Articles tagged with Environmental Engineering
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 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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
Researchers identify two key factors driving consumer participation in community-supported agriculture: the socio-cultural environment and weighing of expected gains against losses. These factors shape individuals' knowledge, attitudes, and decisions, highlighting the importance of considering lifestyles and values when promoting CSA.
Engineers at MIT have developed a physics-based model that accurately represents airflow around rotors under extreme conditions. This new theory has the potential to improve rotor blade designs and optimize wind farm layouts for maximum power output and safety.
Researchers at HKUST have developed an eco-friendly refrigeration device with a boost in efficiency of over 48%, using elastocaloric cooling technology that is greenhouse gas-free and 100% recyclable. The new device achieved a temperature lift of 75K, surpassing the previous world record.
A new study by Kyoto University reveals that major companies relying on low-quality offsets undermine the effectiveness of the voluntary carbon market. The research finds that these companies collectively account for over one-fifth of all retired offsets, most of which fail to meet well-known quality standards.
Researchers at UCSF have developed intelligent brain pacemakers that use AI to monitor and adjust brain activity in real-time, providing personalized treatment for Parkinson's patients. The approach, called adaptive deep brain stimulation, has shown promise in reducing symptoms such as movement problems and insomnia.
A wearable sensor supported by machine learning models can continuously monitor and quantify FOG episodes, providing an accurate picture of a patient's condition. This technology has the potential to support the development of new treatments and improve the lives of people with Parkinson's disease.
The new battery can capture oxygen from air and use it to oxidize zinc, creating a current of up to 1 volt. It powers an actuator, memristor, clock circuit, and sensors, making it ideal for robotics and medical applications.
Researchers at Soochow University introduced coherence entropy as a global characterization of light fields subjected to random fluctuations. Coherence entropy remains stable during the propagation of light through complex media, making it a robust indicator of light field behavior in non-ideal conditions.
The study explores the role of helical secondary structure in enhancing conductivity and stability of solid-state peptide polymer electrolytes. Longer helices lead to higher conductivity and increased overall stability, making these materials more viable for energy storage systems.
Researchers from POSTECH and KRICT created a 3D artificial lung using bioprinting technology, closely mimicking the human respiratory tract. This model allows for accurate testing of COVID-19 drugs and development of therapeutic treatments, potentially shortening the drug development process to under 5 years.
A new substrate material developed at MIT, University of Utah, and Meta enables not only the recycling of materials and components but also scalable manufacture of complex multilayered circuits. The material's design allows for easy processing and dissolving, making it suitable for recycling precious metals and microchips.
Researchers have reviewed advancements in wearable cuffless blood pressure monitoring, focusing on flexible electronics and machine learning. The integration of sensors, signal processing, and algorithms enables accurate blood pressure estimation, promising personalized medicine applications.
The paper explores evolving landscape of genetics research into obesity, emphasizing both new discoveries and challenges. Researchers highlight complexity of body weight regulation and advocate for precise phenotyping methods targeting relevant and refined phenotypes related to adiposity.
Terasaki Institute scientists have created a novel bioink derived from egg whites, offering abundant proteins and excellent biocompatibility. This breakthrough technology has the potential to create more accurate tissue models for drug testing and develop functional tissue replacements for regenerative medicine applications.
Researchers at UCLA have developed a wavelength-multiplexed diffractive optical processor that enables all-optical multiplane quantitative phase imaging. This approach allows for rapid and efficient imaging of specimens across multiple axial planes without the need for digital phase recovery algorithms.
A groundbreaking approach inspired by bio-inspired neuromorphic imaging and speckle correlography has unveiled a revolutionary technique for optical image encryption. This method leverages computational neuromorphic imaging to encrypt images into event-stream ciphertexts, significantly enhancing security and complexity.
Researchers discovered an estimated 400 billion microplastic fibers in Frenchman Bay and its tributaries, with concentrations highest in the bay itself. The study found that microplastics were transported from land through rivers and estuaries into the bay, posing a significant threat to marine life and humans.
The new optical multi-pass cell improves the detection sensitivity of LITES sensors by extending the laser propagation path. The system achieves simultaneous dual-gas detection with high response speed and low minimum detection limits, making it suitable for environmental monitoring and industrial applications.
