Sustainability
Articles tagged with Sustainability
Silk made into strong plastic-like materials with 6G potential
For most US drivers, EVs offer emissions benefits and cost savings
Taylor & Francis reports 35% reduction in supply chain emissions and training of 70,000+ researchers in low-income regions
The publisher achieved a 35% reduction in supply chain emissions through sustainable digital publishing, plastic-free packaging, and optimized book supply chains. Taylor & Francis trained over 70,000 researchers in low-income regions to publish their work, enhancing access to research and knowledge.
How jellyfish bycatch could be valuable collagen source for cosmetics and biotech
Research suggests that jellyfish bycatch can provide high-quality collagen without compromising quality. This circular bioeconomy solution offers new economic opportunities for small-scale fisheries while reducing waste. The collaboration with fishers revealed a willingness to participate in recycling jellyfish bycatch, but also highli...
Prof Chandra Sekhar receives ASHRAE F. Paul Anderson Award
Even the most remote ocean is contaminated with zinc from human sources
A new study reveals that even the most remote corners of the ocean are contaminated with zinc from human sources, surpassing natural zinc levels. Zinc from fossil fuel combustion and industrial emissions dominates the upper layer of the South Pacific, posing a potential threat to marine life and nutrient balances.
Radical shifts to sustainability call for a new kind of legal thinking
A new international study introduces a novel theory of change and an approach to the development of legal systems, highlighting the need for profound rethinking in Finland and worldwide. Small, strategic regulatory changes can trigger macro-level shifts, according to the model developed in the study.
Profit alone is a poor measure of success, study shows companies can look efficient while harming the planet
A new study from the University of Surrey shows that firms celebrated for strong financial performance may actually be inefficient when environmental impact is included. The research developed a new way to measure sustainable corporate efficiency, combining traditional financial metrics with environmental data.
Researchers find smarter lighting could cut home energy use by 15%
Researchers found that improved lighting design combined with modern LED technology can reduce household energy use and enhance comfort. The study showed a 15.3% reduction in energy consumption by optimising lighting planning and positioning using software-based approaches.
Urban agriculture could supply around 28 percent of Europe’s vegetable demand
A new study estimates that urban agriculture in European cities could produce up to 20 million tons of vegetables annually, representing roughly one-third of the region's current vegetable production. This could supply around 28% of Europe's vegetable demand for 190 million Europeans.
A hemp-based thermoplastic offers a greener alternative to plastic packaging
Researchers have developed a non-toxic, stretchy hemp-derived thermoplastic that can extend up to 1,600% of its size. The material has a high glass transition temperature, making it suitable for producing transparent plastic films, coatings, and other common materials currently made from petroleum-based materials.
The more companies lobby, the less they say about the environment
A new study published in the Journal of Cleaner Production examines the link between corporate political spending and ESG disclosure among S&P 500 companies. The researchers found that firms with higher lobbying expenditures tend to score lower on sustainability transparency, particularly when it comes to environmental disclosure.
New study reveals how next-generation biochar can transform pollution cleanup and circular sustainability
Emerging microwave-based techniques significantly enhance biochar's ability to remove contaminants from water and soil while improving energy efficiency. Biochar has gained attention as a sustainable solution for managing agricultural residues, food waste, and other organic by-products.
Rethinking staple food crops at the intersection of human nutrition, climate, and sustainability
Biofortifying staple crops like rice, wheat, and maize can reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases and improve nutrition. Researchers have developed high-protein rice with elevated essential amino acids, which can also help manage blood sugar levels.
Toward tougher, longer-lasting, more sustainable tires
Harvard engineers develop new method to preserve long molecular chains in natural rubber, resulting in composite materials that are both stiff and tough. The innovation has the potential to cut waste, reduce tire dust pollution, and open new avenues for high-performance elastomers.
Challenging the urban-rural divide in ecology
A new framework proposes a continuum of urbanity, challenging traditional thinking about urban and rural spaces. The study explores how urban, rural, and wild features are interconnected, affecting livelihoods, ecosystems, and human well-being in the Mid-Hudson Valley region.
