Research on more sustainable materials and systems. Covers nature-inspired manufacturing, resource disparities, mood-supporting materials, and low-carbon concrete.
Researchers at Rice University have successfully converted asphaltene, a byproduct of crude oil production, into turbostratic graphene using flash Joule heating. This process utilizes the existing material to create useful graphene for thermal, anti-corrosion and 3D-printing applications.
Top 300 Fortune 500 firms made 72% of plastic pollution commitments, focusing on recycling over virgin plastic reduction; study finds this approach insufficient to address the plastics crisis.
Researchers found that summer rainfall and autumn-winter dry days are increasing, leading to fluvial discharge and sediment load in rainy seasons and water deficits in dry seasons. The Pantanal's complex geomorphology, including mega-fans and self-affine landforms, makes it susceptible to anthropic interference.
A transdisciplinary team of QUT researchers has proposed a multi-pronged approach to tackle plastic pollution, combining DNA-like encoding of plastics with international law. The technology aims to trace plastic waste back to its source, enabling the identification of polluters and eventual phasing out of plastics.
Researchers developed a global indicator to measure marine biodiversity based on extinct fish populations, revealing worsening extinction risk since the 1950s. Implementing management measures can reduce fishing mortality and recover tunas and billfishes, but sharks continue to face threats due to overfishing.
A recent audit by the University of Cambridge found that a third of church buildings cost more money each year than they can raise, with only one in five being financially profitable. Churches will need to find innovative ways to remain financially sustainable and be useful to communities if their future is to be secured.
Researchers at Cornell University found that FEMA's federal home buyout policies are inaccessible and inequitable due to bureaucratic hurdles. By studying regional and state programs, the team suggests that coordinating local strategies can make these buyouts more effective and equitable for all communities.
A new study finds that achieving access to minimum resources and services for all while safeguarding the Earth system requires redistribution and societal transformations. The research shows that the wealthiest individuals and societies must undergo transformative change to mitigate climate impacts, while the poor are not the primary c...
MU researchers, including Jay J. Thelen and Dong Xu, are exploring genetic modification to increase seed oil production in camelina and pennycress for biofuel use in the aviation industry. The team aims to create a sustainable 'green energy' source as an alternative to petroleum-based fossil fuels.
Researchers develop a new type of sustainable click chemistry by incorporating copper ions into biodegradable proteins, making it non-toxic to living organisms. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of greener technologies and products.
Research found that air pollution from diesel exhaust and ozone significantly reduces the reproductive success of parasitic wasps controlling aphids on oilseed rape plants. The pollutants alter plant chemistry, attracting a specific wasp species more successfully.
A new study from the University of Kansas found that while the pandemic disrupted city sustainability efforts in some cases, it also increased focus on certain types of initiatives. Nearly half of cities reported negative effects on program implementation, but 75% said sustainability staffing was not affected.
Researchers have developed perennial rice that allows farmers to plant once and harvest up to eight times, reducing labor and costs. The crop provides significant environmental benefits, including improved soil quality and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
The studies will provide evidence for a new global approach to valuing natural habitats and evaluate biodiversity in marine and urban areas. They aim to deliver on the recommendations from the Government's Dasgupta Review and support nature recovery and halt biodiversity loss.
A recent study by University of Cologne researchers found that the public is more willing to support costly climate policies if other countries contribute as well. This increased willingness is due to individuals expecting these efforts to be fairer and more effective. The team surveyed over 10,000 citizens in four countries and discov...
Elisa Riedo's team has discovered a fundamental friction law, leading to the design of two-dimensional materials capable of minimizing energy loss. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient manufacturing processes, greener vehicles, and a sustainable world.
A UK-wide study found that 60% of home-compostable plastics do not fully disintegrate in home compost bins, ending up in soil. The study highlights the need to revise and redesign sustainable plastic waste management systems.
Researchers from Shibaura Institute of Technology created a novel method to produce self-folding origami honeycomb structures using paper sheets, which can provide excellent protection against shocks and compression. The developed technique has potential applications in packaging, agriculture, and other fields.
A new book by Aston University financial regulation expert Dr Daniel Cash proposes a temporary change to the way credit ratings are decided to help poorer countries avoid downgraded ratings and borrow money for vital improvements like healthcare and infrastructure.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new self-healing composite that can repair itself in place without removal. The technology addresses two longstanding challenges, increasing the lifespan of structural components by up to 500%. This resolves limitations such as overheating and limited self-repair cycles.
