Articles tagged with Environmental Engineering
Researchers estimated Bitcoin mining's electricity consumption and carbon emissions in 2018, finding a lower impact than previously thought. The study showed that the majority of environmental harm comes from the use of mining equipment, with location being a significant factor.
A study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers found that humans perform worse when played against a robot that gives discouraging remarks, and better when encouraged. The study's results have implications for automated learning, mental health treatment, and human-robot interaction.
OSU researchers aim to understand micro- and nanoplastic behavior in freshwater, estuarine, and marine systems. They will develop tools to identify these particles and investigate their effects on aquatic organisms, including oyster larvae and inland silversides.
Researchers have discovered that PFASs from ski wax accumulate in soil, earthworms, and bank voles at a Nordic skiing area, indicating potential toxicity. The compounds were found to biomagnify in the food chain, with higher levels detected in top predators.
Researchers from Drexel University review a decade of studies on the air-purifying effects of potted plants and find that natural ventilation is far more effective at cleaning the air than plants. To compete with building air handling systems, it would take between 10 to 1,000 plants per square meter of floor space.
Research from Lancaster University and other institutions found that collaborations between stakeholders up and down the value chain improve firm innovativeness and enhance new product performance. This helps firms respond to emerging technological trends and changes, increasing adaptability and competitiveness.
Biomedical engineers at Duke University have developed a new method to create stable IDP-based materials by controlling environmental triggers. This allows researchers to harness the phase transition properties of IDPs to build novel materials for drug delivery, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine.
NASA's microgap-cooling technology has successfully demonstrated its ability to cool tightly packed electronics in low- and high-gravity environments with nearly identical results. The technology uses a coolant to flow through embedded microchannels, removing heat generated by devices and preventing overheating.
A Colorado State University study found that crops irrigated with oil and gas wastewater have weakened immune systems, making them more vulnerable to bacterial and fungal pathogens. The study's authors suggest assessing plant immune response impacts before reusing treated wastewater for agricultural irrigation.
Researchers developed a nondestructive TFM platform allowing for high-throughput cell measurements. The new platform uses a regular array of fluorescent markers to enable zero-stress state measurements, reducing the need for cell removal or relaxation.
The 6-month study aboard the ISS will evaluate the ability of Lamborghini's carbon fiber materials to withstand extreme conditions, including temperature fluctuations, radiation exposure, and vacuum. The research aims to develop technologies and devices that could be used on Earth and in space.
Researchers at West Virginia University are developing an autonomous robotic system to monitor the structural integrity and safety of underground mines. The system will provide high-resolution 3D maps for assessment of pillar and roof damage, enabling a rapid response to detected degradations in stability.
Researchers discovered that bleach fumes combined with light and limonene from household products can form airborne particles harmful to pets and humans. These particles, known as secondary organic aerosols, have been linked to respiratory issues and other health effects.
A team of researchers has developed an implantable, self-powered spinal fusion sensor to monitor the health of the spine after surgery. The sensor will provide continuous and long-term monitoring, eliminating the need for costly imaging appointments and exposing patients to radiation.
Researchers from the US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command led experiments using hand gestures and head gaze to control autonomous robots in a real-world urban environment. The system successfully mapped the environment, located objects of interest, and provided situational awareness for soldiers.
Hyperbolic paraboloid origami has been found to exhibit structural bistability, allowing it to find a resting equilibrium in two different states. By tuning the folds of concentric squares, researchers can create structures with multiple stable configurations, enabling new applications in robotics and electronics.
The University of Texas at San Antonio will develop a new interdisciplinary Center for Advanced Measurements in Extreme Environments (CAMEE) with a $3 million NASA grant. CAMEE will investigate extreme conditions such as ocean and polar warming, and study hypersonic speeds.
Yeganeh Hayeri, an expert on autonomous vehicles and level three automation, has been selected among 82 of the nation's brightest engineers. She studies the impact of driverless cars on transportation, human behavior, environment, and society.
The WVU research team aims to develop problem-solving skills that complement traditional math and science skills, such as management, economics, communication, and public policy. The project includes co-investigators from various colleges and focuses on transportation and autonomous vehicles.
Researchers found that manganese can increase the rate of conversion from lead carbonate to lead dioxide by two orders of magnitude. This process can occur when chlorine disinfectants are used in water treatment, and varying concentrations of manganese among public water systems may explain differences in lead dioxide presence.
