Articles tagged with Industrial Production
Researchers at Rice University have discovered a graphene-derived material that can serve as a substitute for sand in concrete, offering a potential solution to the looming 'sand crisis.' The study found that the graphene-based concrete is 25% lighter but just as tough as conventional concrete.
West Virginia University engineer Yuhe Tian is developing powerful artificial intelligence tools that can reimagine the sustainability of chemical manufacturing. She aims to harness quantum intelligence to innovate environmentally friendly chemical plant designs.
Researchers developed a luminescent material that reveals concrete deterioration when exposed to ultraviolet light. The material's color change indicates the amount of carbonate absorbed, allowing for real-time detection of degradation.
Scientists at Ohio State University have developed efficient extraction methods for natural rubber-producing plants, including a dandelion species and a desert shrub. The new techniques improve latex yield and reduce environmental footprint, offering an alternative to the world's primary natural rubber supply in Southeast Asia.
Researchers developed a chemically protective cathode interlayer using amine-functionalized perylene diimide, which stabilizes perovskite solar cells. The novel solution-processed PDINN cathode interlayer achieved impressive performance with over 81% retention and record-high bias-free solar hydrogen production rate.
A new study reveals a surprising trend in global fishing industries: the decline of catch per fisher since the 1990s, despite increasing numbers of fishermen. This decrease has significant implications for food production efficiency, marine ecosystems, and fishing communities.
Researchers have developed a new catalyst that exceeds 30% yield for the production of ethylene through oxidative coupling of methane, a more sustainable and economically viable method. The core-shell Li2CO3-coated mixed rare earth oxides catalyst enables sequential oxygen switching, replenishing its ability to provide oxygen for the r...
Scientists have developed a technology to recycle used clothes by separating different fibers, which could significantly increase textile recycling rates. The method uses heat and chemicals to break down elastane fibers in mixed fabrics, allowing for the processing of materials that were previously impossible to recycle.
A new catalyst developed by researchers at Nagoya University successfully synthesized a key intermediate for the incontinence drug oxybutynin in 5-30 minutes, significantly faster than existing methods. The discovery represents a major advance in chiral drug synthesis and holds great promise for future drug discovery efforts.
Researchers at Stockholm University have successfully studied the surface of iron and ruthenium catalysts during ammonia production, shedding light on the reaction mechanism. The findings open up possibilities for developing more efficient materials, which could contribute to a green transition in the chemical industry.
Researchers at NTNU have developed a new method to extract better alginate from cultivated kelp by using epimerases. This breakthrough allows for cost-effective production and opens up new market opportunities, benefiting both the kelp farmers and the industry.
The review highlights the advancements in enzymatic production of MAGs and DAGs, emphasizing their role in revolutionizing industry standards. Enzymatic methods are expected to meet global demand, but further research is needed to overcome challenges like reaction efficiency and large-scale application.
Researchers developed a novel solution for Pichia pastoris enzyme production, utilizing cyanobacterial biomass to support efficient and sustainable industrial processes. The study reveals the potential of cyanobacterial biorefineries to generate high-performing enzyme-producing strains.
A new method for desalinating seawater using hydrate-based desalination technology has been developed, offering a low-energy solution for producing freshwater. The research team calculated optimal temperatures for enhanced efficiency, with maximum water yields reaching up to 67% in certain brine concentrations.
A research team developed an innovative optical technique, 'spectrum shuttle,' to produce and shape GHz burst pulses. The method facilitates ultrafast imaging within subnanosecond timescales, enabling analysis of rapid phenomena.
Letters in Applied Microbiology invites submissions on Pseudomonas biotechnology, covering applied biotechnology and metabolic engineering, as well as novel genetic tools. Early-career researchers are encouraged to share their work, fostering collaboration and inspiring future innovations.
A plant-based diet has been shown to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by 24%, with benefits attributed to improved metabolism and liver function. Additionally, healthy eating patterns were found to improve organ function, particularly in individuals with genetic predispositions or other risk factors.
The ILSI 2024 Annual Meeting will feature scientific presentations, professional development, and networking opportunities focused on innovations for safe, nutritious, and sustainable food manufacturing systems. Press registration is now available for media outlets covering the event.
Researchers from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University developed a system to assess water quality challenges in Suzhou, China. The study found that the city's water capacity has increased since 2001 due to effective water management measures.
A study by UNICAMP researchers found high concentrations of contaminants in the Piracicaba, Capivari and Jundiaí River Basin, including PFAS compounds, pesticides, and industrial chemicals. The study highlights the severity of pollution in the region, which supplies water for drinking, irrigation, and industry.