Researchers from Singapore University of Technology and Design show that restoring natural water availability to the Mekong's floodplains is possible through coordination among hydropower producers. By altering dam release decisions and production plans, key components of hydrological variability can be restored, leading to improved ec...
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen develop a low-fat, more sustainable whipped cream alternative using lactic acid bacteria as building blocks. The bacteria-based foam can be whipped, peaks up, and retains liquid, making it a potential game-changer in the food industry.
A research group at Kobe University has successfully synthesized α-amino acid N-Carboxyanhydrides (NCAs), a crucial precursor for artificial polypeptides, using the photo-on-demand phosgenation method. This new synthesis method eliminates the use of toxic phosgene and is considered safe, inexpensive, and simple.
Researchers from Osaka University have developed a novel method for hydrogen purification using liquid organic hydrogen carriers, achieving high efficiency and purity. This breakthrough could increase the mid- and long-term prospects of hydrogen as a sustainable energy source.
A University of Maryland study found that stakeholders agree on the need for a decentralized approach to stormwater management but diverge on responsibility. Two groups believe stormwater poses a public threat, while the third sees it as an underutilized resource that can be managed with technology.
Researchers at KTH Royal Institute of Technology have developed a new kind of wood-based degradable plastic with semi-structural strength, enabling the replacement of fossil-based materials in home construction and furnishing. The material can be broken down without harming the environment, allowing for recycling and reuse of fibers.
Researchers analyzed three intervention strategies to mitigate mercury use and emissions in artisanal gold mining, finding that while some methods reduce emissions, others create new environmental problems. The study suggests a need for more comprehensive approaches to address the complex issues surrounding mercury use.
Researchers at UTIA are studying feed efficiency in pregnant Angus heifers to improve the overall sustainability of beef production. The team is examining the impact of pregnancy on rumen environment and nutritional changes, aiming to provide producers with strategies to improve feed efficiency and calf quality.
Marine protected areas significantly increase carbon sequestration in seagrass and mangrove ecosystems. Biodiversity and species richness also rise in preserved waters, contributing to food security and human well-being. Full protection is necessary for maximum benefits.
Research found that native predatory fish like jacks and barracuda feed on Australian mullet, an invasive species introduced to Oahu waters. This shift in diet helps control the invasive mullet population, which competes with native fish for resources.
Marine aquaculture systems can provide a nutrient-rich alternative to terrestrial agriculture, reducing ecological impact and freshwater usage. Microalgae-based aquaculture offers high protein content and micronutrients without land or water requirements.
A new framework aims to assess a building's ability to withstand extreme temperatures, incorporating factors like energy-efficient designs and occupant behaviors. The Penn State team plans to test their framework with simulations and real-world data to inform urban planning and relief services.
Researchers found that adding eco-friendly ratings on menu items increased the likelihood of diners choosing more sustainable options. The study showed a significant increase in sustainable food choices, particularly among those already motivated to act sustainably.
Major chemical companies are backing pyrolysis plants to expand plastics recycling, but environmentalists remain skeptical. The process converts plastic waste into hydrocarbon feedstocks that can be turned into plastics again, making up for the shortcomings of traditional recycling which captures only about 9% of plastics in the US.
A UMass Amherst researcher is developing an eco-friendly drift reduction agent using essential oils derived from food waste to reduce pesticide use, while also creating a potentially scalable process for plant-based seafood that mimics the texture of fish meat.
Pharmaceutical contamination poses significant risks to ecosystems due to the widespread use of medicines in humans and animals. Researchers emphasize the need for greener drug design, improved wastewater management, and responsible use of drugs.
Researchers developed sustainable concrete by replacing synthetic reinforcement with natural fibres and industrial by-products, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and landfill waste. The new material exhibits superior strength and lower water absorption compared to traditional concrete.
Researchers have successfully prepared highly dense superconducting bulk magnesium diboride with a high current density using an unconventional spark plasma sintering method. The material exhibits excellent superconducting properties, including a high critical current density of up to 6.75 x 10^5 ampere/cm^2 at -253°C.
New research highlights how logging operations have shifted to lower-value components of forests over time, raising concerns about long-term sustainability and intergenerational access. The study suggests that policy interventions can influence management paradigms and shape the distribution of forest harvesting across the landscape.
Bitcoin mining's climate damages far exceed its market value, with damages peaking at 156% of the coin price in May 2020. The study concludes that Bitcoin does not meet any sustainability criteria, highlighting the need for potential regulation to make mining sustainable.