A faster way to estimate AI power consumption
MIT researchers have created an 'EnergAIzer' method that generates reliable results in seconds, allowing data center operators to optimize resource allocation and reduce energy waste. The tool leverages patterns from AI workloads and software optimizations to provide fast but accurate power estimates.
Is that solar panel pointing in the right direction?
A new technique uses a single image to forecast solar panel energy production and maximize output. The method estimates the amount of energy that will be produced based on the angle of the sun, shadows, reflections, and weather patterns, allowing for more accurate placement and optimization of solar panels in urban areas.
Researchers develop scalable method for safer, compostable packaging
A team at Virginia Tech developed a water-based process to create multilayer bioplastic films that are both high-performing and easier to manufacture. The method avoids toxic solvents and matches current industrial production speeds, making it viable for real-world use.
Scientists unveil how heat-loving enzyme could help improve plastic recycling
Researchers developed a heat-tolerant cutinase enzyme that combines structural rigidity with flexibility, enabling efficient degradation of PET at high temperatures. This discovery provides new insights into designing enzymes for sustainable plastic recycling and addresses the pressing issue of plastic waste.
The Universitat Jaume I and AICE advance in environmental engineering through the joint GEA research laboratory
The Universitat Jaume I and AICE have established a joint GEA research laboratory to promote joint research and innovation in environmental engineering. The lab aims to foster knowledge transfer, train PhD graduates, and collaborate with companies in the region.
Engineered Biochar for Carbon Capture and Resource Recovery: Bridging Science, Sustainability, and Industrial Application
The upcoming international forum will explore engineered biochar's potential to advance carbon capture and sustainable resource recovery. Recent advances in biochar design, including structural engineering and hybridization with nanomaterials, will be showcased.
NUS CDE researchers develop biowaste coatings to boost CO2-to-fuel conversion
Researchers at NUS CDE have developed biowaste coatings that improve the conversion of carbon dioxide into useful fuels and chemicals, achieving high selectivity rates and reducing reliance on PFAS. The coatings, made from crustacean shells, insect exoskeletons, and plant matter, offer a cost-effective pathway to climate technology.
Mabuchi Laboratory, Department of Architecture at Okayama University of Science wins Grand Prize at ADP 2026
The Mabuchi Laboratory won the Grand Prize at ADP 2026 for its narrative-driven design approach. The 'Keyaki Monogatari' project incorporates universal metaphors for peace and challenges capitalist society, offering irreplaceable value to clients.
Restored ecosystems could help defend borders, study suggests
Researchers propose using terrain to deter conflict while delivering environmental benefits through restored forests, wetlands, and peatlands. These interventions support carbon storage, flood mitigation, and biodiversity recovery, acting as a form of deterrence by denial.
Lack of diversity in food sources makes us all vulnerable, says UK politician
Natalie Bennett argues that the current food system is unsustainable, with half of global calories coming from just three crops. She proposes alternative approaches rooted in indigenous experience, such as permaculture and agroecological methods.
Fast-Track Health announces launch of the Journal of Fast-Track Health in partnership with MDPI
New study shows linens, not equipment emissions, dominate ultrasound’s carbon footprint
A new JACR study suggests radiology departments should optimize use of linens and disposable supplies to reduce environmental impact and costs. The study found that linens (35%) and other single-use supplies (34%) accounted for most of ultrasound's greenhouse gas emissions.
Frontiers Research Foundation signs multilateral declaration at One Health Summit to advance open data sharing for healthy lives on a healthy planet
The Frontiers Research Foundation has endorsed the One Health Data Convergence Declaration of Intent, aiming to make existing and future research data interoperable and coherent. This declaration sets out a shared framework to unlock data for the benefit of One Sustainable Health for All.
Researchers use lasers to turn leather into wearable power
A new method creates flexible microsupercapacitors on vegetable-tanned leather using a CO2 laser, enabling eco-friendly and durable energy storage. The technology has potential applications in wearable electronics, smart clothing, and skin-mounted sensors.
Green skepticism indirectly reduces intention to purchase sustainable products
A study from Hiroshima University found that green skepticism weakens two key drivers of green consumption: seeking trustworthy environmental information and anticipated guilt about making less sustainable choices. This challenges the common assumption that skeptical consumers will investigate more before deciding on purchases.
