Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Feeding grazing cattle seaweed cuts methane emissions by almost 40%

Researchers at the University of California, Davis found that feeding grazing beef cattle a seaweed supplement reduced their methane emissions by nearly 40% without affecting health or weight. The study provides a promising approach to make cattle farming more sustainable and play a role in fighting climate change.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 2, 2024

Using sunlight to recycle black plastics

Researchers have developed a method to convert black polystyrene waste into reusable starting materials using sunlight or white LEDs. The technique involves adding carbon black and exposing the mixture to high-intensity light, resulting in efficient breakdown of polymer bonds.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Central Science·DateNov 25, 2024

Building climate resilient cocoa farming in West Africa

A study published by researchers from Göttingen University sheds light on the critical role of leaf phenology in trees providing shade and improving climate resilience in cocoa agroforestry systems. The research found that certain shade tree species can significantly influence productivity and environmental stability.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalAgriculture Ecosystems & Environment·TypeObservational study·DateNov 22, 2024

Study finds health disparities in PFAS levels linked to drinking water, food access and industrial pollution

Researchers found that living in neighborhoods with low food access, contaminated drinking water, and proximity to Superfund sites increases PFAS levels in blood. The study provides evidence for addressing neighborhood-level factors in reducing racial and ethnic environmental health disparities.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalEnvironmental Research·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 21, 2024

Study calls for city fashion waste shakeup

A study published in Nature Cities analyzed textile waste in various cities, finding that most donated clothes are exported or thrown away. Experts call for a change in how cities handle fashion waste, suggesting the need for local recycling and reuse facilities.

SourceRMIT University·JournalNature Cities·TypeCase study·DateNov 20, 2024

50 years of survey data confirm African elephant decline

Large-scale declines in African elephant populations have been confirmed over 53 years of survey data. Forest elephant populations decreased by 90%, while savanna elephant populations fell by 70%. The study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, provides a comprehensive assessment of African elephants and highli...

SourceColorado State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 11, 2024

Fueling greener aviation with hydrogen

Researchers used computer modeling to study the feasibility and challenges of hydrogen-powered aviation, suggesting that improvements in fuel cell power could eliminate environmental impact. The team's model indicated that switching from traditional jet fuel to hydrogen fuel could reduce CO2 emissions by up to 90%.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateNov 1, 2024

Turning silver to gold: A diacetylene derivative-based metallic luster materials

Scientists create diacetylene derivative-based luster materials with tunable colors and metallic lusters, opening new possibilities for applications in jewelry, printing inks, and cosmetics. The developed material can express a golden luster selectively using light irradiation, minimizing environmental footprint and weight.

SourceChiba University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 30, 2024

Harnessing science to tackle global crises

An international team of researchers emphasizes the need for interdisciplinarity and transdisciplinarity in crisis management. Science can contribute to integrated decision-making by co-designing solutions with scientists, policymakers, and affected populations.

SourceThe Club of Rome·JournalPLOS Sustainability and Transformation·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 22, 2024

What makes a home garden program successful?

A new case study in India found that home garden interventions struggled due to verbal training, lack of demonstrations, and limited household engagement. However, flexibility and participatory techniques like Process Net-Mapping revealed positive outcomes on nutrition and sustainable agriculture practices.

Support for meat rationing to protect climate

A new study from Uppsala University found that nearly 40% of the public support rationing of goods like meat and fuel to reduce their climate impact. The study, which surveyed over 9,000 people in five countries, also showed that acceptability of rationing is on par with taxes for emissions-intensive food.

SourceUppsala University·JournalHumanities and Social Sciences Communications·TypeSurvey·DateSep 30, 2024

Coral reef destruction a threat to human rights

A human rights-based approach to coral reef protection could ensure governments are held accountable for safeguarding marine ecosystems. An estimated one billion people rely on healthy coral reefs globally for food security and income, highlighting the catastrophic impact of their loss on human health and economic wellbeing.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalGlobal Change Biology·TypeNews article·DateSep 30, 2024

ABM releases position statement on breastfeeding in emergency situations

The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine has released comprehensive guidelines for protecting, promoting, and supporting breastfeeding in emergency situations. The recommendations aim to safeguard the health and well-being of infants in disasters and conflicts by ensuring safe nutrition and immune protection.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalBreastfeeding Medicine·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 27, 2024

Addressing global water security challenges: New study reveals investment opportunities and readiness levels

A recent study published in Global Environmental Change highlights the pressing need for innovative economic strategies to address global water scarcity and pollution. The research found that 71% of the world's population has high existing water security needs, with significant disparities in readiness across regions.

SourceAdvanced Science Research Center, GC/CUNY·JournalGlobal Environmental Change·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 27, 2024

From neutralizing water contamination to creating full-taste, reduced alcohol wine and spirits: success in world first liquid-liquid extraction trial opens up a realm of possibilities

Researchers at the University of Birmingham used Porous Liquids to separate harmful alcohols from water mixtures, consuming up to 88% of the PL pore volume. This innovation can reduce alcohol content in drinks while retaining flavor profiles, aligning with growing consumer demand for low-alcohol beverages.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 18, 2024

Bee antidote to deadly pesticides shows promise

A study published in Nature Sustainability has found an antidote to neonicotinoids, a class of pesticides killing bees. The treatment involves tiny ingestible microparticles that physically bind to the pesticide, leading to 30% higher survival rates and reduced symptoms in bumblebees.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Sustainability·DateSep 11, 2024

Influencers promoting sustainable lifestyles on social media should be differently regulated, study says

A new study recommends that influencers promoting sustainable lifestyles on social media be differently regulated to better protect consumers. The current EU consumer protection measures are inadequate, and the proposed changes would provide more legal certainty and facilitate additional training for content creators.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Consumer Policy·TypeSystematic review·DateSep 11, 2024

The central role played by Indigenous Peoples in biodiversity conservation needs to be properly and accurately recognized by science

A recent study published in Nature questions the scientific validity of the long-held claim that 80% of the world's biodiversity is found in Indigenous Peoples' territories. The research highlights the need to correct this figure, as it oversimplifies the complex relationship between Indigenous Peoples and biodiversity.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalNature Communications·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 10, 2024