Research on more sustainable materials and systems. Covers nature-inspired manufacturing, resource disparities, mood-supporting materials, and low-carbon concrete.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
A pioneering approach produces high-performance polyamides from sugar cores derived from agricultural waste, with impressive atom efficiency and recyclability
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.
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.
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.
The Ukraine-Russian war is spurring farmers to expand their croplands, leading to deforestation and habitat destruction. Informed policy can prevent this rapid expansion and protect biodiversity hotspots like Brazil's Cerrado.
Researchers observed an individual orca, nicknamed Starboard, killing a 2.5-meter juvenile great white shark within two minutes. The study challenges conventional cooperative hunting behaviors among killer whales, providing new insights into their predatory dynamics and potential impact on marine ecosystems.
Researchers utilized femtosecond X-ray crystallography to track structural alterations in PSII after laser flash illumination. The findings revealed intricate dynamics of electron transfer, proton release, and substrate water delivery, providing insights into the mechanisms underlying oxygenic photosynthesis.
Scientists at ETH Zurich have developed a novel method to extract gold from electronic waste using a protein matrix sponge. This sustainable approach yields a high percentage of gold recovery with minimal energy consumption, making it commercially viable.
Researchers have developed a low-tech method to collect rare-earth metals from spent fluorescent bulbs, mimicking lamp components with magnetic field-controlled chromatography. The process recovered 93% of the rare-earth phosphors, paving the way for practical recycling applications and sustainable technologies.
Researchers from the University of Copenhagen have developed a new method to produce protein-rich, sustainable foods with improved texture. By inserting foreign genes into cyanobacteria, they can create fibrous strands resembling meat fibers, which could be used in plant-based products.
Researchers in Canada develop a new method to control the pepper weevil using gamma irradiation. The study found that insects sterilized at 110 Gy are completely sterile and cannot reproduce, making it an effective strategy for managing this economically significant crop pest.
A global study led by the University of Surrey reveals that green spaces like parks, wetlands, and botanical gardens can cool city air significantly during heatwaves. The study found that bigger parks have a greater cooling effect, and connecting green spaces into 'green corridors' can unlock greater benefits.
Researchers at PolyU have developed a novel biomineralization strategy to prevent microbially induced corrosion on concrete for sustainable marine infrastructure. The technique isolates concrete from corrosive microorganisms, extending the lifespan of structures and reducing environmental impact.
Researchers at UBC Okanagan are revisiting old building practices to improve sustainability. They found that wood fly ash can enhance the strength of rammed earth construction, reducing sand exploitation and increasing insulation properties.
A new simulation model examines the conditions under which institutions emerge and persist, highlighting the critical role of competition and learning from out-groups. The study builds on Elinor Ostrom's design principles for successful management, shifting focus to understanding how collective property rights arise and spread.
A study by the Universities of Göttingen and Bonn found that reducing effort required to opt out of nudged options and increasing transparency of the nudge significantly improved public support for these interventions. The perception of upholding free choice and effectiveness were key drivers of acceptance.
A new study by the University of Exeter suggests that incorporating spaces for repairing and remaking clothes in shopping centers can promote sustainable fashion practices. Participants who took part in workshops reported engaging in more environmentally-oriented behaviors, such as buying fewer items and sourcing clothes ethically.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.