Articles tagged with Sustainability
A research team has developed a new framework for the circular economy, which aims to reduce negative impacts on environmental and human health. The SpheriCity project provides a tool for cities to conduct circularity assessments and collaborate with each other.
A University of Copenhagen study explores how people justify their reluctance to cut down on meat consumption. Participants deployed various excuses, including shaming vegans and avocados as being 'climate-unfriendly', to maintain a morally responsible self-image.
A study highlights the motivators and barriers influencing consumer adoption of electric vehicles worldwide, emphasizing the reduction of air pollution as a primary motivator. The transition is hindered by high costs, charging infrastructure concerns, and driving range limitations.
Researchers at Linköping University assess Stockholm's climate strategy, finding a reliance on carbon capture technology without sufficient discussion of its risks. They recommend setting separate targets for emissions reduction and capturing CO2 to ensure clearer decision-making.
Researchers have developed a new electrochromic film based on metal-organic frameworks that can quickly switch between transparent and colored states to block or allow sunlight. The film demonstrated reliable performance for over 40 hours and 4,500 cycles of switching.
A new global study found that cities with more climate-related health issues were more likely to maintain climate action despite funding shortfalls. Cities in the Global South exhibited higher ambition in climate action and promoted green recovery efforts compared to European and North American cities.
The Planetary Inclusion Scale assesses life's connections to the environment, promoting experiences of belonging and inclusion. It offers a new perspective on sustainability by considering temporal, spatial, and ethical orientations.
The study found that green infrastructures such as botanical gardens, wetlands, and street trees are effective in cooling urban heat, with temperature reductions ranging from 9.63°C to 17.7°C. A nine-stage framework has been proposed to facilitate GBGI implementation and maximize benefits.
At NUTRITION 2024, researchers will explore emerging findings on the role of diet in cancer risk and survivorship, as well as personalized dietary therapy for cancer treatment and survivorship. Scientists will also share insights into precision nutrition, environmental sustainability, and infant feeding practices, shedding light on the...
A recent study analyzed 53 peer-reviewed Life Cycle Assessment studies and found that conventional plastics are not always the least environmentally friendly choice. Bioplastics emerge as a viable alternative for climate change and fossil resource depletion, but other environmental impact categories show some disadvantages. The analysi...
A new study published in the Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand found that wind farms can offset their carbon emissions within two years. The research used data from a Harapaki onshore wind farm in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand, and found that the turbine can generate all the energy consumed across its life-cycle within six months.
A new study found that consumers prioritize animal welfare, freshness, and quality over environmental sustainability when purchasing meat and dairy products. The research suggests that producers can market sustainably produced food products by highlighting their animal welfare credentials.
Scientists at ETH Zurich have engineered a thermal trap that can deliver heat at temperatures of over 1000 degrees Celsius using solar radiation. This technology has the potential to decarbonize energy-intensive industries on a large scale, making it an important step towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
A team of Tohoku University researchers developed an environmentally friendly composite material from washi, showcasing improved strength and biodegradability. The new material boasts a tensile strength over 60% higher than pure PBS, making it suitable for sustainable applications.
Shifting excess nitrogen from rich countries to poor ones could increase crop production by 12%, with moderate/food insecure regions seeing significant gains in both fertilizer use and food output. Current levels of production could be maintained with only 53-68% of current nitrogen used through redistribution.
A new food systems perspective study from the University of Washington shows that pork meat is a high-quality protein source, affordable, and associated with lower greenhouse gas emissions. The study highlights the importance of separating pork from other red meats in nutrition and epidemiology research.
Researchers at RIKEN have developed a new catalyst that reduces the amount of iridium required for hydrogen production, achieving 82% efficiency and sustaining production for over 4 months. The breakthrough could revolutionize ecologically friendly hydrogen production and pave the way for a carbon-neutral energy economy.
Researchers in Brazil have developed a novel method to produce electrochemical sensors using fallen tree leaves, offering an eco-friendly alternative to conventional substrates. The sensors were successfully tested for detecting dopamine and paracetamol concentrations, demonstrating their potential for medical and laboratory applications.
Researchers created an enzyme with a reactive boronic acid group, enabling faster and more selective catalytic reactions. This breakthrough has potential applications in the pharmaceutical industry, offering a greener alternative to traditional chemical synthesis methods.
Research suggests mainstreaming biodiversity targets into policies and plans across sectors has been ineffective due to non-binding commitments and insufficient resources. The study highlights the need for top-down regulation and incentives to encourage greater commitment to nature recovery.
