Articles tagged with Sustainability
Romain van Wassenhove has created a sustainable bamboo connector that can be used to make modular structures out of sustainable materials. His invention is EU patent-protected and has been published in Composite Structures, a leading journal for composite materials and their applications.
A recent study found that non-tiered customer loyalty programs create a more sustainable customer base and reduce customer fall-off and turnover. The program's effectiveness lies in its ability to nurture long-term relationships with customers, rather than increasing frequency or spending.
The Humboldt Research Fellowship supports outstanding international researchers in climate-protecting projects. Five new fellows, including Pablo Urbina and Dr. Nusrat Sultana, will conduct research on Participatory Guarantee Systems and mango genome research in Germany.
Researchers aim to create a sustainable material design framework to mitigate pathogen exposure in drinking water. They will examine graphitic carbon nitride, a non-metal material with antimicrobial properties, to develop a cost-effective solution for treating drinking water.
An Indigenous Māori framework offers a new perspective on managing and conserving Antarctica, focusing on responsibilities rather than rights. This approach acknowledges the intrinsic link between human well-being and the environment, promoting reciprocal and sustainable relationships with the continent.
Construction firm Nationwide Engineering has made history by pouring the world's first sustainable graphene concrete slab in a commercial setting. The innovative material is strengthened by 30% compared to standard concrete, significantly reducing material use and carbon footprint.
Scientists call for stronger focus on understanding sand use and extraction to achieve economic and environmental justice. A new approach considers the interlinkages of sand supply and demand, linking extraction, processing, distribution, economics, and policy to reduce negative impacts.
Researchers examine how governments use stakeholder commissions to legitimize their transition policies, finding similarities and differences between the two countries. Both Canada and Germany face challenges in phasing out coal due to job losses and regional concerns.
Researchers confirm presence of two distinct but interbreeding species of caecilians on São Tomé island. The study suggests that volcanic activity may have driven the divergence of the limbless amphibians around 300,000 years ago.
A new study by Stanford researchers found that access to nature increases people's physical activity and overall health in cities. The research provides a framework to map the physical health benefits of urban green spaces, which can help city planners design more effective parks and green spaces.
Bamboo cricket bats offer improved performance, including increased strength and energy transfer, according to a recent University of Cambridge study. The research also highlights the potential environmental benefits of using bamboo, as it is more sustainable and requires less waste during manufacture than traditional willow.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have created flat-packed pasta that forms into familiar shapes when cooked, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional pasta. The pasta's unique grooves control its shape, allowing for reduced packaging, storage, and transportation needs.
A study by Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) found that personal opinions on purchasing security, environmental protection, and work conditions play a significant role in deciding whether to shop online or locally. The study used microeconometric models to analyze the shopping habits of 1,400 consumers in the Middle Upper-Rhine R...
Researchers mapped forest composition and vulnerability in Central Africa, finding some areas more sensitive to climate change than others. The study suggests that preserving diversity of forest types is essential for sustainable management policies and fighting against climate change.
Researchers propose marketing sewing as a wellbeing activity and using technology to encourage consumers to adopt slower fashion habits. The study suggests that creating spaces for clothing repair on high streets could help reduce fast fashion's negative environmental impacts.
A new study measures US diets' water scarcity footprints, with meat consumption accounting for 31% of the impacts. The top contributor is beef, followed by tree nuts and high-water-intensity fruits and vegetables.
A global analysis of protected areas found that only 30% of forest loss in protected areas has been prevented, highlighting the need for improved enforcement and targeted conservation efforts. Protecting forests is crucial for sustainability, and scrutinizing protected areas across the globe can help direct efforts to the right places.
Researchers propose that luxury goods possess a unique trait of being durable, allowing consumers to buy fewer, higher-end products that will last longer. Marketers can help consumers focus on durability by emphasizing the long-lasting nature of high-end products.
Researchers found that consumer resistance stems from the disruption of social practices, such as shopping, rather than individual behaviors. To overcome resistance, policy makers should focus on changing these practices, not just individual actions. The study provides a framework for designing practice-based sustainability interventions.
Researchers discovered four species of 'serpent coral' with distinct ecological differences, including varying depths and physiological traits. This hidden diversity has implications for reef conservation, highlighting the need for a holistic approach to protect vulnerable ecosystems.
