Articles tagged with Environmental Engineering
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
Researchers have found a new method to remove PFAS from drinking water by heating them with granular activated carbon at 572 degrees Fahrenheit. This process achieves 90% mineralization of the PFAS, breaking them down into harmless inorganic fluorine.
Binghamton University researchers aim to perfect the electrospray deposition process using artificial intelligence to create consistently thin polymer films. The project seeks to overcome challenges in controlling film characteristics and data collection, enabling efficient manufacturing and reducing labor costs.
The University of Bath's RENEW research center has published a manifesto on regenerative design and engineering to address the climate crisis. The guidebook provides a framework for creating 'Net Positive' buildings, technologies, and systems that renew unity with nature.
Researchers from the University of Houston have confirmed alarming rates of subsidence in Miami's barrier islands, with 35 skyscrapers sinking up to three inches into the ground since 2016. The study used InSAR technology to detect changes in the earth's surface and found that construction-induced stresses extend beyond building footpr...
A new hybrid machine learning model predicts ultimate axial strength of CFRP-strengthened CFST columns with high accuracy, enabling safer and more efficient designs. The model can be used to optimize construction processes and enhance the safety of structures at a lower cost.
Researchers developed high-sensitivity and low-noise infrared superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors, achieving sub-mK temperature resolution. The detectors used photon counting technology, overcoming limitations of conventional semiconductor detectors.
Researchers are developing a software framework for crowd-sourced 3D map generation and visual localization from camera data to improve real-time updates and low-cost visual localization. This technology aims to advance self-driving vehicles and enable fully automated transportation
A new publication provides comprehensive guidance for public drinking water system staff on responding to wildfire damage, outlining key findings from previous disasters. The guidance aims to improve detection of chemical contamination, reduce customer notification delays, and restore safe drinking water delivery quickly.
Researchers are developing a marine-based microbial fuel cell to power ocean sensing devices, eliminating the need for batteries and cables. The system, called PODPower, can produce up to 10 Watts of electricity consistently for over a year.
The study focuses on developing design provisions for using headed reinforcement in bridge structures, reducing construction time and costs. Full-scale experimental testing is underway at the Center for Infrastructure Renewal's High-Bay Laboratory.
A new AI-driven approach identifies potentially harmful chemical substances in rivers by monitoring their effects on tiny water fleas, providing insights into complex mixtures and aquatic life. The study enables more comprehensive environmental monitoring and supports better-informed regulations for chemical discharge into waterways.
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University identified clogging in a geothermal well due to accidental venting, highlighting the need for regular inspection and monitoring of water quality. The study emphasizes the importance of geochemical analysis of groundwater for stable and widespread use of aquifer thermal energy storage systems.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have uncovered a mechanism behind cancer progression: the stiffening of tumor cell's environment. This spreading causes increased cell proliferation and tumor growth.
Researchers create SciAgents framework to autonomously generate and evaluate promising research hypotheses in biologically inspired materials. The framework uses graph reasoning methods to organize relationships between scientific concepts, mimicking biological systems.
A review of 3,000 studies suggests microplastics in the air may cause serious health problems, including colon cancer, poor lung function, and infertility. The tiny plastic particles are believed to contribute to chronic pulmonary inflammation, increasing the risk of lung cancer.
A WVU researcher creates an augmented reality training program to enhance miners' awareness of blind spots and ability to identify hazards. The training technology uses visualizations to project blind spots directly onto the trainee operator's surroundings, reducing fatalities and injuries in the mining industry.
Recent studies highlight conductive hydrogels as solutions in biosignal monitoring and electrical stimulation. Their tunable mechanical and electrical characteristics enable a wide range of applications, including wearable sensors, neural interfaces, and drug delivery systems.
The AstroRad vest employs high-density polymers to shield vital organs from radiation exposure, addressing cancer and radiation sickness risks. The wearable technology has undergone extensive testing through the ISS National Lab, leading to significant enhancements in its design and functionality.
A study analyzed the socio-economic feasibility of green hydrogen production in southern Italy, estimating a Levelized Cost of Hydrogen (LCOH) of €3.60/kg. Public acceptance of wind power installations was found to be linked to willingness to pay (WTP), with 68.6% of LCOH values clustering between 3.20 and 4.00 €/kg
A new study finds that heavy rains deliver the greatest amounts of fertilizer-derived nitrogen through creeks and rivers into the northern Gulf of Mexico. The research can be used to develop policies to protect the gulf from nutrient overloading, harmful algal blooms, and oxygen-depleted 'dead zones'.