Researchers from China University of Petroleum apply terahertz spectroscopy to characterize oil shale's anisotropy, organic distribution, and fingerprint spectrum. The method enables simultaneous characterization of main oil generation zones and natural gas zones.
Researchers establish new standards for laboratory experiments to improve PET recycling efficiency. Four engineered enzymes were tested, with LCC-ICCG outperforming the others in terms of depolymerisation rate and enzyme requirement. The study aims to accelerate the development of industrial-scale solutions for PET waste management.
Researchers have developed a novel photocatalyst system that enables the production of syngas from methane steam reforming under atmospheric pressure. The system harnesses sunlight to split methane and water into hydrogen and carbon monoxide, forming syngas.
Researchers from ICIQ describe a circular process to recycle biobased polycarbonates, which can contribute to a more sustainable circular economy. The study uses a multi-task catalyst to promote depolymerization and repolymerization of the polymer.
Researchers from GIST have developed a new electrode using Schottky junctions to overcome the conductance limit of active catalysts, achieving high-performance water splitting and hydrogen evolution reactions. The electrode demonstrated remarkable current density and durability during continuous operation for 10 days.
Researchers at Princeton University found that an ammonia economy can help achieve decarbonization goals, but it poses risks if not managed properly. The widespread use of ammonia could lead to significant emissions of nitrous oxide and nitrogen oxides, affecting air quality, water quality, and ecosystems.
Researchers at UNSW Sydney have developed a method to produce ammonia without high temperatures, pressures, and infrastructure. The new technique enhances energy efficiency and makes environmentally friendly ammonia economically feasible.
Researchers developed a water-based emulsion adhesive that can be separated by acidic or alkaline water, making it ideal for recycling. The glue's reversible nature enables efficient detachment of labels from bottles, reducing waste sent to landfill.
The study highlights the significant role petrochemicals play in cancer risks through every stage of processing, from extraction to disposal. Communities like East Palestine, Ohio, face increased cancer risks due to air pollution, while climate change worsens healthcare disruptions for patients with cancer.
Researchers at MIT and Harvard University have developed an efficient process to convert carbon dioxide into a stable, solid formate fuel that can be used in fuel cells and generate electricity. The new process achieves over 90% conversion efficiency and eliminates the need for toxic and flammable fuels.
A new study finds that consumers are willing to pay more for pork with improved animal welfare, but not necessarily a lower carbon footprint. The majority of respondents prioritize animal welfare over climate considerations.
A WVU team is providing free technical assistance to local industrial facilities to reduce their impact on environmental and community health. The project aims to support businesses in making changes that benefit their communities while maintaining profitability.
A team of scientists presents a five-step approach for governments to plan a just transition away from high levels of industrial meat production and consumption. The approach aims to balance the health of people, animals, and ecosystems while addressing environmental and public health concerns.
Researchers have discovered a way to make solar hydrogen production economically viable by co-producing high-value chemicals like methylsuccinic acid. By coupling the photoelectrochemical (PEC) process with hydrogenation, the cost of hydrogen drops significantly, making it competitive with fossil gas.
Researchers at Rice University developed a way to convert carbon dioxide into methane using copper-based catalysts. The method relies on electrolysis and involves modifying the distances between copper atoms in polymer templates, which improves the chemical conversion rate.
A new study suggests that upgrading or retrofitting the world's iron and steel processing plants early could reduce carbon emissions by up to 70 gigatonnes by 2050. This is equivalent to two years' worth of net global carbon emissions, according to researchers from UCL.
A new filtration process can result in a pasteurization-resistant microbacterium passing into fluid milk if equipment isn't properly cleaned. Microfiltration extends shelf-life by removing bacteria via the removal of bacteria via the microfiltration process.
A new flow system produces both phosgene and the Vilsmeier reagent from chloroform with high efficiency, reducing energy consumption and waste. This scalable method enables versatile and safe chemical synthesis of a wide range of pharmaceutical chemicals, reducing dependence on foreign production.
A recent study by KIT researchers found that geothermal power plants in the Upper Rhine Valley and Northern German Basin could cover between 2 and 12 percent of Germany’s annual lithium demand. The model developed for the study describes lithium extraction in the Upper Rhine Valley, with parameters transferable to other joint systems.
GIST researchers found that nano-sized pits on AlN surfaces cause graphene degradation at higher temperatures, leading to GaN film exfoliation failure. The study's results demonstrate the importance of substrate chemical and topographic properties for successful remote epitaxy.
