Articles tagged with Sustainability
A new study by MIT researchers reveals that global deforestation is a previously overlooked driver of human-made mercury emissions, with the Amazon rainforest playing a crucial role in mitigating this issue. The study estimates that curbing Amazon deforestation could reduce mercury pollution by 30%, highlighting the need for worldwide ...
A team of researchers from ETH Zurich has developed a special coating that prevents limescale formation by using microscopically small ridges to prevent the adhesion of limescale crystals. The coating is biocompatible, environmentally friendly, and more efficient than existing approaches.
Researchers found that bioplastic straws made from cellulose diacetate and polyhydroxyalkanoates can break down within 10-20 months, while those made from polypropylene and polylactic acid persist for years. Switching to foam materials significantly reduces their environmental lifetime.
A new study found that solid waste scales linearly, while wastewater production and greenhouse gas emissions scale superlinearly and sub-linearly, respectively. Cities with higher per-capita GDP generate more waste, highlighting the link between economic growth and waste generation.
A study by researchers at the University of Sydney and Stockholm University found that centralized social networks can lead to a culture of homogeneity, where innovative voices are crowded out and traditionalist practices prevail. This can have significant consequences for the environment and global food security.
A recent study reveals that groundwater reserves around the world are being depleted at an unprecedented pace, with the water level in most aquifers falling drastically since 1980. The effects are particularly pronounced in arid regions, where agriculture and climate change exacerbate the crisis.
Research by Utrecht University reveals that a significant portion of European plastic sent to Vietnam is not recyclable and ends up in nature. The study highlights the need for a systemic approach to tackle human and environmental harm throughout the value chain.
Researchers at RIKEN successfully spin artificial spider silk that closely matches natural production, mimicking the complex molecular structure of silk. The eco-friendly innovation has potential benefits for environment and biomedical fields.
Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute have developed a material to selectively oxidize urea in water, producing hydrogen gas. The material, made of nickel and cobalt atoms with tailored electronic structures, enables the efficient conversion of urea into hydrogen through an electrochemical reaction.
MIT researchers have developed a cobalt-free battery material that offers improved sustainability and comparable performance to traditional lithium-ion batteries. The new organic material can conduct electricity at similar rates, store capacity, and be charged faster than cobalt-containing batteries.
A new study finds that cities with higher per-capita GDP generate more waste, while economies of scale reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The research uses scaling theory to analyze waste products from over 1,000 cities worldwide.
A new study reveals a surprising trend in global fishing industries: the decline of catch per fisher since the 1990s, despite increasing numbers of fishermen. This decrease has significant implications for food production efficiency, marine ecosystems, and fishing communities.
Researchers found that evergreen trees with smaller leaves, particularly those with awl-shaped leaves like Yew and Japanese cedar, were most effective at catching particles of pollution. In contrast, the study showed that the size and shape of the leaf, rather than its roughness or hairiness, was key to removing pollutants.
Rice University engineers have developed a hybrid urban water supply system that combines conventional, centralized water sources with reclaimed wastewater to save energy and reduce freshwater use. The system is also more resilient against disruptions such as hurricanes and flooding.
Researchers from the University of Surrey created a new way to monitor air quality in real-time, empowering communities to take action. The study found that large gatherings and outdoor pollution can worsen indoor air quality, but knowledge is power. Public awareness campaigns led to tips on improving ventilation in homes and workplaces.
Researchers at The University of Tokyo developed a bio-tagging method using dissolvable microneedle arrays for permanent animal identification. The approach, called 'MAPs,' uses customizable molds to tattoo unique identifiers into the skin, offering a safer and more humane alternative to traditional ear tags or RFID chips.
A dry-packaged hydrating facial mask made of biobased and sustainable materials provides a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional sheet masks. The mask's ingredients, including plant-based polylactic acid and green tea extract, deliver moisture and nutrients while promoting antioxidant properties.
A new study proposes a framework for scaling up urban agriculture to leverage transformative food systems change, advance social-ecological resilience, and improve sustainability. The research highlights the potential benefits of urban agriculture, including decentralizing food supplies and mitigating environmental footprints.
Researchers at UH are expanding research knowledge and building a new curriculum for students to address climate change impacts on food crops. They aim to improve plant growth and build resistance against extreme weather events, such as droughts and heat waves.
