Articles tagged with Sustainability
Researchers in Oman have launched a pilot seaweed farm to evaluate the commercial feasibility of cultivating native seaweed species. The project aims to establish a scalable and sustainable blue-economy sector based on marine biotechnology and aquaculture innovation.
A new study reveals major blind spots in global sustainable research, overlooking key strategies and sectors needed to address the environmental crisis. The study finds that sustainability researchers are neglecting potentially powerful actors, including civil society, and failing to assign clear responsibilities across sectors.
A new study by Manchester researchers argues that directional terms like 'upcycling' and 'downcycling' can skew perceptions of plastic sustainability. The study suggests that a more nuanced approach is needed to evaluate the environmental impact of recycling technologies.
Researchers explore how METs convert organic waste into electricity, fuels, fertilizers, and usable water. Pilot deployments demonstrate its potential to reclaim energy from 359 billion cubic meters of wastewater annually.
Emerging microbially-powered technologies can convert up to 35% of wastewater's chemical energy into electricity and extract valuable nutrients. This approach could power agriculture, global sanitation and its own treatment, while reducing pollution and overcoming regulatory obstacles.
A thriving edible garden in Brisbane attracts thousands daily, offering a blueprint for local governments to provide fresh food as a public service. The Epicurious Garden boosts biodiversity and provides education, inspiration, and sensory enjoyment, connecting people with nature.
A new study suggests that applying biochar to rewetted peatlands can improve long-term carbon storage while reducing the need for highly stable biochars. Rewetting peatlands slows decomposition and helps prevent carbon loss, allowing more of biochar's carbon to remain stored over time.
A new study reveals disparities in urban shade levels, leading to greater health risks and exacerbating the 'heat island' effect in cities. Wealthier neighborhoods tend to have more trees, resulting in better shade provision for pedestrians, highlighting a consistent link between wealth and neighborhood tree abundance.
Researchers at the University of Waterloo have discovered a way to convert microplastic waste into acetic acid, the main ingredient of vinegar, using sunlight. The breakthrough offers a promising new approach to reducing plastic pollution through photocatalysis, creating a valuable chemical product.
La Trobe University researchers developed a new way to measure and report farm environmental performance using Farm-scale Natural Capital Accounting. The method combines production data, remote sensing, ecological modeling, and on-ground assessments to deliver transparent and verifiable farm-scale accounts.
A new monitor tracks the energy transition in Hungary, finding that roughly half of companies increased their share of low-carbon electricity, while others continued to rely on fossil fuels. The study suggests that size, revenue spent on fossil fuels, and initial investments influence a company's willingness to switch to electrification.
Researchers have developed a new method for cleaning oil spills using massive fire whirls, which can burn through crude oil nearly twice as fast as in-situ fire pools. The results show that fire whirls produce 40% less soot and consume up to 95% of the fuel, leaving fewer harmful particles behind.
A new framework introduces the Water Sustainability Index (WSI), a transparent, quantitative metric designed to strengthen corporate water accountability worldwide. The WSI evaluates corporate water withdrawals, consumption, discharge quality, and reuse while accounting for local water scarcity.
The Olympic Games' substantial carbon footprint highlights the need for a profound overhaul to comply with the Paris Agreement. Researchers recommend scaling down events, reducing air travel and increasing use of renewable energy to achieve ambitious emission reduction targets.
A recent study reveals that discretionary foods, including sweets and soft drinks, account for nearly one-fifth of Finnish households' total food expenditure. This has significant environmental implications, contributing to climate change, freshwater eutrophication, and land use.
The study reveals that redefining the concept of electrode-electrolyte interphase layers can improve battery stability and performance. Researchers found that careful control of interphase properties through materials choice, electrolyte formulation, and binder selection can significantly extend battery life.
A study from Lund University found that a climate-friendly diet rich in plant-based foods like wholegrains, legumes, fruit, and vegetables leads to better nutritional status compared to traditional diets. Despite lower meat consumption, most participants achieved sufficient amounts of key vitamins and minerals.
The survey found that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to sustainability in floriculture, with each sector having unique needs and goals. Healthy majorities of respondents already recycle containers and use LED lighting, while sectors differ in their interest for future sustainable practices.
Wachs was recognized for his work on mixed oxide catalysts that guide the rational design of solid catalysts for air pollution remediation, sustainable energy, fuels, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. His election to the NAE honors his contributions to chemical engineering and the modern field of operando molecular spectroscopy.
