Research on more sustainable materials and systems. Covers nature-inspired manufacturing, resource disparities, mood-supporting materials, and low-carbon concrete.
Researchers found that ecolabelling had no impact on consumer choices for sustainable seafood, instead leading to increased overall seafood sales. Social norms and price played a significant role in purchasing decisions.
Researchers discovered that coated nanoparticles can form sticky structures when interacting with living organisms, leading to new properties and potential impact on cells. The study's findings may help scientists engineer nanoparticles that are 'benign by design', reducing environmental and health risks associated with nanomaterials.
A new study by North Carolina State University reveals that wineries with more sustainable practices experience better financial performance when they feel competitive pressure. Conversely, those without significant competitive pressure are more likely to adopt new sustainability measures.
Researchers estimate bottom trawl footprints on continental shelves and slopes up to 1,000m in depth. Sustainable fisheries management may provide collateral environmental benefits by reducing trawling footprints in regions meeting international benchmarks for sustainable fishing rates.
Scientists from California Academy of Sciences discover a new species of reef fish with vivid pink and yellow stripes, found in remote Brazilian archipelago. The discovery sheds light on the vast ocean habitats that remain unexplored and highlights the importance of protecting these ecosystems.
The study found that shark catches have increased by more than double since six decades ago, leading to almost 60% of shark species being threatened. Sustainable fishing practices are challenging to enforce in the high seas, particularly in unmanaged fisheries of less economically developed countries.
The University of Minnesota is leading a new multi-university project to explore how to make interdisciplinary research more common and effective. The two-year project, funded by the National Academies Keck Futures Initiative, aims to identify best practices for embedding interdisciplinary approaches in institutional reform.
A new AI-powered workflow enables scientists to systematically and sustainably evaluate large amounts of high-resolution deep-sea images. The workflow, developed by GEOMAR researchers, uses machine learning algorithms to automatically detect features such as manganese nodules in the seafloor.
A new study by the JRC found that adopting a healthy diet could reduce the water footprint by 11-35% for meat-based diets, 33-55% for pescetarian diets, and 35-55% for vegetarian diets. This shift towards a more resource-efficient vegetable-rich diet is crucial due to the high water footprint of animal products.
A new study reveals that mass coral bleaching on the Great Barrier Reef impacted both shallow and deep reefs, highlighting the vulnerability of the ecosystem. The research found substantial bleaching effects on deep reefs, despite their depth providing some protection from thermal anomalies.
Researchers at George Mason University propose a 12-step model to finance social determinants that could lead to significant cost savings for healthcare stakeholders. The model aims to incentivize sustainable funding for services like reliable housing, nutrition, and transportation, which are crucial for future health outcomes.
A team of Michigan Tech students has developed a method to recycle lithium-ion batteries using old mining technologies, resulting in inexpensive and energy-efficient processes. The process separates valuable materials like lithium, graphite, and cobalt, making them suitable for remanufacturing into new batteries.
A study by the University of York suggests that small-scale fishing vessels are underutilized and need support to ensure sustainable fisheries in England. The researchers argue that a length-based definition of scale is flawed, as it doesn't account for fishing capacity.
A large-scale analysis of vessel interactions exposes potential for illegal activities like drug smuggling and human trafficking. Transshipment, a common practice in fisheries, lacks regulation and transparency, hindering sustainable management.
A group of 12 University of Michigan faculty members propose a new analytical framework for studying the global food system, focusing on ecology, equity, culture, and human health. This shift in focus is needed to address the unsustainable nature of current approaches to solving the global food crisis.
The ARDITEC project from the University of Seville has developed an open-source computing tool to calculate CO2 emissions in each phase of a building project. This allows for a global picture of a building's carbon footprint and informs sustainable construction decisions.
The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) is funding seven new research units and two new humanities centers focused on pressing issues in various fields. The research units will explore topics such as quantum thermodynamics, sustainability, and pruritus, while the humanities centers will investigate the reciprocal influences of religi...
A new family of enzymes has been discovered that can convert plant waste into high-value products such as nylon and bioplastics. The research also offers additional environmental benefits by creating products from lignin, a previously waste material.
A £374,000 UK Government grant will support Ethiopian communities in developing sustainable natural resource management systems, resulting in reduced deforestation rates. The project aims to market valuable forest products, such as cardamom and wild chillies, to improve villagers' livelihoods.
The University of Texas at Arlington's Ali Abolmaali is leading academic review of public work policies in Fort Worth. The project will assess various infrastructure needs, including pavement reconstruction, storm drainage, and water pipe durability, to improve the city's sustainability and efficiency.
