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FIU patent targets viruses with a breakthrough from linseed oil

A linseed oil-derived polyol compound has been patented by FIU researchers, exhibiting potential to inhibit a broad spectrum of viral and bacterial infections. The compound's low cost, biodegradability, and industrial scalability make it an attractive option for global health challenges.

SourceFlorida International University·DateMay 20, 2026

Whales go quiet during noisy underwater surveys

Researchers found that fin whale calls dropped dramatically during seismic surveying off northwestern Spain, with a 70% decrease in calls across three sites. The study highlights the potential impacts of seismic surveys on whale communication, energy expenditure, and habitat use.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 14, 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.

Fossil fuel industry’s “climate false solutions” reinforce its power and aggravate environmental injustice

A study by Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona finds that fossil fuel companies' promoted low-carbon projects are ineffective in reducing emissions and prolonging the lifespan of fossil fuel infrastructures. These projects reinforce the industry's power and aggravate environmental injustice, while delaying a rapid phase-out of fossil fuels.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalEnergy Research & Social Science·TypeCase study·DateDec 15, 2025

SwRI expands High-Viscosity Flow Loop to test equipment moving heavy oils

The upgraded facility enables efficient testing of equipment moving heavy oils, addressing the growing need for advanced gas separation technologies. SwRI's expanded High-Viscosity Flow Loop offers a more comprehensive solution, allowing for cost-effective and efficient testing of pumps in extremely viscous conditions.

SourceSouthwest Research Institute·DateDec 2, 2025

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

New oil and gas fields incompatible with Paris climate goals

A new report by UCL academics finds that opening new North Sea oil and gas fields is incompatible with achieving the Paris Climate Agreement goals. The researchers recommend stopping all future licenses to explore and refusing development consent for already-licensed fields.

SourceUniversity College London·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 9, 2025
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.

Predicting underwater landslides before they strike

Using site characterization data from multiple disciplines, researchers can now accurately predict the occurrence of marine landslides. The correct sequence of site investigations and integration of data is crucial for maximizing information and confidence in landslide models.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalLandslides·DateMay 30, 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

Restoring oil wells back to nature with moss

Researchers from the University of Waterloo have developed a method to restore tens of thousands of oil and gas exploration sites in western Canada using native moss. The technique involves transplanting moss onto decommissioned well pads, effectively recreating peatlands and supporting ecosystem development.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalEcological Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 30, 2025
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.

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

Decommissioned offshore structures could offer only limited ecological benefits

A new study published in Nature Sustainability suggests that decommissioned offshore structures may only provide limited long-term ecological benefits. The research analyzed over 530 scientific studies on the effects of marine artificial structures and found no conclusive evidence to support their use as artificial reefs.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 22, 2024

Products made of plastic falsely claimed to be biodegradable are on sale at Brazilian supermarkets

Researchers found that most allegedly biodegradable plastic items sold by Brazilian supermarkets are actually oxo-degradable plastics banned in several countries. The products cost 125% more than conventional alternatives and failed to meet minimum requirements for genuine biodegradability.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalSustainable Production and Consumption·DateOct 26, 2023

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
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

UK substantially underestimates its methane emissions from oil and gas production – and many other countries probably do too

A recent study reveals that the UK severely underestimates its greenhouse gas emissions from offshore oil and gas production by as much as five times. The researchers suggest alternative methods for calculating methane emissions, which could also apply to other countries.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateJan 26, 2023

Humans responsible for more than 90% of the world’s oil slicks

A team of Chinese and U.S. scientists created the first global map of chronic oil slicks in oceans and found that more than 90 percent come from human sources. Most slicks occur near coastlines, with significant reductions in pollution around regulated offshore areas.

SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 16, 2022

Park rangers use butterflies to take planet’s pulse in a biodiversity hotspot

Scientists have partnered with park rangers in Ecuador to monitor butterfly populations, which serve as an indicator of ecosystem health. This approach aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding of biodiversity changes over time, addressing the limitations of traditional conservation methods.

SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalInsect Conservation and Diversity·DateMay 2, 2022

Natural gas flares likely source of respiratory illness spike

Researchers at Washington State University found a causal link between natural gas flaring and increased hospital visits for respiratory health in North Dakota. The study estimated that a 1% increase in flared natural gas increases the hospitalization rate by 0.73%, highlighting the significant impact of flaring on human health.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Public Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 8, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

From the oilfield to the lab: How a special microbe turns oil into gases

Researchers have successfully cultivated an archaeon called Methanoliparia from an oil production facility, which can convert oil into methane and carbon dioxide on its own. The microbe's unique genetic make-up gives it the ability to break down various hydrocarbons and activate enzymes that produce methane.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 22, 2021

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