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Japan's electric vehicle transition by 2035 may be insufficient to combat the climate crisis, but there are solutions

A team of researchers at Kyushu University found that Japan's current policy may not be enough to reduce CO2 emissions and achieve decarbonization goals. To address this, the government must extend vehicle longevity, invest in a cleaner energy mix, and decarbonize the supply chain.

SourceKyushu University·JournalJournal of Cleaner Production·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 7, 2024

Replacing animal-based foods with alternative proteins would unlock land for carbon removal

Researchers suggest replacing 50% of animal products with alternative proteins by 2050 to unlock vast energy and negative emission potentials via BECCS. This transition could free up large agricultural areas, generating enough renewable energy equivalent to today's coal-generated power while removing substantial CO2 from the atmosphere.

SourceCell Press·JournalOne Earth·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 7, 2024
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Scientists create effective ‘spark plug’ for direct-drive inertial confinement fusion experiments

Researchers from the University of Rochester's Laboratory for Laser Energetics demonstrated an effective 'spark plug' for direct-drive methods of inertial confinement fusion (ICF), achieving a plasma hot enough to initiate fusion reactions. The successful experiments use the OMEGA laser system, with the goal of eventually producing fus...

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature Physics·DateFeb 5, 2024

Ammonia attracts the shipping industry, but researchers warn of its risks

A study from Chalmers University of Technology found that the production and use of ammonia as a marine fuel can lead to eutrophication, acidification, and emissions of potent greenhouse gases. Researchers warn that the pursuit of low-carbon fuels may create new environmental challenges.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalApplied Energy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 5, 2024

MIT researchers map the energy transition’s effects on jobs

The study identifies areas with high carbon footprints, including those reliant on fossil fuels and manufacturing, highlighting the need for targeted economic assistance programs. The research provides a precise way to assess industrial composition, helping policymakers incorporate considerations into future policies.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 5, 2024
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.

Engineered battery chemistry for fast charging capabilities

Researchers successfully improved lithium metal battery charging rates by adding a cesium nitrate compound, while maintaining long cycle life. The new findings challenge conventional beliefs about effective interphase components and contribute to the development of high-energy density batteries.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 26, 2024

Self-powered movable seawall for tsunami protection and emergency power generation

A self-powered movable seawall system harnesses microtidal energy to generate electricity, protecting ports against tsunamis and providing emergency power. The system is feasible in 20 Japanese ports along the western coast, facing the Nankai Trough, which is prone to megathrust earthquakes and tsunamis.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalRenewable Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 24, 2024

Most clean power purchasing strategies do little to cut emissions, study finds

A Princeton-led study found that most common clean energy procurement strategies are ineffective in reducing long-term emissions in the US. However, one approach called temporal matching can have a substantial effect when companies purchase clean energy hourly to match their real-time energy consumption.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalJoule·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 24, 2024

Water, water everywhere and now we may have drops to drink

Researchers at NYU Tandon School of Engineering have achieved a breakthrough in RFD, increasing the salt removal rate by approximately 20% while lowering its energy demand. The system can store affordable renewable energy and produce potable drinking water, promising a sustainable solution to the global water crisis.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·DateJan 23, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

When energy doesn’t add up: 200 US cities will fall short of sustainable energy goals despite pledging to transition to renewable sources by 2050

A new study finds that many US cities will struggle to meet their renewable energy targets by 2050, with gas remaining the primary source of energy. Renewable energy generation needs to triple to meet a 45% share of energy production, but instead is often used to supplement growing energy demands.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Infrastructure and Sustainability·DateJan 18, 2024

AMS 2024 Annual Meeting highlights climate challenges and solutions

The AMS 104th Annual Meeting will focus on climate change research, mitigation, and adaptation, with key discussions on overcoming barriers to implementation. The meeting features numerous scientific conferences and symposia covering topics like climate variability, air pollution meteorology, AI for environmental science, and more.

SourceAmerican Meteorological Society·DateJan 18, 2024

Artificial ‘power plants’ harness energy from wind and rain

Artificial leaf-shaped generators, called 'power plants', capture kinetic energy from wind and convert it into electricity. They also collect energy from falling raindrops, producing high voltage but short-lived power output.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateJan 17, 2024
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.