A new Michigan State University study found that disaster recovery policies must consider the livelihood portfolio of families to avoid long-term devastation. The research focused on the 2008 Wenchuan Earthquake in China, where rebuilding efforts inadvertently worsened poverty and environmental degradation.
Researchers from Singapore University of Technology and Design have successfully developed sustainable 3D printing using cellulose, a widely available organic compound. The new material, FLAM, is strong, lightweight, and inexpensive, with a production cost 10 times lower than traditional plastics.
Researchers at the University of Leeds have developed a new technology to extract anthocyanins from blackcurrant fruit waste for use in renewable dyes. The resulting hair dye is non-toxic, water-soluble and provides great colour results with minimal potential risks.
A new study by Imperial College London highlights the difficulties in guaranteeing 'deforestation-free' palm oil products, citing complex supply chains and a lack of consensus on what constitutes deforestation. Researchers suggest that certification schemes like RSPO can help, but more effective solutions are needed to ensure sustainab...
Researchers from SUTD have developed reprocessable thermosets for DLP-based high-resolution 3D printing, enabling structures to be reshaped, repaired, and recycled. This breakthrough addresses the environmental implications of vast waste in 3D printing materials.
Researchers at IST Austria propose using disk space instead of computational power to secure blockchains, reducing energy consumption and promoting sustainability. The 'proofs of sequential work' approach has the potential to revolutionize blockchain design, offering a more eco-friendly alternative to traditional proof-of-work systems.
Chemists at Colorado State University have discovered a polymer with high molecular weight, thermal stability, and mechanical properties comparable to conventional plastics. The new material can be recycled back to its original state under mild lab conditions, paving the way for a circular materials life cycle.
A new composite material made with graphene is stronger and more durable than traditional concrete, while also significantly reducing its carbon footprint. The innovation has the potential to modernize the construction industry worldwide.
Researchers at UEA are part of a £5 million EU-funded project to revolutionize the fishing industry, focusing on AI and machine learning to improve efficiency and reduce ecological impact. The SMARTFISH-H2020 project aims to develop high-tech systems for sustainable fishing practices.
A new research project aims to support small-scale fisherman livelihoods while achieving national and international conservation goals. The project builds on the successful Lyme Bay project, which showed that conservation gains can be achieved while benefiting local fishermen.
A study reveals that cyclist accidents are increasing due to inadequate infrastructures and risk behavior from drivers and cyclists. The research found that 47.2% of serious injuries occur on conventional urban roads, highlighting the need for improved road safety education and infrastructure design.
The Mississippi Delta has experienced high net land loss over the past century due to human activities and sea level rise. A new study reveals that only a small portion of the delta will be sustainable in the future, as growth rates were much lower than current land loss rates.
Researchers at the University of Delaware created a biodegradable shoe using mushrooms, chicken feathers, and textile waste. The shoe's sole is made from a bio-composite material that can be composted, reducing waste in the fashion industry.
A study by David Casagrande explores the attitudes and perception of flood risk in US coastal communities. Residents employ rationalizations such as scapegoating and social comparison to avoid making difficult decisions, rather than taking steps to mitigate damage. This research highlights the importance of addressing individual belief...
A novel blueprint for faster implementation of more evidence-based healthcare solutions has been designed and implemented. The Agile Implementation methodology provides a catalytic platform for transforming the current healthcare delivery system into a patient- and family-centric, high-reliability model.
Indonesia's anti-IUU fishing policies have successfully kick-started fishery recovery without reducing local fishing effort or catch. The country's policies reduced foreign fishing in its waters by over 90% and total fishing by 25%, generating a 14% increase in catch and a 15% increase in profit by 2035.
A new study found that despite the Philippine government's ban on destructive fishing methods in 1932 and 1998, many fishers continue to use explosives and poison, causing significant damage to coral reefs. The research suggests that ensuring young fishers engage with sustainable fishing methods is crucial to reducing this harm.
A new UC Santa Barbara-led study found that ending overfishing can promote population recoveries for many endangered species caught incidentally as bycatch. In about half the cases, overexploiting these mammals, turtles and birds occurs because we're also overexploiting the target species.
Researchers found that sustainably managing fisheries can halt declines of seven to 13 bycatch populations, but not eliminate bycatch completely due to other factors. Maximizing fish stocks can increase global fishing yields by up to 15% and associated profits by as much as 80%.
