Research on more sustainable materials and systems. Covers nature-inspired manufacturing, resource disparities, mood-supporting materials, and low-carbon concrete.
A £5.4 million project, backed by Innovate UK, aims to develop a new value chain to convert industrial waste gases into sustainable materials for consumer products. The consortium, including Unilever and BASF, will seek to demonstrate how the UK can cut 15-20 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year.
Scientists at Shinshu University have created a new method for achieving structural coloring through plasma irradiation of graphite, eliminating the need for harmful color dyes. The technique produces erasable and stable colors that can be manipulated using various factors, offering a sustainable solution for the art world.
Researchers at KTH Royal Institute of Technology have developed a process to unlock soluble ferulic acid-rich dietary fibers from corn bran, a low-value sidestream. The extracted antioxidants can prevent cell oxidation and improve gut health by delivering hydrogels that counteract oxidative stress.
A new study found that 76% of global insect species are not adequately covered by protected areas. This underrepresentation is particularly concerning for critically endangered insects, with some species having no overlap with protected areas at all.
Researchers have identified two new feather mite species associated with the endangered Laysan albatross in Japan. The study provides valuable insights into the ecological dynamics of these parasites and their impact on the bird population. The findings highlight the importance of conservation efforts to protect this species.
A study found that communities experiencing sudden and significant job losses in manufacturing are less likely to engage in sustainability planning and meet sustainability-related goals. This is attributed to deep-rooted connections between industry and community identity, making it difficult for these communities to transition.
The study examines the impact of climate change and economic sustainability on drinking water management strategies. The integrated assessment framework assesses factors such as water quality, environmental changes, and potential costs to determine performance data and benchmarking.
Researchers developed a new photo-oxidation method to efficiently synthesize pharmaceutical intermediates and polyurethane from perchloroethylene, a common dry cleaning solvent. The method yields high-quality compounds with minimal environmental impact, offering a promising alternative for sustainable chemical recycling.
New biodegradable plastics can be strengthened by adding a small amount of cream of tartar or citric acid, making them suitable for bags and food packaging. The new materials are stronger than conventional bioplastics and some petroleum-based products.
Research at Linköping University reveals that larger cities' benefits disproportionately favor the successful few, while typical residents receive little to nothing. The study highlights the growing inequality within and between cities, threatening the sustainability of urban life.
A new study reveals that EU consumers are 'exporting' negative environmental impacts to their Eastern European neighbours while keeping economic benefits within the EU. The bulk of environmental pressures and impacts associated with EU consumption are felt in countries outside the bloc, with uneven distribution of costs and benefits wi...
A new report highlights the need for sustained investment in the public health workforce, which lost 40,000 positions in the 2009 recession. Strategies include ensuring diversity among students and supporting trainees within all sectors to address workforce shortages and challenges.
A new study found that Indigenous communities with formal tenure rights in Brazil's Atlantic Forest reduced deforestation and improved forest cover, outperforming territories without such rights. Strengthening self-determination rights of Indigenous peoples has been shown to be crucial for forest conservation efforts globally.
Researchers analyzed 46 waste samples and proposed production opportunities for sustainable fuels, biogas, electricity, chemicals, and organic fertilizer. The study aims to reduce food waste and its environmental impact by finding alternative uses for industrial waste products.
A new study using high-resolution land elevation data finds the biggest increases in inundation will occur after the first 2 meters of sea level rise, covering more than twice as much land as older elevation models predicted. Coastal communities have less time to prepare for sea level rise than expected.
University of Illinois scientists developed a way to accurately map tilled land in real-time using ground, airborne, and satellite imagery. The method increased mapping accuracy by 67% compared to upscaling directly from the ground to the satellite.
Researchers at the University of Adelaide analyzed DNA samples from over 100 retailers across South Australia and found four threatened shark species being sold as flake. The study highlights the need for clearer national guidelines or labelling laws to build trust across the supply chain.
Researchers at the University of Reading are working on a £2 million project to increase UK-grown faba beans in bread, improving nutritional quality and sustainability. The 'Raising the Pulse' project aims to encourage farmers to switch wheat-producing land to faba bean for human consumption.
The article highlights that forests are not just threatened by agricultural expansion, but also by the consumption of non-agricultural products and international trade. Intact forests play a crucial role in regulating climate and biodiversity, and their loss can have significant indirect impacts on carbon emissions and biodiversity loss.
Researchers believe microalgae could be a new kind of superfood due to its high protein and nutrition content. Algae can produce 167 times more biomass than corn annually while using the same amount of land, making it a more efficient food source.