Conflict in full swing: Forest bats avoid large areas around fast-moving wind turbines

A recent study by Leibniz-IZW and Philipps-Universität Marburg found that forest bats reduce their activity by 77% within a radius of 80-450 meters around operational wind turbines. The researchers suggest noise emission from turbine rotors is the primary cause of this avoidance behavior.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW)·JournalGlobal Ecology and Conservation·TypeObservational study·DateJan 4, 2024

How does corrosion happen? New research examines process on atomic level

Researchers at Binghamton University have used environmental transmission electron microscopy to study the atomic-level mechanisms of water vapor-induced surface passivation. They discovered a second amorphous layer that diffuses oxygen into the substrate, indicating a transport mechanism that slows down corrosion.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 3, 2024

Boosting solar cell performance with a transparent spectral converter

A novel transparent spectral converter, GdPO4-GC:Eu3+/Pr3+, absorbs UV photons and re-emits them as visible light, increasing photovoltaic devices' conversion efficiency. This technology shields PCs from UV damage and enhances their sensitivity to UV photons.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Photonics for Energy·DateJan 3, 2024

New material allows for better hydrogen-based batteries and fuel cells

Researchers have developed a solid electrolyte that allows for efficient hydride ion conduction at room temperature, enabling the creation of safer, more efficient hydrogen-based batteries and fuel cells. This breakthrough provides material design guidelines for the development of next-generation energy storage solutions.

SourceRIKEN·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateDec 21, 2023

U.S. utilities on track to be 100% renewable by 2060

According to a study published in Climatic Change, US utilities are projected to decarbonize 100% by 2060, with blue states leading the way. The study found that utility companies are on track to meet or exceed state renewable energy goals and mandates, with many transitioning to renewables even without policy support.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalClimatic Change·DateDec 18, 2023
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.

Resource-efficient and climate-friendly with sodium-ion batteries

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology found that sodium-ion batteries have an equivalent climate impact as lithium-ion batteries without the risk of raw material depletion. They identified potential measures to further reduce climate impact, such as developing environmentally better electrolytes.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalJournal of Industrial Ecology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 13, 2023

A new system for producing green hydrogen cheaply and efficiently

A new method has been developed to produce green hydrogen more efficiently and cheaply, using ruthenium particles and a solar-powered electrolytic system. The technology could reduce the costs of green hydrogen production on an industrial scale.

SourceIstituto Italiano di Tecnologia - IIT·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 13, 2023
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Free electric vehicle charging at work? It’s possible with optimum solar

Researchers propose optimising campus solar PV system to support over 200 electric vehicles with free or nominal charging facilities. This could reduce annual electricity costs by more than 9% while helping lower peak power demand by at least 12%.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalRenewable Energy·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 12, 2023

“Energy droughts” in wind and solar can last nearly a week, research shows

Researchers found that compound energy droughts can occur nationwide, with varying frequencies and durations across regions. Understanding these droughts will help grid planners prepare for energy storage needs and inform deployment of long-duration energy storage projects.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalRenewable Energy·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 11, 2023

Huge benefits of merging hydropower and desalination

A new system combines pumped hydro storage with reverse osmosis desalination to produce both electricity and freshwater. The Integrated Pumped Hydro Reverse Osmosis System (IPHROS) can supply 661,000 homes' worth of energy and water daily.

SourceCornell University·JournalApplied Energy·DateDec 6, 2023

A single Bitcoin transaction could cost as much water as a backyard swimming pool

A single Bitcoin transaction consumes approximately 16,000 liters of water, equivalent to filling a backyard swimming pool. This staggering amount of water is part of the larger environmental impact of Bitcoin mining, which could worsen water scarcity in countries already struggling with droughts.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports Sustainability·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateNov 29, 2023
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Wind and solar projects can profit from bitcoin mining

A new study finds that wind and solar projects can generate millions of dollars by leveraging bitcoin mining during the precommercial phase. The research suggests strategic placement of mining farms to maximize productivity, with Texas emerging as a top state for profitability. The authors recommend policy incentives to encourage envir...

SourceCornell University·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateNov 27, 2023
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

No one-size-fits-all solution for the net-zero grid, Surrey research demonstrates

A new algorithm from the University of Surrey models distributed electricity networks, finding that local renewable energy generation is generally more efficient than central storage or export. The study suggests that considering local constraints and factors like energy prices and subsidies can help design the most efficient local grids.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalApplied Energy·DateNov 15, 2023

Using cosmetic ingredient for battery protection

Scientists at Pohang University of Science & Technology develop biopolymer-blended protective layer to stabilize zinc anodes in metal batteries. The film facilitates uniform nucleation of zinc, reducing the formation of twig-like crystals and improving battery longevity.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalEnergy Storage Materials·DateNov 14, 2023
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.

Ammonia for fertilisers without the giant carbon footprint

Researchers at UNSW Sydney have developed a method to produce ammonia without high temperatures, pressures, and infrastructure. The new technique enhances energy efficiency and makes environmentally friendly ammonia economically feasible.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalApplied Catalysis B Environment and Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 13, 2023

Energy transition: A super-model to guide policy makers

A UNIGE team has developed a super-model to simulate the spread of three green technologies in Swiss municipalities by 2050. The results show that Switzerland is unlikely to achieve zero net carbon emissions by 2050 without significant policy changes, highlighting the need for increased efforts and updated policies.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalPNAS Nexus·TypeNews article·DateNov 6, 2023
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

New study finds electric vehicles are driven less than gas cars

A large study of used cars and SUVs found battery electric vehicles driven almost 4,500 fewer miles than gas cars annually. This challenges current assumptions about emissions savings from EVs, highlighting the need for better understanding of driver behavior to accurately predict emissions reductions.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalJoule·DateNov 6, 2023

Seeking stability to support sustainable outdoor solar cells

Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science & Technology have developed organic solar cells with record efficiencies and discovered a link between molecular structure and outdoor stability. The study found that fluorine-bearing functional end groups and long hydrocarbon side-chains enhance outdoor stability, protecting the cells...

