Articles tagged with Environmental Engineering
Scientists at Argonne National Laboratory discovered a new fluoride electrolyte that can protect lithium metal batteries against performance decline. The electrolyte maintains a robust protective layer on the anode surface for hundreds of cycles, enabling the battery to last longer.
A recent study published in Science of the Total Environment found a scarcity of studies on microbial and chemical drinking water contamination in Appalachia and associated health outcomes. Only 85 publications met the criteria, with many gaps remaining to be filled.
Researchers discovered a TIR1/AFB-independent auxin signaling mechanism in Klebsormidium nitens, a primitive alga. They identified KnRAV as a key transcription factor that activates auxin-inducible genes and binds to promoter sequences.
MIT engineers have developed a new technology to probe the connections between the brain and gut, using fibers embedded with sensors and light sources. The researchers demonstrated that they can control neural circuits connecting the gut and brain in mice, inducing feelings of fullness or reward-seeking behavior.
A specially designed garden, rain garden, can capture toxic tire chemicals associated with tires entering waterways by more than 90%. Researchers tested a Vancouver rain garden and found that it captured about 75% of the chemical, preventing it from entering salmon-bearing streams.
Researchers at Pusan National University have developed a new adsorbent that utilizes problematic protons in acidic wastewater to enhance the removal of radioactive cesium ions. The adsorbent, potassium calcium thiostannate, shows improved capacity under strongly acidic conditions.
A new study predicts Arctic sea ice will vanish by the 2030s if greenhouse gas emissions continue unchecked. The research, published in Nature Communications, analyzes 41 years of data and confirms human activities as the primary cause of Arctic sea ice decline.
The article discusses the challenges of reducing agricultural greenhouse gas emissions to zero, but found that technology can help farmers lower pollution by up to 45 percent. The study proposes using carbon-free energy sources, sustainably produced bioenergy, and techniques to capture emissions from these energy sources.
Researchers developed methods to emphasize higher-frequency components of bone-conducted speech signals, improving intelligibility in noisy environments. The study's findings have potential real-life applications in BC-type hearing aids and auditory augmentation.
Scientists at POSTECH successfully grow two-dimensional molecular crystals, demonstrating control over exciton interactions. The findings could enable various applications in organic semiconductors and solar power generation.
A new study from Chalmers University of Technology reveals that the marine environment is at risk due to ship emissions, particularly from scrubber discharge water and antifouling paint. The cumulative environmental risk in ports was found to be five and thirteen times higher than acceptable limits.
A new study by Duke University researchers reveals that the amount of toxic elements leaching out of coal ash depends largely on its nanoscale structure. The discovery highlights the complexity of coal ash as a material and emphasizes the need for closer examination of fine details within the ash to understand environmental risks.
The study improves the assessment of catastrophic failures in sealed cabins for ultra large manned spacecraft in M/OD environments. The authors develop a failure assessment module and establish perforation and crack equations for stuffed Whipple shields, providing a reference for designing and assessing long-term on-orbit missions.
Perovskite photovoltaics are promising for generating solar energy due to their ability to be printed like newspapers and require less material than traditional technologies. However, these materials exhibit instabilities that can cause them to degrade quickly, hindering their commercial viability.
Researchers at the University of Illinois developed a new method using NIR spectroscopy to detect three types of allergens in quinoa flour. The method is non-destructive, non-invasive, and highly accurate, providing real-time results that can be performed with minimal training.
Researchers identified three main topics: environmental perception, risk assessment and mitigation, and human factors and ergonomics in automated agricultural machines. The study highlights the need for improved sensors and safety standards to address the challenges posed by dynamic environments.
Researchers have developed a quantum lidar system that uses single-photon detection to acquire high-resolution 3D images underwater. The technology has the potential to inspect underwater installations, monitor submerged archaeology sites, and enhance security applications.
Researchers have created a novel bioadhesive material to facilitate stem cell transplantation into damaged cartilage. The adhesive, derived from mussel protein and hyaluronic acid, enables the secure encapsulation of stem cells, promoting cartilage regeneration.
Researchers at POSTECH developed seawater batteries with improved performance by incorporating chelating agents, overcoming limitations of traditional lithium-ion batteries. The new design achieved high energy efficiency and capacity, making it a promising candidate for next-generation energy storage systems.
A study by Pohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH) analyzed water pollution complaints in Alabama and found a significant decrease during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research team used AI methodologies to examine sentiment changes and correlations with climatic extremes.