A new study analyzes carbon dioxide removal quotas for developing countries, considering issues of equity and fairness. The allocation methods were based on extended equity principles and assessed the implications for these seven tropical developing countries.
Pulses are a nutritious and climate-friendly superfood that Europeans are not fully aware of or utilizing. A study by Katharina Henn reveals low consumption in Europe, with Denmark at the bottom and Spain leading the way. The solution lies in building European traditions around pulses rather than relying on meat-like substitutes.
A new framework identifies barriers and context-specific measures for plastic use and disposal, guiding policymakers in selecting effective intervention measures. The framework has been tested in Kyoto City, revealing potential desirable behavioral changes, critical barriers, and corresponding intervention measures.
A team of researchers has identified the key stumbling block of a common solid-state hydrogen material, MgH2. The study, published in Journal of Materials Chemistry A, reveals that a 'burst effect' during dehydrogenation leads to sluggish kinetics, hindering commercial application.
Researchers developed machine learning models to accurately calculate fine particulate matter in urban air pollution using AI and traffic data. The models provide a high-resolution estimation of city street pollution surface, enabling transportation and epidemiology studies to assess health impacts.
A modelling study published in Scientific Reports found that raising the minimum age threshold for trophy hunted male lions to eight years could increase hunting sustainability. This approach limits the impact of poaching and conflict with livestock owners on lion populations.
UC Berkeley chemists designed and synthesized porous materials that bind and release ammonia at moderate pressures and temperatures, saving energy. The new MOFs could enable a more sustainable fertilizer production by producing ammonia closer to farmers.
A new UC Riverside-led study reveals that drought-tolerant trees in urban areas use significantly more water than their natural counterparts. The research found that even 'drought-tolerant' species like eucalyptus and ficus increase their water intake when irrigated.
A new study finds that tropical forests recovering from logging are a source of carbon due to soil and rotting wood releasing more carbon than new growth can absorb. The study highlights the need for sustainable logging practices to minimize collateral damage.
Researchers found that people's attachment to products can lead to less sustainable behavior, as they may limit use and buy more goods. Designers should prioritize well-made, enjoyable, and age-graceful products to promote long-term engagement and sustainability.
A study by the University of Illinois Agroecosystem Sustainability Center provides new insights for quantifying cropland carbon budgets and soil carbon credits. Researchers found that high-accuracy SOC concentration measurements are needed to quantify a cropland carbon budget, but current publicly available soil datasets are sufficient...
Researchers at Pusan National University have developed a highly efficient sodium-ion battery anode using quinacridones, exhibiting high rate capability and excellent cycle stability. The new material is cost-effective and sustainable, offering a promising alternative to traditional graphite anodes.
Researchers analyzed 300 oceanographic projects funded by FAPESP, revealing a shift from USP to other institutions. FAPESP's support for long-term projects and collaborative research has significantly increased knowledge of Brazilian oceans. Deep-sea research remains a gap to be filled, requiring further collaboration and funding.
A new study examines the dual nature of skateboarding as both a polluting and sustainable activity. Skateboarders often navigate grey spaces with heavy air pollution, yet they also bring eco-friendly innovations like bamboo boards and hemp clothing to the sport.
A new study from the University of Portsmouth explores how to improve sustainable disposal of electronic waste. Researchers found that using metaphorical language, such as comparing battery pollution to Olympic swimming pools, increased recycling rates among consumers.
A test drive for an electric vehicle can strengthen a buyer's perception of themselves as an early adopter of new technologies, increasing their intention to purchase the car. However, this effect does not translate into interest in making a purchase if the test drive is seen as a status symbol.
A study by Dr Ansgar Hudde found that the Dutch cycle around twice as often as Germans during winter months due to differences in mobility culture. This is attributed to a cycling culture in Germany that only encourages seasonal cycling, whereas the Netherlands promotes year-round cycling.
A team of scientists from Michigan State University conducted a study to track the supply and demand of fish in sub-Saharan Africa, revealing surprising gaps in traditional analysis. The research found that smaller fish species like usipa were more widely available than larger species like chambo, but policies were prioritizing the lat...
A new study from Ritsumeikan University reveals the essential role of relational values in people's readiness to participate in and support sustainable social-ecological system (SES) management. The research shows that integrating relational values into SES management plans can promote pro-SES behavior among people.
A new study by Bournemouth University found that young adults in the UK are willing to change their diet for environmental reasons, but many are unclear about what changes to make. The research highlights the need for greater awareness and knowledge about sustainable diets and their impact on the environment.