A new living passivator has been developed to improve the stability and efficiency of perovskite solar cells. The coating can dynamically heal defects caused by environmental stressors like water and heat, improving operational stability for over 1,000 hours at high temperatures.
Pusan National University researchers introduced FLIT-SHAP, an explainable machine learning approach that breaks down pollutant effects in mixtures. The tool revealed significant synergistic and antagonistic interactions, challenging current approaches to regulating pollutants.
A study published in Science Advances investigated the formation of cracks in a nickel-base alloy. The researchers found that one widely-held hypothesis does not apply to this alloy and discovered new information about crack initiation. This breakthrough helps lay the groundwork for better predictions of hydrogen embrittlement.
A new US-based database of hurricane evacuation orders can help leaders and communities increase resilience, create better policy, and ultimately reduce loss of life. The HEvOD database includes nationwide public-facing evacuation orders from 2014-2022, offering insights into effective strategies for future emergencies.
A meta-analysis published in Ecopsychology found that even brief nature exposure can have a positive effect on symptomology, including affect, anxiety, and depression. The study suggests using nature exposure as an intervention to improve health and wellbeing for adults with mental illness.
Scientists have developed a nanocomposite material with sodium carbonate and nanocarbon to capture carbon dioxide from industrial emissions. The new material shows high CO2 capture capacity and can be regenerated for up to 10 cycles, reducing energy consumption.
Researchers have created a cost-effective and efficient method to test seabed soil when designing offshore wind farms. The new device, based on a modified speargun, can penetrate sandy seabeds more effectively than existing probes, offering significant time and cost savings.
A UC Riverside paper has opened the door to understanding more about life's beginnings and early evolution. The study weaves together data from ancient rocks, genomic studies of modern organisms, and recent breakthroughs about the evolving chemistry of the early oceans, atmosphere, and continents.
Researchers have successfully developed mercury selenide and cadmium selenide nanocrystals that absorb and emit in the infrared spectrum, retaining desired properties of their parent CdSe nanocrystals. This breakthrough technology has potential to revolutionize molecular probing for imaging in biological systems.
A research team finds that local community members are indispensable partners in enhancing community engagement in repairing damaged ecosystems. Local values and attitudes play a crucial role in promoting sustainable ecosystem management practices.
A new partnership has developed a functional safety sensing platform based on 3D ultrasound, providing an additional layer of safety and reliability for autonomous vehicles. The technology complements existing systems and enables vehicles to detect their surroundings in real-time, even in extreme conditions.
A recent study monitored seven neighboring watersheds in Japan and found that larger watersheds exhibited longer peak lag times. This suggests that watershed scale is a more significant factor in determining flood timing than the degree of topographical relief.
Researchers have engineered a strain of E. coli to limit tumor growth and maximize targeted anticancer drug delivery, while minimizing toxicity. The C@ECN-PL platform successfully delivers an anti-inflammatory COX-2 inhibitor and increases the sensitivity of tumor cells to chemotherapy drugs.
The researchers created a 3D-printed material that can be soft and stretchable, eliminating drawbacks of previous fabrication methods. The new method uses liquid metal-based conductors with a conductive polymer mixture, resulting in high conductivity without the need for secondary activation.
Researchers at UNICAMP and UCA optimize anthocyanin extraction from jabuticaba peel, achieving a higher yield than traditional methods. The novel method uses biosorbent material derived from the residue, resulting in an efficient and environmentally friendly process.
The special issue explores challenges and opportunities in managing synthetic genomics risks, introducing a common global baseline for nucleic acid synthesis screening. Review articles provide insights into enhancing gene synthesis security and biosecurity practices of synthetic DNA providers.
Research from Duke University found that citizen science tools used in urban areas understate the problem of heat islands. The study suggests a statistical method to improve estimates of urban heat, highlighting the need for additional weather stations to better understand the issue.
Researchers find that green hydrogen's life cycle emissions can negate CO2 gains, especially during transportation. The study highlights the need for a more holistic approach to evaluating the technology's environmental impact.