Research on more sustainable materials and systems. Covers nature-inspired manufacturing, resource disparities, mood-supporting materials, and low-carbon concrete.
New research from Lund University suggests that COVID-19 has exposed the tourism industry's lack of resilience to downturns and its vulnerability to the climate crisis. The study advises destinations to prioritize shorter stays, increase local profits, and rethink food services to reduce carbon emissions.
Researchers propose setting fishing targets above minimum catch levels to regulate harvests, allowing fish populations to recover. A 'blue belt' of Marine Protected Areas can further safeguard sustainability and profitability in the post-Brexit era.
A Finnish-Brazilian team uncovered evidence of a pre-colonial civilization in the Amazon that domesticated plants for food and used the environment sustainably. The research found that Indigenous peoples protected and cared for trees, including Brazilian nut and palm trees, to maintain their ecosystem.
A new study on palm oil agriculture in Borneo found that protected forest areas within oil palm plantations store up to 20% more carbon than those with no protection. These areas also boost rainforest biodiversity by conserving endangered species such as hornbill birds and dipterocarp trees.
Researchers at Osaka University have synthesized an easy-to-handle nano-cobalt phosphide catalyst that achieves efficient hydrogenation of nitriles to primary amines. The catalyst combines efficiency, cost-effectiveness, ease of handling, and reusability, offering numerous advantages in terms of cost and safety.
A new study by Cranfield University reveals that zinc alloys outperform aluminum and magnesium alloys in terms of sustainability and part lifespan. The research highlights the need for manufacturers to consider the environmental impact of their materials, even if cost is a consideration.
A RAND Corporation study found that behavioral health integration is possible in various medical practices, with adaptation to each practice's needs being key to success. Financial sustainability remains a challenge, despite the effectiveness of integration in improving patient care and reducing mental illness burden.
A Japanese government stimulus program using discount shopping coupons showed positive effects on certain consumer groups, including middle-aged people and those with higher household incomes. The study found that financial literacy reduced coupon purchases among older adults, while higher income increased purchases among younger respo...
A study by Colorado State University researchers found that microgreens are acceptable to consumers, with high scores for appearance, flavor, and texture. The findings suggest that microgreens could become a key food source for preventing nutrient deficiencies and promoting global health and environmental sustainability.
The COVID-19 pandemic is driving a global re-evaluation of values and lifestyles, leading to potential radical shifts in policy. RIHN is playing a central role in the Future Earth Knowledge-Action Network's initiative on sustainability transitions.
The study found that CPC practices significantly increased their staffing with care managers and behavioral health staff, while non-CPC practices remained relatively unchanged. The authors suggest further research on the impact of team-based care and staff composition on healthcare costs and patient experience.
Researchers found that home gardening was associated with higher levels of happiness comparable to other leisure activities. The study revealed that women and people with low incomes reported higher emotional well-being while gardening, suggesting a potential solution for equity in food action planning.
A study by University of Michigan researchers maps China's export-driven CO2 emissions to specific coastal manufacturing hubs, revealing that 1% of the country's land area generates 75% of these emissions. The findings highlight key sectors and cities driving climate change.
Warm spells in UK winters are occurring more often and for longer periods than ever before. The analysis of historical temperature data shows that week-long warm intervals now consistently exceed 13 degrees C, a threshold that was previously rare and typically occurred every 5 years.
A new biocontrol agent, Dactylopius opuntiae 'stricta' biotype, has been found to be the most cost-effective method for controlling the invasive Opuntia stricta in Laikipia County, Kenya. This approach has shown significant reduction in the number of cladodes, flowers, and fruit of affected plants.
Researchers develop cellulose nanofiber plate (CNFP), a sustainable and high-performance material replacing traditional plastics. With exceptional strength, toughness, and thermal dimensional stability, CNFP has the potential to revolutionize industries, including aerospace.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have found a way to recycle used polyurethanes into equivalent or even higher quality material, solving the issue of conventional waste lingering in landfills.
Researchers at UB and UNC Chapel Hill have developed a new evidence-based roadmap for mobile produce markets, providing step-by-step instructions for starting and running a market. The Veggie Van model has been tested through research and shown to increase access to fresh, healthy food for low-income families.
