Research on more sustainable materials and systems. Covers nature-inspired manufacturing, resource disparities, mood-supporting materials, and low-carbon concrete.
A study published in Science found that overestimations of forest preservation in voluntary REDD+ projects result in the generation of millions of worthless carbon credits. The research team calculated that only 6% of these credits are linked to actual reductions in carbon emissions.
Climate impacts like dry summers causing tree growth reduction and increased mortality in the Black Forest. The study found a peak in tree mortality in 2019, with mortality rates exceeding 40% of sustainable annual growth.
A new study from the University of Sheffield found that households growing their own food produce more than half of the vegetables and 20% of the fruit they consume annually, resulting in a 70% increase in recommended 5-a-day portions. Households also waste less, with only 0.12 portions thrown out daily.
A new UCF project aims to examine a method to keep carbon from escaping soils and trapping heat in Earth's atmosphere. Researchers will focus on histosols in the Everglades Agricultural Area, adding fine minerals to prevent carbon release.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a method that collects and purifies water from fog simultaneously, rendering it safe for use in densely populated urban centers. The technology uses a close-mesh lattice coated with polymers and titanium dioxide to break down organic pollutants.
Researchers have successfully transformed black soldier fly carcasses into degradable plastics through a process of extraction and purification. The resulting bioplastics can absorb water and potentially address drought situations, making them a promising solution for sustainable agriculture.
The UK fashion and textile industry is set for a significant boost with a £6 million investment in sustainability research. The initiative aims to help the sector adopt more sustainable practices, reducing its environmental footprint and greenhouse gas emissions.
A £1.75m project led by Professor Chenyu Du aims to develop new processes for recovering polyester and cellulose from mixed cotton and polyester fibres. The goal is to create a roadmap towards net-zero for the textiles industry, reducing plastic waste and increasing recycling rates.
Eric Quaempts, Tribal member and Department of Natural Resources Director at Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, has been recognized for his work on First Foods management approach. He received the 2023 ESA Regional Policy Award for integrating tribal ecological approaches into natural resource management.
A breakthrough solution has been discovered to recycle blended fabrics like polyester/cotton using a simple technique involving heat, non-toxic solvent, and household ingredient. This environmentally friendly approach can recover cotton on a scale of hundreds of grams while preserving the plastic component.
The University of Tennessee Extension will host a series of workshops across the state to help agricultural producers navigate labor management. The workshop series aims to improve the economic sustainability of labor-intensive farming operations in Tennessee by reducing risks associated with attracting and retaining agricultural labor.
Researchers from Aarhus University have developed a simple chemistry method to recycle polyurethane foam from old mattresses, extracting its main components and reusing them as raw materials. The process has been repeated several times, replacing up to 64% of the mattress without impairing quality.
Natural and social scientists must work together to address the climate crisis by understanding the complex interaction between environmental and social changes. The research highlights the importance of studying tipping points in both fields to inform climate change policies and practice.
Researchers at the University of Konstanz have developed a biodegradable mineral plastic with self-healing properties, replacing polyacrylic acid with sustainable polyglutamic acid. The new material retains its positive properties and has been shown to degrade in just 32 days using microorganisms from forest soils.
A new method for polyurethane synthesis without isocyanates was developed by Kobe University and AGC Inc. using fluorinated compounds, enabling the creation of highly elastic, wear-resistant, and durable polyurethanes with improved environmental sustainability.
Designers created bespoke hospital scrubs and 3D-printed chill out pods to reduce stress and improve workplace mental health. The project, funded by WorkWell Mental Health Improvement Fund, aims to create safe environments for healthcare workers.
The project aims to develop a sustainable hemp-based supply chain in Pennsylvania, focusing on manufacturing and deployment of bio-based products. The goals include reducing greenhouse gases through carbon capture strategies and promoting diversity and inclusion.
New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) has been awarded $10 million by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to provide technical assistance for brownfield site redevelopment across Region 2 and 4. The program aims to empower communities to assess, clean up, and redevelop contaminated sites into sustainable assets.
The EU-funded SUPERVAL project aims to convert post-combustion gases into valuable resources, reducing pollutants while generating chemicals. The technology involves solar-driven electrochemical conversion of CO2 into an organic molecule and transformation of NOx and N2 into ammonia.
A new catalyst developed by Politecnico di Milano increases esterification reaction efficiency while minimizing environmental harm. The discovery reduces reliance on finite resources and eliminates the need for energy-intensive activation methods.
Researchers have developed a method to produce pharmaceutical precursors from biorenewable β-pinene, a waste by-product from the paper industry. They successfully created paracetamol and ibuprofen using this compound, presenting a potential alternative to crude oil-based products.
A recent study finds that most phosphorus stakeholders have significant doubts about the sustainability of existing systems, citing concerns over environmental impact. To advance phosphorus sustainability, stakeholders emphasize the need for new regulations, improved management practices, and innovative technologies.
Researchers at Nagoya University developed a nanosheet device with the highest energy storage performance yet seen. The device achieved a 1-2 orders of magnitude higher energy density while maintaining high output density and stability over multiple cycles.
Researchers at Shibaura Institute of Technology have developed a faster way to synthesize CoSn(OH)6, a powerful catalyst required for high-energy lithium–air batteries. The new method uses solution plasma-based synthesis and achieves highly crystalline CSO crystals with improved catalytic properties.
A nationwide study found that social and organizational factors play a critical role in shaping sustainable behaviors among employees. Employees are more likely to act sustainably at work if they feel supported by their company and coworkers. The study also uncovered a link between eco-friendly behaviors and higher job satisfaction, su...
Researchers at Cornell University have developed a novel strategy for making recyclable polyolefins by introducing masked double bonds, known as 'Trojan horse' functional groups. These polymers can be chemically deconstructed and re-polymerized without losing quality.
Researchers at MIT have developed a superabsorbent material that can soak up record amounts of moisture from the air, even in dry conditions. The material is made by infusing hydrogel with lithium chloride and has shown to absorb and retain unprecedented amounts of water vapor.
The article discusses the challenges of reducing agricultural greenhouse gas emissions to zero, but found that technology can help farmers lower pollution by up to 45 percent. The study proposes using carbon-free energy sources, sustainably produced bioenergy, and techniques to capture emissions from these energy sources.
A team of researchers from China and the UK has developed new ways to optimise the production of solar fuels by creating novel photocatalysts. These photocatalysts, such as titanium dioxide with boron nitride, can absorb more wavelengths of light and produce more hydrogen compared to traditional methods.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have devised a chemical transformation called phosphorus fluoride exchange (PFEx), which efficiently assembles complex molecules. This click chemistry method uses phosphorous as a connector, inspired by biology's use of phosphorus in DNA and energy-storing molecules.
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.
A team led by Dr. Alex Harkess is using genomics to unlock the full potential of industrial hemp for sustainable production of fiber, protein, and oil. The project aims to create non-GMO hemp seed bred for multiple markets, leveraging traditional breeding, modern genomics, and agronomic expertise.
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 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.
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.