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.
A new strain of algae has been identified that can produce green hydrogen gas via photosynthesis on an industrial scale. This breakthrough could accelerate the transition to environmentally friendly green hydrogen and reduce pollution. The researchers also plan to develop methods to increase production rates and reduce costs.
A study finds that Industry 4.0 technologies have largely failed to improve resource efficiency and reduce emissions, contrary to company expectations. However, companies with high digitalisation levels are better positioned to align production with demand and improve sustainability performance.
Researchers have created a novel sorbent that effectively removes copper and zinc from water solutions, with the ability to be reused for efficient treatment of industrial wastewater and drinking water. The sorbent's adsorption properties were enhanced through modification, allowing for up to 60% removal of heavy metals within minutes.
A study suggests that CO2 mineralization can reduce cement production emissions by 8-33% without additional costs, bringing in potential profits of up to €32 per tonne of cement. Governments and the industry must find ways to incentivize this reduction, including mechanisms like subsidy programs and investment in low-carbon plants.
Researchers found that polymer molecules interact with the flow around gas bubbles, causing a sudden increase in velocity. This knowledge can be used to predict oxygen input and design equipment for industries like biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.
Researchers have successfully combined perovskite with silicon in a tandem cell, achieving an efficiency of 21.3%. The team estimates the PCE to be 29.5%, with potential for further improvement through surface optimization.
Researchers identified eight new microorganisms that cleave ether bonds in the lignin-based compound-2-phenoxyacetophenone. These discoveries could enhance our understanding of the carbon cycle and facilitate biotechnological applications for lignin commercialization.
Researchers at the University of Bath have developed a simple and rapid chemical recycling process for polycarbonates, breaking down plastic waste within 20 minutes at room temperature. The new process can convert waste into its chemical constituents, preserving product quality over an infinite number of cycles.
Researchers at TUM have successfully produced succinic acid using the marine bacterium Vibrio natriegens, which has rapid growth and substrate uptake rates. The team is now working to optimize the process for industrial-scale production using renewable raw materials.
Researchers at Flinders University have developed a novel method to mix incompatible fluids using rapid fluidic flow techniques. This breakthrough could enhance various industries with cleaner and greener technologies, including oil and water attraction, and improve products like fish oil capsules.
A team of scientists at KAUST has created adjustable and biodegradable nanofiltration membranes from date seeds using an environmentally friendly process. The new membranes demonstrated excellent performance in oil and solvent filtration experiments, outperforming traditional methods.
A new study examines the 'skunk' smell and other emissions from cannabis production, finding they can be equivalent to livestock operations. The review highlights gaps in knowledge about cannabis emissions and their impact on air quality.
Swine waste lagoon construction dates have been established for the first time using satellite imagery, providing insights into their environmental impact. The study focused on North Carolina and found that approximately 16% of lagoons were already in place before 1987.
Research reveals that approximately 3 out of 4 Fusarium infections of northern Vietnamese bananas are caused by F. tardichlamydosporum and F. odoratissimum, with wild bananas potentially acting as a sink for the disease. The study's findings suggest that concrete measures can be taken to control the future spreading of the disease.
Scientists at the University of Copenhagen have developed a method to produce non-alcoholic beer that tastes like regular beer, improving its flavor and sustainability. The technique involves using micro-factories of yeast cells to release hop aroma molecules, eliminating the need for expensive aroma hops.
Rice University scientists have developed a method to extract rare earth elements from fly ash, bauxite residue, and electronic waste using flash Joule heating. This process improves yields and reduces the use of strong acids, making it a more sustainable solution for recycling these materials.
Researchers at Harvard SEAS developed a new way to simulate tens of thousands of bubbles in foamy flows. This allows for predictive simulations in scales ranging from microfluidics to crashing waves, opening up possibilities for industrial applications such as food production and drug development.
Researchers at Hokkaido University have developed a novel catalyst that significantly improves the efficiency of propylene production. The catalyst utilizes carbon dioxide efficiently and exhibits high selectivity, stability, and long-term reusability.
Researchers developed a low-cost and simple method to produce perovskite photovoltaic materials on an industrial scale, paving the way for creating lightweight and flexible solar cells. The new technique reduces waste and toxic byproducts associated with manufacturing perovskite photovoltaics.
