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EU rules could make fossil-free aviation fuels unnecessarily expensive and energy-intensive

The EU's plans for domestic production of fossil-free aviation fuels risk steering development towards more expensive and energy-intensive pathways. A study from Chalmers University of Technology found that the current regulatory framework favours combustion-based alternatives over gasification, leading to increased costs and energy use.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalFuel·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 14, 2026
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Indoor wood burners linked to a decline in lung function

Research presented at the European Respiratory Society Congress found a link between indoor wood burning and decline in lung function. The study used data from the English Longitudinal Study of Aging and found that people using solid fuel stoves had lower FEV₁ values, indicating increased risk of respiratory complications.

SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·TypeObservational study·DateSep 29, 2025

Poplar tree discovery could help shape the future of energy and biomaterials

A University of Missouri-led study has uncovered how poplar trees can naturally adjust a key part of their wood chemistry based on changes in their environment, supporting improved bioenergy production. The discovery sheds light on the role of lignin and its potential to create better biofuels and sustainable products.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 18, 2025

Bioenergy-CCS combo could erase 780 Gt CO₂ and salvage young coal plants, review finds

A new study finds that retrofitting young coal plants to co-fire biomass and capture up to 99% of resulting CO2 could eliminate 1.6 billion tonnes of emissions annually by 2040. Bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) could deliver between 30 and 780 gigatonnes of cumulative CO2 removal this century.

SourceJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·JournalJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 11, 2025
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Making the most of Switzerland's wood

Researchers from Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA) conducted a comprehensive material flow analysis of wood in Switzerland to shed light on its availability and usage. The study found that recycling rate for wood is around 8% compared to 70% for paper, highlighting the need for sustainable use.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalJournal of Industrial Ecology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 16, 2024

Wood modification boosts biomass conversion

Scientists have engineered trees to be easier to disassemble into simpler building blocks using callose-enriched wood. This approach increases the efficiency of converting woody plant biomass to fuel and other useful products.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Plants·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 4, 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.

Coconuts and lemons enable a thermal wood for indoor heating and cooling

Researchers at KTH Royal Institute of Technology developed a thermal wood composite using coconuts and lemons that can store both heat and cold. The material, which is transparent and energy-saving, can regulate temperatures around 24C, reducing energy consumption for heating and cooling.

SourceKTH, Royal Institute of Technology·JournalSmall·TypeObservational study·DateMar 29, 2023

Rolling in benefits: New method for effective compression of plant biomass for alternate fuel and anti-viral applications

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
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.

Olive trees were first domesticated 7,000 years ago

Researchers from Tel Aviv University and the Hebrew University discovered charcoal remnants from olive trees at the Chalcolithic site of Tel Zaf, indicating intentional cultivation around 7,000 years ago. This marks the earliest evidence of domestication of a fruit tree worldwide.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 15, 2022

Getting hydrogen out of banana peels

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

WVU research promotes healthier poultry and environment

Researchers at West Virginia University have developed a wood boiler system that improves bird health and reduces carbon dioxide emissions by drying litter and creating dry heat. The system has the potential to replace propane heating systems in poultry farms, benefiting both animal welfare and the environment.

SourceWest Virginia University·DateNov 30, 2021
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.

Passive radiative cooling in delignified wood material

A newly engineered wood-based material successfully reflects heat and cools buildings by deflecting incoming solar radiation. The material, which is more than eight times stronger than natural wood, can reduce energy costs by between 20% and 50% in 16 U.S. cities.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMay 23, 2019

Wood pellets: Renewable, but not carbon neutral

The use of wood pellets for clean energy is limited by the loss of carbon sequestration in forests and the impact on biodiversity. The process also requires fossil fuels during manufacturing and overseas shipping, negating any potential carbon neutrality.

SourceCary Institute of Ecosystem Studies·JournalScience·DateMar 22, 2018
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.

Fossil fuels could be phased out worldwide in a decade, says new study

A new study published by the University of Sussex suggests that the world could transition away from fossil fuels in just a decade. Professor Benjamin Sovacool's analysis of past energy transitions highlights the potential for accelerated change driven by technological innovation, policy intervention, and shifting consumer behavior.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalEnergy Research & Social Science·DateApr 15, 2016

Sustainable use of energy wood resources shows potential in North-West Russia

The study analyzed the potential of energy wood resources in the Leningrad region of Russia, finding significant potential for intensification. Maximization of sustainable energy wood supply could create new jobs and business opportunities, but challenges like low productivity and technical accessibility need to be solved.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalInternational Journal of Forest Engineering·DateFeb 20, 2014
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Biofuel from inedible plant material easier to produce following enzyme discovery

Scientists have identified two plant enzymes that make it easier to extract sugars from wood, straw, and other non-edible parts of plants. This breakthrough can lead to more efficient and sustainable production of biofuels with lower impact on the food chain.

SourceBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 13, 2010

Improved process of drying lumber may save millions

A new artificial intelligence-based drying process for wood products could significantly reduce energy costs and improve product quality. The proposed method analyzes the kiln environment to predict optimal conditions and minimize deviations, potentially saving the $250 billion US wood industry millions of dollars.

SourcePenn State·JournalWood and Fiber Science·DateJul 11, 2005

Sustainable gas from 'roasted' wood is a feasible option

A thermodynamic approach was used to investigate biomass gasification, resulting in a more efficient process. The study found that roasted biomass is more suitable for gasification than untreated biomass, with improved properties for efficiency.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateFeb 11, 2005
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Study endorses wood as 'green' building material

A recent study published by Oregon State University found that wood framing used 17% less energy than steel construction and 26-31% less global warming potential. The research also suggested ways to redesign houses to lower fossil fuel use, reduce material waste, and recycle demolition wastes.

SourceOregon State University·DateSep 21, 2004