University of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science professors William Epling and Roseanne Ford were elected as fellows to the American Institute of Chemical Engineers. They are recognized for their expertise in environmental catalysis and bacterial chemotaxis, respectively.
The introduction of high-speed rail between 1998 and 2010 spread green technologies and reduced industrial pollution across lagging regions, particularly in central inland provinces and northeastern areas. This led to a 0.49%–1.70% reduction in national industrial pollution and increased patent filings for green technology patents.
Researchers have developed an artificial adhesion system that closely mimics natural biological interactions, enabling precise control over its strength under varying forces. The innovative 'fish-hook' bond has vast potential in materials science and medicine, inspiring responsive materials and force-sensitive drug delivery systems.
Researchers have developed a liquid moisture adsorbent that can efficiently harvest water from the air at near ambient temperatures. The technology, which uses random copolymers of polyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol, has the potential to provide clean drinking water in arid regions and during disasters.
A new study warns that climate change's impact on water resources will significantly increase the cost of achieving zero-emission grids by 2050. The required investments in generation and transmission infrastructure are expected to be massive, with up to 139 gigawatts of power capacity needed in the Western United States.
Chemists at Ohio State University have developed a novel way to capture and convert carbon dioxide into methane, utilizing nickel-based catalysts and reducing the need for massive amounts of energy. This breakthrough could pave the way for more efficient climate mitigation technologies and help close the carbon cycle.
A team of researchers has developed Janus crystals that capture humidity from the air with high efficiency, enabling a spontaneous and energy-free process for collecting potable water. The discovery could provide an endless source of clean water, addressing global water scarcity issues.
Researchers developed a machine-learning tool that provides accurate predictions for flood-prone areas, using historical data and weather-based predictors. The model can predict short-term river discharge with high accuracy, giving real-time data on water movement through the river.
A Kobe University research team analyzes the political repercussions of a proposed underwater curtain to protect Antarctic ice sheets from melting. The team highlights concerns around authority, sovereignty, and security, emphasizing the need for international cooperation to avoid conflict.
Researchers at University of California - San Francisco designed biological sensors that can ensure engineered cells are activated in tumor environments, making cancer therapies more effective. The new sensors, called SNIPRs, can bind to soluble molecules and alter gene expression, offering a promising approach for targeted therapies.
A new study from Iowa State University aims to increase emphasis on phenotypic plasticity in improving crop performance. Researchers linked crop traits, genetics and weather conditions using a quantitative framework, predicting flowering time and yield component traits with high accuracy.
Researchers from Osaka Metropolitan University have discovered a combination of green algae and yeast that enhances wastewater treatment efficiency. The mixture boosts the growth environment, uptake of ammonium and phosphate ions, making it an effective solution for wastewater treatment facilities.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University demonstrated that bats can navigate great distances in open areas with their eyes closed, using only echolocation. The study found that bats create an acoustic map of their environment, relying on distinct echoes to guide their flight paths.
Research from an interdisciplinary team at Virginia Tech has shown that sewage surveillance is more efficient and comprehensive than testing individuals in detecting antimicrobial resistance. The study revealed significant correlations between antibiotic resistance genes and socio-economic factors, highlighting the need to address thes...
Devin Harris and his team have developed an augmented reality app, STRUCT-AR, that allows students to 'stress test' virtual bridges, beams, frames, and trusses. The app, which is set to be tested this spring, aims to improve students' understanding of structural behavior by providing a more interactive and immersive learning experience.
The project aims to identify and fabricate optimized first-wall materials using advanced computer simulations enhanced by machine learning, accelerating the discovery of new materials by 100-fold. The research will leverage synthesis, irradiation, and testing facilities to conduct a high-impact materials discovery campaign.
Researchers are using historical, qualitative, and statistical methods to investigate the needs of over 70 million people in the US who self-identify as having a disability. The study aims to measure specific dimensions of structural ableism and create ways to address its impact on healthcare disparities.
A Cornell University research team found that strategically placing a mix of medium-speed and fast-charging stations in urban areas increases driver usage and improves investor profitability by 50-100%. The team used Bayesian optimization to analyze data from Atlanta, taking into account factors like traffic and road characteristics.
A new study has found that a significant fraction of meltwater mass is stored temporarily within the Greenland Ice Sheet during summer months, peaking in July. This discovery will help improve climate models, which often underestimate the complexity of water storage within ice sheets.
