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Efficient, eco-friendly production of fine chemicals

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a solid catalyst for a major chemical reaction, reducing waste and increasing efficiency by 20 times compared to traditional soluble catalysts. The new palladium-carbon-nitrogen material is more stable and cost-effective, making it suitable for commercial-scale production.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJun 25, 2018

Breeding better Brazilian rice

Researchers at Embrapa have developed improved rice varieties with increased yields and reduced plant height, allowing for more efficient use of resources. Over a 45-year period, grain yield improved by an average of 0.62-0.73% per year, resulting in thousands of pounds in increased yield for farmers.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalCrop Science·DateJun 6, 2018

Organic insect deterrent for agriculture

Researchers at TUM have developed a biodegradable insect deterrent that repels pests without poisoning them, potentially saving bees and other beneficial insects. The new product is produced by bacteria that use terpenoid-based compounds to protect themselves from pests, offering an alternative to traditional synthetic pesticides.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalGreen Chemistry·DateJun 6, 2018

After 40 years in limbo: Styrene is probably carcinogenic

A recent study by Aarhus University found a fivefold risk of nasal cancer following styrene exposure. The researchers also discovered that styrene doubles the risk of acute myeloid leukemia in workers exposed to high levels of styrene. These findings, combined with animal evidence and epidemiological studies, led WHO to classify styren...

SourceAarhus University·JournalEpidemiology·DateMay 30, 2018

Digital penicillin production

Researchers at TU Wien have created a comprehensive mathematical model that accurately replicates the complex growth behavior of penicillin-producing organisms. This model is now helping Sandoz GmbH to optimize its production process, ensuring optimum quality by adjusting parameters such as nutrient supply in real-time.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalChemical Engineering Science·DateApr 10, 2018

MSU team to empower Latino farmers

A MSU team is working to support Latino migrant farmers in Michigan by providing training and resources to improve farming practices. The project aims to increase the sustainability of small-scale farms, particularly those owned by Latino farmers, who are increasingly transitioning from industrial farms to independent land ownership.

Catalyzing carbon dioxide

Researchers at Harvard's Rowland Institute have developed a system that uses renewable electricity to electrochemically transform carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide, with an energy conversion efficiency of up to 12.7%. The device has the potential for industrial applications and could be scaled up to scrub CO2 from the atmosphere.

SourceHarvard University·JournalChem·DateDec 5, 2017

Indicator of extraterrestrial life?

Researchers have discovered Freon-40, an organohalogen, around two celestial objects: an infant star and a comet. The finding suggests that these molecules may form readily in stellar nurseries, providing insights into the chemical evolution of planetary systems.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalNature Astronomy·DateOct 4, 2017

Rapid imaging of granular matter

Researchers at ETH Zurich developed a new technique using magnetic resonance imaging to study granular systems, enabling real-time imaging and measurement of particle velocities. This breakthrough has potential applications in fields such as carbon capture and could lead to higher efficiency and energy savings.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 21, 2017

How enzymes produce hydrogen

Enzymes called [FeFe]-hydrogenases efficiently convert electrons and protons into hydrogen, offering a potential solution for biotechnological production of the energy source. The team's discovery reveals the crucial role of a complex structure called the H-cluster in facilitating this process.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 21, 2017

A plastic planet

A new study led by Roland Geyer estimates that over 8 billion metric tons of plastic have been produced since the 1950s, with most becoming waste after four years. The research provides a global analysis of plastic production and fate, highlighting the need for sustainable materials management.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 20, 2017

Taking circular economy to the next level

A growing number of businesses and governments have adopted the circular economy framework, aiming to keep resources in use for longer. The Journal of Industrial Ecology special issue explores the concept's complexities and opportunities, including product design methods, social forces, and challenges of implementing circularity efforts.

SourceYale School of the Environment·JournalJournal of Industrial Ecology·DateJun 15, 2017

Chemically tailored graphene

Scientists have developed a method to precisely control graphene's electronic transport properties using in-situ Raman spectroscopy. This technique allows for the creation of tailored graphene-based materials with controlled function, enabling their utilization in the semiconductor industry.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 8, 2017

Flipping the switch on ammonia production

Researchers have created a novel method to produce ammonia at room temperature, utilizing enzymes derived from nature, which also generates a small electrical current. This process could potentially lead to a less energy-intensive source of ammonia used worldwide as a vital fertilizer.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateFeb 3, 2017

Geosciences-inspired engineering

Researchers will develop a mechanical model to explain the behavior of dike swarms using 'swarm theory' from biology. This new approach aims to improve oil and gas stimulation methods, benefiting industry and society with lower energy costs and reduced environmental impact.

Some Los Angeles earthquakes possibly triggered by oil production in early 20th century

A new study published in the Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America suggests that a handful of damaging earthquakes in the Los Angeles Basin may have been induced by oil production activities in the early 20th century. The researchers found links between earthquakes and significant oil production activities nearby, but note t...

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·DateOct 31, 2016