Researchers have discovered an eco-friendly method for recovering valuable plastics from electronic waste using N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) as a solvent. This approach recovers up to 89% of polycarbonate from cell phone plastic and can be reused multiple times.
Researchers have developed a detection system for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by modern museum artifacts, allowing for non-invasive monitoring of their preservation status. The system uses gas-chromatography/mass-spectrometry to identify characteristic VOC patterns, enabling the classification of degradation states.
A new study from McMaster University suggests that smartphones and data centers will be the most damaging information and communications technologies to the environment by 2040. The research highlights the significant emissions impact of the ICT industry, driven primarily by production and operation.
A recent study by GFZ scientists found that German night lights increased in brightness, except for Thuringia, which showed a decrease. The reason behind this trend is still unknown, but researchers suspect it may be related to the transition from older lighting technologies to LED lamps.
A new study reveals that allowing pets to roam outdoors can lead to a decrease in perceived environmental friendliness among bird lovers on social media. Even though property owners exhibit sustainable practices, those with outdoor cats are judged less environmentally concerned.
A mathematical model has been developed to explain how new ideas emerge, using Heaps' law and complex networks to analyze the discovery process. The study reveals that innovations often arise in clusters and are strongly correlated, providing insights for effective interventions to nurture sustainable growth.
Leaders who champion community health workers and a culture of innovation are key to their integration into medical home care teams. Community health workers' diverse roles, including outreach, education, and system navigation, can improve patient outcomes despite growing awareness needs.
A Michigan State University student examines the impact of grain size and niche breadth on species distribution modeling, finding that relying solely on expert opinions can lead to inaccurate predictions. The research aims to promote more extensive testing and data-driven approaches in conservation.
A new theory explains how cooperation can lead to sustainable resource use by fostering tight-knit groups under high pressure to preserve resources. This is illustrated through the examples of Maine's lobster and blueberry industries, where cooperation has helped maintain populations and livelihoods.
A new study estimates that sustainability certification significantly reduced deforestation in Indonesian plantations, saving 21 square kilometers of forests from destruction. However, the actual area conserved was surprisingly small, and more robust protection is necessary to effectively conserve tropical forests.
Researchers studied the effect of palm oil sustainability certification on deforestation in Indonesia from 2001-2015. Certification was found to significantly reduce deforestation, but had no effect on peatland forest loss or fire activity.
Researchers at Arizona State University propose a spectral analysis tool to predict fisheries production and inform flow management strategies in the Mekong basin. A new study suggests this tool could provide innovative solutions for preserving river flow and biodiversity conservation in developing countries.
The study investigates how consumer ethnocentrism influences the purchase of food products with local, regional, or traditional features. It finds that consumers highly value these products and their levels of ethnocentrism are sometimes related to effective purchases.
Scientists have made progress in creating more sustainable plastics from plants, but developing recyclable materials remains a challenge. Degradable plastics face difficulties degrading in natural environments due to varying factors such as humidity and microorganisms.
The World Scientists' Warning to Humanity has been updated 25 years after its initial issuance, warning of catastrophic biodiversity loss and widespread human misery if urgent steps are not taken. The authors highlight areas where reined-in human behaviors can move the Earth's systems toward sustainability.
A survey of urban homes in Raleigh, North Carolina found that high-traffic rooms with many windows and doors harbor more insect diversity. The study also revealed that neighborhood affluence plays a role in hosting a greater variety of species. Human behavior, including tidiness, had a minimal impact on bug communities.
Researchers at Bielefeld University's CeBiTec are developing novel methods to produce sustainable compounds using microorganisms, aiming to replace fossil fuel resources in the long term. The center has received €4.8 million in funding for three international cooperative research projects.
A new study suggests that standard ways of measuring well-being and sustainability in communities may be missing critical information, leading to missteps in management actions. The authors propose alternative approaches using indicators grounded in the values of a particular community.
A recent study by the University of Huddersfield reveals that UK SME jewellery producers are vulnerable to rogue traders due to their reliance on trust when sourcing materials. The research highlights the need for these businesses to develop policies on sustainability and sourcing to gain a competitive edge in the global marketplace.
A new study reveals that Amazonian communities with access to healthy fish stocks and large areas of intact forest do not empty their forests through sustainable subsistence hunting. However, large-bodied species and those forming large groups are depleted near communities, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts.
The documentary highlights New Orleans' efforts to create a master plan for future events as the 'canary in the coal mine' for climate impacts. The city's unique situation, with the Mississippi River altered after the great flood of 1927 and land sinking due to sea-level rise, underscores the need for planning and resilience.