A study by Hiroshima University researchers found that environmental performance is more strongly associated with positive peace than negative peace, particularly in equitable resource distribution. This suggests that improving environmental sustainability can contribute to achieving positive peace outcomes.
A Danish study reveals that nearly half of the population is unaware of woody biomass as an energy source, highlighting a need for public engagement on its sustainability. The study also shows strong public concerns over biodiversity and climate change, emphasizing the importance of adapting policies to minimize environmental costs.
Researchers have developed a new framework using high-throughput 'omics' technologies to detect the effects of ambient chemical mixtures on living organisms, including water fleas. The approach enables water fleas to detect bioactive components and predict toxicity in other species.
The global survey highlights intense exposure to extreme heat, water scarcity, and flooding due to climate change, with cities in developing countries facing significant infrastructure gaps. City leaders also report challenges related to private automobiles, biking, and walking, as well as budgetary concerns and mental health issues.
Researchers have identified four genes in corn and Arabidopsis that regulate root growth in response to gravity, a trait essential for drought tolerance and efficient water use. The study's approach, leveraging genomic comparisons between distantly related species, has the potential to be applied to other traits.
Researchers developed a simple, fraud-resistant method to evaluate recycled content in new plastic products by adding a fluorescent tag. The technique was successfully tested on various polymers and colors, identifying the percentage of recycled material in real-world products.
The presentation discusses how climate change affects diabetes care and emphasizes the need for a green transition to reduce healthcare's environmental footprint. Reducing environmental impact can also improve health outcomes, according to Dr. Fiona Adshead.
A team of international scientists found that many densely populated coastal cities worldwide are at risk from sea level rise due to land subsidence. The study used satellite images to estimate the rate of land sinking in 48 cities, with median speeds ranging from 16.2mm/year to 43mm/year.
Researchers have developed a novel pressure sensor using paper as the medium, achieving high sensitivity and detecting a broad range of pressures. The sensor's structure and multilayering enable conductive properties, making it suitable for flexible and wearable electronic devices in healthcare and other industries.
The need to reduce diabetes care product waste is a pressing issue, with disposable devices generating enormous amounts of plastic. Experts, including Professor Lutz Heinemann, are exploring strategies to increase recycling and sustainability in the industry.
Research from UBC Okanagan suggests that wineries can revive lagging tourism by focusing on multi-sensory experiences, such as participation in agricultural activities and workshops. This approach helps create memorable and authentic experiences for visitors, setting wine destinations apart from one another.
Researchers found that environments with high walkability and greenness increase physical activity levels. People who spent more time in these areas had the highest levels of moderate and vigorous physical activity.
Researchers found that unique coloration makes songbirds more sought after as pets, threatening their populations and the aesthetic value of nature. The study identifies nearly 500 bird species at risk due to their colors, emphasizing the need for sustainable trade regulations.
Researchers at UTIA are using a $800,000 grant from Shell to investigate the potential of winter oilseed crops as a sustainable solution for agriculture and biofuels. The project aims to identify top oilseed crops for the Mid-South and Southeast regions and develop best management practices to maximize outputs.
Researchers developed a new analytical instrument using an ultrafast laser to measure hydrogen concentration and temperature, advancing greener hydrogen-based fuel studies. The instrument's capabilities will help develop more environmentally friendly propulsion engines.
Researchers Dr Zoe Doubleday and Dr Jasmin Martino created a map of ocean chemistry that distinguishes the origin of seafood between south-east Asia and southern Australia. The universal chemical fingerprints can track where individual seafood comes from, helping to combat seafood fraud and ensure consumer trust.
Researchers aim to improve and expand Enzymatic Construction Material (ECM), a sustainable alternative to traditional concrete that can repair cracks and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The grant will also support programs to inspire girls' interests in engineering and construction, addressing the industry's gender gap.
Scientists argue that shallow-water mining is not a sustainable alternative to deep-water mining due to the removal of habitat and biodiversity loss. The authors caution that the extraction of valuable materials requires rigorous environmental evaluation before it can be declared safe and sustainable.
Late-breaking results at ESMO Congress 2022 reveal a strong association between air pollution and non-small cell lung cancer, with exposure to particulate matter linked to increased risk. The research underscores the need for environmental sustainability in oncology, particularly in cancer prevention and early detection.
A new study suggests that global fish stocks will not be able to recover to sustainable levels without strong actions to mitigate climate change and overfishing. Climate change has reduced fish stocks in 103 of 226 marine regions studied, including Canada, from their historical levels.