Researchers at Technical University of Munich have developed a new neutron-based method to detect clogs in underwater pipelines non-destructively. This approach uses prompt gamma neutron activation analysis to measure hydrogen concentration, allowing for the detection of blockages and hydrate formation.
Research led by the University of Bristol and Peking University has found that China is responsible for over half of the global increase in dichloromethane emissions since 2011. The chemical, used as a solvent in various industrial applications, poses a significant threat to ozone layer recovery.
The global plastics supply chain has a significant impact on the climate, with production accounting for 96% of total greenhouse gas emissions. The use of coal-based energy in plastic production is driving this growth, with emissions quadrupling since 1995 and causing health issues like air pollution and asthma.
Researchers have discovered that certain strains of Aspergillus can be used to degrade aflatoxins in crops, reducing the risk of food contamination. This biological control method utilizing biocontrol products is currently the most effective way to produce safe and healthy foods and feeds.
Engineered bacteria produce medium-chain olefins that can replace oil and gas in syntheses. The process uses glucose as a feedstock and reduces energy consumption compared to traditional methods.
A combined experimental and computational study published in Nature Catalysis introduces a new class of complex metal hydride catalysts that can synthesise ammonia at temperatures as low as 300°C and pressures as low as 1 bar. These catalysts have the potential to pave the way for more sustainable means of ammonia production.
Researchers from Louisiana State University uncover salt workers' residences and outdoor areas where fish were salted and dried. The discovery sheds light on the organization of the salt industry and its importance to inland cities during the Classic Maya civilization.
A comprehensive assessment of polyurethane in the US reveals complexities that affect its recovery and recycling. The study highlights opportunities to enhance circularity and increase bio-based content of polyurethanes.
A new study of 25 years of recalls at publicly traded companies found that newly tenured CEOs are more likely to announce a product safety recall. The study also reveals that once CEOs have been in their role for about three years, they are more likely to allow recalls to go unannounced.
Researchers from NTU Singapore found significant increases in pollutant emissions at major international seaports during the COVID-19 pandemic. Emissions rose by over 100% in some ports, with container ships and dry bulk carriers experiencing the largest spikes.
A new study published in Global Strategy Journal finds that governance model and outsourcing location are linked, producing more accurate data points and saving time. By considering both factors together, companies can encourage a stronger return on investment and avoid biases that arise from separate analysis.
Chemists at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz have developed a method to produce cement by milling instead of burning lime, reducing CO2 emissions. The process could be implemented on an industrial scale, but further development is needed.
A new process for decentralized hydrogen production has been developed, using chemical-looping to produce high-purity hydrogen directly from biogas. The technology is now ready for commercial use and could make hydrogen production more competitive with other methods.
Researchers at Arizona State University explore alternative approaches to catalysis, a chemical process crucial for industrial applications. The study aims to develop synthetic catalysts that can improve on nature's designs, leading to the production of carbon-neutral fuels.
Researchers at Aalto University have developed a non-toxic alternative to traditional cyanide-based gold extraction processes. The new chloride-based method, called EDRR, achieves an impressive 84% gold recovery rate, surpassing the 64% recovered with traditional cyanide methods.
A new study by University of Utah researchers found that energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy investments had limited impact on reducing CO2 emissions. However, policies aimed at improving energy efficiency had no effect, while investment in renewable energy sources led to increased levels of CO2 emissions in the residen...
ORNL is increasing its efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the US agricultural sector through science-based changes in practices. The lab has discovered a single gene that can make crops more drought-tolerant and productive, while also pulling CO2 from the atmosphere.
A study by the University of the Basque Country analyzed the nutritional profile and level of processing of food products sold in vending machines. The results show that 48.6% of the products were classified as low-quality, while 73.8% were ultra-processed.
Physicists developed an electrical technique to study the Leidenfrost effect, revealing the temperature at which vapor layers form and collapse. The results show that stable vapor layers can be sustained at 240 degrees Celsius, with a minimum heat of 140 degrees Celsius required for their existence.
A breakthrough IVF method has been developed to significantly improve in-vitro fertilization (IVF) in cattle, reducing pregnancy issues and increasing overall meat and milk production. The new process improves live birth rates with a high accuracy rate, offering vast potential for the cattle breeding industry.
