Articles tagged with Sustainability
A national study in Canada found that snowmaking requires 17,000 homes' worth of annual energy and 43.4 million cubic meters of water to produce 42 million cubic meters of machine-made snow. Collaboration between ski operators, policymakers, and environmental organizations is needed to develop sustainable practices.
Research reveals nearly 75% of respondents had a high connection to nature, but retirees and university students had lower rates. Increasing passive exposure and accessibility can help time-poor individuals engage with nature.
A new study emphasizes the need for a more precise definition of circularity beyond metrics and indicators. The researchers propose a product-centric circularity scorecard that captures aspects of a product's environmental sustainability, focusing on production, use, and end-of-life.
Clean technology can help reduce food waste and establish long-term sustainability goals in on-site foodservice providers. Engaging employees in the process is crucial for its success, as it helps measure and quantify waste production.
The US has lost 57.6 billion tons of topsoil due to farming practices, but new research suggests no-till methods can drastically reduce erosion and extend fertility for centuries. No-till farming, currently practiced on 40% of Midwest cropland acres, can modelled to slow down soil loss.
Researchers found both dryer types produce microfiber pollution, including water pollution from lint traps. Simple remedy is to clean lint filters and dispose of collected fibers as dry waste to reduce microfiber release.
A new study suggests that modular production techniques can minimize construction delays caused by weather, resulting in cost savings for builders. The research estimates that using modular construction can reduce costs by approximately AUD$40,000 on a $6.4 million project.
Current measures to protect grasslands in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau are damaging the ecosystem and should be stopped. Small burrowing mammals, like the plateau pika and zokor, play crucial ecological roles in maintaining ecosystem health and biodiversity.
Only 13% of global methane emissions are regulated, despite causing at least 25% of current global warming. The lack of regulation and clarity must be urgently addressed to meet global climate targets, with a consistent approach worldwide needed to drastically reduce global warming levels.
Current global methane emissions policies are inadequate, covering only 13% of emissions, and are often based on inaccurate data. Stronger social support and political consensus are needed for effective methane mitigation to slow down climate change and improve air quality.
Researchers have developed a novel tin-based MOF that can selectively reduce CO2 to formate in the presence of visible light, achieving high selectivity and quantum yield. The material, called KGF-10, was found to be efficient, precious-metal-free, and single-component.
Researchers at Flinders University have discovered a new way to make 'green' polymers from low-cost building blocks using just a small amount of electricity. The reaction is fast, occurs at room temperature, and can be recycled into its constituent building blocks in high yield.
The native gromwell plant, a crucial element in traditional Japanese culture, is facing severe threats from disease and cross-breeding with non-native species. Researchers at Kyoto University are leading efforts to raise awareness of the plant's significance and promote conservation initiatives.
A global conservation basic income of $5.50 per day for protected areas residents in low- and middle-income countries could cost less than fossil fuel subsidies. This unconditional cash payment targets Indigenous Peoples and local communities to support land stewardship and biodiversity.
Researchers develop a method to estimate the age of microplastics in the ocean, finding that nearshore microplastics range from 0 to 5 years old while offshore microplastics range from 1 to 3 years old. The study provides insights into how microplastics are generated and spread in the environment.
A pair of studies finds that the US Magnuson-Stevens Act is working as intended to rebuild threatened fish populations and increase their size. In contrast to critics' claims, the policy does not unduly limit catch or revenue, but rather rebuilds depleted stocks with significant gains in size.
A new study by CABBI researchers has identified the types of microbes associated with engineered oilcane, revealing diverse microbial associations that could increase oil yields for sustainable bioenergy production. The findings suggest that plant-microbial interactions play a key role in determining the composition of the microbiome.
Researchers have engineered bacteria to combine natural enzymatic reactions with the carbene transfer reaction, producing new-to-nature carbon products that can be used in biochemicals and advanced biofuels. This breakthrough could reduce industrial emissions by providing sustainable alternatives to chemical manufacturing processes.
A study by the University of Toronto found that intervening at the management practice level can empower workers and significantly raise wages in sustainable ways. H&M Group's initiative, which included workplace dialogue programs and wage management systems, resulted in a 5% average wage increase across 1800 factories in nine countries.
Researchers are working to develop battery cells that can be easily recycled, reducing the environmental impact of electric cars. The goal is to unlock the full potential of electric vehicles by reusing valuable materials in batteries.
