Research on more sustainable materials and systems. Covers nature-inspired manufacturing, resource disparities, mood-supporting materials, and low-carbon concrete.
Biofortifying staple crops like rice, wheat, and maize can reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases and improve nutrition. Researchers have developed high-protein rice with elevated essential amino acids, which can also help manage blood sugar levels.
Harvard engineers develop new method to preserve long molecular chains in natural rubber, resulting in composite materials that are both stiff and tough. The innovation has the potential to cut waste, reduce tire dust pollution, and open new avenues for high-performance elastomers.
MIT researchers have created an 'EnergAIzer' method that generates reliable results in seconds, allowing data center operators to optimize resource allocation and reduce energy waste. The tool leverages patterns from AI workloads and software optimizations to provide fast but accurate power estimates.
A new framework proposes a continuum of urbanity, challenging traditional thinking about urban and rural spaces. The study explores how urban, rural, and wild features are interconnected, affecting livelihoods, ecosystems, and human well-being in the Mid-Hudson Valley region.
A new technique uses a single image to forecast solar panel energy production and maximize output. The method estimates the amount of energy that will be produced based on the angle of the sun, shadows, reflections, and weather patterns, allowing for more accurate placement and optimization of solar panels in urban areas.
The upcoming international forum will explore engineered biochar's potential to advance carbon capture and sustainable resource recovery. Recent advances in biochar design, including structural engineering and hybridization with nanomaterials, will be showcased.
Researchers at NUS CDE have developed biowaste coatings that improve the conversion of carbon dioxide into useful fuels and chemicals, achieving high selectivity rates and reducing reliance on PFAS. The coatings, made from crustacean shells, insect exoskeletons, and plant matter, offer a cost-effective pathway to climate technology.
A team at Virginia Tech developed a water-based process to create multilayer bioplastic films that are both high-performing and easier to manufacture. The method avoids toxic solvents and matches current industrial production speeds, making it viable for real-world use.
Researchers developed a heat-tolerant cutinase enzyme that combines structural rigidity with flexibility, enabling efficient degradation of PET at high temperatures. This discovery provides new insights into designing enzymes for sustainable plastic recycling and addresses the pressing issue of plastic waste.
The Universitat Jaume I and AICE have established a joint GEA research laboratory to promote joint research and innovation in environmental engineering. The lab aims to foster knowledge transfer, train PhD graduates, and collaborate with companies in the region.
The Mabuchi Laboratory won the Grand Prize at ADP 2026 for its narrative-driven design approach. The 'Keyaki Monogatari' project incorporates universal metaphors for peace and challenges capitalist society, offering irreplaceable value to clients.
Researchers propose using terrain to deter conflict while delivering environmental benefits through restored forests, wetlands, and peatlands. These interventions support carbon storage, flood mitigation, and biodiversity recovery, acting as a form of deterrence by denial.
Natalie Bennett argues that the current food system is unsustainable, with half of global calories coming from just three crops. She proposes alternative approaches rooted in indigenous experience, such as permaculture and agroecological methods.
The Journal of Fast-Track Health will publish original research on global health challenges, including communicable and non-communicable diseases. The journal aims to bridge the gap between urban and national health responses through rigorous science and practice-oriented approaches.
A new method creates flexible microsupercapacitors on vegetable-tanned leather using a CO2 laser, enabling eco-friendly and durable energy storage. The technology has potential applications in wearable electronics, smart clothing, and skin-mounted sensors.
A new JACR study suggests radiology departments should optimize use of linens and disposable supplies to reduce environmental impact and costs. The study found that linens (35%) and other single-use supplies (34%) accounted for most of ultrasound's greenhouse gas emissions.
The Frontiers Research Foundation has endorsed the One Health Data Convergence Declaration of Intent, aiming to make existing and future research data interoperable and coherent. This declaration sets out a shared framework to unlock data for the benefit of One Sustainable Health for All.
A study from Hiroshima University found that green skepticism weakens two key drivers of green consumption: seeking trustworthy environmental information and anticipated guilt about making less sustainable choices. This challenges the common assumption that skeptical consumers will investigate more before deciding on purchases.
Researchers highlight biochar's ability to outperform conventional materials in driving chemical reactions that break down pollutants and support energy-producing microbial processes. Biochar's intrinsic redox properties enable it to act as an electron shuttle, accelerating reactions.
A new method developed by researchers at the University of Cambridge uses solar-powered acid photoreforming to break down hard-to-recycle plastics into clean hydrogen fuel and valuable industrial chemicals. This approach could create a circular system where one waste stream solves another, reducing plastic waste and pollution.
A new 3D printing preview tool, VisiPrint, uses AI to generate aesthetically accurate previews of fabricated objects, reducing the need for multiple reprints and waste. The system considers material properties, layer height, and nozzle path to create realistic simulations.
Researchers discovered that carefully selecting the temperature used to produce biochar can optimize both environmental performance and compost quality. Biochar produced at a moderate temperature achieved the optimal balance between ammonium adsorption and microbial nitrification, resulting in a 46.3% reduction in total nitrogen loss.
