Researchers at CABBI designed a new wastewater treatment process that simultaneously treats water and recovers biogas, reducing capital costs and energy usage. The process efficiently converts organic contaminants to biogas, achieving simultaneous energy recovery and wastewater treatment.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateMar 24, 2023
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.
The Center for Bioenergy Innovation has been renewed with $590 million in funding over five years to develop sustainable jet fuel from nonfood biomass crops and specialty processes. The center aims to reach Tier 1 validation of its jet biofuel, reducing carbon dioxide emissions from commercial aircraft.
The DOE has committed $237.9 million to the Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation (CABBI) for a five-year extension, continuing groundbreaking work toward U.S. energy independence. Researchers will develop fuels and products by integrating three highly interconnected priority areas.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment·DateMar 17, 2023
Researchers produced biogas from apple pomace, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and generating electricity and heat. The bioenergy recovery can supply 19% of the anaerobic reactor's energy needs, contributing to public policy and cutting fossil fuel consumption.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalBiomass Conversion and Biorefinery·DateFeb 9, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
The CABBI team successfully demonstrated precision gene editing in miscanthus, a promising perennial crop for sustainable bioenergy production. The results will accelerate efforts to tap the huge potential of this highly productive but genetically complex grass as a source for biofuels, renewable bioproducts, and carbon sequestration.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment·JournalBiotechnology for Biofuels and Bioproducts·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 19, 2023
Plant biochemists have discovered a new level of regulation in the biochemical machinery that plants use to convert organic carbon into aromatic compounds. The research reveals new strategies for controlling plant biochemistry, including genetic tools to precisely control which compounds get produced in different parts of a plant.
SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 11, 2023
Researchers from Okayama University developed a novel mechanical compression method to squeeze maximum benefits from plant biomass. The technique reduces energy consumption by eliminating the need for thermal drying, making it ideal for on-site operation and locally grown plants.
SourceOkayama University·JournalJournal of Material Cycles and Waste Management·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 4, 2023
A team at the University of Manchester has received funding to develop a novel hydrogen separation technique, which could make clean energy production cheaper and more sustainable. The project aims to overcome cost barriers for commercial hydrogen extraction from unrecyclable wastes, supporting ambitious clean energy targets.
SourceUniversity of Manchester·TypeObservational study·DateNov 15, 2022
Researchers at CABBI used unmanned aerial vehicles with machine learning methods to select the best candidate genotypes in miscanthus breeding programs. The new method leverages high-resolution aerial imagery and three-dimensional neural networks to estimate crop traits such as flowering time, height, and biomass production.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment·JournalRemote Sensing·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 4, 2022
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 developed a single-cell Raman-based tool to efficiently mine live functional microbes from nature, eliminating the need for traditional culturing methods. This technique, called scRACS-Culture, allows for the direct screening and cultivation of cells with specific metabolic functions.
SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalISME Communications·DateNov 2, 2022
Researchers created predictable, novel expression patterns of fluorescent proteins using engineered gene circuits. They also redesigned root architecture by tuning the number of root branches using similar gene circuits.
SourceDOE/US Department of Energy·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2022
A new study sheds light on the leaf traits and productivity of C4 bioenergy crops, revealing distinct niches in the leaf economics spectrum. The research found that miscanthus and sorghum, two C4 plant species, have higher photosynthetic rates and nitrogen use efficiency than common C3 plants.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment·JournalPlant Cell & Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 14, 2022
A new study by University of Illinois researchers estimates the costs of removing invasive Miscanthus plants, ranging from $85 to $3,316 per site. The study's findings provide valuable insights into the challenges of eradication and highlight the need for accurate research and planning.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalInvasive Plant Science and Management·DateOct 11, 2022
A recent study by IIASA and Fudan University warns that relying too much on biomass-based carbon removal technologies could exacerbate global warming and reduce crop yields, leading to food shortages. The simulation results show that delayed mitigation and BECCS deployment could increase global warming from 1.7°C to 3.7°C by 2200.
SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalNature·DateSep 7, 2022
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 research warns that climate change is putting the availability of biomass fuels and technologies at risk, as temperatures rise and crop yields decrease. The study highlights the need for urgent action to reduce fossil fuels in favour of bioenergy and other renewables to avoid severe food shortages and accelerated climate change.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory demonstrate a system that can detect propane leaks within seconds, alerting emergency services. They also study the secrets of silicon deposits in plants to enhance soil carbon storage. Additionally, they assess the viability of retrofitting untapped dams for hydropower electricity generation.
SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·DateJul 6, 2022
Researchers have linked a specific domain of proteins to a cancer trigger in humans, opening up new avenues for selective drug therapies. The discovery was made by identifying four core amino acids called cysteine residues critical to the PAN domain's function.
SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 5, 2022
West Virginia University researchers are exploring the symbiotic relationship between Miscanthus x giganteus and its microbes to improve the crop's resilience in unpredictable climates. The goal is to determine the best way to manage the plant on marginal soil, which could help restore damaged soils and mitigate climate change.
Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory have identified a zinc chaperone protein called ZNG1, which delivers zinc to the enzyme MAP1. This discovery reveals a key mechanism used by all living things to transport zinc, essential for survival and enzyme function.
SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 17, 2022
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.
A team of researchers developed a simple yet powerful strategy for creating new enzymes with novel reactivity that can produce valuable chemical compounds. They used photobiocatalysis to repurpose naturally occurring enzymes and achieved an enantioselective biocatalytic reaction.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment·JournalNature Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 2, 2022
Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have explored the physical properties of cycloalkanes, finding they may reduce condensation trail formation and soot emissions compared to current fuels. This could lead to a significant reduction in carbon dioxide emissions and mitigate climate change impacts on global security.
SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·JournalFrontiers in Energy Research·DateApr 21, 2022
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed AquaBOT to measure water quality in mid-sized streams with precision and speed. The lab has also created a safe and effective antiviral coating for N95 masks, allowing for reuse of masks made from various fabrics. Furthermore, the lab has designed a cooking appliance that uses...
SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalACS ES&T Water·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 4, 2022
Colorado State University researchers have developed a system that creates renewable energy while diverting waste from landfills, producing valuable products like sustainable aviation fuel and cleaning solvents. The ReSOURCE system can offset the carbon dioxide equivalent of 6.2 million cars a year.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed tiny 'skyscrapers' for bacteria to thrive in, increasing energy extraction from sunlight by over an order of magnitude. This approach suggests that 'biohybrid' solar energy sources could be a key component in the zero-carbon energy mix.
SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 7, 2022
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.
CROPSR, an open-source software tool, accelerates CRISPR experiment design and evaluation by addressing challenges in complex crop genomes. The genome-wide approach significantly shortens the time required to design a CRISPR experiment, reducing failed experiments.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment·JournalBMC Bioinformatics·DateFeb 17, 2022
A new study published in PNAS reveals that the environmental impacts of corn ethanol far outweigh its benefits, with carbon emissions potentially negating any climate advantages. The research highlights the need to shift towards next-generation biofuels and improve efficiency, electrification, and policy-making.
SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 14, 2022
A study by University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers finds that corn ethanol's environmental impacts are worse than expected, with carbon emissions potentially negating any climate advantages. The analysis suggests a shift towards next-generation biofuels made from perennial plants could be necessary.
SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 14, 2022
Researchers propose a new way to store renewable energy by speculatively performing computations in large data centers when energy is abundant, and retrieving the results later. This approach offers better efficiency than traditional battery storage methods and could reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalACM SIGEnergy Energy Informatics Review·DateJan 31, 2022
Scientists at EPFL have developed a novel method to convert banana peels into valuable hydrogen and solid-carbon biochar through flash pyrolysis using a Xenon lamp. This innovative technique generates around 100 liters of hydrogen per kg of dried biomass, making it a promising renewable energy solution.
SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalChemical Science·DateJan 25, 2022
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.
