Researchers have developed a method to dramatically speed up the formation of magnesite, which can store carbon dioxide and potentially remove CO2 from the atmosphere. The process takes place at room temperature and uses polystyrene microspheres as a catalyst.
China's livestock population tripled between 1980 and 2010, driven by demand and wealth, but also facilitated by subsidies and weak regulations. The transition has significant domestic and global impacts, including increased animal feed imports, GHG emissions, and nitrogen losses.
A new ruthenium-based catalyst has been developed, featuring highly active flat surfaces that significantly improve its performance compared to traditional metal-supported catalysts. The catalyst's high turnover frequency and reusability make it a promising solution for the large-scale production of valuable 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.
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.
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.
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...
A new study by James Cook University found that palm oil plantations in Colombia can have devastating impacts on wildlife, but also identified factors that can improve species diversity within plantations, such as dense undergrowth vegetation and proximity to forest.
Researchers used synchrotron radiations to study the formation mechanism of an aromatic polyimide precursor. They found that a Pd catalyst converted into an active intermediate, which then formed the product through disproportionation and reductive elimination.
A study from Cass Business School reveals that Western Internet Firms (WIFs) fail in China due to cultural and competitive differences. CIFs' use of ancient Chinese military strategies and tactics gave them an advantage in competition, while WIFs' limited understanding of the local market hindered their success.
New research from the University of Portsmouth suggests that regulatory reforms in developing countries have failed to create a 'level playing field'. The study proposes stronger industry legislation to address business monopolies and reduce government interventions.
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.
The SUN project has developed an online platform to support industries and regulatory institutions in evaluating potential risks of nanomaterials. The platform provides key discoveries on the interactions between nanomaterials and biological or ecological systems, enabling safer and more sustainable nanotechnologies.
A new ultra-deep DNA sequencing approach uncovers competing mechanisms of evolution as a threat to efficient large-scale fermentation. Evolution constrains bioproduction, leading to yield decrease and productivity issues.
A chemist at the University of Houston has received a $626,300 NSF CAREER Award to develop more versatile and sustainable ways of producing polyolefins. By varying catalyst design and modulating temperature and pressure, he aims to reduce energy intensity and environmental impact.
A new study suggests that cells can be engineered to overcome evolutionary pressure and stably produce high levels of valuable chemicals by rewiring production cells to slow down growth when they lose production. This allows productive cells to maintain their function even in large-scale fermentations.
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.
A new study suggests that wastewater injection depth is a critical factor in inducing earthquakes. Simulations using an advanced computer model reveal that limiting depth to 500 meters above the basement can reduce seismic energy release by a factor of 2.8.
A new study found that 80% of materials chemistry papers may have incorrect results, with 1 in 5 being completely wrong. Researchers encourage more replication efforts to increase confidence in data.
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.
Researchers found that scab-resistant apple cultivars, such as GoldRush and CrimsonCrisp, retain their quality and nutritional value after storage, rivaling traditional varieties like Golden Delicious. The new apples also show promise for long-term storage using 1-MCP gas.
Researchers used CRISPR/Cas9 to insert UCP1 gene in pigs, reducing fat deposition and increasing lean meat production. The findings have potential implications for animal welfare and production efficiency in the pork industry.
The G7 ICT and Industry Ministers have released a declaration highlighting the transformative role of 5G in the Next Production Revolution (NPR) or Industry 4.0. The ministers emphasize the need for close international cooperation to develop and deploy 5G technologies, which are seen as a key enabler of the digital economy.
A surgical checklist-based intervention called Clean Cut helps improve compliance with infection prevention standards in low- and middle-income countries. The program, developed by general surgery resident Jared Forrester, achieved significant improvements in hand hygiene, antibiotic timing, and instrument sterility.
Researchers investigated optimal fertilizer rates and soilless growing substrates to grow cannabis plants with higher medicinal components and greater yield. The study, published in HortScience, is the first of a series investigating ideal horticultural practices for indoor cannabis production.
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.
Researchers propose a new potential way to produce initial compounds for many chemical industries, including pharmacy. The new method uses arylhydrazone complexes with Cu(II) and Co(II/III) catalysts.
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.
Researchers at Osaka University developed a novel chimeric antibody fragment to aid in the structural determination of 'uncrystallizable' target proteins. The Fv-clasp design improved production compatibility and stability while maintaining binding ability, enabling successful crystallization of biologically important proteins.
Researchers at FAU have discovered a new material concept that enables more efficient and cost-effective catalysts. Gallium-based alloy complexes show significant performance over standard technical catalysts, with minimal deactivation even when carbon deposits form.
A new study by UBC Okanagan researcher Nathan Pelletier found that poultry fed vegan organic feed produce eggs with a smaller environmental footprint. The type of feed and manure management system had the greatest influence on environmental impacts.