A new analysis led by Dr. Asaf Tzachor finds that replacing beef with Spirulina algae can save nearly 100kg of greenhouse gas emissions, 340 square meters of land and 1,400 liters of water for every kilogram of beef meat replaced.
A study led by Flinders University has identified 18 challenges in Australia's sustainable use of groundwater, citing over-extraction and unregulated pumping as major contributors. The report calls for improved regional-scale volumetric water extraction limits and better stakeholder communications to address these challenges.
Researchers have developed a low-cost way to extract gold and other valuable metals from electronic waste, which can be used as catalysts for reactions in pharmaceutical manufacture. The process has the potential to improve the sustainability of drug production by reducing dependence on environmentally damaging mining practices.
Researchers developed a novel separator using graphene oxide, acetylene black and polypropylene to suppress lithium polysulfide dissolution and improve lithium-ion transportation. The new separator enables efficient Li-S batteries with better performance and stability.
The Faraday Institution has launched the Battery Parameter eXchange (BPX) standard to provide a common language for accurate battery modeling. Physics-based models can deliver accuracy in long-term performance but have been limited by a lack of a common definition.
Rondaxe Lake's experience is just one of thousands worldwide as lakes lose oxygen due to warming, leading to conditions like hypoxia and anoxia. This phenomenon, exacerbated by seasonal stratification, threatens aquatic life and ecosystems.
The use of real-world laboratories can facilitate knowledge exchange between science and society, enabling the development of participatory research approaches to address the complex challenges facing our oceans. By involving all relevant stakeholders in co-designing research questions and testing potential strategies, these labs have ...
A national research team, led by Simon Fraser University professor Meghan Winters, aims to create more sustainable transportation options in Canadian cities. The team will focus on improving bicycling networks and strategies to reduce speed, with a goal of supporting health, mobility, and equity outcomes.
A new study reveals that the US Midwest has seen a significant increase in cover crop adoption, with 7.2% of cropland being planted with cover crops in 2021. This is attributed to government programs and funding initiatives, which have been shown to strongly correlate with the onset of cover crop assistance.
Researchers found that small pelagic fish, such as herring and sardines, are a cheap source of nutritious seafood. These fish can provide essential micronutrients like iron, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids to vulnerable populations in low-income countries.
A comprehensive analysis of 20 US cities reveals widespread failure to incorporate equity and justice principles in green infrastructure planning. The study highlights the need for fundamental transformation in planning processes to ensure that benefits are distributed fairly and marginalized communities are involved.
Researchers have developed a metal-free photon upconversion system that transforms readily available visible light into UVB photons, enabling sustainable photochemical processes. The breakthrough enables efficient generation of high-energy UV photons without relying on mercury lamps or other inefficient alternatives.
Researchers from Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology have developed a sustainable, eco-friendly compound to stabilize high-energy density lithium-ion batteries. The microbially synthesized pyrazine diamine compound significantly improves battery performance, reducing degradation and increasing operating potential.
A comprehensive analysis of quality improvement initiatives in operating rooms reveals that sustainability interventions can significantly reduce costs and decrease carbon footprint. The study identified effective strategies such as powering down lights and equipment, reducing waste, and implementing recycling programs.
A team of WPI researchers has developed a potential breakthrough in green aviation: a recipe for a net-zero fuel for planes that pulls carbon dioxide out of the air. The fuel, made from magnesium hydride and hydrocarbon, could provide up to 8% more range than traditional jet fuel.
Researchers have developed an innovative magnetic adsorbent that can remove microplastics 1,000 times smaller than those detectable by existing wastewater treatment plants. The process takes just one hour, compared to days for current methods.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new architecture for optical neural networks, which can perform complex linear algebra operations using light signals. The new design eliminates uncorrectable errors that limited the scalability of earlier systems, enabling larger networks with improved accuracy.
Researchers from Kingston University find that foodbanks are evolving to meet growing demand with alternative models like community supermarkets and pay-as-you-feel services. These innovations aim to reduce stigma, provide choice, and make food aid more sustainable.
A new flow photo-on-demand synthesis system using chloroform as a precursor has been successfully developed by researchers at Kobe University. The system achieves high conversion rates and can synthesize various chemical products continuously in large quantities, offering a safe, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly alternative to...
A new study reports that SharkGuard, a shark deterrent device, significantly reduces the number of blue sharks and pelagic stingrays caught in tuna fisheries. The technology emits a localized electric field around a baited hook, discouraging sharks from biting without getting hooked on other fish.