Researchers have created a process to produce clean hydrogen from freshwater and seawater using liquid metals powered by sunlight. The method avoids many obstacles in current hydrogen production methods, including the need for purified water and high costs. The team is working to improve efficiency for commercialization.
Researchers at King's College London and San Diego State University identified the molecular interactions that give spider silk its exceptional strength and flexibility. The findings provide general design principles for developing high-performance, sustainable fibers.
Researchers developed a comprehensive framework for dynamic digital product passports to track lifecycle changes in perishable goods, enabling earlier interventions to prevent spoilage and reduce waste. The technology could support more circular supply chains and improve transparency across food and drink supply chains.
MIT engineers have designed a 3D-printed floor truss system made from recycled plastic, which exceeds building standards set by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. The printed flooring can hold over 4,000 pounds and weighs about 13 pounds per truss, making it a lighter alternative to traditional wood-based trusses.
A team of mechanical engineers has created a wood-based material that can store and release heat to make building temperatures more comfortable. The phase-change material reduces the need for air conditioning by harnessing excess heat from the environment.
Researchers propose redesigning health systems in the Brazilian Amazon to account for climate change, extreme weather events, and food insecurity. They suggest integrating traditional knowledge and care practices adapted to local communities' specific needs.
Agricultural waste from crops like wheat, rice, and maize can act as a powerful carbon sink when diverted into construction products. The study finds that these materials can store carbon for decades rather than releasing it within months.
The study maps where and how millions of animals may be affected by heat stress in Europe. Regional differences were found, with southern European countries such as Italy, Spain, Greece, and Romania likely to face significant impacts.
Researchers at Sultan Qaboos University successfully demonstrated large-scale spirulina production under local conditions, reducing reliance on imported nutritional products. The project opens opportunities for industry collaboration and contributes to national goals of sustainability, food resilience and economic diversification.
A new study by IIASA and UN-Habitat finds that citizen science can strengthen urban sustainability monitoring, particularly for issues like air quality and community wellbeing. The analysis reveals that many indicators remain incomplete and are reported mainly at national level.
Researchers at Florida Atlantic University have developed a patent-pending shark deterrent that can be used to reduce bycatch in fisheries. The device produces an electric field that repels sharks from bait without affecting target fish, and has been shown to reduce catches of coastal sharks by 62-70%.
The study highlights ten key trends shaping vocational education worldwide, including innovation-driven development, faculty development, and digital transformation. The research suggests a shift towards dynamic lifelong learning systems driven by technology and sustainability.
Researchers at the University of Rochester have developed a new way to harness the properties of tungsten carbide as a catalyst for producing valuable chemicals and fuels. The method, which involves carefully manipulating tungsten carbide particles at the nanoscale level, has shown promising results in reducing costs and increasing eff...
A team of researchers from Chonnam National University explores how boosting consumer trust can increase adoption of second-life EV battery tech. They found that transparent safety inspections and tailored messaging can improve adoption outcomes.
A research team at UNH uses unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to monitor corn fields, providing insights into crop yields and disease risks. The study demonstrates the ability of UAV imagery to differentiate between corn varieties with high accuracy.
A study by Chungnam National University finds that climate adaptation can significantly reduce migration from drought and armed conflict in Africa. Countries with stronger adaptive capacity experience lower migration levels during crisis conditions, highlighting the importance of policies addressing environmental and security threats.
The AI Polis platform offers a city-level coordination system to design, prioritize, and scale projects that improve urban life while staying within planetary boundaries. By connecting technology, policy, finance, and environmental science, it guides cities in strengthening communities while protecting the planet.
Researchers at Jeonbuk National University have developed a new dual-chemical looping process that improves the efficiency of ammonia synthesis by 8.4% and reduces global warming potential by up to 15.85 kg CO2-equivalent per kilogram of ammonia produced.
The American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) received the 2025 Glenview Environmental Sustainability Award for Innovation, recognizing its commitment to clean energy and reduced emissions. The organization's solar panel installation at its headquarters powers medical simulation facilities using renewable energy.
The study demonstrates large NIR modulation using low-cost sodium electrolytes, comparable to lithium-based systems, with efficient heat-shielding performance. This breakthrough offers a practical solution for thermal regulation in diverse climate conditions.
Researchers have designed an electrode that captures airborne CO2 and directly converts it into formic acid, outperforming existing electrodes. The system demonstrated utility in ambient air conditions, making it a promising strategy for integrating CO2 capture into practical industrial applications.