A new study finds that over a quarter of countries won't reach the UN's 2030 child mortality target on time, with sub-Saharan Africa heavily burdened. The global rate stands at 36.72 deaths per 1,000 live births, projected to meet the target until 2035.
A team of researchers has developed rechargeable batteries using biomass-based materials, including sunflower seed shells, as an alternative to lithium-ion batteries. The batteries achieved competitive results with low environmental impact and can store sufficient energy.
Demographic changes are linked to increased household energy requirements, CO2 emissions, and financial burdens in Japan and the UK. Older single-person households have higher energy use and costs due to greater heating and cooling needs.
Researchers developed a new way to generate stable signals of light using microscopic ring-shaped devices, enabling the production of optical frequency combs. This technology has the potential to simplify system design and improve efficiency in high-speed optical communications for data centres.
A multidisciplinary team at UMass Amherst invented a fabric treated with a special photothermal dye that can help keep homes warmer over the course of a day. The technology has the potential to reduce energy costs by up to 23% and combat climate change, high heating bills and gentrification.
Researchers have developed VertINGreen, a web-based platform that transforms vertical green walls into intelligent environmental systems using remote sensing technology and machine learning. This system enables precise planning and real-time monitoring of indoor plants, reducing maintenance costs and increasing the benefits of green wa...
Scientists have created a new biodiesel process using locally sourced materials, such as algae and oyster shells. The process reduces production costs by 70-85% compared to traditional methods, making it a more sustainable alternative to petroleum products.
Researchers discovered that faster dendrite growth is associated with lower stress levels in a commonly used battery electrolyte material, revealing chemical reactions as a new culprit behind the problem. The study provides guidance for designing stronger electrolytes to make solid-state batteries successful.
A new generative AI framework predicts future urban layouts considering multiple factors. The Memory-aware Multi-Conditional generation Network (MMCN) offers a novel approach to modeling complex urban evolution, providing a powerful tool for sustainable urban development.
Researchers have successfully recycled plastic waste from derelict fishing nets and household trash into asphalt roads in Hawaii. Initial tests show that pavements made with these materials release fewer microplastics than those made with standard asphalt pavement.
A new study reveals that transforming biomass from dedicated energy crops into biochar could provide a cost-effective and scalable solution for removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping China move closer to its carbon neutrality goals. Biochar can lock carbon in soils for decades or even centuries while improving soil health.
A new report suggests that changing domestic shower and toilet habits could help close England's projected 5 billion litre daily water shortfall. The report identifies key behaviour change targets, including reporting or fixing in-home leaks, showering, and flushing toilets, and argues that effective behaviour change depends on underst...
A new study finds that multilateral development banks are failing to adequately address environmental and social risks in green hydrogen projects. The current guidelines lack hydrogen-specific criteria, leaving critical policy gaps.
A study by Jeonbuk National University researchers highlights the potential risks of chemical-enhanced primary treatment (CEPT) sewage sludge, but also shows that thermal treatment can lead to secondary heavy metal pollution. The team recommends using lower pyrolysis temperatures to enhance sustainability.
A team of researchers developed a fully biodegradable and compostable soft robotic electronic system that maintains high performance and durability during operation yet completely returns to nature after use. The system was made from a water-free biodegradable elastomer and integrated biodegradable inorganic electronic components, exhi...
Researchers discovered 30 bacterial species that break down biodegradable plastic, revealing speed and factors influencing degradation. The study highlights the importance of understanding microbial communities and plastic chemistry in plastic biodegradation.
Aging silicon-rich biochar reduces cadmium uptake in leafy vegetables, improving plant resistance to heavy metal stress. The material reshapes soil microbial communities, contributing to reduced cadmium availability.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have developed a method to transform post-consumer plastic into L-DOPA, a frontline medication for Parkinson's disease. The process harnesses the power of bacteria to break down PET waste and produce L-DOPA, providing a sustainable solution to the production of pharmaceuticals.
Multicultural intergroup dialogue improves holistic support for international students at Japanese universities. The approach, based on Intergroup Dialogue, promotes equitable and inclusive university environments, where students from diverse backgrounds interact and learn with one another.
Kyushu University researchers observed individual polymer chains' behavior on solid surfaces, revealing non-equilibrium dynamics and thermal fluctuations. The study contributes to enhancing adhesive performance and lightweighting of materials.
Researchers developed a low-cost method to transform agricultural waste into high-quality biochar, increasing its ability to store carbon and combat climate change. The new method uses limewater treatment to improve biochar production, resulting in a 34% increase in carbon retention and improved soil structure and chemistry.
The study found that the extract reduced cell damage compounds by over 75% and preserved skin health with over 60% of cells remaining alive. The researchers developed a natural dye, produced by Talaromyces amestolkiae fungus, which can be used in cosmetic formulations while maintaining safety and functionality.
A new study presents a practical and regulation-compliant design for producing biochar on farms that could dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture while permanently removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The proposed system could produce 300 tonnes of biochar annually, sequester approximately 350 tonnes of c...
The journal argues that AI can process vast datasets to detect patterns and predict climate impacts, improving pollution tracking, climate modeling, and agricultural planning. AI-driven modeling can also help policymakers evaluate tradeoffs and anticipate unintended consequences, supporting more informed decision-making.
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.