Researchers are studying the impact of climate change on basement pathogens, moisture, and air quality in urban environments, focusing on Black Americans in Pittsburgh. The study aims to document conditions and understand the link between weather events and cumulative health impacts for residents across the adult lifespan.
Researchers at Shinshu University developed a microfluidic device using acoustic focusing to collect microplastics from water. The device achieved a 105-fold enrichment of MPs, making it an efficient solution for removing microplastics from laundry and industrial wastewater.
A UH-led research team has developed a cost-effective method for removing harmful chemicals and heavy metals from coastal waters by utilizing native aquatic plants. The system, which includes floating aquatic plants and synthetic mats, can help restore ecological balance and keep communities healthy.
A recent study found that food processing facilities and high-rise apartments with 10 stories or higher are major contributors to nitrogen dioxide emissions in California. The research, published in Science of the Total Environment, used satellite remote sensing data to analyze NO2 emissions from various property types.
A study by Carnegie Mellon researchers found that about 10% of US pipeline compressor stations are electric, making them vulnerable to electric outages. Electric outages could force a loss greater than 2 gigawatts of downstream gas generators, causing significant reductions in available gas.
A novel biorefinery process has been developed to minimize the usage of external utilities by reusing by-products from biomass production. The process successfully reduced the total process energy and supplied it by itself, as well as utilizing excess solid by-products for building materials and other purposes.
Researchers at Duke University have produced the world's first fully recyclable printed electronics that replace hazardous chemicals with water in the fabrication process. The demonstration points to a path towards reducing environmental footprint and human health risks in the electronics industry.
A study by civil engineers at Wits University found that the Jagersfontein dam deviated from best engineering practice, with mine waste deposition on one side and significant erosion gullies. The study uses public satellite images to investigate the history of the dam and provides insights for preventing future failures
A study by GIST researchers found that Arctic warming is correlated with severe winters in East Asia and North America. The 'Warm Arctic-Cold Continent' phenomenon will persist but become more difficult to predict under warmer climates.
The West Virginia University researchers will develop and advance a pioneering method to extract and separate rare earth elements from acid mine drainage and coal waste with the new funding. The project aims to create employment in regions of West Virginia impacted by the US transition away from fossil fuels.
A novel copper-containing polymeric filter can effectively capture carbon dioxide from the air, converting it into sodium bicarbonate that can be released harmlessly into the ocean. The technology has garnered international attention and could be powered by renewable energy in the future.
Researchers at Pusan National University have created a new algorithm that can accurately predict ice resistance and fracture points for ships navigating through the Arctic shipping routes. The model uses an elastic material approach, allowing it to study continuous ice-breaking processes, which is essential for efficient navigation.
Rice University scientists developed a rapid process to remove heavy metals from coal fly ash using flash Joule heating. This purified coal fly ash can be used in infrastructure projects, reducing emissions by 30% and improving concrete strength and elasticity.
Researchers have found a way to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of concrete production by introducing a simple additive, sodium bicarbonate. This new process can sequester up to 15% of the total carbon dioxide associated with cement production, making concrete a more environmentally friendly material.
James Chappell, a Rice University bioscientist, has won a National Science Foundation CAREER Award to create RNA programming methods for microbial communities in natural habitats. His research aims to improve human health and the environment by genetically manipulating microbial communities.
Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST) successfully integrated two-dimensional materials on silicon microchips, achieving high integration density, electronic performance, and yield. The resulting hybrid devices exhibit special electronic properties that enable low-power consumption artificial neural ne...
Researchers developed a hybrid micro-robot that can navigate in physiological environments and capture targeted damaged cells. The micro-robot uses electric and magnetic mechanisms to identify and transport single cells for further study.
A team of MIT researchers has created an 'unclonable' label system to combat counterfeit seeds in Africa, where fake seeds can cost farmers up to two-thirds of expected crop yields. The system uses biodegradable silk-based tags with unique codes that cannot be replicated.
Researchers at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) have built and tested a full-scale bushfire safe room that demonstrates excellent heat resistance. The results suggest the shelter could keep people alive for up to two hours in extreme conditions, but further testing is needed to confirm human survivability.
Researchers developed StarCrete, a cosmic concrete made from Martian dust, potato starch, and salt, which is twice as strong as regular concrete. The material's compressive strength reaches 72 MPa, making it suitable for space construction.