New research reveals OPEC's impact on global oil production, driving up costs by $160 billion. This has led to the development of complex, expensive technologies, such as fracking, outside OPEC countries.
Researchers at Cardiff Catalysis Institute have developed a new method to produce methanol from methane using oxygen and hydrogen peroxide at low temperatures. This breakthrough has major implications for cleaner industrial processes worldwide.
A $4.4 million study is exploring ways to improve the US melon industry through consumer evaluations, sensory panels, and collaboration with growers and grocery store chains. The goal is to enhance sustainability and profitability by emphasizing consumer preferences and industry-driven needs.
The TOMOCON project develops imaging-based industrial process control using tomographic sensors, improving separation quality in chemical and petro-chemical industries. The network also demonstrates advanced technologies for industrial crystallization and steel casting.
A research team has identified a methanotroph strain that can consume both methane and hydrogen gases, improving its growth and survival in various conditions. This finding has significant implications for greenhouse gas mitigation, as industrial companies can use these bacteria to convert harmful gases into useful products.
The publication marks a significant milestone in aquatic toxicology with the release of the first generation of annotations for the fathead minnow genome. The data will enhance the utility of this species for ecotoxicology research and open up new avenues for studying its effects on ecosystems.
New cold-tolerant yeast strains enable fermentation at lower and higher temperatures, improving product quality and reducing contamination risks. The strains, developed by VTT, can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and facilitate large-scale production in active dry yeast form.
Researchers from Bielefeld University have made breakthrough in producing active pharmaceutical ingredients using a new, eco-friendly method. The flow technology reduces resource requirements and waste production, making it economically more attractive and sustainable.
Researchers at KAUST have developed a method to create omniphobic surfaces, repelling liquids, using doubly reentrant microcavities. This technique has the potential to reduce hydrodynamic drag and antifouling in industries such as oil-water separation and membrane distillation.
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.
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.
The study found that humans have generated 8.3 billion metric tons of plastics since the 1950s, with most becoming waste and accumulating in landfills or the natural environment. The researchers estimate that if current trends continue, 12 billion metric tons of plastic waste will be in landfills or the natural environment by 2050.
A study in the journal Temperature found that high temperatures can lead to a 27% labor loss and 15% decrease in work time for grape-picking workers in European wine production. The research highlights the potential negative impact of global warming on the industry, which is a significant contributor to world GDP.
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.
Researchers found that cold-resistant pig breeds such as Tibetan and Min pigs use UCP3 to produce heat, unlike other breeds that rely on shivering. This discovery has important implications for the swine industry and could lead to new strategies for reducing neonatal mortality in cold climates.
Researchers at KAUST developed a new fluorinated MOF that selectively adsorbs water to dry gas streams, achieving energy-efficient dehydration. The innovation requires half the energy input of conventional procedures, highlighting potential for huge efficiency savings in gas production and transport industry.
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.
Researchers at NIST have published the first data on the thermodynamic properties of amantadine hydrochloride, including its response to heat and decomposition. This information is valuable for the chemical and pharmaceutical industries to optimize production yields and shelf life.
The USDA has announced $21.8 million in funding to address the outbreak of citrus greening disease, also known as Huanglongbing (HLB), which poses an imminent threat to US citrus production. Innovative solutions and research are being developed to combat this devastating disease.
Researchers at Oregon State University found that workers in the state's seafood processing industry suffer serious injuries at higher rates than the statewide average, with an average annual rate of 24 claims per 1,000 workers.
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.
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.
The country plans to triple its fish production by 2025 while preserving biodiversity. Genetic analysis of local tilapia species could reveal important traits for creating commercial broodstock, reducing dependence on external markets and increasing food security.
A recent study provides recommendations for harvesting and storing specialty cider apples to minimize production costs without compromising juice quality. The study showed that mechanically harvested apples stored for 2-4 weeks had lower yield losses than hand-harvested apples, but may be more prone to rot.
Researchers at the University of York discovered a 'chemical factory' in plant glandular trichomes that can produce toxic chemicals without protein intervention. This process could enable commercial production of various products, including anti-malarial drugs, natural sweeteners, and compounds for food crop production.
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...
A new integrative approach to healthcare aims to reduce medical errors, which are the third leading cause of death in the US. By focusing on whole-person, whole-system care, this model seeks to deliver individualized health-focused care that promotes fewer and shorter hospital stays.
Researchers found that a nitrate-based fertigation strategy in semiclosed soilless systems improves water use efficiency and limits nutrient loss. The study showed that this approach can prolong nutrient solution recirculation without detrimental effects on plant growth.
Researchers at ICIQ and IMDEA Nanoscience introduce a new surface-confined thermally tunable reaction pathway to selectively synthesize monomeric or low-dimensional phthalocyanine polymers. The discovery presents an interesting alternative for developing polymeric materials with technological applications.