Biochar’s hidden redox power could transform pollution cleanup and energy recovery
Researchers highlight biochar's ability to outperform conventional materials in driving chemical reactions that break down pollutants and support energy-producing microbial processes. Biochar's intrinsic redox properties enable it to act as an electron shuttle, accelerating reactions.
Researchers turn recovered car battery acid and plastic waste into clean hydrogen
A new method developed by researchers at the University of Cambridge uses solar-powered acid photoreforming to break down hard-to-recycle plastics into clean hydrogen fuel and valuable industrial chemicals. This approach could create a circular system where one waste stream solves another, reducing plastic waste and pollution.
Preview tool helps makers visualize 3D-printed objects
A new 3D printing preview tool, VisiPrint, uses AI to generate aesthetically accurate previews of fabricated objects, reducing the need for multiple reprints and waste. The system considers material properties, layer height, and nozzle path to create realistic simulations.
Tuning biochar temperature unlocks major nitrogen savings in food waste composting
Researchers discovered that carefully selecting the temperature used to produce biochar can optimize both environmental performance and compost quality. Biochar produced at a moderate temperature achieved the optimal balance between ammonium adsorption and microbial nitrification, resulting in a 46.3% reduction in total nitrogen loss.
Producing rechargeable batteries using sunflower seed shells as raw material
A team of researchers has developed rechargeable batteries using biomass-based materials, including sunflower seed shells, as an alternative to lithium-ion batteries. The batteries achieved competitive results with low environmental impact and can store sufficient energy.
Aging societies and more people living alone could slow decarbonization and worsen energy poverty
Demographic changes are linked to increased household energy requirements, CO2 emissions, and financial burdens in Japan and the UK. Older single-person households have higher energy use and costs due to greater heating and cooling needs.
World is falling behind on UN’s child mortality Sustainable Development Goal
A new study finds that over a quarter of countries won't reach the UN's 2030 child mortality target on time, with sub-Saharan Africa heavily burdened. The global rate stands at 36.72 deaths per 1,000 live births, projected to meet the target until 2035.
Photothermal fabric ‘skin’ reduces home heating use by as much as 23%
A multidisciplinary team at UMass Amherst invented a fabric treated with a special photothermal dye that can help keep homes warmer over the course of a day. The technology has the potential to reduce energy costs by up to 23% and combat climate change, high heating bills and gentrification.
Trinity team's new chip-scale light technology could power faster AI and data centre communications
Researchers developed a new way to generate stable signals of light using microscopic ring-shaped devices, enabling the production of optical frequency combs. This technology has the potential to simplify system design and improve efficiency in high-speed optical communications for data centres.
VertINGreen unveiled turning indoor green walls into smart, living systems breathing life into buildings
Researchers have developed VertINGreen, a web-based platform that transforms vertical green walls into intelligent environmental systems using remote sensing technology and machine learning. This system enables precise planning and real-time monitoring of indoor plants, reducing maintenance costs and increasing the benefits of green wa...
Combining algae and oyster shells for biodiesel born in the bayou
Scientists have created a new biodiesel process using locally sourced materials, such as algae and oyster shells. The process reduces production costs by 70-85% compared to traditional methods, making it a more sustainable alternative to petroleum products.
Why solid-state batteries keep short circuiting
Researchers discovered that faster dendrite growth is associated with lower stress levels in a commonly used battery electrolyte material, revealing chemical reactions as a new culprit behind the problem. The study provides guidance for designing stronger electrolytes to make solid-state batteries successful.
Generative AI-powered forecasting for sustainable urban development
A new generative AI framework predicts future urban layouts considering multiple factors. The Memory-aware Multi-Conditional generation Network (MMCN) offers a novel approach to modeling complex urban evolution, providing a powerful tool for sustainable urban development.
Paving Hawaiian roads with recycled plastics and abandoned fishing nets
Researchers have successfully recycled plastic waste from derelict fishing nets and household trash into asphalt roads in Hawaii. Initial tests show that pavements made with these materials release fewer microplastics than those made with standard asphalt pavement.