A new commentary paper highlights the urgent need to address environmental degradation using big data and technological advances. The study shows that despite increased computing speeds and data storage, the planet is still facing serious declines in forest cover and tidal flats.
Researchers found that a social marketing program, Fish Forever, increased community support for sustainable fishing practices. The program's customizable approach and community-led initiatives helped shift social norms and improve perception of management interventions.
A retrospective on the global environmental movement highlights the need for scientific collaboration with society to influence public policy. Scientists must engage across fields to drive societal transitions toward environmental sustainability.
Researchers are testing the feasibility of building roads from recycled plastics, mixed with asphalt for a safe and durable consistency. The project aims to create more sustainable roads while reducing waste and costs.
A new study found that only international trade has a net positive effect on global food systems sustainability, while population growth, urbanization, and lifestyle change have negative impacts. The study suggests that policymakers need better tools to measure and monitor food system dynamics to make them more sustainable.
A new method called consolidated bio-saccharification (CBS) can convert lignocellulose into fermentable sugars, offering a cost-effective and efficient way to produce renewable energy. Researchers believe CBS has tremendous advantages in reducing enzyme production costs and streamlining operational processes.
Researchers at the University of Bath recommend reducing the impact of existing palm oil production and supporting Certified Sustainable Palm Oil to make the industry more sustainable, as alternatives take several years to develop.
A study by University of Sydney and University of São Paulo found that 20% of malaria risk in deforestation hotspots is driven by international trade of goods like coffee, timber, and palm oil. The research calls for consumers to be more mindful of their consumption and procurement, supporting sustainable land ownership in developing c...
Professor Xavier Font, a leading expert in sustainability marketing, has been awarded €224,994 to study how governments use evidence to make better policy decisions for the tourism industry. The fellowship will focus on analyzing processes used by four tourist boards and informing the introduction of sustainability indicators for Europ...
Researchers discovered that nanoprecipitates serve as both dislocation sources and obstacles, leading to a self-hardening deformation mechanism. This sustainable approach enhances ductility and strength in structural materials.
Researchers from University of Michigan found that using a manual dishwasher with the two-basin method can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 18% compared to machine washing. They also suggest avoiding pre-rinsing and selecting energy-efficient settings to minimize environmental impact.
A European Union-funded project is using guided conversations with older adults in rural areas to identify their needs and create innovative solutions. By empowering older people, the project aims to revitalize rural communities and address issues like isolation and loneliness.
Researchers found that urban sustainability rankings neglect complex causalities and lack transparency in data gathering, weighting, and aggregation processes. The study analyzed 21 similar rankings, indexes, and tools to identify methodological weaknesses and called for caution when using these tools.
A study by the University of Nottingham found that sharing information on sustainable features increases consumers' positive emotional connection to food. The researchers tested Bambara Groundnut-based products and discovered that participants rated them higher when told about climate change and sustainability issues.
Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology have developed a palladium-based intermetallic electride, Y3Pd2, as a highly efficient catalyst for Suzuki cross-coupling reactions. The material exhibits improved catalytic activity and reduced activation energy compared to traditional pure Pd catalysts.
Scientists at the University of Bath have developed a new chemical recycling method that can break down plant-based plastics like PLA into their constituent molecules. This technology has the potential to create a circular economy by reusing carbon indefinitely, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions.
A new polyamide family has been developed from a biogenic residue, offering improved performance and lower costs compared to traditional crude oil-based materials. The synthesis process is scalable and can be conducted in one reaction container, increasing sustainability.
A Yale-led research team outlines key principles for a green chemistry future, emphasizing the importance of systemic sustainability in all chemical processes. The paper highlights recent achievements in green chemistry and its potential to revolutionize various industries, from energy generation to electronics.
This special issue of Science explores safer and more sustainable chemicals to address environmental and health concerns. Reviews argue for rethinking chemistry and considering inherent properties in early stages of design.
A three-year qualitative study found that resolving tensions between sustainability and mainstream strategies increases their legitimacy. Managers prioritized sustainability over competitive actions, with worker commitment crucial to its success.
A new study led by the University of Göttingen calls into question the sustainability claims made by large corporations like Michelin regarding rubber production. The researchers found that local villagers' reports indicated land-ownership, ecosystems, and biodiversity suffered due to deforestation and poor pay conditions.