A new study by Stanford-led researchers finds that aquaculture has made significant strides toward sustainability, but more oversight is needed to ensure economically viable systems. The industry's impact on the environment and its ability to deliver on its promise are being reevaluated.
The summit, to be held April 26-28, will bring together Nobel laureates and leaders to explore actions to achieve a more sustainable future. The event aims to mobilize action on issues like climate change, biodiversity loss, inequality, and technological advancements.
A study by Queen Mary University of London found that combining subsidies with behavioral interventions led to a 24% reduction in weekly carbon emissions. Subsidizing low-carbon emission meals was more effective than using carbon taxes or traffic light labelling alone.
Research at ETH Zurich found that defaulting to green electricity increased demand by over 80% in private households, with a significant impact on business customers as well. Despite higher costs, the majority of customers stuck with green options, demonstrating the lasting effect of default settings.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have successfully extracted the rare and valuable isotope promethium-147 from plutonium waste. This process not only reduces disposal costs but also provides a new source of the isotope, which has applications in nuclear batteries, medical imaging, and space exploration.
Researchers have developed innovative sustainable materials mimicking the texture and look of cowhide leather without using livestock or synthetic chemicals. Plant-based materials, mushroom leather, fish skin, and cell-culture leather are gaining attention among manufacturers.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a conductive cellulose thread that can be used to create electronic textiles. The thread is made from sustainable and non-toxic materials, making it suitable for a range of applications, including healthcare and the textile industry.
A new study using genetic techniques found that both large and small fish play a crucial role in sustaining fisheries. The researchers discovered that older fish are more fertile and contribute significantly to replenishing populations.
The MIT Press has launched Direct to Open, a groundbreaking model that shifts the focus from market-based sales to collaborative library support. This initiative aims to increase accessibility and impact of scholarly research, while promoting sustainability in book publishing.
A recent study from the University of South Australia highlights the need for a shift away from disposable coffee cups due to their significant impact on landfill waste. The research emphasizes the importance of education, awareness, and infrastructure development to drive sustainable change.
The paper synthesizes five leading frameworks of urban ecology to advance global urban science and achieve sustainability goals. By integrating knowledge from different disciplines, the framework offers practical tools to assess sustainability planning and improve human-environmental wellbeing.
Isabel Barton is developing a more proactive approach to extraction by applying detailed characterization methods to quantify relevant ore properties. Her research aims to link these properties to leaching results, leading to more efficient mining operations worldwide.
A study by Heidelberg University researchers found that over 60 million buildings and four million roads were added to OpenStreetMap between 2008 and 2020, primarily in low- and medium-human development regions. However, these areas still account for only a small percentage of mapped data due to socio-economic and demographic factors.
Researchers used bacteria Bacillus cohnii to create self-healing concrete that can repair small fissures within 28 days, extending the lifespan of structures by up to 4 times. This innovative material is particularly relevant for construction in seismically risky areas and high-humidity regions.
Scientists at TU Dresden have discovered that the dried flowers of St. John's Wort can catalyze photochemical reactions, showcasing a promising green and sustainable method for chemical synthesis. The discovery utilizes the plant compound hypericin as an active compound in chemical reactions without prior chemical processing.
Researchers are studying ways to reduce waste in the seafood industry by using market incentives, with a focus on Mexico's SmartFish program. The study found that while the model improved sustainability, it also introduced new points of waste, including plastic packaging.
Researchers found bioplastics' carbon footprint is larger than estimated, with Thailand being an exception. The study suggests careful assessment of bio-based production to understand potential sustainability risks.
Researchers mapped regions with high numbers of undersized fish and crustaceans, which are typically discarded due to size limits. This helps identify areas for fishing restrictions to ensure more sustainable fisheries and conservation efforts.
A Basque cheese researcher warns that the decline in grazing practices poses significant threats to the production of Idiazabal cheese. The Lactiker group is working to improve yield while maintaining high quality through various technological and biochemical processes.
The Earth Leadership Program has announced its 2021-22 North American cohort of 21 outstanding academic researchers committed to sustainability. The fellows will work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders and develop transdisciplinary projects to address the world's most pressing sustainability challenges.
KIT researchers have developed biodegradable printed displays using natural materials and industrially relevant production methods. These displays are compostable and can be reused or recycled, reducing electronic waste and environmental impacts.