Researchers at PolyU developed a cooling ceramic with a hierarchically porous structure, inspired by the whitest beetle, to achieve high solar reflectivity and efficient light scattering. This innovation has potential energy-saving applications and is the first study on the Leidenfrost effect in passive radiative cooling materials.
A new study found that fossil fuel companies rarely respond to online discussions about extreme weather, but instead engage with sustainability initiatives and corporate efforts. Climate misinformation can fuel denialism and delay action, emphasizing the need for understanding how it's designed and spread.
A new map showing all above-ground biomass in the Brazilian Amazon has been published, derived from a study combining airborne laser scanning, satellite imagery, and forest inventories. The results show an average of 174 metric tons of biomass per hectare and a maximum of 518 tons per hectare.
Researchers at the University of Exeter discovered that spirulina and chlorella, two commercially available algae, are rich in protein and stimulate muscle growth. The study found that these algae can be an interesting and sustainable source of protein for maintaining and building muscle.
A Tokyo neighborhood study reveals that independent eateries serve as social infrastructure for communities, supporting local businesses, social integration, and political mobilization. These small restaurants are essential for economic resource generation, entry point creation, and deployment of social capital.
Biopolymer composites made from agarose and chitosan demonstrate enhanced strength, antibacterial properties, and water repellence. These sustainable materials could lead to eco-friendly packaging solutions for food and consumer goods.
A research team from the University of Waterloo developed an AI tool called PlasticNet to identify microplastics with unprecedented speed and accuracy. This system enables researchers to rapidly analyze large numbers of particles, reducing the time and error associated with manual identification, and providing quality information for i...
International collaboration is crucial to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the construction industry. A global policy can help harmonize climate regulations among neighboring countries, promoting a decarbonized built environment.
The São Paulo School of Advanced Science on Transdisciplinarity for Transformative Change is a training opportunity for graduate students and researchers to co-produce knowledge for global sustainability. The school will focus on transdisciplinarity in social-environmental sciences, offering state-of-the-art science and research results.
Researchers from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University developed a system to assess water quality challenges in Suzhou, China. The study found that the city's water capacity has increased since 2001 due to effective water management measures.
A recent study warns that children should be taught more about the importance of plants in promoting awareness of climate change and sustainability. The study argues that botany should be a greater focus of educational policy, with teachers receiving support and training to challenge their existing assumptions about plants.
Environmental and social factors greatly influence individual behavior, according to Professor Wilhelm Hofmann of Ruhr University Bochum. Traditional approaches focus on personal autonomy but neglect structural factors, leading to ineffective decisions.
A University of Konstanz study found that consumers believe healthy meals are also sustainable, but actual environmental impact and healthiness don't necessarily align. The research suggests that better information on food sustainability is needed to inform consumer choices.
A study found nearly a third of mine tailings are stored within or near protected conservation areas, posing an enormous risk to biodiversity. Mine wastes threaten habitats in protected areas worldwide, including Australia's Atlantic Forest and Brazilian ecosystems.
A new study from the University of Eastern Finland highlights the potential for non-profit organisations to promote sustainable practices in multinational businesses. By using a Strategic Confrontation and Collaboration Interaction Model (SCCIM), non-profits can influence stakeholders such as employees, investors, and politicians to ad...
A multidisciplinary research project aims to improve carbon nanotube synthesis efficiency, enabling more sustainable alternatives to heavy industry materials. The project, led by Rice University's Matteo Pasquali, has received a $4.1 million grant from the Kavli Foundation.
A self-healing elastomer forms the flexible membrane of the gripper, which can heal from scratches and punctures in approximately nine minutes. The gripper's design enables recyclability, allowing for a sustainable option for universal grippers and soft robotics.
The study highlights the need for a whole-school approach to environmental education for sustainability, involving students and teachers as agents of change. Teachers also express concerns about burnout and lack of recognition, emphasizing the importance of training and motivation.
Researchers have developed a fully-enclosed aquaculture system that can be completely controlled, eliminating water quality and food safety concerns. The system produces nutrient-rich protein-rich 'Naked Clams' that are faster-growing than mussels and oysters, with higher Vitamin B12 levels.
Researchers urge concerted action to mitigate global warming's impact on polar ecosystems, which are both the most-threatened and least-understood areas. The study aims to map all biodiversity in these regions to sustainably manage unique habitats and their ecosystem services.
New research reveals Indian Ocean seabirds face no hotspots where predators feast on prey, highlighting the need for ocean-wide protection. The study's findings suggest that international action is necessary to safeguard these birds' survival due to human activities like overfishing and pollution.