Researchers develop synthesis method for metal-single atom catalysts that boosts electrolysis-based hydrogen production. The new method produces high purity H2 with only oxygen as a by-product and demonstrates outstanding catalytic performance.
The United Nations University reports that many regions are living beyond their hydrological means, with critical water systems already bankrupt. The study defines 'water bankruptcy' as persistent over-withdrawal from surface and groundwater relative to renewable inflows and safe levels of depletion. This has resulted in a growing list...
The conference will feature sessions on biochar innovation and real-world impact in materials science, environmental policy, and sustainable agriculture. The journal Biochar and Carbon Research are also being promoted.
The new manual provides comprehensive guidance on designing permanent bamboo structures, covering topics such as fire safety and durability. It aims to support the global use of bamboo construction, a low-carbon alternative with remarkable mechanical properties.
Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University found that only 0.2% of used PCFs are washed into rivers, while 28% end up back on beaches near direct drainage points. The study highlights a significant 'sink' in the global circulation of plastics and sheds light on the complex transport of microplastics.
A study by Binghamton University reveals that most renters in the US are unable to access energy efficiency improvements, leading to higher heating costs and poorer health. The 'split incentive' issue, where landlords prioritize profits over upgrades, is a major barrier to change.
New study reveals how circular economy startups create new opportunities by reducing their environmental impact, engaging in experimentation and feedback-driven development. The research highlights three key practices that reshape markets and influence the competitive landscape for larger players.
A new global study finds that nearly half of livestock production occurs in areas with destocking, a process that poses new ecological and land management challenges. Destocking can increase wildfire risk and biodiversity decline, but also enables ecosystems to capture more atmospheric carbon dioxide.
Scientists developed a cost-effective method to produce 3-Hydroxypropanoic acid (3-HP), an industrial chemical used in disposable diapers, microplastics, and acrylic paint. The new process using engineered microbes to ferment plant sugars into 3-HP has been validated for commercial potential.
A study at Kindai University has identified a single gene in eggplant that provides resistance to begomovirus infection. This finding holds promise for developing naturally protected crop varieties, reducing the need for insecticides and promoting sustainable food production.
A novel osmium-based photocatalyst effectively captures long-wavelength visible light, improving solar-to-hydrogen energy conversion efficiency. The new material can harness a broader range of sunlight, generating more excited electrons to enhance hydrogen-evolution performance.
A global study of 2,636 firms across 31 countries found that stronger ESG disclosure and performance correspond to higher intrinsic value. This aligns with theoretical analysis and signaling theory, highlighting the need for companies to communicate substantive progress honestly.
Scientists develop corrosion-resistant alumina-forming ferritic alloys that exhibit outstanding mechanical properties and oxidation resistance, potentially transforming energy systems and nuclear reactors. These materials offer economic feasibility while maintaining high reliability and could accelerate adoption in practical applications.
Academician Yu-Zhong Wang's team proposes a novel recycling method that degrades polyethylene into oligomers, which are then assembled with functional monomers through dynamic imine bonds. The resulting material exhibits excellent mechanical properties and multiple functions such as flame retardancy, antistatic properties, and UV shiel...
Researchers from UCL discovered a way to grow bacterial cellulose from beer waste, creating edible scaffolds for cultivated meat. The new approach could make lab-grown meat more sustainable and cost-effective.
Rebuilding coral reef fisheries can help fight global hunger and improve nutrition by increasing sustainable fish yields by nearly 50%. Countries with higher malnutrition indexes can benefit most from recovered reef fish stocks, which could provide enough servings for several million people annually.
A new review reveals microwave-assisted pyrolysis can produce advanced carbon materials from biomass and waste in a fraction of the time, with improved performance and sustainability. This technology offers a powerful alternative for building next-generation materials needed for carbon neutrality.
Researchers at Pusan National University have discovered a new, faster method for treating lightweight magnesium metals using electropulsing technology. The technique, which involves applying electric pulses to the metal, can accelerate grain growth and improve mechanical properties.
The article introduces the concept of an Energy and Environment Nexus as a web linking energy services, human well-being and environmental health. It proposes four imperatives of energy: power intensity, energy density, cost and scale to determine practical and sustainable energy systems.
Researchers from the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia have developed a life cycle-verified roadmap to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in laser powder bed fusion. The study provides a tiered, cumulative action plan that factories can adopt incrementally, making measurable progress towards sustainability.