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The “Resource curse”: Princeton-led study shows why natural resource abundance can be a double-edged sword

A Princeton-led study examines the complexities of translating natural resource wealth into economic prosperity. Higher social and human capital, as well as institutional safeguards, are critical in avoiding the 'resource curse,' a phenomenon where extraction leads to limited growth and unstable institutions.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 22, 2026
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

‘Just-shoring’ puts justice at the center of critical minerals policy

A new framework, 'just-shoring,' aims to shift focus from competition and security to the rights and interests of local communities whose lands are most at risk. The approach prioritizes accountability and transparency, giving communities a legal right to co-govern throughout the mineral lifecycle.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature Energy·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 13, 2026

Cyclic triaxial tests: Evaluation of liquefaction resistance in chemically treated soils

Researchers developed a strain-controlled testing method for evaluating liquefaction resistance in chemically treated soils, reducing carbon-dioxide emissions by up to 60%. The new method yielded consistent results, improving urban resilience and reducing economic losses in earthquake-prone regions.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalResults in Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 12, 2025
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.

Alternative carbon carrier technology could improve oil production — and carbon storage too

A new method for enhanced oil recovery proposed by researchers at The University of Texas at Austin is showing promising results in modeling studies. Alternative carbon carriers are chemical compounds engineered to store larger quantities of carbon molecules in subsurface formations, optimizing greenhouse gas transportation, utilizatio...

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalEnergy & Fuels·DateAug 13, 2025

A new approach could fractionate crude oil using much less energy

A new membrane developed by MIT researchers separates different types of fuel based on their molecular size, eliminating the need for energy-intensive distillation. The membrane can efficiently separate heavy and light components from oil, and is resistant to swelling.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateMay 22, 2025

Mystery of Uruguay’s amethyst geodes

Researchers from Göttingen University identified the low crystallisation temperatures and groundwater origin of amethyst geodes in northern Uruguay. The study proposes a new model explaining their formation, which could improve exploration techniques and lead to sustainable mining strategies.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalMineralium Deposita·TypeObservational study·DateOct 2, 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.

Oil and natural gas development in Permian is a key source of ozone pollution in Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Research shows that oil and natural gas development in the Permian Basin contributes to high eight-hour ozone concentrations frequently exceeding EPA health standards during summer months. The study uses data from a 2019 field survey to confirm the impact of drilling, flaring, and other activities on ozone levels.

SourceColorado State University·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Atmospheres·DateJul 16, 2024

Study ties fracking to another type of shaking

Researchers confirm fracking triggers tremors, which can be used to track fluid movement and monitor fault activity. This finding has implications for sustainability and climate science, as carbon sequestration through fracking may reduce atmospheric emissions.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalScience·DateAug 10, 2023

Zapping municipal waste helps recover valuable phosphorus fertilizer

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed an electrochemical device that can recover phosphorus fertilizer from municipal waste with high efficiency. The device achieved over 93% efficiency in recovering phosphorus and precipitating approximately 99% of it into solid form.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 28, 2023

New study reveals key factors for estimating costs to plug abandoned oil and gas wells

A new study published in Environmental Science & Technology estimates the median cost of plugging abandoned oil and gas wells at $76,000, with costs varying widely based on location, age, and other factors. The analysis of over 19,500 orphaned wells across the US provides valuable insights for regulators to adjust bonding requirements ...

SourceResources for the Future (RFF)·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJul 27, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.