A team of researchers from Pusan National University evaluated the efficacy of calcite and phosphogypsum in reducing arsenate ions' availability for crops. Phosphogypsum was found to be more effective in immobilizing arsenic in soil due to a substitution mechanism involving sulfate and hydrogen arsenate ions.
A UCF researcher has developed the first environmentally friendly, multicolor alternative to pigment-based colorants using structural colors from butterflies. The new plasmonic paint is lightweight, non-toxic, and reflects the entire infrared spectrum, promising significant energy savings and reduced global warming.
The University of Houston researchers have developed a new test that uses glow-in-the-dark materials to improve the sensitivity and accuracy of at-home COVID-19 tests. The test, which can detect COVID-19 proteins more efficiently, has shown excellent results compared to commercial tests.
A new process combining human evaluation and AI optimization produces better designs than fully automated systems or manual approaches. The 'Human-Informed Topology Optimization' method reduces material usage while maintaining strength, and can be applied to various scales and applications.
A team of researchers at Tohoku University has developed an artificial intelligence-driven contact control system to minimize friction between moving parts in machinery, aiming to reduce wear and tear and extend lifespan.
A new study by University of Central Florida researchers found that people who are more environmentally friendly and satisfied with their life are more likely to cycle post-pandemic. The survey analysis of over 7,000 respondents showed a significant increase in cycling intentions among women without vehicles and full-time employees.
Climate change is disrupting Pakistan's natural system, making it challenging to predict future changes. A recent study found that streamflow timing in the country's four major rivers will decrease significantly, with a range of -5 to -20 days in the near future.
A novel air filter made from corn protein has been developed that can capture small particulates and toxic chemicals like formaldehyde. The filter, which uses functional groups to grab molecules, shows promise for improving air quality in regions with poor air pollution.
Researchers studied ship tracks, which reflect sunlight and are formed by moving ships, to understand their benefits and risks of slowing climate change. They developed a mathematical model of ship tracks and found them to persist for more than 24 hours, longer than previously documented.
A team of researchers from the University of Pittsburgh and University of Georgia is leading a $749,997 NSF Convergence project to collect and analyze data in Pittsburgh and Georgia to build a more circular economy. They will use the Circularity Assessment Protocol (CAP) to examine material usage and management at community levels.
Despite industry claims of high R&D costs, most biopharmaceutical companies spent more on selling and administrative activities. New medicines often offer little or no added clinical value, leading to concerns over high prices.
Researchers propose using engineering principles to raise island heights or build new ones to help the Maldives withstand long-term sea level rise due to climate change. The approach could allow the entire population to live on just two islands built at a significantly higher elevation than natural islands.
Researchers from Drexel University found that microbes help break down biodegradable materials and release per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) into the environment. PFAS have been linked to serious health problems and accumulate in soil, crops, and groundwater.
Researchers from Tokyo University of Science discovered β-damascone, a natural aroma compound found in rose fragrance, modulates dendritic cell functions and reduces inflammatory cytokine production. The study showed β-damascone inhibits antigen-dependent activation and Th1 cell development, as well as ear inflammation in mice models.
Researchers produced biogas from apple pomace, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and generating electricity and heat. The bioenergy recovery can supply 19% of the anaerobic reactor's energy needs, contributing to public policy and cutting fossil fuel consumption.
Researchers at Tokyo University of Science have found a promising cathode material for magnesium rechargeable batteries, achieving better cyclability and high battery capacity. The Mg1.33V1.67O4 system with substituted vanadium and manganese shows superior charge-discharge properties.
A synthetic biosensor created at Cornell University enables the study of proteins in ways previously impossible, leading to potential applications in drug development and environmental sensing. The system uses cell-free synthesis to produce proteins directly into an artificial membrane, allowing for dual optical and electronic readouts.
A recent NTU Singapore study reconstructed the history of The Sundaland using paleogeography and population genetics to show that rapid sea-level rise drove early settlers to migrate, increasing genetic diversity. This finding provides insight into how climate change can profoundly impact human populations.
Researchers at Tokyo Metropolitan University have developed a new calibration algorithm for HumTouch technology, which converts AC hum noise into touch location data. The algorithm improves accuracy and speeds up calibration, enabling nearly any surface to be turned into a touch sensor with high precision.
A team of researchers developed an efficient strategy to recycle lead from discarded car batteries, creating a new market for recycled lead in high-tech equipment. The resulting photodetectors show excellent stability and fast response speeds, with potential applications in optical communication, chemical analysis, and imaging.