The FUN-BioCROP model predicts effects of plant choice and agricultural management on soil carbon storage, slowing climate change. By using bioenergy from plants, less carbon dioxide is emitted into the atmosphere, resulting in a more sustainable energy source.
A new study by Texas A&M AgriLife researchers shows bioenergy sorghum can sequester significant amounts of atmospheric carbon dioxide in soil, improving fertility. The crop's deep root system can reach untapped sources of water and nutrients, making it a sustainable option for biomass production.
SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·JournalGCB Bioenergy·DateJan 7, 2022
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a retrofitted commercial refrigeration container to keep COVID-19 vaccines at ultra-low temperatures during transport. They've also identified and improved the usability of data to accelerate innovation in the bioeconomy, and investigated piezoelectric materials for radiation-...
SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalInternational Journal of Refrigeration·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 4, 2022
Researchers discover ways to generate clean energy from less-profitable farmland, restore habitat for grassland birds and create sustainable polymers. These breakthroughs could help achieve both renewable energy and conservation goals, as well as reduce future plastic waste.
SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalLangmuir·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 1, 2021
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.
A study published in Environmental Research Letters found that bioenergy crops increase biodiversity by 75% compared to traditional agricultural crops, with benefits for birds, insects, plants, and soil biodiversity.
SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 11, 2021
A recent study found that C4 bioenergy grass species outperform C3 species in assimilating carbon during fluctuating light conditions. This discovery could lead to increased productivity and reduced dependence on fossil fuels through targeted plant breeding programs.
SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalGCB Bioenergy·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 2, 2021
A new process for decentralized hydrogen production has been developed, using chemical-looping to produce high-purity hydrogen directly from biogas. The technology is now ready for commercial use and could make hydrogen production more competitive with other methods.
SourceGraz University of Technology·TypeCase study·DateOct 28, 2021
Researchers at Berkeley Lab have successfully engineered microbes to produce novel chemicals and developed a new technique for studying enzyme reactions in real-time. This breakthrough could lead to the production of sustainable fuels, pharmaceuticals, and renewable plastics.
SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 21, 2021
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 at Korea Maritime and Ocean University have created a state-of-the-art catalyst for urea-based fuel cells using inexpensive nickel chalcogenides, outperforming precious metal-based catalysts. This breakthrough could lead to the widespread adoption of clean energy technologies in remote areas and beyond.
SourceNational Korea Maritime and Ocean University·JournalRenewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 18, 2021
A team of scientists at Brookhaven National Laboratory has identified a key component of the assembly line responsible for oil droplet formation. The study suggests new ways to engineer plant tissues for increased oil accumulation, which could lead to sustainable oils for biofuels and other commodity products.
SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 22, 2021
ORNL is increasing its efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the US agricultural sector through science-based changes in practices. The lab has discovered a single gene that can make crops more drought-tolerant and productive, while also pulling CO2 from the atmosphere.
SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 21, 2021
Researchers will use C. thermocellum bacteria to better understand metabolism and production of cellulosic biofuels, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in heavy-duty transportation. The $1.2M grant will integrate enzyme assays, robotics, computer modeling, and advanced chemistry techniques.
SourceThayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth·DateSep 8, 2021
A recent study by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment suggests that bioenergy crops can be produced on economically marginal land. The research team estimated that 1.4-2.2 million hectares in the rainfed region are suitable for bioenergy crop production on such land.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 1, 2021
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.
A new catalyst and microchannel reactors improve efficiency and cost in converting alcohol into jet fuel. The process reduces complexity, improves efficiency, and lowers capital costs for renewable energy production.
SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 2021
Researchers highlight the potential of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) in solar-to-fuel production, converting sunlight into hydrogen and other fuels. COF-based photocatalysts have shown promising properties, including improved catalysis and electron delocalization, making them a viable solution for future energy needs.
SourceShoolini University·JournalCoordination Chemistry Reviews·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 12, 2021
Researchers have discovered an enzyme that enables the accumulation of p-hydroxybenzoic acid in plant cell walls, a potential game-changer for sustainable industrial chemical production. By controlling the expression of this enzyme, plants can be engineered to produce more of this valuable chemical building block.
SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Plants·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2021
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.
Research found that unsustainable irrigation can increase global BECCS potential by 60-71%, but sustainably constrained irrigation only boosts it by 5-6%. The study suggests a reexamination of the role of BECCS in achieving climate goals due to its environmental impacts.
SourceNational Institute for Environmental Studies·JournalNature Sustainability·DateJul 5, 2021
Researchers have grown shrub willow on a semi-commercial scale to better understand its nuances as a bioenergy crop. Key findings include determining the best varieties to plant and how to handle planting and harvesting. The study also highlights the crop's ability to store carbon, host pollinators, and provide ecosystem services.
SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateMar 25, 2021
A new study reveals that bioenergy production without sustainable irrigation management could double global water stress by the end of the century. However, implementing sustainable water management measures can halve this increase, but poses significant tradeoffs and challenges.
SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 8, 2021
A new aquaculture technique using a kelp elevator increases kelp growth by four times, yielding more biomass than natural processes. The technique shows promise as a low-carbon biofuel crop alternative to corn and sugarcane, with potential environmental benefits.
SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalRenewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews·DateMar 2, 2021
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.
Researchers suggest converting CRP land to perennial bioenergy crops as a viable alternative to displacing food production. The integrated modeling approach confirms that this transition can be economically and environmentally viable under certain conditions.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateFeb 22, 2021
Burton C. English, a UTIA professor, received the SAEA Lifetime Achievement Award for his significant and enduring contributions to the agricultural economics profession. He is recognized internationally as an expert in bioenergy research and has made substantial impacts on sustainable aviation fuel development.
SourceUniversity of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture·DateFeb 12, 2021
A CABBI study shows energy sorghum behaves more like perennial miscanthus in its efficient use of water and light to produce abundant biomass. Energy sorghum has higher nitrogen emissions than maize but can be managed with careful fertilizer, offering a middle-road crop solution.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment·DateJan 7, 2021
A study by a cross-border team of researchers confirms that biofuels can contribute significantly to mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. The study highlights the potential of switchgrass cultivation for cellulosic ethanol production as comparable to reforestation and grassland restoration on a per-hectare basis.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 18, 2020
Research reveals that crops adapted to pre-industrial environments, like corn and sorghum, cannot efficiently utilize elevated CO2 levels. Experts propose engineering these plants to optimize resource allocation, potentially boosting productivity in a future with rising CO2 concentrations.
SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·DateNov 5, 2020
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.
The study provides a genetic road map for researchers to optimize Miscanthus sinensis's desirable traits, including its high tolerance for drought and cool temperatures. The genomic analysis reveals new regulators of perenniality, a trait important for biofuel crops.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 28, 2020
Researchers at Chinese Academy of Sciences HQ found a pH-dependent switch in the interaction between protein molecules dockerin and cohesin, allowing for more complex biological switches. This discovery has potential applications in biofuel production, biotechnology and synthetic biology.
SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 23, 2020
A new study found that Drax power station in North Yorkshire is the optimal site for bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) facilities. The research also suggests that smaller BECCS power plants are more beneficial to the environment, as larger ones can have negative impacts on soil sequestration and flood protection.
A recent study published in Frontiers in Plant Science found that crops' lower leaves are less efficient due to altered light conditions, not age. This 'Achilles' heel' can cause a 10% loss of potential canopy photosynthesis gain, highlighting the importance of optimizing light environments for improved crop yields.
SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·DateJun 24, 2020
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.
Researchers developed a new method using Microbiome Search Engine to analyze health data, identifying disease-associated microbe outliers for quicker diagnoses. The approach outperforms traditional models, providing promising results for microbiome-based big data-based diagnosis.
SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalmSystems·DateMar 23, 2020
Researchers from the Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology discovered a way to inhibit side reactions in perovskite solutions, leading to improved stability, efficiency, and reproducibility of solar cells. A low-boiling-point stabilizer, triethyl borate, was found to be effective in stopping unwanted reactions.
SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalChem·DateMar 17, 2020