The York University-hosted conference will bring together scholars, educators, and policymakers to discuss global contexts and working in transdisciplinary teams towards a sustainable future. The conference aims to tackle concerns around sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation in international student mobility.
FishChoice guides consumers to maximise nutrient intake while minimising exposure to chemical pollutants, promoting sustainable seafood consumption. The new version provides advice in the form of a traffic light to help users choose safe and sustainable seafood options.
A global team of scientists warns that humans face a catastrophic future due to environmental degradation, population growth, and political inaction. The researchers highlight the urgent need for concrete changes to mitigate these threats, including ending fossil fuel use and empowering women.
Researchers at UC Santa Barbara offer approaches for sustainable expansion of the US seafood industry, citing challenges from trade wars and COVID-19. They recommend 'precise and strategic fisheries reforms' to address complexities and promote growth.
Bath scientists and industry partners are developing a way to chemically break down mixtures of plastics into their constituent molecules, enabling more efficient recycling. The team is also exploring automation of the process to enhance efficiency.
A new study from the UBC Sauder School of Business finds that crowdfunding activates an interdependent mindset in consumers, making them more responsive to social good options. Researchers conducted experiments where participants were offered products with different benefits, including social good and performance benefits.
A comprehensive analysis finds that traditional salmon fishing practices and governance show promise for rebuilding resilient fisheries. Indigenous communities' focus on terminal fisheries and selective fishing tools can deliver better results for all communities.
A McGill University-led research team analyzed over 200,000 groundwater samples and found that current guidelines may need revision to reflect modern uses and technologies. The study suggests that existing wells already encroach on 'bases of fresh water' and brackish waters exist within current groundwater basins.
Terry Papoutsakis, University of Delaware professor and Unidel Eugene Du Pont Chair, was named a fellow of the National Academy of Inventors. He holds over 16 patents and contributes to sustainable manufacturing and human health through his work on microbial engineering tools.
Researchers have developed a new definition of sustainability that recognizes the interdependence of living beings and their wellbeing, expanding the concept to non-human species and their needs. This new approach has wide-ranging applications in fields such as landscape planning and urban greenspace design, aiming to enhance human-wil...
Dr. Eric Beckman, a renowned engineer at the University of Pittsburgh, has been recognized as an NAI Fellow for his groundbreaking research in molecular design, biomedical polymers, and sustainability. His work aims to create new knowledge that benefits human health and the environment.
Researchers at UBC Okanagan have conducted extensive wind testing on tall mass-timber buildings and found that they can withstand high-wind events up to 20 storeys. However, for taller buildings, aerodynamic and structural improvements are needed to address excessive wind-induced motion.
Researchers have developed a sustainable material called regenerated isotropic wood (RGI-wood) from surface nanocrystallized wood particles. RGI-wood boasts improved mechanical properties, fire retardancy, and electromagnetic shielding capabilities compared to natural wood and petroleum-based plastics.
A five-year study by University of British Columbia Okanagan researchers found that recycled concrete performs as well as conventional concrete, with comparable strength and durability. The innovative material can be a 100% substitute for non-structural applications and may eventually replace traditional construction methods.
Researchers from Kanazawa University have developed a new procedure to reduce the use of rare metals in pharmaceutical and chemical syntheses. The study found that benzylic organoborates can perform tertiary alkylative cross-coupling reactions without using rare elements, paving the way for a more sustainable chemical industry.
Researchers developed sustainable shotcrete mixes with improved durability, using granulated blast furnace slag and ultrafine limestone powder to increase resistance against sulphate attack. This reduces maintenance costs and extends tunnel lifespan, making shotcrete a more environmentally friendly material.
A new study suggests that ecotourists' motivations may be shifting from environmental and social concerns to the desire for social media-worthy experiences. Researchers found that travelers prioritize taking good photos over sustainability and education, threatening the long-term sustainability of ecotourism destinations.
The EU's climate-neutral goal may be undermined by high imports of agricultural products from countries with lax environmental standards. The study recommends harmonizing sustainability standards and reducing fertilizer and pesticide use to achieve global sustainability.
A team of scientists at the University of California, Santa Cruz, has developed a cost-effective new aquaculture feed that eliminates conventional fish meal and fish oil ingredients. The new feed provides better fish weight gain, higher nutritional value, and improved human health outcomes.