in various applications, including decorations, sanitation products, and even aerospace.
A new research project called REBOOT aims to recover almost 100% of valuable resources in liquid waste management. The project uses continuous hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) technology to produce clean freshwater, hydrogen, and CO2 from sewage sludge and manure.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a method to break down polyurethane waste into other useful products, such as adhesives and glues. This approach reduces the amount of toxic byproducts generated from incineration, providing an environmentally friendly solution to managing polyurethane waste.
New research suggests that global food waste due to overeating has a significant impact on the environment. The study estimates that excess bodyweight corresponds to roughly 140 billion tonnes of food waste globally, with growing meat consumption leading to higher land and water usage.
Scientists at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology found that hazardous chemicals from plastics ingested by seabirds accumulate in their tissues. The study detected additives such as UV stabilizers and brominated flame retardants in 4.6% and 2.1% of seabird samples, respectively.
A new study suggests combining biomass with waste materials can improve the sustainability of manufactured soils by reducing nutrient loss. The research found that adding biochar reduces essential nutrient retention, improving conditions for plant growth and lowering fertiliser reliance.
Researchers have found that basal meningeal lymphatic vessels function as the main plumbing pipes for cerebrospinal fluid drainage, and their integrity is impaired with aging. This study highlights the role of basal meningeal lymphatic vessels in the development of age-related neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease.
The University of Tennessee has been awarded a grant to develop a more sustainable way to manage Nashville's organic wastes. The project aims to reduce methane emissions and create jobs in the local community by using anaerobic digestion technology.
Researchers at the University of Lincoln's National Centre for Food Manufacturing have developed new methods to dehydrate fruit and vegetables, producing flours that can be used in bakery and snack products. This technology extends shelf life and reduces food waste.
US National Parks produce a staggering 100 million pounds of trash each year, with managers seeking ways to divert recyclable materials and reduce overall waste. Key findings from recent research include the importance of moral norms and perceived difficulty in influencing visitor behavior.
Researchers have developed an efficient and low-cost method to convert waste denim into reusable cotton fibers, reducing textile waste and conserving resources. The new process uses a 1:4 mixture of ionic liquid and DMSO to dissolve cellulose building blocks, resulting in white or colored viscose-type fibers.
New Zealanders consider cigarette butts toxic to the environment, holding smokers primarily responsible. Researchers recommend increasing awareness of tobacco companies' role in creating tobacco product waste to foster political support for producer responsibility measures.
Researchers have discovered a method to convert plastic waste into jet fuel using activated carbon as a catalyst. The process produces high-quality fuel with minimal environmental impact, offering a promising solution to the global plastic crisis.
A new biodegradable chemical is produced through natural fermentation, which can be refined as a source of energy and replace petroleum-based chemicals in various products. The technology, developed by the University of Waterloo, reduces costs associated with food waste management by using leachate recirculation.
Researchers from Penn State University and Boston College found that promoting recyclable waste transformation increases recycling rates. Consumers who saw product transformation messages recycled up to 87.7% of their waste, compared to 19% for those without such messages.
Researchers at Kumamoto University have developed a novel e-waste recycling method using pulsed power, which successfully separates metal from plastic in CD-ROMs. The technique uses high-voltage electrical discharges to break down materials, resulting in efficient separation and minimal environmental impact.
Researchers at the University of British Columbia found that mice segregate their living and waste areas, suggesting a need for 'en suite bathrooms' in laboratory settings. The study showed that mice create separate compartments for nesting and eliminating waste, moving bedding and materials between cages to maintain comfort.
A comprehensive study tracking 26 years of waste disposal reveals that most oil and gas waste from Pennsylvania stays within the state, posing human health hazards. The study also found that conventional drilling operations accounted for nearly one-third of all waste.
The study found major dioxins detected were polybrominated and mixed halogenated dibenzofurans, suggesting PBDEs as a source. High concentrations of PXDFs indicate these 'hidden' dioxins contribute substantially to e-waste-derived dioxin toxicity.
Current methods for measuring health impacts from oil and natural gas extraction are insufficient, with studies finding poor health outcomes near operations despite standard health benchmarks not being reached. The authors call for further research on emissions using accurate timeframes and proximity to extraction sites.
Researchers have developed a method to extract rare-earth elements from phosphogypsum mining waste, a potentially game-changing solution to alleviate the world's REE supply shortages. The use of microorganisms to dissolve the elements has shown promise as an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional methods.