Researchers in Brazil and UK develop process to recycle plastic from used coffee pods into conductive and non-conductive filaments. The filaments have various applications, including sensors and machinery parts.
A new method allows researchers to break down old clothing chemically and reuse polyester compounds to create functional coatings. The process, known as controlled crystallization, enables the creation of fire-resistant, anti-bacterial or wrinkle-free coatings that can be applied to various fabrics.
A Cornell University-led collaboration has identified transient crystal defects as the cause of rapid degradation in sodium-ion batteries. The researchers used operando X-ray imaging to visualize these defects while the battery was in operation, revealing their formation and self-healing processes.
Scientists create high-performance bulk magnesium diboride superconducting magnets with low-cost technique, exhibiting good critical current density and trapped magnetic field. The work paves the way for commercialization of MgB2 superconducting magnets.
Harmful fisheries subsidies support fishing in waters outside jurisdictions of their home nation, impacting developing countries and the environment. These subsidies disproportionately affect marginalized communities and lead to food insecurity and economic dependence on fishing.
Researchers at TUM have successfully developed a method to produce the essential amino acid L-alanine from CO2 using synthetic enzymes and green methanol. This process requires significantly less space than traditional methods and can be powered by renewable energy sources, making it an important step towards more sustainable agriculture.
Researchers have developed a method to extract valuable metals from old mining waste using microbes, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 30%. This process also captures carbon dioxide from the air and stores it in the tailings as new minerals.
A new article by David Sloan Wilson explores how cultural evolution happens and how it can be harnessed for the greater good. The article highlights the importance of prosociality, social control, and symbolic thought in shaping human societies.
A study by the University of Helsinki identifies nature-based solutions that work best as carbon sinks and for biodiversity conservation in urban areas. Community engagement is vital to ensure acceptable plans, according to the researchers.
Researchers found that most people perceive climate change as an important and timely issue, contrary to the assumption that it is a distant problem. The study suggests that focusing on leveraging this perception can help drive climate action.
ASU researchers have developed a method to regenerate biocrusts on arid lands by harnessing the power of solar farms. The approach, dubbed 'crustivoltaics,' has shown promising results in doubling biocrust biomass and tripling biocrust cover under photovoltaic panels.
Researchers at POSTECH have successfully developed perovskite solar cells using novel additives, achieving high power conversion efficiency and fill factor. The use of alkylammonium formats enables the elimination of surface defects, leading to more stable and efficient solar cells.
Carreon is developing technology to capture and convert greenhouse gases into clean-burning fuels using reactors powered by renewable energy sources. Her $538,659 NSF award will support this research over five years.
The new manufacturing process produces lightweight aluminum vehicle parts that lower costs and are more environmentally friendly. Researchers have shown that the Shear Assisted Processing and Extrusion (ShAPE) process can break up metal impurities in scrap without requiring an energy-intensive heat treatment step.
Osaka University researchers develop a cellulose-based material, called nanopaper e-skin, that makes effective contact with the skin while maintaining breathability and comfort. The substrate can withstand deformation, sterilization, and environmental sustainability, making it a promising candidate for electrophysiological monitoring.
Researchers at KAUST have developed a sustainable method for producing butadiene, a key component of synthetic rubber, using the Lebedev process and modernized catalysts. The new approach eliminates the need for fossil reserves and reduces environmental impact.
Chemists at Colorado State University have created a synthetic PHA platform that addresses the limitations of existing biodegradable plastics. The new design enhances thermal stability, mechanical toughness, and enables closed-loop chemical recycling.
The workshop identified resistance to change, lack of capacity, and political will as common barriers to implementing biodiversity and ecosystem services. Enabling factors include communication, stakeholder engagement, data availability, EU regulations, synergies, and collaboration.
A UMass Amherst food scientist is developing designer tempeh using smart fermentation, transforming soybean meal into a high-quality, protein-rich plant-based alternative. The goal is to create a scientifically-targeted approach to produce nutritious and delicious tempeh, replacing animal meat.
Researchers have created a sturdy, lightweight material that disintegrates on-demand, using sugar and wood-derived powders. The material's strength was doubled with natural additives, making it harder than plastics but still lightweight.