Scientists have created complex, spatially controlled and multifunctional structures using engineered plant living materials. The materials combine the traits of living organisms with the stability and durability of non-living substances.
Researchers estimate CO2-equivalent emissions for astronomy meetings in 2019, suggesting preferential virtual meetings and hybrid formats. This approach can reduce long-haul travel and make astronomy more inclusive for underrepresented groups.
Researchers found that secure boundaries promote collective conservation practices and limit over-harvesting, but perceived high risk of theft from neighbors leads to looser harvest limits. Community members impose their own limits on harvesting via conservation committees when borders are secure.
A new study suggests that incorporating seafood rich in umami, such as fish and shellfish, into vegetable dishes can boost their flavor and make them more appealing. The research uses a mathematical equation to calculate the umami content of various seafood options, finding that even small amounts can greatly enhance the taste.
Researchers at the University of Washington developed a new PCB that performs on par with traditional materials and can be recycled repeatedly. The process uses a solvent to transform a type of vitrimer into a jelly-like substance, allowing solid components to be plucked out for reuse or recycling.
A new method recovers phosphorus from sewage sludge ash through chemical and heat treatment, providing a valuable resource for industries. The process can be implemented with lower energy requirements and costs than conventional technologies, making it an attractive solution for addressing the depletion of phosphorus ores.
Researchers argue that mobility data can help understand human-wildlife interactions and inform policy decisions on sustainability-related issues. They propose aggregating datasets without personal identifiers to make them accessible to researchers, benefiting both conservation and private companies.
A study by University of Hawaii researchers suggests that revitalizing Indigenous aquaculture systems, known as loko iʻa fishponds, can increase locally available seafood production. This revival has the potential to boost local food production and provide a sustainable solution to Hawaiʻi's seafood supply.
Research published in Global Change Biology indicates that a single hurricane can down 4.6–9.4% of New England's aboveground forest carbon. The study also shows that current carbon market policies are insufficiently buffered against the risks posed by hurricanes, which could lead to catastrophic emissions
Radiologists are proposing actions to reduce their department's greenhouse gas emissions and become more resilient to the effects of climate change. They suggest implementing a coordinated approach, establishing sustainability teams, and optimizing scanner usage to reduce emissions by up to 33% for MRI and CT scans.
Researchers have created a more economical and sustainable rechargeable battery using an ultralow-concentration electrolyte. The new electrolyte, based on lithium difluoro(oxalato)borate and ethyl carbonate/dimethyl carbonate, has a record-breaking low salt content while maintaining high ionic conductivity.
A Curtin University study found that breeding less-flatulent cows and restoring agricultural land can significantly reduce methane emissions from Australia's beef and dairy sectors. Researchers identified several strategies to lower emissions, including altering breeding objectives and improving wastewater management.
A new study by Stanford researchers explores the effects of different watershed interventions on coral health, finding that regional-scale approaches yield better results. The research identifies key areas for restoration, protection, and sustainable agriculture to support both ecosystem and societal benefits.
Volunteers collected nearly nine tonnes of marine litter from beaches across the Seychelles between 2019 and 2023. The clean-ups, led by the University of Plymouth, demonstrate the potential of citizen science to address marine pollution challenges.
Researchers have discovered a greener way to produce ammonia, essential for fertilizers, by developing a new catalyst that works stably at relatively low temperatures. This breakthrough reduces the amount of energy needed to synthesize ammonia, making it an attractive alternative to fossil fuels.
The UN Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that annual producer income from non-wood products is $88 billion, with the added value of processing reaching trillions of dollars. Non-timber forest products contribute significantly to food security, health, and employment in low- and middle-income countries.
A new report by a team of experts outlines an approach that combines Indigenous knowledge with Western science to develop more resilient forest management practices. The 'braided' approach aims to promote the health and diversity of forests, which are increasingly threatened by climate change.
Kiruba Krishnaswamy's project aims to tackle hidden hunger by developing a circular, culturally appropriate food system model. The research focuses on micronutrients and community-based solutions to address malnutrition and obesity, with the ultimate goal of reducing chronic hunger.
A new study found that remote work could reduce carbon emissions from car travel by nearly 200 million tons annually, but also lead to a 27% drop in public transit fare revenue. This shift may impact urban mobility and require transit agencies to adapt their services.