A team of researchers developed a formula to make consistently tasty espresso while reducing waste and saving money. By using less coffee at a coarser grind and brewing faster with less water, the approach saves coffee shops 13 cents per drink and reduces waste by 25%.
A recent study published in the Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society found nearly one fifth of all spider families associated with saltwater or freshwater habitats. Aquatic spiders display a range of adaptations, including dense hairs to repel water and specialized sensory systems.
A global analysis by the University of Washington found that nearly half of the world's fish catch comes from sustainably managed stocks. Effective management is credited as the main reason for these sustainable levels or successful rebuilding.
A new project aims to connect networks of groups developing sustainable and resilient cities worldwide. The NATURA network will link early-career scholars and practitioners to share knowledge on climate change resilience.
A recent study found that conservation programs like China's Grain-to-Green Program can increase crop raiding by 64% on remaining cropland, resulting in significant economic losses. The hidden costs of conservation are being borne by poor farmers, who are also receiving lower yields and farming smaller areas.
A graduate student at the University of Tennessee has developed a new nanocellulose-based material that provides outstanding air filtration performance, with potential to remove over 99% of fine particles in air. The filter is cost-effective and environmentally friendly, making it highly promising for indoor air purification applications.
The study identifies 5 distinct world regions with varying levels of food sovereignty, diet quality, food security, and environmental sustainability. It reveals significant regional disparities and agri-food debt imbalances between countries.
An independent group of international experts concludes that transformative action is needed to address the unprecedented impact of human activities on life on Earth. The study highlights the need for a system-wide reorganization across technological, economic, and social factors to achieve sustainability.
Researchers have discovered an unusual light-dependent enzyme in microalgae that can convert organic waste oils and fats into sustainable biofuels. The goal is to develop a system that can produce drop-in fuels from waste oils and fats, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
A RMIT University study found that floral foam breaks into tiny pieces, ingested by freshwater and marine animals, causing stress responses. The vast majority of florists dispose of foam particles down the sink or drain, contributing to microplastic pollution.
A Concordia study found that using green products leads to improved consumer experiences, with participants reporting increased enjoyment and reduced social exclusion. The 'greenconsumption effect' suggests retailers can benefit by providing greener experiences, but risks of mislabeling or exaggeration exist.
Researchers found high levels of pharmaceuticals, including antibiotics, in the Nairobi river basin, posing a risk to human health and the environment. The study calls for better regulation and enforcement to ensure the environmental sustainability of growing patient access to medicines.
A new global map assesses the sustainability of food systems, considering factors beyond productivity and nutrition. The study identifies knowledge gaps and provides a standardized framework for measuring food system sustainability.
Researchers suggest forest farming as a solution to unsustainable wild collection of medicinal plants, which can lead to overharvesting and loss of ecosystems. Forest farming promotes better quality products, stable income for farmers, and increased transparency in the supply chain.
Researchers identified 120 publications on occupant-centric control (OCC), but only 42 studies included field implementation. OCC's reliance on data raises technological and privacy issues, including secure data storage and whole-building approaches.
Research reveals surface discontinuity plays a significant role in developing nearshore convection systems, sustaining precipitation in coastal areas of Korea. The study found changes in wind stress and potential temperature enable these systems, with roughness changes enhancing convergence and energy transfer.
Researchers surveyed consumers in the mid-Atlantic region to investigate wine preferences, recycling attitudes, and behaviors. The study found that about 85% of participants were willing to bring empty wine bottles to a winery for recycling. Wineries can attract younger customers by offering sustainable practices, such as recycling and...
A UMass Amherst study explores 'name bias' in seafood choices by testing students' taste preferences for local whitefish alternatives. The research aims to promote sustainable seafood options and increase demand for locally sourced fish.
Researchers at Michigan State University found that positioning employees in different units enables them to learn from innovative colleagues and adopt new skills. This approach promotes organizational learning for sustainability without the need for top-down hierarchy or extensive training.
A recent study suggests that targeting deeply held values is crucial for inspiring pro-environmental behavior. Researchers found that people with egalitarian values tend to care more about benefiting the environment, while those with hierarchical values prioritize authority and influence. The study's conclusions highlight the importanc...
A newly funded project aims to transform urban systems by developing a system for streamlining and managing vast datasets. The 'sketching' algorithm extracts essential information from raw data, creating abbreviated versions that can be consulted for research purposes.