The Save Our Seas Foundation has awarded a record 75 grants to support shark and ray conservation projects worldwide. The foundation's 20th anniversary year highlights growing commitment to protecting these vital ocean species.
Research explores the complex relationship between droughts, food security, and conflict in Central America. The study finds that decreases in water availability play a major role in conflict insurgences, while stable conditions of peace are more influenced by favorable socio-economic conditions.
Researchers are developing an alley cropping system to mitigate crop stress and promote soil fertility in organic vegetable production. The system involves planting trees between rows of vegetables, reducing heat extremes and improving biodiversity.
Max Planck scientists explore the possibilities of artificial intelligence in materials science, discussing how combining physics-based modeling with AI can unlock complex material designs. The research focuses on overcoming limitations of traditional methods and handling sparse, noisy data.
A pilot study in Eritrea demonstrates the importance of mapping and assessing ecosystems and their services for sustainable policy and decision-making. The research team recommends making information on ecosystem services available to stakeholders and the public to enable responsible decision-making.
A new study by Florida Atlantic University suggests that monetary policy can impact pollution, with domestic effects being more significant than international spillovers. The research found that changes in the US Fed's interest rates can reduce CO2 emissions in the short run, but not necessarily in the long run.
Researchers will use satellite data, airborne sensors, and supercomputers to evaluate the impact of tillage practices on corn and soybean yields, greenhouse gas emissions, and soil organic carbon in the Midwest region. The study aims to provide a holistic view of the effects of tillage across a large region.
Researchers have developed a plant-based film that gets cooler when exposed to sunlight and comes in various colors, promoting passive daytime radiative cooling. The material can rival residential air conditioners in cooling power and has potential applications in buildings, cars, and other structures.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute developed an ammonia-based direct reduction process to produce sustainable iron and steel, overcoming logistics and energetic disadvantages of hydrogen. The process yields the same metallization degree as hydrogen-based reduction while forming nitrides that protect the sponge iron from corrosion.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have created a method to safely synthesize the cancer-fighting molecule JA, which has shown promise in treating triple-negative breast cancer. The team found that JA inhibits metabolic activity in cancer cells, starves them of energy and building blocks, leading to cell death.
A team of researchers has designed fully biodegradable artificial muscles using gelatin, oil, and bioplastics, demonstrating potential for sustainable technology. The new materials system shows outstanding performance and is electromechanically competitive with non-biodegradable counterparts.
A new scoring system assesses pig welfare through a range of measurements, including health problems and environmental interactions. The system enables comparison across different types of pig farming and informs decisions about farm sustainability.
Researchers from Osaka University have improved the Faradaic efficiency of nitrogen reduction into ammonia at ambient pressure using trace water. This work helps optimize the sustainability of the Haber-Bosch reaction, which contributes substantially to global carbon emissions.
A recent study led by Boston University researchers found that payments designed to motivate eco-friendly behavior often don't reconcile the tension between agricultural production and the planet's health. However, including more women in decision-making boosted cooperation between farmers on environmental issues and increased output.
A team of researchers at KAUST has developed a biological method to produce size-controlled palladium nanoclusters anchored on the surface of Geobacter sulfurreducens, outperforming benchmark catalysts in water-splitting reactions. This eco-friendly approach could provide a sustainable solution for high-performance catalysis.
A recent review study led by UT Austin examines the planet's freshwater supplies and strategies for sustainably managing them. The study emphasizes the importance of recognizing surface water and groundwater as a single resource to ensure future water resilience.
Researchers synthesized a new orthorhombic Sn3O4 polymorph with a narrower bandgap, indicating higher efficiency for visible light absorption. The discovery is significant for photocatalytic reactions such as water splitting and CO2 reduction.
Researchers have successfully developed chemically stable, tunable-bandgap 2D nanosheets from perovskite oxynitrides, opening new possibilities for sustainable technologies such as photocatalysis, electrocatalysts, and electronics. The nanosheets exhibit superior proton conductivity and excellent photocatalytic activity.
Researchers have developed a microneedle-based drug delivery technique for plants, which can precisely deliver controlled amounts of agrochemicals to specific plant tissues. This method has the potential to improve crop quality and disease management while minimizing resource wastage and environmental contamination.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a propeller design optimisation method that paves the way for quiet, efficient electric aviation. The new design can reduce noise emissions by up to 5-8 dBA, comparable to going from a normal conversation voice to a quiet room.