Articles tagged with Environmental Engineering
A Rutgers study suggests that bacteria present in the Passaic River may be capable of dechlorinating 2,3,7,8-TeCDD, a toxic byproduct of combustion and chemical manufacturing. This process could potentially decrease the toxin's toxicity over time.
Research from UBC's PCIGR analyzed honey samples from Parisian hives collected after the April 2019 Notre Dame Cathedral fire. Lead concentrations were up to four times higher than pre-fire levels, suggesting exposure to lead contamination. The study provides a unique method for tracing environmental pollution using honey.
A Cornell University team is investigating the effects of digital agriculture on small and mid-sized farms in rural America. The project aims to understand how new technologies like high-speed farm networks can improve productivity while minimizing environmental harm.
Researchers at Simon Fraser University are using eDNA technology to monitor salmon populations, which is expected to be more efficient and cost-effective than traditional methods. The study aims to compare eDNA samples with human fish counts to determine the most effective method for monitoring upriver migration of Pacific wild salmon.
Researchers developed a technology to sort and purify nanoparticles using dielectrophoresis. The 'nanogap electrode' can capture particles as small as 20 nanometers, paving the way for applications in environmental and medical sciences.
A new study using ecological network models finds that many ecosystem engineers, such as the shipworm and beavers, create stability in ecosystems, preventing extinctions. The model uses simple rules to show how food webs are assembled and species interactions change over time.
Researchers have developed a new method for estimating fish populations by analyzing environmental DNA in water. The approach, which accounts for the degradation of DNA molecules, has been successfully tested in Japan and shows promise for quantitative monitoring of aquatic ecosystems.
A multidisciplinary research team proposes integrating diverse species and environments into immunology research to develop treatments and vaccines for viruses. Observations in nature, such as the cowpox virus, have led to vaccine discoveries; now, studying new species can yield large payoffs.
The US Department of Energy has awarded $3.15 million to Argonne National Laboratory to support collaborations with private companies. This funding is part of the Technology Commercialization Fund, which aims to advance energy technologies and strengthen partnerships between DOE's National Laboratories and industry partners.
The Mole-bot, a biomimetic drilling robot, has been optimized for underground and space exploration. It boasts powerful forelimbs, a stout scapula, and an expandable drilling bit that can excavate three times faster than conventional models with six times higher directional accuracy.
A new easy-to-use smart optical film technology has been developed, enabling smart windows to switch between transparent and opaque states. The film demonstrates high speed and performance, allowing for fast switching and uniform tinting while securing durability, stability, and safety.
Scientists have improved a technique called RACE-Seq to better understand the functions of individual cells in environmental samples. The new protocol increases genome coverage from around 20% to over 50%, allowing researchers to analyze the genetic and functional links between cells and their environments.
A new USC study highlights the disproportionate impact of urban heat waves on low-income and disadvantaged communities in LA, with over half of census tracts expected to experience more than 16 extreme heat days above 95F per year by the end of the century.
Researchers in Papua New Guinea have found evidence of early agriculture and trade routes dating back to 5050-4200 years ago. This discovery challenges previous assumptions of the Neolithic period and sheds light on the development of cultural diversity in the region.
A study using supercomputers found that the US can double or quadruple its installed wind turbine capacity without significantly affecting local climate. The researchers used simulations to model the impact of wind turbines on local climates, finding that adding more turbines in a given area would have minimal effects.
Research estimates that online shopping for fast-moving consumer goods produces varying levels of greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional and 'Bricks & Clicks' models. Shoppers can reduce their footprint by walking or biking to stores, while retailers can cut emissions by switching to electric cargo bikes.
A new list of chemicals available worldwide contains 350,000 entries, three times greater than 20 years ago, highlighting a need for international collaboration to track global chemical diversity. The list reveals inadequate descriptions and confidential business information on 70,000 and 50,000 entries, respectively.
A Virginia Tech assistant professor has received an NSF CAREER award to develop a system measuring air pollution using bicycles and smartphones, aiming to educate citizens about pollution and promote cleaner habits. The project will also explore alternative urban design approaches to reduce exposure.
Researchers at NYU Abu Dhabi have found a way for corals to adapt quickly to climate change by passing on epigenetic marks to their offspring. This discovery could lead to the creation of pre-adapted coral colonies that can repopulate dying reefs.
Researchers measured PFAS in cat and dog feces, detecting 13 compounds with longer-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids being most abundant. Estimated exposure levels for pets and potentially their owners were found to be above minimal risk levels.
High-resolution mass spectrometry coupled with bioanalytical tools can characterize complex chemical mixtures and capture mixture effects in environmental samples. The CITEPro technology platform is a key tool in this approach, enabling the profiling of the exposome and elucidating drivers of chemical stress.
Researchers at Iowa State University have created liquid metal alloys that can change their surface structure in response to heat, allowing for the development of 'smart' alloy systems. This technology could inspire design of tunable surface patterns and their composition with temperature for applications such as sensing and catalysis.
Researchers at Samara Polytech have created mathematical models to calculate noise propagation in power plants and gas-water systems. Their software products can detect source and cause of vibration, simplifying calculations and improving equipment functioning and service life.
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 team of Lehigh researchers will use a $2 million DOE grant to develop a novel thermal energy storage concept, called THERMOSIPHON TECHNOLOGY. The goal is to create a more efficient and cost-effective approach to power plant applications.
Researchers found that air pollution from electricity generation led to about 16,000 premature deaths in the continental US, with higher exposures for black and white non-Latino Americans. Emissions from coal-fired power plants accounted for 91% of premature deaths, with significant disparities persisting across states.
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.
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.
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 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.
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%.
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.