Researchers developed predictive models to estimate yogurt spoilage caused by yeast, including the effect of bioprotective cultures. The models were validated with actual data from a European dairy and can help yogurt producers make informed decisions to reduce economic losses due to food waste.
SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Dairy Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 23, 2021
Researchers at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Singapore have devised a new method for producing urea, a key compound in fertilisers, through electrocatalysis. This approach produces urea five times more efficiently than previous methods and has the potential to contribute to sustainable agricultural practices.
A clean US hydrogen economy is achievable but requires a comprehensive strategy and infrastructure development. The US needs to consider the production, transport, storage, use, and economic viability of hydrogen to make it viable on a societal scale.
Researchers develop method to produce high-quality gypsum binders from synthetic calcium sulfate dihydrate, surpassing natural gypsum in several parameters. The new material can replace natural gypsum in countries without gypsum stone deposits, reducing production costs and simplifying technology.
Researchers have developed a way to control multiple genes in yeast cells, paving the way for more sustainable production of bio-based products. The study demonstrates the use of dCas12a to regulate gene expression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, unlocking its potential for producing pharmaceuticals, fuels, and food additives.
Researchers develop low-cost DNA biomarker technique to trace cocoa beans back to specific farms of origin. This approach could help end slavery and child labor in the global cocoa industry by providing consumers with accurate information about the ethics of their chocolate purchases.
Researchers at KAUST found that a sweet spot for membrane thickness exists to optimize separation performance, with thicker films showing higher microporosity but thinner films posing unexpected transport resistance
Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh have developed a new method to convert methane into valuable chemicals using photocatalysts, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and waste. The process uses light as an energy source to break down methane bonds, creating fuel and chemical products.
Researchers at Tomsk Polytechnic University developed a scalable method to produce polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membranes using electrospinning. The membranes demonstrate high chemical stability and biocompatibility, making them suitable for various industries such as petrochemicals, aerospace, and medicine.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had significant impacts on coffee production, particularly in smallholder farms. Labor shortages, border restrictions, and economic downturns have created conditions conducive to the spread of Coffee Leaf Rust, a disease that can devastate coffee crops.
A Rutgers University-led study warns that COVID-19's socio-economic disruptions will drive the coffee industry into another severe production crisis. The researchers conclude that managing coffee leaf rust outbreaks requires a blend of scientific and social solutions to safeguard farmers' livelihoods.
Researchers discover that twisting liquid bridges breaks them more effectively than stretching, reducing contamination and speeding up the dispensing process. The 'edge fracture' mechanism is identified as the underlying cause of this phenomenon.
Researchers developed advanced imaging methods to study the life cycle of liquid foams, revealing that micelles play a crucial role in determining foam stability. The findings could aid in developing new products and improving industrial processes.
A new analysis suggests that U.S. climate emissions from meat and dairy production are being understated due to undercounting of methane emissions. Methane emissions from North American livestock may be 39-90% higher than previously estimated, with potential consequences for global warming.
Despite its commitment to tackling carbon emissions, Wellcome's £28 billion endowment holds significant stakes in fossil fuels. The charity has refused divestment despite criticism and the success of other institutions that have made similar moves.
Researchers warn that hydrogen-based fuels are not a straightforward solution for climate targets, as they come with significant costs and energy losses. Direct electrification alternatives are often more economic and efficient.
The study reveals that random close packing of spheres exhibits common universal critical properties, despite the diversity of its details. The researchers showed that jammed states are marginally stable and can be described under a unified framework.
A study by Universitat Oberta de Catalunya researchers reveals Netflix's diverse strategy for original feature films, which includes premieres, film festivals and local production. The platform has increased its investment in in-house production and distribution to offer unique content and differentiate itself from rival platforms.
Researchers have developed a new separation method using chemically modified cotton wool to separate single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) into metallic and semiconducting specimens. The method achieves high efficiency and scalability, making it suitable for industrial applications.
Researchers demonstrate commercialization of photonic MEMS switches fabricated on silicon-on-insulator wafers using regular photolithographic and dry-etching processes. The switch design includes a 32x32 matrix of replicated elements, achieving excellent light power loss, optical bandwidth, and switching speed.