Articles tagged with Sustainability
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
The authors propose a metacoupling framework to uncover complexities in the real world, providing an integrated way to analyze human-nature interactions globally. This approach recognizes that global catastrophes have broader, faster impacts than traditional lenses can capture.
Kaunas University of Technology researchers collaborated with citizens to create a sustainable takeaway food package made from cardboard. The innovative design features heat-resistant materials, adjustable inserts, and clear recycling instructions, reducing plastic waste and promoting environmental responsibility.
A team of researchers from Kyoto University and Cameroon used camera trap surveys to predict the total biomass of large rodents and duikers in southeast Cameroon. They developed six candidate indicators, including the ratio of red duikers to blue duikers, which showed positive linear correlations with total bushmeat biomass.
A new paper from Concordia University's Next-Generation Cities Institute outlines the challenges and realities of sustainable real estate development. The study identifies key stakeholders and building life-cycle processes to reduce carbon footprint. Cities can use municipal policies and incentives, such as fast-track zoning and densit...
Researchers led by Cornell University are evaluating the potential of making the stratosphere 'brighter' to cool the Earth. They use geoengineering simulations to assess the impact of injecting sulfate aerosols, a known pollutant, on climate change mitigation strategies.
A new study reveals that shark depredation is increasing in the Maldives shark sanctuary, resulting in significant catch and income losses. Fishers who experience greater losses due to depredation show reduced support for conservation efforts, highlighting the need for more inclusive approaches to manage conflicts.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a new type of lignin that can improve the strength and recyclability of carbon fibers. When combined with polyacrylonitrile, the lignin-based material has shown record-breaking tensile strength and enhanced mechanical properties.
Researchers will conduct a national survey to identify barriers to adopting price risk management tools and assess perceptions of tool effectiveness. A free mobile application will be developed to provide information needed for making informed decisions, aiming to improve US beef cattle producers' economic sustainability.
Researchers at Stockholm University have developed a novel value chain to produce textile fibers and biofuel from fast-growing poplars. This sustainable approach enables the conversion of marginal land from cotton to food production, minimizing water consumption and supporting global food security.
Researchers at Aarhus University have developed a new and inexpensive way to recycle polyurethane (PU) plastic by breaking it down into its original components. The method uses a simple chemical reaction involving alcohol, caustic potash, and an autoclave, making it cheaper and more scalable than previous methods.
A new study by the University of British Columbia suggests that BC's ocean contributed around $4.9 billion to provincial GDP in 2015, with marine transport sector making the highest contribution. However, this estimate is likely an underestimate due to excluded ecosystem services and cultural value.
A team of scientists from the University of Illinois Chicago discovered that hydrogen ions, not zinc, cause damage to manganese dioxide in rechargeable aqueous zinc-manganese batteries. This finding challenges existing knowledge about the charging mechanism and opens up new strategies for improving battery sustainability.
Experts are optimistic about converting coal plants to production of clean geothermal energy, citing the number of enabling technologies coming online. The potential market is substantial, with around 4,200 coal plants worldwide, many of which can be repurposed due to advancements in technology and a lack of economic incentive.
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University have discovered two defense methods in wild emmer wheat that can protect cultivated wheat from insects. The wheat produces a poison called benzoxazinoid and has a coating of 'hairs' that prevent insects from burrowing, allowing for improved pest resistance
The INFEWS program, funded by the National Science Foundation, trains UCLA graduate students to solve food, energy, and water system challenges in urban centers. Students work with a diverse team of faculty and participate in site visits to learn about sustainability efforts in Los Angeles.
A systematic review of 301 academic articles identified 227 unique linkages between cultural ecosystem services and human well-being, including 16 distinct underlying mechanisms. The study found that positive interactions through nature, such as recreation and aesthetic value, contribute to improved mental and physical health.
Researchers developed a more sensitive approach to detect atomic-level structural damage in materials, enabling longer operational lifetimes for nuclear reactors. The new technique uses differential scanning calorimetry to measure energy changes within materials, revealing two mechanisms involved in radiation damage at elevated tempera...
Researchers at the University of the Basque Country have developed a nasal plug using soy protein and chitin from food industry waste, which promotes haemostasis and is biocompatible. The new material has shown superior mechanical and haemostatic properties compared to current gold standard nasal plugs.
Researchers develop novel bioremediation technology using plant-derived material to adsorb and dispose of PFAS chemical pollutants. The technique has potential for commercial applications, offering a cost-effective solution for cleaning up environmentally persistent substances.
A new study by University of Bath psychologists found plant-based meat alternatives cause lower greenhouse gas emissions, require less agricultural land, and have better nutritional profiles compared to animal products. These findings support the use of plant-based products as a healthier and more sustainable solution for consumers.
A water-activated disposable paper battery has been developed by Gustav Nyström and colleagues, which can power a wide range of low-power, single-use devices. The battery's performance is maintained by adding water, releasing charged ions that generate an electrical current.
Binghamton University researchers have developed a way to turn CDs into flexible biosensors that can monitor electrical activity in human hearts and muscles, as well as lactate, glucose, pH, and oxygen levels. The sensors are fabricated in 20-30 minutes without toxic chemicals or expensive equipment, costing around $1.50 per device.
A new study suggests that reducing sugar consumption through sugar taxation policies can have significant environmental, social, and economic benefits. Redirecting existing sugar cropland to alternative uses like biofuel production could lead to emissions reductions of up to 54.3 MtCO2e per year.
A new study by Cornell University reveals that larger organic farms use fewer sustainable practices than smaller ones. Larger farms are more likely to use efficiency-boosting agroecological practices, but less likely to adopt environmentally friendly methods.
Researchers at MIT develop a biodegradable system based on silk to replace microplastics added to agricultural products, paints, and cosmetics. The new material is made from widely available and less expensive silk protein, which can be dissolved using a scalable water-based process.
Researchers found 61 out of 86 species threatened with extinction, with coastal sharks facing greatest conservation concern. Increased protections and international trade regulations are crucial to prevent extinctions among these species.
Researchers develop a new method to assess inconsistencies in mercury trade data for ASGM, highlighting potential illegal and informal mercury use flows. The study identifies inconsistencies in Hg trade statistics in African, Central and South American, and some Asian countries.
A recent study analyzed volunteer motivations in invasive species projects and found that motivations fit three broad themes: environmental concerns, social motivations, and personal reasons. Volunteers are driven to protect native biodiversity in their valued areas, such as Scottish seabird islands and South African Fynbos.
Scientists at Flinders University have discovered a simple and effective method to extract high-value bioactives from single-cell algae oil using waste sulfur. This process can enrich saturated triglycerides, which are valuable for various applications, including biodiesel production.
Researchers have created a biodegradable seaweed-derived film that effectively absorbs sounds in the range of human voices, traffic, and music. The agar-based composite films outperform traditional acoustic foams in terms of sound-absorbing qualities.
A study by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign found that an individualized diet program can help people lose extra pounds and keep them off. The program uses easy-to-use tools to empower dieters to make informed choices about their food intake.