Articles tagged with Sustainability
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Experts call for a legally-binding treaty to govern Earth's orbit, citing the growing threat of satellite debris. With an expected 60,000 satellites in orbit by 2030, scientists warn that large parts of space could become unusable if action is not taken immediately.
Researchers at Anglia Ruskin University found that consuming a hydroxytyrosol-rich, olive-derived phytocomplex improved respiratory parameters, oxygen consumption, and running economy during aerobic exercise. The study also showed reduced perceived exertion and enhanced acute recovery.
The UTSA ScooterLab will collect data on riders' mobility, context and environment to improve sustainable transportation solutions. The project aims to transform the way we think about micro-mobility.
The faba bean genome has been fully sequenced for the first time, providing a genetic toolkit for breeding lines with beneficial traits. This achievement aims to improve nutritional content and sustainability of production, with a focus on increasing UK-grown pulses and promoting plant-based diets.
A new study suggests that a sustainable plastics economy is possible by increasing recycling rates to 74% and using innovative production methods, such as carbon capture and utilization. This would require a fundamental shift in the way plastics are produced, consumed, and disposed of.
Researchers have developed a new type of bioplastic film that can be rolled into a straw without getting soggy. The bioplastic, made from natural materials like lignin and starch, is stronger than plastic and can break down when no longer needed.
A Florida Atlantic University study reveals that while private automobiles remain dominant, the share of car trips has decreased since its peak in 2001. In contrast, transit, non-motorized, and taxicab trips have increased. Lower-income groups rely heavily on public transportation due to limited mobility options.
A team of BU School of Public Health researchers will study the cumulative impacts of chemical hazards and climate change on 21 communities surrounding the Mystic River Watershed. They aim to identify solutions that protect vulnerable populations from both chemical and climate stressors.
A new study from Tulane University compared popular diets on nutritional quality and environmental impact, finding that keto and paleo diets scored among the lowest on nutrition quality and had the highest carbon emissions. Vegan diets, on the other hand, generated significantly less carbon dioxide per calorie consumed.
A new study reveals climate-driven conflicts between humans and wildlife are on the rise globally, with six continents experiencing exacerbation of these conflicts. The research identifies trends in human-wildlife conflicts linked to climate change, including altered animal habitats, resource availability, and changes in wildlife behav...
A study by MedUni Vienna's Center for Public Health used GPT-3 to analyze the potential of AI in addressing societal megatrends, including digitization, urbanization, and climate change. The findings suggest that AI can improve understanding of these complex issues and provide suggestions for solutions.
Researchers are developing a deep learning model to predict where waste is accumulating in cities and how often public bins should be cleared. This can help councils optimise their waste management services, schedule bin clearances and relocate rarely used bins.
Dr. Yuliya Dzyuban's research focuses on mitigating heat impacts in cities using smart urban design, thermal perceptions, and decision support systems. Her work aims to create a digital twin called DUCT that combines human perceptions, health, and microclimate data to design more comfortable cities.