Researchers at KRISS successfully created room-temperature ice and controlled its growth behaviors by dynamically compressing water up to pressures above 10,000 atmospheres. This technology can artificially control the size, shape, and growth rate of ice regardless of temperature.
A new study at The University of Toledo connects fracking to higher household concentrations of radon gas, the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. Scientists found that closer distance to fracking wells is linked to higher indoor radon concentrations, with average levels exceeding safe EPA and WHO standards.
The research team has demonstrated an extended retention time for digital information without an increase in active power consumption. The new magnetic tunnel junction structure increases the interfacial magnetic anisotropy, leading to a high thermal stability factor.
A new study found that Latino and black households have a greater negative environmental impact per dollar spent on food due to their purchasing patterns. They tend to buy more environmentally intensive foods like grains and protein, and spend more money overall.
A new $1.8 million grant will aid in developing personalized treatments for Crohn's disease through the use of a gut-on-a-chip system, which mimics human gut structure and function. The goal is to uncover triggers and develop more effective therapies, ultimately improving health outcomes.
Researchers developed a way to fill in gaps in connected car data, enabling transportation planners to create more effective traffic congestion mitigation strategies. The study used two-months of connected vehicle data from 2,800 cars to reconstruct missing location-duration-path choices, improving travel demand dynamics and reducing e...
Scientists at Estonian Research Council developed a new method for improving air purifier efficiency by analyzing oxygen adsorption. The research, published in Surfaces and Interfaces, found that oxygen plays a significant role in photocatalytic processes alongside UV radiation.
Researchers in Bangladesh found a way to reduce inorganic arsenic in rice by modifying parboiling methods, resulting in a 25% reduction and a 213% increase in calcium content. This new method also reduces potassium levels by 40%.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have created a new type of origami that can change its shape instantly, altering its structural characteristics. This hybrid origami allows for reprogrammable mechanical properties and customization possibilities, enabling new types of origami-based structures or metamaterials.
A new study found that reducing meat consumption could cut greenhouse gas emissions by the most, while also increasing use of animal byproducts. By combining various strategies such as eliminating waste and finding uses for byproducts, researchers estimate a 43% reduction in emissions from the meat supply chain.
Researchers will assess and monitor changes in microbial ecology, water chemistry and nutrient availability in Pittsburgh's water system after adding orthophosphate. The study aims to understand the impact of orthophosphate on aquatic ecosystems and provide insights for other cities implementing this treatment.
Researchers developed a new dose-response function to predict the probability of illness from low-dose exposures. This approach combines 'bottom-up' biologically-based modeling with 'top-down' statistical analyses, increasing efficiency in risk assessment.
Recent research reveals that pollutants can alter animals' immune responses and decrease their resistance to infectious diseases. Chemical exposure in the womb has also been linked to increased risk of illnesses in children.
Researchers found that PM2.5 pollution is disproportionately caused by the consumption of goods and services by the non-Hispanic white majority, but disproportionately inhaled by black and Hispanic minorities. This disparity is driven by differences in consumption patterns and exposure to pollution.
A new study by Iowa State University researchers suggests that requiring landlords to disclose recent bedbug infestations can lead to a reduction in infestations and lower costs for both landlords and tenants. This policy can create long-term savings for landlords and make life better for people affected by these pests.
Researchers tracked a new RNA pesticide in soils and found it degrades through enzymes and microbes, but also attaches to soil particles, slowing breakdown. The extent of this protection varies by soil type.
Researchers explore how arts and sciences collaboration can lead to increased discovery and innovation. A study found that patent production is correlated with metal- and wood-working practices among STEM professionals.
Researchers propose a novel technique called ExLL, which can reduce network latency and improve efficiency for 5G-based services. The new protocol is compared to Google's Biblio (BBR) and shows superior performance in reducing congestion issues.
Researchers have developed EmbryoPhenomics, a technology that captures detailed measurements of organism development, revealing sensitive responses to environmental stressors. The technology has the potential to be a game-changer in assessing climate change impacts and preserving biodiversity.
Researchers at NIST developed a measurement-based method for evaluating optimal antenna designs, reducing signal interference and delays. The method allows designers to select the best beamwidths for real environments, increasing network capacity and reliability.
