Articles tagged with Environmental Engineering
Researchers are studying ways to selectively use high-performance fiber-reinforced concrete in buildings, exploring its potential to improve strength without increasing costs. The approach focuses on using advanced materials only at vulnerable joints, such as beam-column connections, to enhance structural resilience.
A team of researchers has won a $779,000 grant to develop a new way to rehabilitate deteriorating reinforced concrete structures using shape memory alloys. The approach aims to confine the structure all the time, preventing damage and improving strength.
A Concordia University study found that snowplows are the main culprit in erasing roadway markings, which can lead to traffic accidents. To address this issue, researchers suggest using more expensive and durable epoxy paint, which could save lives in the long run.
Traffic engineers at Wayne State University suggest metered roundabouts, or 'super circles,' as a solution to alleviate rush-hour congestion and enhance safety in the US. The proposed system utilizes stop lights to control peak hour traffic flow, reducing capacity issues and promoting safer intersections.
A new high-efficiency cabin air filter (HECA) can reduce ultrafine particle (UFP) exposure by 93% and keep carbon dioxide levels low. Most modern car filters only block 40-60% of UFPs, but the HECA filter's smaller synthetic fibers can capture more particles.
A new study found that suburban households in the US account for approximately 50% of the country's total household carbon footprint. The researchers used an analytic model and national survey data to estimate average household carbon footprints for over 30,000 zip codes and 10,000 cities and towns across all 50 states.
Researchers from Duke University and Boston University found over 5,900 natural gas leaks under Washington, D.C., with concentrations as high as 500,000 parts per million. The leaks pose explosion risks and release high levels of methane, a powerful greenhouse gas.
Researchers have created a way to clean dirty banknotes, removing accumulated sebum and motor oil without damaging security features. This process could save nearly $10 billion annually and minimize the environmental impact of currency disposal.
Researchers at the University of California, Riverside have redesigned battery component materials to create nanoparticles with controlled shape, resulting in smaller, more powerful and energy efficient batteries. This innovation could improve battery performance and reduce costs for electric cars and other applications.
University of Minnesota researchers have developed a new approach for identifying potential environmental effects of releasing genetically engineered (GE) insects. The framework evaluates the entire range of potential effects, including those during transitory and steady state phases, providing improved guidance for ecological risk ass...
A new study published in Nature Communications found that wealth inequality can promote cooperation when people are distributed a given total amount of wealth somewhat unequally, rather than fully equally. This is because rich benefactors promote cooperation that benefits themselves and their surroundings, leading to the spread of coop...
University of Cincinnati researchers have made early discoveries on converting waste coffee grounds into energy sources, including biodiesel and activated carbon. The process involves extracting oil, drying the grounds, and burning what's left as an alternative energy source, with promising results in reducing emissions.
This special issue of Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment brings together diverse perspectives on addressing global environmental challenges. The issue highlights socio-ecological drivers of environmental injustice, explores ways to encourage behavioral change, and emphasizes the role of religion in promoting Earth Stewardship.
A University of Houston professor is studying the impact of Saharan dust on Houston's air quality, finding that the dust can vary in toxicity and affect people with asthma. The team used scientific detective work to determine the 'fingerprint' of African dust, allowing them to differentiate it from other pollutants.
A new study has found that online tools, such as NEEShub and the project warehouse, are helping to accelerate progress in earthquake engineering and science. These platforms provide a centralized repository for experimental results, making them accessible to researchers, practitioners, and educational communities.
Scientists have developed a new technology that can convert CO2 into electricity, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and producing over 1,570 billion kilowatts of additional power annually. The method uses CO2 from power plant smokestacks and other sources, eliminating the need for additional fuel to produce electricity.
Soft Robotics is a new peer-reviewed journal combining advances in biomedical engineering, biomechanics, and materials science to create robotic technology for interactive robots. The journal provides a forum for scientists and engineers across diverse fields to work together to build the next generation of soft robots.
A study of over 3,000 households found that only 21 percent accounted for 50 percent of greenhouse gas emissions. Large living spaces and long commutes were key factors contributing to a disproportionately large environmental footprint.
Researchers at NC State University are using video game technology to remotely control cockroaches on autopilot. They use Microsoft's Kinect system to track the insects' progress and steer them along a digitally plotted path. This technology has potential for mapping dynamic environments, such as collapsed buildings, with rescue teams.
Sandia National Laboratories has developed the Capability Portfolio Analysis Tool (CPAT) to help the US Army analyze complex decisions for modernizing combat vehicles. The tool combines optimization, simulation, and modeling to balance goals and budget constraints, providing a more efficient decision-making process.
