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Optimizing the properties and microstructure of bulk superconductors

Japanese researchers develop improved ternary superconductor bulks from liquid sources, demonstrating enhanced performance and microstructural analysis shows significant reductions in secondary phase particle size. The findings have huge potential for applications in magnetic levitation, electric motors, and energy systems.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Alloys and Compounds·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 6, 2023

More efficient and cost-effective mRNA vaccines: Researchers from Graz University of Technology produce pseudouridine by means of biocatalytic synthesis

Researchers from Graz University of Technology have developed a novel method for producing central components of mRNA vaccines using biocatalytic synthesis. This approach achieves a yield of 92-95% compared to 40-50% for chemical processes, making it more efficient and cost-effective.

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 25, 2023

Perovskite solar cells from the slot die coater - a step towards industrial production

A team of researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin has developed a new method for producing perovskite solar cells using a slot die coater, resulting in high-power conversion efficiencies. The best cells were scaled up to mini-module size and tested for outdoor stability, showing promising results.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 16, 2023

Turning vegetable oil industry waste into power: innovative electrode modification improves bio-electrochemical treatment of wastewater

Researchers have developed a novel and cost-effective anode catalyst that can improve and stabilize power generation performance of MFCs treating vegetable oil industry wastewater. The study investigates modification of electrodes to increase bacterial adhesion and efficient electron transfer.

SourceSociety of Chemical Industry·JournalJournal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology·DateMar 13, 2023

A wholly sustainable plastics economy is feasible

A new study suggests that a sustainable plastics economy is possible by increasing recycling rates to 74% and using innovative production methods, such as carbon capture and utilization. This would require a fundamental shift in the way plastics are produced, consumed, and disposed of.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Sustainability·DateMar 6, 2023

Novel method of analyzing microplastic particle pollution can facilitate environmental impact assessment

Researchers propose a novel approach to analyzing microplastic particles, highlighting the importance of particle size and shape in determining environmental impact. Studies show that even samples with similar numbers of particles can have varying levels of plastic pollution based on mass, volume, and specific surface area.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalEnvironmental Science and Pollution Research·DateFeb 28, 2023

Addition of antioxidants to cell cultures can enhance the production of monoclonal antibodies, promising therapeutics for a range of health conditions

The addition of antioxidants to cell cultures can improve the production of monoclonal antibodies by reducing oxidative stress and increasing cell viability. This has potential benefits for therapies targeting cancer and autoimmune diseases.

SourceSociety of Chemical Industry·JournalJournal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 15, 2023

Korea Maritime and Ocean University researchers lay out strategies for up-scaling of bioelectrochemical systems

Researchers have identified the need for standardization of performance indices and a single frame for normalization methods to address concerns with bioelectrochemical systems. The study proposes strategies for up-scaling BES technologies, enabling resource recovery through on-site treatment of wastewater at an efficiency comparable t...

SourceNational Korea Maritime and Ocean University·JournalBioresource Technology·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 19, 2023

Cutting costs and emissions in beef production

A research team from the University of Queensland has developed a tool to guide the global beef industry in reducing costs and greenhouse gas emissions. The study found that as much as 85% of emissions could be cut without an overall economic hit, by opting for more efficient feeds and locations.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Sustainability·DateJan 11, 2023

Key to chemical industries’ sustainable future? The world’s first industrial model of a flow photo-on-demand synthesis system

A new flow photo-on-demand synthesis system using chloroform as a precursor has been successfully developed by researchers at Kobe University. The system achieves high conversion rates and can synthesize various chemical products continuously in large quantities, offering a safe, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly alternative to...

