Articles tagged with Environmental Engineering
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.
Researchers at UTA will work with Boeing to create new learning environments where humans collaborate with bots, robots, and AI. The goal is to reskill employees and prepare them for an increasingly automated workforce.
A team led by CSU researcher Jason Quinn will evaluate the feasibility and benefits of wireless electric vehicle charging. The project aims to reduce emissions and cost associated with traditional charging methods.
Scientists detected airborne polychlorinated biphenyl compounds in kitchens, linked to sealant decomposition. Higher levels were found in newer homes and emanated from finished cabinetry.
A comprehensive study of China's STEM research environment has found that the country's educational system stifles creativity and critical thinking, and rewards quantity over quality. The study, published in PLOS ONE, gathered data from 731 surveys completed by STEM faculty at top Chinese universities.
Three studies highlight significant shifts in climate, tool-making, and trade in East Africa around 300,000 years ago. The region underwent transformations from floodplains to grasslands, driving human mobility, information gathering, and potentially trade.
Jizhong Zhou, a renowned researcher at OU, has made significant contributions to understanding the role of microbes in environment, climate change. He is recognized by the ESA Fellowship, reflecting the quality of OU's faculty, students, and staff.
Researchers at Concordia University developed a method to optimize energy consumption in buildings, reducing carbon emissions by 59% while cutting costs by 75%. The study used hydro-powered heat pumps and lake cooling as renewable energy sources, demonstrating the potential for net-zero energy usage.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute will collaborate with private sector companies and local transportation agencies to develop changes in freight demand patterns and reduce energy use. The project aims to test new ideas, collect data, and inform research on energy-efficient transportation technologies and systems.
The 'microscale magnetic tumbling robot' can traverse uneven surfaces and climb steep inclines in both dry and wet environments. Researchers developed the bot using standard photolithography techniques and explored its performance in fluid media to address unique challenges at the micro-scale.
A recent study by UCI researchers found that the severity of hottest days has increased faster than global average temperature rise, with cities amplifying heat island effects. The accelerated growth in short-term extreme-heat events has severe human tolls, including lost lives and damage to infrastructure.
Researchers at Cornell University have developed a new transient electronics architecture that can remotely vaporize itself, offering benefits for data protection and environmental monitoring. The technology uses radio waves to trigger a thermal reaction, releasing chemicals that decompose the electronics.
Researchers have created an environmentally friendly red light flare using a lithium-based pyrotechnic composition, avoiding hazardous elements like strontium and chlorinated organic materials. The new formulation shows high color quality and purity, and the team plans to further optimize its luminosity.
Engineers at Iowa State University have developed a new type of wearable sensor for plants, using graphene technology to measure water use in crops. The sensors are made by patterning and transferring graphene-based nanomaterials onto tape, allowing for precise measurements of transpiration from leaves.
A study by Ca' Foscari University and CNR found that autumn leaves in Italian woods can contaminate soil with high levels of hydrocarbons, up to four times the legal limit. The researchers identified natural sources of these hydrocarbons, including plant origin, but emphasized that even low concentrations may pose a toxicity risk.
Researchers developed a molecular printing technique, 3DEAL, to create complex hydrogel environments with controlled chemical composition. This allows for the design of new drug screening platforms and tissue-engineered constructs with spatially controlled gradients or patterns.
Researchers decode interactions between materials and structures in nature-inspired composites like nacre and tooth enamel. The model reveals key factors influencing composite properties and provides insights into designing lightweight, multifunctional structural composites.
Researchers found elevated levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and transition metals, including hexavalent chromium, on the Red Line. This led to a ten-fold increase in cancer risk compared to government safety thresholds.
An Army scientist has discovered a new pattern in thunderstorms that can help predict how weather and environment affect unmanned aerial systems on the battlefield. Strong downdrafts and super-cooled raindrops pose significant threats to UAS, but current models struggle to accurately predict these factors.
The University of Texas at San Antonio researchers aim to identify specific DNA markers that indicate fecal contamination, evaluate its level, and locate its origin. The project will also educate the public on ways to keep local water resources safe from contamination.
The invasive South American palm weevil is killing California's iconic palm trees and threatening the state's $89 million-per-year date industry. Researchers are developing semiochemical formulations to monitor and control populations in an effective, economical, and environmentally-friendly manner.
A University of Delaware research team is studying how people adapt to power outages and water shortages after disasters. The project aims to optimize risk management strategies and improve societal needs through a multifaceted approach combining engineering modeling techniques, social science methods, and real-world case studies.
Researchers found that triclosan accumulates in toothbrush bristles and elastomer parts, releasing it when switching toothpastes. This could lead to prolonged exposure to triclosan and its potential transformation products.
Researchers found triclosan accumulates in nylon bristles and is easily released when switching toothpaste types, exposing users to unregulated doses. Other chemicals like BHT and methyl salicylate also accumulate in toothbrushes.
University of Houston researchers are part of a $5.3 million NSF-funded effort to better understand disasters like Hurricane Harvey. Steven Pennings will examine mangrove protection, while Hanadi Rifai will characterize chemical and microbiological contamination in Houston waterways.
Researchers at Binghamton University developed a new framework that interprets mouth gestures as a medium for interaction within virtual reality in real-time. The system achieved high correct recognition rates and was tested on a group of graduate students using a head-mounted display.