Despite the risks, many health care workers do not use recommended personal protective equipment when handling chemotherapy. A study from Michigan Medicine found that nurses who reported handling hazardous drugs had twice the risk of reproductive problems.
A study published in Science Advances found that deeper sleep is crucial for the brain's waste removal system, known as the glymphatic system. The researchers observed that mice administered a combination of anesthetics exhibited slow and steady brain activity similar to deep non-REM sleep, which is optimal for glymphatic function.
A collaborative study improves understanding of ALS by identifying a key role for ubiquilin proteins in regulating cellular waste. The researchers found that mutated ubiquilins fail to regulate lysosomes, leading to excess waste buildup and disease development.
A recent study found that short-term wood burning in small-scale room heaters and sauna stoves significantly increased residents' daily exposure to particulate air pollution. The study highlights the importance of natural ventilation in reducing indoor levels of hazardous particles.
A Washington State University team is developing an ultra-high performance cementitious composite grout to encapsulate solid secondary waste at the Hanford Site. The grout uses industrial byproducts like coal ash and steel slag to reduce costs and environmental impact.
A recent survey by Michigan State University found that the oldest Americans are most focused on reducing food waste, with 88% of all respondents taking steps to reduce it. Among those who make efforts, 71% try not to purchase excess food and 71% often consume food before it spoils.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a chemical conversion process that can transform polyolefin waste into valuable products, including polymers, naphtha, and clean fuels. The technology has the potential to boost recycling profits and reduce global plastic waste stock.
Russian scientists propose a new recycling method that produces liquid products from organic waste, eliminating the need for specialized plants and reducing oil consumption. The process also generates no environmental emissions, making it compatible with circular economy principles.
Researchers at VTT developed a new and more accurate method for estimating the probability of extreme events, such as storms, floods, and earthquakes. The new method improves estimation accuracy, especially when data is limited, and contributes to economically optimal safety in natural hazard preparation.
Yeast cells produce ethanol as a 'safety valve' when their metabolic operation reaches a critical level. This discovery also explains the Warburg effect in cancer cells, where energy is wasted by producing lactate.
A new study from Lund University investigates the degradation of plastic waste, finding that it can break down into nanoplastics under mechanical stress. The researchers warn that this could lead to adverse consequences for animals and humans, as nanoplastic particles are extremely small and can be ingested by living organisms.
Researchers have genetically modified a common houseplant to remove chloroform and benzene from the air, two hazardous compounds linked to cancer. The modified pothos ivy plants express a protein that converts these pollutants into harmless molecules, which can support plant growth.
Researchers from Osaka University developed a large-scale flexible thermoelectric generator module with high mechanical reliability and efficient power generation. The module achieved improved efficiency in recovering waste heat from curved heat sources, enhancing its mechanical reliability.
Researchers at NYU Tandon School of Engineering have developed a machine learning system that pairs artificial neural networks with infrared imaging to control and interpret small-scale chemical reactions. This technique can reduce the decision-making process from one year to weeks, saving tons of chemical waste and energy.
A new gold recycling method has been developed using pyridinethiols and hydrogen peroxide, allowing for efficient extraction of gold from electronic waste. The process produces a stable cationic gold-containing product in organic solution, with nearly quantitative dissolution of gold after 20 minutes.
A new study found that a simple online game can teach people to sort waste correctly with lasting results. Players who received immediate feedback on their sorting choices showed significant improvements in accuracy, even after multiple sessions.
Researchers developed a biodegradable and renewable composite material from date palm fibre biomass, showing increased tensile strength and improved impact resistance. The material has the potential to reduce fuel consumption and C0<sub>2</sub> emissions in vehicles.
The study estimates that by 2030, global fecal biomass could contain significant amounts of recoverable materials such as phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Animal waste from livestock outweighs human waste in many countries, posing a threat to public health.
Researchers have created a new method to efficiently extract rare-earth metals, including scandium, from aluminium industry waste. This innovation could reduce environmental hazards and conserve mining resources.
Ben-Gurion University researchers develop process using hydrothermal carbonization to heat raw solid human waste, converting it into hydrochar: a safe, reusable biomass fuel. The hydrochar can be used for household heating and cooking, while the liquid byproduct serves as fertilizer.