Researchers found that burned forest material can sequester mercury, preventing its release into waterways. Black ash from low-intensity burns contained similar amounts of mercury as unburned vegetation and white ash from high-intensity burns had higher levels in a non-reactive form.
A new study by Indiana University scientists found toxic flame retardants in newly manufactured children's car seats, posing risks to children's health. The researchers detected high levels of emerging flame retardant chemicals, including cyclic phosphonate esters and polybrominated diphenyl ethers.
Craig H. Benson, UVA Engineering dean, has been elected AAAS Fellow for his pioneering work in geoenvironmental engineering and leadership in faculty development, advancing public understanding of science and fostering collaborations worldwide.
Researchers at UPV/EHU have created a starch and graphene hydrogel with electrical and antibacterial properties suitable for neural interfaces. The hydrogel was produced using click chemistry and is stable in an aqueous medium due to the addition of salvia extracts.
A new study suggests that romantic crushes can evoke a desire for increasing variety in purchases, as people seek to reassert control. The findings have implications for marketers, who could target those with a crush with promotional campaigns involving high variety options.
The 'smart skin' technology uses fluorescing carbon nanotubes to reveal stress in aircraft, bridges, or pipelines over entire surfaces or microscopic levels. It enables two-dimensional mapping of accumulated strain that can't be achieved by other non-contact methods.
Researchers have developed flexible, semi-transparent films that block electromagnetic interference while allowing light to pass through. The films, made from a combination of carbon nanotubes and MXene, demonstrate high strength, flexibility, and conductivity, making them suitable for use in devices with display screens.
Researchers from Georgia State University discovered arid conditions in East Africa around half a million years ago, which may have influenced human evolution and the development of stone technology. The findings provide insights into how environmental changes impacted early human ancestors.
A research team, led by Anil Misra from the University of Kansas, is developing a center to advance basic science for next-generation transport technology. The team aims to create intelligent infrastructure for safe, efficient mobility, reducing accidents and pollution.
NCALM has made significant contributions to the field of Earth science, using lidar technology to map terrain and create detailed topographical maps. The center's work has also had practical significance, including assessing earthquake and landslide risks.
A team of scientists from Newcastle University has discovered three new species of snailfish in the Atacama Trench, a record-breaking 8000-metre-deep location. The fish, which are part of the Liparidae family, are highly adapted to living in extreme pressure and cold conditions.
Jizhong Zhou receives the 2019 American Society for Microbiology Award for Environmental Research for groundbreaking discoveries in microbial ecology and environmental genomics. His work has transformed our understanding of microbial biodiversity and ecosystem functions.
The TCS SP8 FALCON system enables fast fluorescence lifetime imaging and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy, allowing scientists to investigate protein environments with high accuracy. This technology facilitates advanced techniques in protein biology, including dynamic maps of protein interactions in living cells.
A new wireless location system has been developed to drive future wireless innovation, providing control over disparate radio and network technologies. The system's integration with WiSHFUL architecture allows for experimental investigation of network applications using real-time location data.
A new technology to detect corrosion and erosion in pipelines can prevent catastrophic explosions at power plants. Dr. Piero Rizzo's project aims to develop a device that monitors pipeline conditions continuously and remotely.
A new study found that air pollution shortens human lives by over a year globally, with better air quality potentially extending lifespans. The researchers analyzed data from 185 countries and quantified the national impact of PM2.5 air pollution on life expectancy.
A new review questions the usefulness of wearable devices in providing medical insights, citing limited formal validation and potential risks of misinterpretation. The study highlights concerns about concussion detection technologies and the need for rigorous evaluation and regulation of the growing industry.
A new imaging technology is being developed to enable more targeted Earth observation, allowing for the monitoring of climate change and ocean activity. The technology, which could be mounted on many nanosatellites, would enable continuous global coverage and more efficient data collection.
Researchers have found that traditional Tibetan medicine (TTM) contains high levels of mercury and methylmercury, with Tibetans exposed to 34-fold higher daily intake than in regions specializing in mercury mining. This exposure results in the release of significant amounts of total mercury into municipal sewage and the environment.
Professor Sarah Kang receives the 2018 Kamide Award for her pioneering contributions to atmospheric sciences, identifying mechanisms of high-latitude climate change on tropical precipitation. Her work blazed a trail in climate dynamics, revealing correlations between high and low latitude zones.