A new study by GW Professor Tianshu Li provides direct computational evidence that nucleation of ice in small droplets is strongly size-dependent. The team's findings demonstrate that water at the nanoscale can no longer be considered bulk water, with implications for climate research and atmospheric science.
The DOE JGI has established new partnerships to develop emerging technologies in genomics and single-cell analysis, including scalable DNA synthesis and high-throughput sequencing. These collaborations aim to enhance the Institute's capabilities and support DOE missions related to clean energy and environmental characterization.
A pioneering collaboration aims to develop a 24/7 digital home health assistant to address pressing healthcare issues. The SPHERE project will use non-invasive sensors to monitor patients' health and wellbeing, targeting obesity, depression, stroke, falls, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal diseases.
Hot water recirculating systems touted as environmentally friendly actually use more energy and water than traditional systems, according to Virginia Tech researchers. The study found that these systems can require up to double the energy of conventional systems, increasing consumer bills.
A study found that environmental labels can discourage conservative shoppers from purchasing energy-efficient products, instead promoting financial incentives and energy independence. The research suggests that a tailored message is needed to reach different market segments.
Using grocery delivery services can significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions, with trucks producing 20-75% less CO2 than personal vehicles driven to and from stores. Clustering customers together also leads to significant savings for companies, with up to 90% less emissions.
Heavy rains in the Midwest have increased significantly over the past 60 years, according to a study published by the University of Iowa. The research suggests that rising surface temperatures are contributing to this trend, as warmer air can absorb more water vapor, leading to an increase in precipitation.
Researchers in India have developed a filter system using the medicinal herb Tridax procumbens to remove fluoride from drinking water. The technology can reduce fluoride levels by up to 98% in just three hours, making it a promising approach for defluoridation.
Scientists report new estimates that downgrade additional land available for biofuel production by nearly 80%. The revised estimates suggest 140 million-2.6 billion acres of land can be cultivated for biofuels, compared to previous estimates of 800 million-3.5 billion acres.
The NSERC Canadian Network for Aquatic Ecosystems will inform decisions on Canada's wetlands, lakes and rivers with a $4.4 million funding boost. Researchers will focus on the economic value of nature's goods and services.
A new study recommends using air curtains and cooling layers to preserve China's Terracotta Warriors and other historic relics. The measures aim to prevent environmental degradation and protect the over 1,500 relics in large museums like the Qin Terracotta Museum, which attracts over 5 million visitors annually.
Soft Robotics is a peer-reviewed journal dedicated to the science and engineering of soft materials in mobile machines. The journal covers topics such as device development, flexible electronics, and control and simulation of highly deformable structures.
The University of Notre Dame has received a $599,931 EPA grant to develop early detection technology for invasive species using environmental DNA. The research will test the efficacy of this method across diverse groups of high-risk invasive species, including mussels, snails, crayfish, and plants.
A superabsorbent material can recover up to 5 gallons of crude oil per pound and is strong enough for collection and transportation. The material transforms an oil spill into a soft gel that can be converted back into refined oil, providing a cost-effective solution to reduce environmental impacts.
GEKO NavSat has developed innovative technological solutions and products using advanced satellite navigation technologies, improving forest fire investigation methods. The company's social commitment includes creating lines of application for people with special needs, such as a guiding project for the blind.
Insignia Technologies, formed by the merger of Insigniapack and Novas Technologies, will exploit design expertise to create smart packaging labels initially in the food sector, expanding into other areas. The company's patented smart pigment technology aims to reduce waste and environmental impact.
The Canadian government's plan to discontinue the Experimental Lakes Area (ELA) has sparked widespread concern among scientists. The ELA, comprising 58 freshwater lakes in Ontario, Canada, has yielded significant insights into water pollution and climate change over nearly 40 years.
Ecologists warn of potential unintended consequences of genetically engineered algae for biofuel production. Researchers argue for independent studies and adequate funding to explore potential risks, including survival in the wild, hybridization, and ecosystem disruption.
A new study has detected BPS, a BPA substitute, in thermal paper receipts and many other products. The researchers analyzed 16 types of paper from the US, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam, finding BPS in all receipt papers and 87% of currency samples.
A University of Miami-led study found that wind-induced surface drift significantly influenced the displacement of oil in the Gulf of Mexico during the Deepwater Horizon spill. The simulation results correctly predicted the final destination of the oil along the Northern Gulf coastline, matching observations.