A University of Houston study found that most of Houston's ozone exceedance is due to transported pollutants from the central and northern US, while local photochemistry contributes to elevated ozone production. The research highlights the importance of reducing emissions at the Houston Ship Channel to mitigate future ozone pollution.
A recent study evaluates the feasibility of ammonia-based power generation through techno-economic and carbon footprint analyses. The research reveals an impressive energy efficiency rate of 46.7% within the designed power generation process, with costs and greenhouse gas emissions considered.
Dr Saskia Limbach receives ERC Starting Grant to investigate the effects of the printing press on widows' rights and agency. The project 'WidowsPrint' aims to reconstruct the professional networks of women book printers and analyse their economic contributions in 16th-17th century Germany.
Using biochar in cement enhances mechanical properties and contributes to sustainability objectives, reducing the need for traditional cement content. This study provides an overview of biochar's suitability as a sustainable additive in cement, promoting environmentally beneficial outcomes.
The Graphene Flagship project has produced significant contributions to Europe's GDP and GVA, with an estimated return on investment of 14.5-fold. By 2030, the project aims to create over 81,000 jobs internationally.
Research has clarified how starch granules form in wheat seeds, unlocking diverse potential benefits for various industries. The discovery of the enzyme PHS1 crucial for B-type granule initiation offers opportunities to create variations in starch for different food and industrial applications.
A £1.75m project led by Professor Chenyu Du aims to develop new processes for recovering polyester and cellulose from mixed cotton and polyester fibres. The goal is to create a roadmap towards net-zero for the textiles industry, reducing plastic waste and increasing recycling rates.
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University have detected the elusive ethyl radical intermediate in the ethane pyrolysis reaction, a key driver of chemical reactions in the plastics and natural gas industries. This discovery could lead to more efficient production of plastics and other chemicals with reduced byproducts and pollution.
Researchers at Politecnico di Milano used fibre optic sensors to monitor water pipelines and detected pressure anomalies caused by water leaks. The study's results confirm the possibility of identifying and localizing small water leaks, offering a potential solution to global water wastage.
Designers created bespoke hospital scrubs and 3D-printed chill out pods to reduce stress and improve workplace mental health. The project, funded by WorkWell Mental Health Improvement Fund, aims to create safe environments for healthcare workers.
The US canned and frozen corn industry is struggling in the Midwest due to climate change, with rainfed production areas experiencing significant declines. The analysis also found a strong relationship between extreme temperatures and sweet corn yield loss.
A new electrochemical device developed by Rice University engineers can capture carbon dioxide directly from sources like flue gas to the atmosphere using electricity. The system has efficiency above 98% and requires minimal electricity input, making it a promising front for climate change mitigation.
A recent study in the Journal of Dairy Science found that dairy milk is a crucial source of essential nutrients like protein, riboflavin, vitamin B12, and phosphorus. The analysis revealed that 35% of global calcium consumption comes from milk, highlighting its unique contribution to human nutrition.
Aarhus University's AELECTRA project aims to develop a decentralized technology for producing liquid ammonia from renewable energy. The new process could halve investment costs and enable farmers to produce their own fertilizer or e-fuels, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers at OU are developing a scalable, integrated sensing platform to detect and monitor methane emissions in the Anadarko Basin. The system aims to help companies identify and mitigate accidental leaks, achieving detection at the meter scale.
A research team from Taiwan has found a way to massively speed up aerial image simulations using wavelength scaling and fast Fourier transformation. The new algorithm improves computation speed by 4000-5000 times while maintaining only a slight intensity deviation.
A review article proposes zero-waste methodologies to convert 100% of marine macroalgae (seaweed) into cosmetics ingredients using industrially available green technology. This enables the cosmetics industry to meet environmental sustainability and ESG requirements, while leveraging the potential of Brazilian seaweed.
A study from the University of Illinois analyzed 7,839 US meat processing plants to identify factors associated with plant survival. Small and medium-sized plants were more likely to fail than large plants, while business diversification played a critical role in small plant survival.
New research suggests Ukrainian refugees can improve long-term GDP in European countries investing in capital improvements. Low-skill workers and owners of capital benefit in the short term, while high-skill workers face competition for jobs.
Scientists at the University of Queensland are working on a new method for artificial insemination in sheep, aiming to boost pregnancy success rates. The research could lead to significant improvements in wool and meat production, as well as enhance animal welfare.