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Lunar soil has the potential to generate oxygen and fuel

Researchers have discovered that lunar soil can convert carbon dioxide into oxygen and fuels, paving the way for sustainable space exploration. The team proposes an 'extraterrestrial photosynthesis' strategy using lunar soil to electrolyze water and produce desired products.

SourceCell Press·JournalJoule·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 5, 2022

How fuel poverty ‘gets under the skin’

Researchers found that fuel poverty leads to higher levels of inflammation, affecting physical health, and lower life satisfaction, impacting wellbeing outcomes. The study's findings highlight the need for policies to support low-income households struggling with fuel poverty.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalEnergy Economics·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 1, 2022

Korea Maritime & Ocean University researchers champion LPG as a green alternative ship fuel

Researchers from Korea Maritime & Ocean University found that using LPG as a marine fuel can reduce annual fuel consumption by 7.5-10.4%, fuel cost by 8.8-25.9%, and carbon dioxide emissions by 10-14%. The study also highlights the potential for promoting LPG as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional fuels.

SourceNational Korea Maritime and Ocean University·JournalJournal of Cleaner Production·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 11, 2022

A gender dimension of energy: Modern cooking fuels connected to quicker demographic transition

Access to modern cooking fuels like gas and electricity improves health and frees up time for women to seek information and education, ultimately leading to reproductive rights. The study found a significant connection between modern energy access and lower fertility rates in countries with high initial fertility rates.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 13, 2021

Improved water splitting method: A green energy innovation by Pusan National University

Researchers at Pusan National University have developed a novel electrocatalyst that can effectively produce hydrogen and oxygen from water at low cost. The catalyst, composed of transition metal phosphates, achieves high surface area and fast charge transfer, making it suitable for commercial on-site production of hydrogen.

SourcePusan National University·JournalApplied Catalysis B Environment and Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2021

Polymer coating accelerates fuel production

Researchers from University of Tsukuba and Osaka University developed a polymer-coated metal catalyst that accelerates CO2 conversion into formate, a useful carbon-based fuel. The PEG-coated Sn catalyst showed a 24 times higher formate production rate than conventional Sn plate electrodes.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalACS Catalysis·DateAug 5, 2021

New report: State of the science on western wildfires, forests and climate change

A synthesis of scientific literature provides a unified resource for managing western forests and addressing the impacts of climate change on wildfires. The report recommends approaches such as thinning dense forests, prescribed burning, and revitalizing Indigenous fire stewardship practices to make landscapes more resilient.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalEcological Applications·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 3, 2021

Funding flows into liquid fuel strategy

Rice University engineer Haotian Wang has been awarded a four-year, $2 million collaborative grant by the National Science Foundation to explore converting waste carbon dioxide into pure liquid fuels. The project aims to develop a modular electrochemical system that can provide a sustainable and negative-carbon manufacturing path.

Story tips: Cool smart walls, magnetism twist, fuel cost savings and polymers' impact

Researchers developed a smart wall that functions as both a support structure and a cooling system, potentially lowering energy bills. Scientists also discovered a way to control the size of magnetic quasi-particles called skyrmions, which could advance high-density data storage and quantum magnets. Additionally, a new method for gaugi...

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 1, 2020

Fuel from disused tyres

A recent study published in Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews has explored the potential of using catalytic pyrolysis to convert used tyres into alternative fuels. The process produces liquid fuel with aromatic compounds, as well as gas and solid products that can be used for energy production and carbon black reuse.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalRenewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews·DateAug 6, 2020

Programming with the light switch

A research team has created a system that uses light-reactive photo switches to control the formation and degradation of DNA building blocks. This allows for the creation of self-assembling structures with adaptable properties, opening up new possibilities for developing synthetic materials inspired by living organisms.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateMay 6, 2020

Old molecule, new tricks

Researchers at UCSB have developed an electrochemical method for extracting uranium from solution, using carboranes as a key component. This technology enables efficient and reliable capture and release of uranium ions, with potential applications in nuclear waste reprocessing and seawater uranium extraction.