Articles tagged with Environmental Engineering
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 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.
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.
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.
A new study found that some fast-food packaging in the US contains a variety of fluorinated compounds, including long-chain PFASs associated with developmental problems, decreased fertility, and increased cancer risk. The researchers detected fluorine in nearly half of food contact papers overall.
A Japanese research group used a new DNA analysis technology to detect 128 fish species in Maizuru bay, Kyoto prefecture. This method, known as eDNA metabarcoding, allowed them to survey fish in multiple areas during a short time period, detecting nearly 80% of the species present.
Researchers at Swansea University have developed a technique to engineer electrical contacts on nanoscale structures, enabling the creation of enhanced devices based on nanomaterials. This breakthrough has significant implications for future technologies, including energy-harvesting clothing and advanced biosensors.
Researchers at Rice University have made breakthroughs in understanding how concrete responds to stress at the atomic level. By studying the internal structure of tobermorite, they found that defects can lead to increased strength and toughness by allowing layers to glide past each other.
A new Duke University study reveals that global emissions targets can only be met if green technologies are developed and implemented at an unprecedented pace. To limit warming below the Paris Agreement's 2 degrees C target, green innovations must be accelerated by a full order of magnitude, or about ten times faster than in the past.
Researchers have developed a virtual reality system that generates real-time 3D images from CT data for enhanced visualization. This allows surgeons to interact with detailed models of bones, tissues, and blood vessels, streamlining the surgical planning process.
A study by the American Chemical Society found that all tested plastic teethers contained BPA and other endocrine-disruptors, which can leach out into water. The researchers detected a range of parabens and antimicrobials in most teethers, raising concerns about infant exposure to potentially toxic chemicals.
Rice University scientists are building a tool to detect and quantify genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in the environment. The technology uses light transmission spectrometry to identify DNA or proteins from engineered crops and animals, which can have unintended consequences on ecosystems.
The UW RAPID facility will provide next-generation tools for collecting post-disaster data, including laser scanning equipment and mobile devices for social surveys. The center aims to reduce physical damage and socio-economic losses from future events by analyzing complex data sets and improving mathematical models.
The National Science Foundation has awarded $110 million to XSEDE to expand its services and support for advanced computational and data-enabled research. XSEDE will continue to provide services to over 6,000 scientists and engineers while adding innovative elements in response to evolving user demands.
The NSF has awarded $110 million to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and 18 partner institutions to continue and expand activities through XSEDE. XSEDE will maintain existing services, add innovative elements, and support diverse scientific and engineering challenges.
A new study by Duke University found that future climate warming will likely cause only minor cuts in energy output at most US coal- and gas-fired power plants. The study contradicts previous modeling-based studies that predicted significant drops in plant efficiency due to rising temperatures.
Researchers at Cornell University have discovered a method to produce vortex ring-derived particles, which can be used for cell delivery and cell-free protein production. This technique, developed by Duo An and his team, has the potential to greatly improve treatments for Type 1 diabetes patients.
Research by USC Viterbi researchers found that widespread adoption of drought tolerant vegetation in California may lead to an average daytime warming of 1.3 degrees Fahrenheit due to decreased evaporative cooling. However, lower nighttime temperatures are predicted, with a potential decrease of 6 degrees Fahrenheit, which could mitiga...
The end-Ediacaran extinction, 540 million years ago, was triggered by ecosystem engineers - newly evolved organisms altering the environment, leading to the demise of older species. Fossil evidence found in Namibia preserves a mixed community of Ediacarans and animals, providing key insights into their interaction.
Scientists report elevated levels of toxic compounds in e-cigarette vapor when heated to higher temperatures, including glycidol and formaldehyde. The release of these compounds increases with device use and voltage settings.
Researchers analyzed fossil records and ostrich eggshell stable isotope measurements from two Middle Stone Age sites, finding no correlation between climate shifts and technological or cultural innovations. The study challenges the idea that climate change drove early human experimentation.
A UCLA-led study predicts the Sierra Nevada snowpack will take years to recover from drought, even with above-average precipitation. The research provides unprecedented detail and precision, offering insights into water availability in other mountain ranges.
New UQ research enables ultra-precise measurements of movement and gravity, benefiting industries like mining and environmental hydrology. The technique improves sensitivity of measurement devices and tracks water movement, glaciers and polar ice caps.
Researchers developed a wearable system called Health and Environmental Tracker (HET) to monitor users' environment, heart rate, and other physical attributes to predict and prevent asthma attacks. The system uses novel sensing devices, including a spirometer, to track lung function and feed data into the system.
A joint university team is using field and laboratory tests, computer modeling, to evaluate the level of vibration six rock-based lighthouses endure from constant sea battering. The study aims to understand how climate change affects lighthouse longevity.