Yu Yang's NSF-funded research aims to reduce vehicle emissions and promote the use of electric bikes and scooters by developing socially informed traffic signal control systems. The project involves a three-pronged method that uses low-cost mobile air-quality sensing, spatial-temporal graph diffusion learning, and reinforcement learnin...
A method for assessing sustainability of wild-harvested plants is demonstrated on Nardostachys jatamansi, a critically endangered Himalayan perennial herb. The proposed process integrates ecological and trade data to estimate sustainability levels, suggesting cultivating-while-harvesting as an effective approach.
A new study reveals that consumers place a higher value on products from circular economies due to the concept of psychological ownership. This finding suggests that businesses and policymakers can align strategies with consumer values to promote sustainable initiatives.
A new study led by University of Maryland Professor Sujay Kaushal reveals that human activities are making the planet's air, soil, and freshwater increasingly salty. This acceleration of the natural salt cycle poses an 'existential threat' to ecosystems and human health if current trends continue.
A new AI-powered method has been shown to be more accurate than traditional models in predicting the sustainable catch of fish populations. The CMSY++ model, which uses an artificial neural network, allows for more efficient assessment of fish stocks with limited data inputs.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a novel 3D printing methodology to manufacture porous ceramic structures for efficient solar radiation transport, resulting in twice as much fuel production as uniform structures. The technology has the potential to improve sustainable aviation fuels' economic viability.
The study highlights that up to 80% of dye-containing industrial wastewaters are released untreated into waterways, posing direct and indirect threats to human, animal, and plant health. New sustainable technologies and regulations are needed to combat the issue.
Researchers at the University of Houston have discovered that microalgae can be used to sequester carbon dioxide and convert it into mass-produced proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates. This process has the potential to transform food production, treat wastewater, and produce sustainable biofuels.
A new study finds that consumers are willing to pay more for pork with improved animal welfare, but not necessarily a lower carbon footprint. The majority of respondents prioritize animal welfare over climate considerations.
A research project involving citizens in flood-prone areas improves data collection and increases resilience. The methodology shows a combination of digital technologies, participatory methods, and co-production of new understandings to enable just and sustainable transformations.
A study by University of Bonn researchers found that consumers in Germany would pay more for salami with an antibiotic-free label than one promoting animal welfare. Human health is a top priority, while animal welfare considerations are less important than environmental protection.
Research reveals that firms with female directors show improved social and environmental performance and disclosures. Female directors' education level also positively affects reporting quality, with those holding a master's degree having the most significant impact.
A new net zero carbon planning policy in Bath & North East Somerset is expected to make new buildings much more energy efficient and boost the introduction of renewables. Despite concerns about increased costs, most planning applicants support the policy's intentions, with solar photovoltaics and heat pumps being key technologies.
Scientists at ETH Zurich have developed a new, environmentally friendly fuel cell membrane made from chicken feathers. The keratin-based membrane replaces toxic substances and reduces carbon emissions. This breakthrough could enable the widespread adoption of hydrogen power as a sustainable energy source.
A study projects 2.7 million square kilometers of wilderness becoming newly suitable for agriculture over the next 40 years, threatening precious areas of biodiversity and cultural value. The research emphasizes the need to cut emissions and use farmland more efficiently to meet growing global demands.
Researchers used Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and machine learning to predict adsorption capacity of pharmaceuticals and personal care products on long-term aged microplastics. The study successfully captured the complexity of the system with up to 98% accuracy, providing new insights into the interactions between microplast...
A new study found that diverse plant species mixtures increase plant productivity, invasion resistance, and soil nitrogen levels. Multispecies mixtures also drive different functions, with legumes benefiting productivity and water availability.
Researchers at University of Surrey have developed a new type of water-based paint that uses live bacteria to produce oxygen and capture CO2. The 'Green Living Paint' features Chroococcidiopsis cubana, a desert-dwelling bacterium that can survive extreme conditions.
Researchers have discovered that high-quality lignin can be extracted from cocoa pod husks and modified to have flame-retardant properties. The team's modified lignin biopolymer charred when heated but did not burn, suggesting its potential as a fire suppressant.
The MIT team designed a train-like system of reactors that harnesses the sun's heat to produce clean hydrogen fuel with up to 40% efficiency. This could drive down costs and make solar thermochemical hydrogen (STCH) a scalable option for decarbonizing transportation.