Turning crops into carbon sinks: Biochar offers a low-cost path to carbon removal in China
A new study reveals that transforming biomass from dedicated energy crops into biochar could provide a cost-effective and scalable solution for removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping China move closer to its carbon neutrality goals. Biochar can lock carbon in soils for decades or even centuries while improving soil health.
Changing shower and toilet habits could help close England’s 5 billion litre water gap, Surrey-led research finds
A new report suggests that changing domestic shower and toilet habits could help close England's projected 5 billion litre daily water shortfall. The report identifies key behaviour change targets, including reporting or fixing in-home leaks, showering, and flushing toilets, and argues that effective behaviour change depends on underst...
A robot that endures over one million uses -- Then becomes compost to nourish plants
A team of researchers developed a fully biodegradable and compostable soft robotic electronic system that maintains high performance and durability during operation yet completely returns to nature after use. The system was made from a water-free biodegradable elastomer and integrated biodegradable inorganic electronic components, exhi...
Multilateral development banks fall short in safeguarding green hydrogen projects
A new study finds that multilateral development banks are failing to adequately address environmental and social risks in green hydrogen projects. The current guidelines lack hydrogen-specific criteria, leaving critical policy gaps.
Jeonbuk National University researchers reveal safer way to manage chemical sewage sludge using pyrolysis
A study by Jeonbuk National University researchers highlights the potential risks of chemical-enhanced primary treatment (CEPT) sewage sludge, but also shows that thermal treatment can lead to secondary heavy metal pollution. The team recommends using lower pyrolysis temperatures to enhance sustainability.
Ocean bacteria team up to break down biodegradable plastic
Researchers discovered 30 bacterial species that break down biodegradable plastic, revealing speed and factors influencing degradation. The study highlights the importance of understanding microbial communities and plastic chemistry in plastic biodegradation.
Aged silicon-rich biochar reduces cadmium accumulation in leafy vegetables
Aging silicon-rich biochar reduces cadmium uptake in leafy vegetables, improving plant resistance to heavy metal stress. The material reshapes soil microbial communities, contributing to reduced cadmium availability.
Plastic bottles transformed into Parkinson’s drug using bacteria
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have developed a method to transform post-consumer plastic into L-DOPA, a frontline medication for Parkinson's disease. The process harnesses the power of bacteria to break down PET waste and produce L-DOPA, providing a sustainable solution to the production of pharmaceuticals.
Multicultural intergroup dialogue as an approach to advancing holistic support for international students
Multicultural intergroup dialogue improves holistic support for international students at Japanese universities. The approach, based on Intergroup Dialogue, promotes equitable and inclusive university environments, where students from diverse backgrounds interact and learn with one another.
Researchers capture thermal fluctuations in polymer segments for the first time
Kyushu University researchers observed individual polymer chains' behavior on solid surfaces, revealing non-equilibrium dynamics and thermal fluctuations. The study contributes to enhancing adhesive performance and lightweighting of materials.
Turning orchard waste into climate solutions: A simple method boosts biochar carbon storage
Researchers developed a low-cost method to transform agricultural waste into high-quality biochar, increasing its ability to store carbon and combat climate change. The new method uses limewater treatment to improve biochar production, resulting in a 34% increase in carbon retention and improved soil structure and chemistry.
Natural dye produced by Amazonian fungus can be used in cosmetics
The study found that the extract reduced cell damage compounds by over 75% and preserved skin health with over 60% of cells remaining alive. The researchers developed a natural dye, produced by Talaromyces amestolkiae fungus, which can be used in cosmetic formulations while maintaining safety and functionality.
New farm-scale biochar system could cut agricultural emissions by 75 percent while removing carbon from the atmosphere
A new study presents a practical and regulation-compliant design for producing biochar on farms that could dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture while permanently removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The proposed system could produce 300 tonnes of biochar annually, sequester approximately 350 tonnes of c...
New journal highlights how artificial intelligence can help solve global environmental crises
The journal argues that AI can process vast datasets to detect patterns and predict climate impacts, improving pollution tracking, climate modeling, and agricultural planning. AI-driven modeling can also help policymakers evaluate tradeoffs and anticipate unintended consequences, supporting more informed decision-making.