Osaka Metropolitan University researchers developed a new approach to analyze the 3D structure of lab-made photosynthetic antenna protein complex LHCII. Their findings validated natural antenna mimicry in artificial photosynthesis, showing only minor differences between lab-created and natural LHCII.
A University of Virginia-led research team has developed new protective coatings that allow turbine engines to run at higher temperatures before components begin to fail. The coatings were created using rare earth oxides and have shown improved performance without complex multi-layer coatings.
A new type of prototype water harvester uses temperature-sensitive materials to pull more water out of the atmosphere in 30 minutes on average than an alternative dehumidifier system using only half the energy. The device is also portable, making it suitable for regions where access to clean drinking water is limited.
A new study by MIT researchers shows that climate change will significantly impact outdoor activities in the US, with Florida and other Southeastern states experiencing major drops in
A new study has identified novel strains of microbes that have adapted to use limited resources in cities, including those found in Hong Kong's subways and skin. These microbes can metabolize manufactured products, posing health risks if they are pathogenic.
A new study by Harvard researchers finds alarmingly high PFAS concentrations in fish tissues even up to 8 km from the military base. The results underscore the urgent need for more comprehensive monitoring of PFAS in aquatic ecosystems, particularly in regions where freshwater fishing is an important food source.
Researchers at GIST developed a cat's eye-inspired vision system that filters out unnecessary light and improves visibility in low-light conditions. The system promises to elevate the precision of drones, security robots, and self-driving vehicles, enabling them to navigate intricate environments with unparalleled accuracy.
Researchers investigate links between environmental exposures, air pollution, and temperature with EMS transports for health emergencies. The study aims to guide decisions on resilient healthcare infrastructure as climate changes.
A research team led by Dr. Franco Marcantonio found significant lead pollution in a Tibetan glacier starting in 1974, with highest levels between 2000 and 2007. The team traced the source of pollution to Chinese gasoline emissions containing lead until its phasedown after 2007.
Researchers discovered an extremely diverse collection of viruses on toothbrushes and showerheads, including previously unknown species. These bacteriophages target bacteria, not humans, and have potential uses in treating antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.
Researchers have developed functional interlocking metasurfaces that offer more structural strength and stability than traditional techniques like bolts and adhesives. These metasurfaces can selectively disengage and re-engage on demand while maintaining consistent joint strength.
A team of University of Nebraska-Lincoln engineers and scientists are assessing the potential threat to human health from antimicrobial-resistant pathogens spread via wastewater and agricultural runoff. They will use field samples and modeling to determine the contributions from each source and develop a risk assessment tool.
Researchers developed a model to project Italy's energy storage needs for a renewable energy system, accounting for daily and seasonal fluctuations. The model suggests that increasing short-term energy storage capacity is critical for decarbonizing the power sector.
Researchers are working on a new method for preserving microbial samples using microfluidics, biomaterials, and protein engineering. The goal is to improve biosurveillance and protect soldiers and civilians from infectious diseases.
A new study by MIT researchers identifies characteristic in prison facilities that exacerbate an incarcerated person's vulnerability to summer heat. The findings highlight the need for policymakers and community leaders to address this growing concern, particularly as climate change worsens heat-related risks.
Industrial fishing practices in tropical and subtropical waters release high levels of methylmercury into the ocean. The majority of this mercury is found in large pelagic fish like tuna, which are then consumed by humans. This can lead to developmental delays in children and impaired cardiovascular health in adults.
A new study shows that urban forests within walkable distance from residential areas are crucial in reducing heat-related health risks. Researchers found that nearby forests have a pronounced impact on reducing mortality risks, particularly those within 1 kilometre of residential areas.
A century-old experiment has pinpointed the genes behind barley's adaptability, enabling its continued survival in rapidly changing environments. Researchers identified key genes that enable flowering at optimal times, allowing crops to thrive despite increased temperatures and droughts.
A new study suggests a novel way to prevent mold growth on future space stations by understanding the exposures that happen in the space environment. Repeated elevated humidity exposures can lead to rapid microbial growth and composition changes in dust, making it easier for microbes to thrive.
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University found that foaming plastic carriers promote 44 times more biofilm formation, enhancing wastewater treatment. Adding waste biomass further improves performance, especially in nitrate removal during the moving bed biofilm reactor process.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh mapped nitrogen losses county by county, finding high spatial disconnects between where beef is eaten and where nitrogen impacts are felt. This disconnect results in people living far from the area where their beef was produced experiencing negative environmental effects.