SourceKobe University·JournalOrganic Process Research & Development·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2022

Demonstration of feasible waste plastic pyrolysis through decentralized biomass heating business model

Researchers from Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) demonstrate a feasible waste plastic pyrolysis model, increasing profitability and reducing CO2 emissions compared to centralized processes. The study also found significant decreases in transportation costs and related emissions.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalJournal of Cleaner Production·DateNov 2, 2022

Carbon-neutralizing propylene production catalyzes change in petrochemical engineering

Researchers at Hokkaido University have developed a new catalyst that uses carbon dioxide to produce propylene more efficiently than existing methods. The catalyst also captures and converts carbon dioxide into useful resources. This breakthrough contributes to the carbon neutralization of the petrochemical industry.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 26, 2022

Rapid land sinking is making many coastal cities worldwide vulnerable to sea level rise, finds international group of scientists

A team of international scientists found that many densely populated coastal cities worldwide are at risk from sea level rise due to land subsidence. The study used satellite images to estimate the rate of land sinking in 48 cities, with median speeds ranging from 16.2mm/year to 43mm/year.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalNature Sustainability·DateSep 20, 2022

Ben-Gurion University environmental scientists develop a method to turn hazardous acidic industrial wastewater into valuable resources

Researchers have developed a three-step process to treat phosphoric acid plant wastewater, recovering clean water and phosphate while reducing the volume of wastewater by 90%. The circular process uses selective electrodialysis, reverse osmosis, and neutralization, making it a promising solution for industries worldwide.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 12, 2022

Building the best zeolite

Researchers have developed new methods to prepare state-of-the-art zeolites with nano-sized dimensions and hierarchical structures, critical for industrial applications. The findings emphasize the importance of smaller size and structure in determining performance.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalNature Synthesis·DateAug 11, 2022

Novel non-contact oxygen concentration measurement technique developed by Pusan National University researchers

Researchers at Pusan National University have developed a novel method to measure oxygen concentration in high-temperature environments without physical contact. The method uses a phosphorescent material that varies its phosphorescence depending on the surrounding oxygen concentration.

SourcePusan National University·JournalSensors and Actuators B Chemical·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 2, 2022

Photosynthesis-inspired process makes commodity chemicals

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a photosynthesis-inspired process to convert acetylene into ethylene, a key ingredient in plastics. The new method uses visible light and water instead of high temperatures, flammable hydrogen, and expensive metals, achieving nearly 100% selectivity for ethylene.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 9, 2022

Multi-spin flips and a pathway to efficient ising machines

A team of researchers from Waseda University developed a novel solution to efficiently solve complex optimization problems using Ising machines. Their hybrid algorithm reduces residual energy and reaches more optimal results in shorter time, increasing the machine's applicability across industries and sustainability practices.

SourceWaseda University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Computers·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 31, 2022

Producers and consumers must share burden of global plastic packaging waste

The study reveals that the U.S., Brazil, and China are top suppliers of global plastic packaging waste, with North and South America responsible for most production and consumption. The researchers emphasize the need for producers and consumers to share responsibility and costs to reduce plastic use.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Industrial Ecology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 26, 2022

Microbes can degrade the toughest PFAS

Researchers at UC Riverside have found that common microbial communities can degrade a stubborn class of PFAS called fluorinated carboxylic acids (FCAs) by breaking the carbon-fluorine bond under anaerobic conditions. This breakthrough could lead to new methods for environmental remediation and reduce the harm caused by PFAS.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 23, 2022

Rice process aims to strip ammonia from wastewater

Researchers create high-performance catalyst to pull ammonia and solid fertilizer from low-level nitrates in industrial wastewater, reducing carbon dioxide emissions. The process works at room temperature and under ambient pressure, with potential for decentralized ammonia production.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 2, 2022

What do jelly and sand have in common?

Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University found that falling beds of sand and melting gelatin exhibit similar destabilization behavior, characterized by fingering instabilities and fluidized interface regions. This study provides insights into the macroscopic physical behavior of granular materials and gels under gravity.

SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 30, 2022

Risk of obesity is 45% higher among adolescents whose diet is based on ultra-processed food products

Researchers found that adolescents who consumed ultra-processed foods were more likely to be obese, having abdominal and visceral obesity. The study used data from 3,587 US adolescents aged 12-19, dividing them into three groups based on the amount of ultra-processed foods in their diets.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·DateApr 12, 2022