A new study found that hybrid coastal defenses, which combine natural and hard measures, are more cost-effective and provide higher hazard reduction in low-risk areas. In contrast, soft measures such as restoring or rehabilitating natural ecosystems are also beneficial in terms of environmental benefits.
A new 3D printer developed by researchers at MIT and NIST can automatically identify the parameters for printing with unknown materials. This allows for the use of renewable or recyclable materials that were previously difficult to characterize, reducing the environmental impact of additive manufacturing.
The researchers developed a process to engineer bacteria to grow sustainable textiles with their own pigment. They created shoe and wallet prototypes using the new material, which has potential for various colors and patterns. The self-dyeing leather alternative could solve environmental problems in the fashion industry.
A new study reveals a strong correlation between universities' sustainability performance and local innovation, while showing little connection to community environmental sustainability. The research suggests universities contribute to economic development, but struggle to drive broader sustainable transformations.
Researchers at Hebrew University of Jerusalem introduced a non-invasive technique for evaluating chickpea water status, offering farmers a powerful tool to fine-tune irrigation schedules. The method amplifies both crop yields and water efficiency, resonating with global food security efforts.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open reveals that high prices for new diabetes medicines limit access worldwide. The research proposes that increased generic and biosimilar competition could significantly reduce prices, making treatments more affordable.
A study found significant decreases in average nitrogen dioxide concentrations and social inequities in California's air pollution during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. Non-urban areas saw a 17% decrease, while urban areas experienced a 50% reduction, primarily due to reduced traffic.
Research finds companies prioritize price and self-disclosures over third-party verified sustainability claims, raising questions about greenwashing. Buyers value disclosed information and its update frequency, but are not willing to pay premium for reliability.
The Integrating Finance & Biodiversity for a Nature Positive programme aims to build knowledge, tools, and collaboration to support sustainable investments. By incorporating biodiversity impact into financial decision-making, the programme seeks to reduce the global economy's damage and improve sustainability.
Researchers have developed protein-based components that can be used to create sustainable, biodegradable diapers and sanitary pads. These materials are made from porous biomass that is often discarded by the food and agricultural industries, reducing plastic waste and pollution.
A groundbreaking scientific drilling project has unearthed the world's longest geological record of the Cretaceous period, spanning over 50 million years. The project, led by Professor Wang Chengshan, has provided crucial insights into paleoclimate research and will continue to aid in predicting future climate trends.
Researchers review advances and challenges in applying SLA to evaluate unconventional reservoirs, highlighting its simplicity and convenience. The study proposes modifications to address reservoir heterogeneity and suggests combining SLA with machine learning algorithms for improved accuracy.
A research team at Lehigh University has received a three-year, $2 million grant from the Department of Energy to develop an alternative concrete binder using low-temperature calcined clays. The goal is to produce a material with properties similar to Ordinary Portland Cement but without greenhouse gas emissions.
Four species of edible ants exhibit distinct flavor profiles, including acidic and vinegary smells from common black ants and nutty, woody aromas from chicatana ants. Further investigation is needed to explore the flavor profiles of more ant species and developmental stages.
Research finds pythons convert feed into weight gain efficiently compared to conventional livestock like chickens and cattle. Pythons outperform mainstream agricultural species in terms of food and protein conversion ratios.
The uOttawa Faculty of Medicine is encouraging its counterparts to replicate its leadership in planetary health by creating a Director of Planetary Health position. This move aims to prioritize the health of the planet and address the escalating urgency of the climate crisis.
A pioneering approach produces high-performance polyamides from sugar cores derived from agricultural waste, with impressive atom efficiency and recyclability
Researchers at Singapore University of Technology and Design have discovered how to produce sustainable colors using beetles that live in the dark. By understanding how these beetles' exoskeletons reflect light, scientists can create environmentally friendly materials for various industries. This breakthrough has significant implicatio...
Researchers have developed a cost-effective method to create waterproof and grease-resistant paper coatings using extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) from anaerobic granular sludge. The study found that EPS derived from waste sludge can improve paper coating properties, including water/grease-proofing behaviour.
Wunmi Sadik, NJIT's Distinguished Professor of Chemistry, receives the Wallace H. Coulter Lectureship for her lifetime commitment to education, practice, and research in laboratory science. She is recognized for her scientific breakthroughs in nanomaterials, green chemistry, and sustainability.
A Curtin University study reveals Australian Gen Z's major concerns about climate change, manifesting as anxiety, fear, and feelings of powerlessness. The study suggests that while online activism is important, Gen Z may need to engage in more traditional areas of activism to drive meaningful change.