Add BrightSurf on Google Email

EU rules could make fossil-free aviation fuels unnecessarily expensive and energy-intensive

The EU's plans for domestic production of fossil-free aviation fuels risk steering development towards more expensive and energy-intensive pathways. A study from Chalmers University of Technology found that the current regulatory framework favours combustion-based alternatives over gasification, leading to increased costs and energy use.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalFuel·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 14, 2026

In the face of extreme weather events’ devastating effects on power grids, study identifies vulnerabilities that drive prolonged outages, suggests ways to reduce disruptions

Researchers analyzed power outage data and weather records to identify planning vulnerabilities and criticality as drivers of prolonged local outages. Targeted interventions, such as isolating critical nodes and improving operational flexibility, can reduce customer outages by up to 49.5%.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalINFORMS Journal on Data Science·DateOct 15, 2025

World's first 1,000-ton ionic liquid cellulose fiber plant launches, enabling near-zero emission textiles

The world's first thousand-ton-scale ionic liquid-based regenerated cellulose fiber project has officially commenced operations in Henan Province, China. The technology uses non-volatile, stable ionic liquids as solvents to replace toxic solvents, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by an estimated 5,000 tons per year.

WVU researchers say colleges barred from throwing money at student-athletes are offering them multimillion-dollar coaches instead

Researchers found that colleges offer multimillion-dollar coaches instead of throwing money at student-athletes, leading to an arms race in athletics. The study revealed a significant correlation between head coach salaries and team recruitment success, with higher salaries associated with better teams and more victories.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalApplied Economics·DateSep 23, 2024

New type of visible-light responsive photocatalyst is efficient, stable and very economical

Researchers developed a new type of photocatalyst harnessing the visible portion of sunlight spectrum. The photocatalyst achieved high photo-to-chemical conversation efficiency and was found to be extremely stable under various conditions, including high temperatures and different pH levels.

SourceUniversity of Johannesburg·JournalJournal of Science Advanced Materials and Devices·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 28, 2023

A clean energy transition is possible for China’s manufacturing industry

A recent study led by Princeton University researchers found that China's industrial parks can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and freshwater consumption by transitioning to clean energy sources. The study estimates that this transition could lead to a reduction of 40% in energy supply emissions, equivalent to 7% of China...

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 21, 2023

Across the divide: Manufacturing better batteries

The article explores knowledge gaps between laboratory and industrial manufacturing of batteries, highlighting the need for a shift in research priorities. Researchers propose new ways to design experiments that account for industry challenges, such as cost efficiency and impurity tolerance. The study aims to bridge the gap between fun...

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalNature Energy·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 30, 2023

Houston residents’ chemical exposure increased post-Hurricane Harvey, OSU study finds

A new study by Oregon State University found that Houston residents experienced a significant increase in chemical exposure after Hurricane Harvey, with 75% of chemicals detected at higher concentrations. The study used silicone wristbands to measure exposure to hazardous chemicals, including pesticides and industrial compounds.

SourceOregon State University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2022

Ecological tradeoff? Utility-scale solar energy impedes endangered Florida panthers

The study found that most USSE facilities were installed on grasslands, pastures, and agricultural lands, potentially impeding Florida panther dispersal. Restoration of dispersal corridors and gene flow is critical to the species' survival, benefiting biodiversity and resiliency at the landscape-scale.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 12, 2022

The behavior of coral reefs is simulated in order to optimize space in industrial plants

A team of researchers from the University of Córdoba has developed an algorithm that simulates the behavior of coral reefs to optimize space in industrial plants. The algorithm takes into account various factors such as distribution, material movement, noise reduction, and proximity, resulting in improved efficiency and cost savings.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalEngineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence·DateJul 31, 2020

Egregious emissions

A new study published in Environmental Research Letters reveals that a small percentage of industrial facilities are responsible for the majority of toxic pollution year after year. The researchers analyzed data from over 25,000 facilities across 322 manufacturing industries and found that only 1,116 can be characterized as 'super poll...

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateMay 18, 2020

Chemists give chance a helping hand

A team of chemists at the University of Münster has developed a strategy for generating random hits in a systematic way, discovering new reactions and gaining deeper understanding of molecular processes. The study identified three previously unknown reactions, including a photochemical cycloaddition.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalChem·DateJul 1, 2019

Why digital strategies matter in bond markets

New research by professors Sunil Mithas and Michael Kimbrough at the University of Maryland shows that IT investments also matter to bond markets. Bond investors favor IT investments in industries where automation and richer information flows are key, but view them as riskier in transform industries.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalMIS Quarterly·DateDec 21, 2017

Holography with the Wi-fi-router

Researchers at TUM create holographic imaging process using Wi-Fi data to generate 3D images of the surrounding environment. This technology allows for centimeter-scale precision and can be used in industrial facilities to track objects as they move, improving efficiency and accuracy.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 4, 2017

Robot adds new twist to NIST antenna measurements and calibrations

The NIST robot, CROMMA, measures antenna properties with high precision and configurability, enabling faster and more accurate measurements of antennas for advanced communications, remote sensing, and imaging systems. The system uses near-field scanning technology to determine antenna gain, polarization, and pattern at long distances.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalIEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation·DateNov 30, 2015

Homeland chemical security

Research highlights the need for collaboration between the chemical industry and DHS to ensure US chemical facilities' safety and security. The team suggests that communities should develop preparedness plans in anticipation of possible chemical disasters.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Critical Infrastructures·DateApr 15, 2015