The article investigates the 1-good-neighbor diagnosability of alternating group graph networks under the PMC model, revealing that it has a high degree of fault-tolerance. The authors prove that the 1-good-neighbor diagnosability is higher than classical diagnosability when considering faulty neighbors.
A new study estimates that excess NOx emissions from diesel cars cause approximately 5,000 premature deaths annually in Europe. Respiratory and cardiovascular diseases are the main causes of these deaths, accounting for around 90% of cases.
In at least 18 states, academic health centers partner with cooperative extension systems to improve local community health. These collaborations focus on nutrition education, healthy cooking demonstrations, and health and nutrition education for seniors.
The University of Texas at San Antonio has received a nearly $800,000 grant from the US Department of Commerce's National Institute of Standards and Technology to develop new computer simulation models for characterizing the impact of severe earthquake conditions on reinforced concrete structures. These tools will provide engineers wit...
The Privileged Sensing Framework proposes integrating human and autonomous agents based on individual characteristics. The framework improves joint human-autonomy performance without sacrificing human strengths.
Researchers found that while partial line replacements can decrease lead levels in tap water, concentrations spike right after and remain elevated for months. Full service line replacement or flushing the replaced pipes is recommended to address potential contamination.
Researchers found that advanced wood-burning stoves with forced-draft technology produce less particulate matter (PM) than traditional and natural-draft stoves. This is due to the formation of more reflective PM in traditional stoves, which can offset atmospheric warming.
Rice University scientists found that indented tobermorite responds differently than bulk material, with layers bonding through indentation remaining intact after force removal. The study reveals three molecular mechanisms at work in tobermorite, which are also responsible for the strength of calcium-silicate-hydrate mix in cement.
Researchers designed a multi-chambered soft pneumatic actuator that generates cyclical motion and exhibits several advantages. The actuator can be used in environments sensitive to electromagnetic fields or flammable liquids without risk of bursting.
Research by Jin-Soo Kim and Professor Jong-Seong Kug found that warmer Arctic temperatures trigger cooler winters and springs in North America, weakening vegetation growth and lowering carbon uptake capacity. This can lead to greater damages to ecosystems due to cold and dry spells.
Professor Tyagi received the Outstanding Scientist Award from the International Bioprocessing Association for his outstanding contribution to environmental biotechnology. He has also earned numerous accolades, including awards from the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists.
Researchers found that variable advisory speed limit systems can decrease average queue length by 39-53% and increase safety with a 30% drop in rear-end collisions, while also reducing maximum speed differences and lane changing conflicts.
Researchers create most detailed and extensive local map of air pollution ever produced for an urban area, mapping air quality on a block-by-block basis. The study reveals air pollution can vary dramatically even within a single city block.
The City College of New York is partnering with the University of Texas at El Paso to educate Hispanic doctoral students in environmental sciences and engineering. A $3.7 million NSF grant will fund the project, which aims to train and transition students to STEM instructional faculty positions.
A new class of attacks, dubbed 'Cloak and Dagger,' allows attackers to take control of Android devices by overlaying the graphical interface with false information. The vulnerability arises from the combination of two legitimate permissions that power desirable features in popular apps.
Researchers at Dartmouth College replicated popular outdoor rock climbing routes on an indoor climbing wall using 3D modeling and digital fabrication. The study found a close visual match between climbers' poses on the original and replica routes, with climbers agreeing that the movement felt similar.
A new study reveals that US streams contain complex blends of organic pollutants, including pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and byproducts from their degradation. The findings suggest that these chemical combinations could harm aquatic life and potentially impact human health.
A research team introduced a new approach to simplify and increase the potential of 4D printing, which allows high-resolution components to be designed, printed, and transformed into new permanent configurations using heat. This method saves time and materials by up to 90% and completely eliminates the mechanical programming process.
Researchers found that snow absorbs certain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from car emissions, increasing toxic pollutant levels in the environment. The study highlights the need for further research to reduce premature deaths caused by mild air pollution in North America.
Scientists have developed a method to track perfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) in the body, with the highest amounts recorded in the stomach and liver. The study found that PFAS accumulate in multiple organs, including the lungs, kidney, heart, brain, skin, muscle, and bone.
A recent study by the University of the Basque Country found that not all metals in sediments directly affect human health, but only a fraction can be incorporated into the body. The researchers simulated metal release in the gastrointestinal tract and found that urban waste water contributes to bioaccessible metals.
Researchers are developing a new robotic system to map and analyze radioactive sites using advanced sensing technologies, including optical spectroscopy and radiation detection. The project aims to improve the decommissioning process and reduce costs.
Researchers developed a molecular robot that changes shape in response to specific DNA signals, enabling biomimetic robotics and potential medical innovations. The tiny robot, about 1 millionth of a meter in size, consists of protein and DNA molecules.
Exposure to highly fluorinated chemicals has been linked to kidney and testicular cancer, elevated cholesterol, and decreased fertility. The chemicals do not break down and can remain in the environment for thousands of years, contaminating water, air, and food.
A study by Duke University identifies 6,648 fracking spills in Colorado, New Mexico, North Dakota, and Pennsylvania between 2005 and 2014, with half of spills due to pipes and valves. The analysis reveals that wells with previous spills are at higher risk of future incidents.
Exposure to newer organophosphate flame retardants has significantly increased over the past decade, with a metabolite of tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCIPP) found at levels 15 times higher in 2014-2015 samples than in 2002-2003.