Articles tagged with Environmental Engineering
Researchers found that a common air filter, photocatalytic oxidation (PCO), releases more dangerous chemicals than it removes, raising concerns about indoor air quality. The study's authors aim to develop new testing methods and energy-efficient technologies to improve building ventilation.
A recent study published in the International Journal of Water found that decentralized water regulation presents a theoretical benefit, allowing different populations to tailor spending to their particular circumstances. The research suggests that local decision-making can promote good governance and improve outcomes for Canadians.
A study of travertine deposits in the Anio Novus aqueduct revealed an actual estimate of its flow rate, significantly lower than previous estimates. The aqueduct's average water level indicates it was almost always full of water, supplying Rome with a reliable water supply that enabled urbanization during the first century AD.
Researchers assess building collapse risk due to ground-shaking aftershock tremors after main earthquakes, considering factors like site-to-source distance and aftershock magnitude. The study introduces a logical method for predicting collapse probability based on these variables, allowing for quantification of risk.
Latrine odor can deter users, leading to open defecation. Perfume researchers identified key compounds causing the stench in Indian, Kenyan, and South African facilities. Understanding these sensory profiles is crucial to countering odors and making latrines more welcoming.
OU Professor Jizhong Zhou has been recognized for his outstanding contributions in environmental genomics and microbial ecology. He is being honored for developing innovative metagenomics technologies and groundbreaking discoveries about microbial systems in response to environmental change.
Indiana University is conducting a groundbreaking study to explore how environmental signals affect women's persistence and performance in STEM fields. The research, supported by the National Science Foundation, uses real-world data and behavioral experiments to validate its findings.
The National Science Foundation has announced 2015 Graduate Research Fellowship recipients, representing a diverse group of scientific disciplines and backgrounds. The awardees receive three years of financial support for graduate study leading to a research-based master's or doctoral degree.
A new study by MIT researchers finds that smarter programming of stoplights can reduce delays, improve efficiency, and lower emissions in urban areas. By combining vehicle-level data with city-level traffic patterns, the algorithm produces more accurate predictions and recommendations for optimizing traffic flow.
Research suggests that focusing monitoring on companies using the most environmentally damaging technologies can encourage investment in cleaner technology, leading to increased emissions reductions. This approach maximizes net benefits to society while reducing monitoring costs.
A comprehensive analysis of 66,101 health-care facilities in 54 low- and middle-income countries found that 38% lack an improved water source, 19% lack improved sanitation, and 35% lack soap for hand washing. This compromise basic health-care services like child delivery, posing infection risks to patients and staff.
A partnership between a cognitive scientist and an environmental scientist has enhanced high school students' learning of basic spatial reasoning, as well as solving complex problems involving climate change and other STEM subjects. The program uses computer-based layered maps to facilitate visualization and reasoning.
The Air Force Office of Scientific Research has awarded approximately $16.6 million in grants to 57 young investigators from research institutions across the US. The recipients will conduct basic research in areas such as dynamical systems, quantum processes, and energy, with a focus on advancing the Air Force mission.
The EPA's proposed rule aims to disclose all pesticides' inert ingredients, but consumer advocates argue it doesn't go far enough to protect human health and the environment. The fight over regulations dates back nearly a decade, with advocacy groups claiming that many inert ingredients are hazardous to people's health.
Researchers found three chemicals in swimming pool water: DEET, caffeine, and TCEP. The detection of these chemicals highlights the potential for uncontrolled releases into swimming pools, which can pose risks to swimmers through inhalation, ingestion, or skin absorption.
The VuePod allows users to explore 3D environments created from point data, including images captured by LIDAR and drones. This enables engineers to detect changes in natural landscapes and monitor infrastructure more effectively.
A global fleet of composite planes could reduce CO2 emissions by 14-15% if introduced widely, thanks to fuel savings. However, the aviation industry's overall emissions reduction will be lower due to a mix of new and old aircraft in service.
The NSF is investing $16M to build two new supercomputing systems, Bridges and Jetstream, which will expand computational capacity and capability for researchers nationwide. The systems will provide cloud-based and data-intensive advanced computing resources, enabling a broader swath of researchers to use advancing computing.
A new study published by the American Chemical Society finds that switching to cleaner heating oils could prevent up to 290 premature deaths and 550 emergency room visits in New York City annually. The study estimates that emissions reductions would benefit high-poverty neighborhoods the most.
Antonio Luque will receive the Karl W. Börner Solar Energy Medal of Merit at a ceremony on March 13, 2015. Luque is being recognized for his work in developing high-efficiency solar cells and stimulating the adoption of renewable energy in Spain.
Researchers developed a mathematical model to predict which chemicals people are exposed to the most, ranking nearly 8,000 substances. The study aims to help prioritize future efforts to understand potential health risks of thousands of chemicals.
A new study examines the trajectory of emerging chemical threats to human and environmental health over 30 years. The research reveals a common pattern of emergence, rising to peak concern within 14 years before declining, and identifies potential stages of concern related to these chemicals.
Researchers at Plymouth University have identified a method to reduce styrene emissions in the manufacturing process by up to 98%, improving workplace conditions and environmental impact. The new technique uses in-mould gel-coating, which significantly reduces volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions.
Researchers at Iowa State University have developed a novel method for studying plant growth using LEGO bricks, creating controlled micro-environments that can be easily replicated worldwide. The innovative approach allows for the simultaneous testing of various environmental factors, such as nutrients, water, and oxygen gradients.
A new method of wormlike motion allows gels to swim in water, expanding their potential applications as environmental and biotechnological tools. This breakthrough was achieved by a UC undergraduate student with the help of his advisers, enabling soft materials to explore new areas such as surface waters or cavities inside the human body.
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.
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.
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.
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.