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalJoule·DateNov 5, 2023

America’s low-carbon transition could improve employment opportunities for all

A new analysis suggests that the US low-carbon transition is likely to create consistent job growth, particularly in the utilities and construction sectors. However, major fossil fuel-producing states may need to prepare for fewer mining jobs and plan carefully to ensure a 'just' transition for all workers.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNature Climate Change·DateNov 3, 2023
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.

Major EU grant will make metal alloys the catalysts of the future

Researchers will investigate high-entropy materials to create more sustainable and durable catalysts. The goal is to improve the efficiency of electrocatalysis, paving the way for a new generation of catalysts and reducing the reliance on rare and expensive materials.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·DateNov 1, 2023

Engineers develop an efficient process to make fuel from carbon dioxide

Researchers at MIT and Harvard University have developed an efficient process to convert carbon dioxide into a stable, solid formate fuel that can be used in fuel cells and generate electricity. The new process achieves over 90% conversion efficiency and eliminates the need for toxic and flammable fuels.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·DateOct 30, 2023

3D printed reactor core makes solar fuel production more efficient

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a novel 3D printing methodology to manufacture porous ceramic structures for efficient solar radiation transport, resulting in twice as much fuel production as uniform structures. The technology has the potential to improve sustainable aviation fuels' economic viability.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAdvanced Materials Interfaces·DateOct 27, 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.

Pivotal breakthrough in adapting perovskite solar cells for renewable energy at City University of Hong Kong; published in Science

The CityU innovation has dramatically enhanced the thermal robustness of perovskite solar cells, retaining over 90% of efficiency even under high temperatures. This breakthrough could significantly broaden the utilisation of these cells and contribute substantially to combating the global climate crisis.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 2023

Pacific Northwest set to launch hydrogen energy hub

The Pacific Northwest is launching a hydrogen energy hub with a $7 billion investment from the Department of Energy. PNNL's expertise will support the development of clean hydrogen production and integration with renewable energy sources in Washington, Oregon, and Montana.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateOct 13, 2023

Revolutionizing energy storage: Metal nanoclusters for stable lithium–sulfur batteries

Researchers have developed a metal nanocluster-based separator for lithium-sulfur batteries, accelerating electrochemical kinetics and improving capacity and cycling stability. The technology has the potential to increase the adoption of sustainable energy storage systems, including electric vehicles and renewable energy.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalSmall·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 12, 2023
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.

Floating offshore wind could bring billions in value to the west coast, report shows

A new report from PNNL shows that floating offshore wind farms could potentially triple the Pacific Northwest's wind power capacity while offsetting millions of dollars in costs. This could lead to a significant increase in renewable energy production and help reduce carbon emissions, with the potential to power tens of million of homes.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateOct 11, 2023

NREL analysis identifies drivers of offshore wind development

The study found that offshore wind could generate up to 8% of the nation's electricity by 2050, with deployment ranging from 30 to 250 gigawatts. High levels of deployment are likely in scenarios with stringent decarbonization policies and low technology costs.

SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·JournalNature Energy·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 9, 2023

The past and present of 3D-printed critical materials for rechargeable batteries

Recent research highlights the excellent electrochemical performance of critical 3D printing materials in rechargeable batteries. The study outlines the typical characteristics of major 3D printing methods used in fabricating electrochemical energy storage devices and discusses crucial materials for 3D printing of rechargeable batterie...

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateOct 7, 2023
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Illinois-led project to sequence 400 soybean genomes, improve future crops

The Illinois-led project will sequence at least 50 soybean genomes from cultivated lines and wild relatives, as well as 350 high-quality draft genomes. This will enable the identification of genetic variation and its incorporation into better crops, ultimately leading to climate-resilient soybean varieties.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·DateOct 3, 2023

Disaster-proofing sustainable neighborhoods requires thorough long-term planning, new Concordia study shows

A new study by Caroline Hachem-Vermette and Kuljeet Singh analyzed the design and energy characteristics of various neighborhoods to assess their vulnerabilities to power outages. The researchers found that thoughtful design can reduce a neighborhood's energy vulnerability during disruptions, and they recommend modifications to shelter...

SourceConcordia University·JournalRenewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 3, 2023
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.