Researchers at the University of Michigan successfully tested a lab-on-a-chip technology to detect low levels of trichloroethylene in homes near Hill Air Force Base. The device, tailored to detect any contaminants, has potential applications for industrial chemicals, cancer biomarkers, and explosives detection.
Research on nano-pesticides is crucial for understanding their fate and toxicity, as well as assessing potential benefits and drawbacks. The development of new pesticides products based on nanotechnology holds promise for reducing environmental contamination, but concerns about human health risks persist.
A recent study found that people prioritize features like fuel efficiency and time-saving over reduced smoke emissions when considering new cookstoves. The researchers suggest that health education and social marketing approaches may not be effective in changing user behavior.
Scientists have developed a fast and easy method to detect and identify single spores of seven common types of mold using Raman microspectroscopy. The new technique involves collecting air samples on aluminum foil and analyzing the spores for potential contamination in homes and buildings.
A new study found that emissions from cookstoves are highly dependent on how they are used, and laboratory tests do not accurately reflect real-world operations. The research team developed a real-time analysis technique called Patterns of Real-Time Emissions Data (PaRTED) to measure emissions under different operating conditions.
Researchers at Michigan Technological University have discovered that adding nanoclays to asphalt materials can stiffen the mixture, potentially preventing rutting. The study found that even tiny amounts of nanoclays can improve the viscosity of the asphalt, providing better stiffness and durability.
A new study establishes reference levels for beach sand contaminated with disease-causing bacteria, helping health departments determine when it's too risky for children and others. The research used computer simulations and measurements of microbes at California and Florida beaches.
A partnership between DyStar and RedElec Technologie may improve the environmental profile of indigo dyeing by eliminating sodium hydrosulfite. The new process aims to reduce waste and stop a water pollution problem at its source.
A recent study found that some 'improved cookstoves' (ICs) may emit more black carbon particles than traditional mud stoves or open-cook fires. This raises concerns about the effectiveness of ICs as a clean cooking solution in developing countries.
Researchers have successfully developed a new type of environment-friendly piezoelectric material with giant piezoresponse, using small-ion-doped ZnO. The new material shows promising potential for replacing lead-based piezoelectric materials, which are highly toxic and can contaminate environments.
Researchers at MIT and Harvard University have developed the 'buckliball,' a hollow spherical object that collapses reversibly when air is sucked out, exhibiting cooperative buckling behavior. This design has the potential for widespread applications in structures, materials, and toys.
A study published in Environmental Science & Technology reveals that seeds coated with neonicotinoid insecticides cause widespread deaths of honeybees. The researchers found that even modified machines designed to reduce seed fragmentation still led to bee fatalities, highlighting the need for innovative solutions.
Scientists used satellites to measure nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide emissions from oil sands mining in Alberta, Canada. The levels of these pollutants are comparable to those over a large power plant or medium-sized cities.
A new study by Mark Collard at the AAAS conference links climate change to human evolution by analyzing the impact of environmental variation on food-gathering tools. The research suggests that harsh environments led to more complex tool use, which can be used as a proxy for tracking climate change's impact on human evolution.
A new study finds arsenic to be the most critical metal, followed by silver and selenium, in sustaining modern technology. The research highlights the need for corporations and nations to identify their unique set of critical materials and stabilize supply chains.
A new study by Stanford researchers found that decreasing the time spent walking to fetch clean water can help reduce under-five mortality rates and prevent nutrition-depleting diarrhea. Cutting walking time by just 15 minutes can lead to an 11% reduction in child mortality and a 41% decrease in diarrhea prevalence.
Researchers have developed a novel technology platform that enables viewing of biological processes in dynamic, life-sustaining liquid environments. This innovation allows for high-resolution imaging of cancer cells and other macromolecules, providing new targets for drug therapy.
A recent study by Michael McClean and colleagues reveals a strong link between PFC levels in office air and blood concentrations, suggesting offices as an important exposure environment. The findings also indicate that workers in newly renovated buildings receive higher doses of PFCs.
A new backboard cover, Board Armor, has been developed to reduce infection rates in patients and save valuable emergency response time. The synthetic material disposable cover prevents bodily fluids from contaminating the backboard and eliminates the need for cleaning between uses.
The Office of Naval Research has selected 12 winners from over 125 entries in its Sponsoring Scholars in Science challenge, with grants worth up to $100,000. The finalists will implement hands-on STEM projects, such as renewable energy systems and underwater energy harvesting technologies.