Research on more sustainable materials and systems. Covers nature-inspired manufacturing, resource disparities, mood-supporting materials, and low-carbon concrete.
Researchers found that many eco-labeled Chilean sea bass sold in US groceries were not sustainably sourced from the recognized fishery off South Georgia. The study revealed genetic variations in the fish, indicating possible mislabeling and mixing with other species.
Consumers are willing to pay a premium for sustainable and ethical products from apparel companies that practice transparency. However, skepticism about corporate claims of sustainability persists due to suspicion of marketing ploys. To build trust, consumers demand standardized authentication from authorities like the government.
A global study found that seven out of 61 species are threatened, with the southern bluefin tuna being one of them. The main factors contributing to this are the fish's high dollar value leading to heavy fishing pressure and their slow reproduction rate.
A study by Michigan State University found that farmers are more likely to reenroll their land in a conservation program if they talk to their neighbors about it. Farmers who interacted with each other were willing to reenroll more land, with over 15% more land being reenrolled after 10 interactions.
A study published in Fish and Fisheries reveals that 28% of cod products sold in Ireland are mislabeled, compared to 7% in the UK. The research found that most mislabeled products were less expensive fish species substituted for cod.
The Ecological Society of America honored seven distinguished ecologists with awards, recognizing outstanding contributions to research, education, and public service. Thomas G. Whitham received the Eminent Ecologist Award for his work on individual variation in ecology, while Donald Strong was recognized for his editorial leadership a...
Research findings suggest that appealing programming benefits and financial support are key factors in attracting arboreta members. The study recommends providing discounts on educational programs and hands-on workshops to appeal to members, particularly women with higher education levels.
A Fulbright scholar is studying the ecological theory of Patagonian lakes in Argentina's Andean heights, focusing on nutrient chemistry and planktonic inhabitants. The research aims to establish a baseline for understanding lake nutrient supplies in 'ancestral,' pre-development conditions.
Two winning projects were selected to provide clean and sustainable water to communities in need. The Tagore-SenGupta Foundation project will install arsenic removal units in remote villages and schools in Cambodia, while Jenna Forsyth's project focuses on low-resource chlorine generation for safe drinking water in western Kenya.
Three teams of Tufts graduate students have won $10,000 from the Dow Sustainability Innovation Student Challenge Award program for their research on clean water, renewable energy, and green medical technologies. The winners will use their prize money to develop solutions to pressing global challenges.
The US EPA is collaborating with the United Nations University to develop strategies for managing electronic waste (e-waste) in Africa and Asia. The five-year agreement will support research, tracking, data collection, analysis, and information sharing to improve e-waste refurbishment and disposal.
Fiorenzo Omenetto, a Tufts biomedical engineer, has been awarded the prestigious Guggenheim Fellowship to develop bioresorbable optical and electronic components. His research focuses on silk-based photonics, which could address unmet needs in medical, food safety, and environmental applications.
CMAJ states that Canada's federal election should prioritize quality health care delivery over sustainability. The six aspects of high-quality care include safety, effectiveness, patient-centred care, timeliness, efficiency, and equity. A national electronic health record system is vital to ensuring quality care.
Three winning solutions were selected from 64 submissions, including triple fortifying salt and microencapsulation of folic acid, aiming to improve interventions for preventing infant mortality and birth defects. Scientists Without Borders will now work with the solvers to advance their ideas into viable and scalable interventions.
A study found that commercial laundry detergents and hand washes may contain up to 97% plant-based carbon, while some 'green' products contained significantly less. The research used radiocarbon dating to analyze the carbon content of products and revealed inconsistencies between product claims and actual composition.
A three-year project led by the University of Strathclyde aims to create portable devices that can analyze air samples from valuable items without touching them. The technology uses 'sniffing' artefacts to understand the composition and condition of objects, with potential applications for museums and collectors.
Researchers found that forests managed by local users are more likely to have higher biodiversity and provide greater economic benefits. The study analyzed over 80 forest sites in six tropical countries and found that formal recognition of local user rights is crucial for sustainable management.
Researchers at Michigan State University have created innovative computer models that can accurately monitor changes in wildlife habitats over time. These models utilize remote sensing technology and can be used to track various changes, including the effects of human activities on habitat quality.
Jason Julian, a University of Oklahoma geography professor, has been awarded a Fulbright fellowship to research the impact of land use changes on optical water quality in New Zealand rivers. His study will explore connections between landscape characteristics, land use, and water clarity over the past 20 years.
A University of Michigan study found that more people believe in 'climate change' than 'global warming', with a difference driven by partisan orientation and question wording. Overall, 74% believed climate change was real when referred to as such, while 68% did so when called global warming.
Researchers are studying how social networks can be leveraged to effectively communicate sustainability science and make informed decisions. By analyzing the structure of social networks, scientists can identify key influencers who can spread information and have a dialogue with them.
A team of international experts has established a unified approach toward measuring sustainability, identifying valid and reliable indicators to evaluate progress and proposals. The framework aims to promote common language and measurements globally.
A recent study emphasizes the importance of considering urban dynamics, national policies, and economic globalization when researching tropical deforestation. The researcher argues that current models are too simplistic, ignoring the complex feedback loops between human decisions and environmental changes.
The symposium explores the shrinking distance between humans and nature, with increased trade and technological advancements having significant consequences for environmental sustainability. World-renowned experts will present on the topic of telecoupling, highlighting new dynamics in human-nature interactions.
A new survey suggests that over 90% of former oyster reefs have been lost worldwide, with the majority being found in North America. The decline is mainly attributed to over-harvesting and disease, highlighting the need for improved mapping efforts and sustainable fishing practices.
The University of Oklahoma is establishing an Institute for Water and Sustainability, including the Oklahoma Water Survey, to benefit Oklahoma and the nation. The institute will provide research and data for informed decision-making regarding water conservation and use.
A study finds that community-based co-management is key to sustaining aquatic resources and the livelihoods of communities depending on them. Co-management involves sharing responsibility for resources between governments and users, leading to successful and sustainable fisheries worldwide.
Community-based co-management is a promising solution for sustaining world's fisheries, according to new study. The approach shares responsibility between government and users, fostering social cohesion, clear incentives, and protected areas.
Dr. Paul Anastas, known as the 'Father of Green Chemistry,' will discuss the importance of sustainability principles in business operations. The conference focuses on sustainable technologies and practices, including water reuse, natural resource management, and product life cycle assessment.
A new analysis by ACS suggests that banning toxic substances in toys and children's products is crucial. The authors recommend government action, including restrictions on well-documented toxins, and industry-wide efforts to establish safe production practices.
Research from the University of New Hampshire found that walkable neighborhoods have higher levels of social capital, including trust among neighbors and participation in community events. This study suggests that designing neighborhoods with accessibility can lead to increased social benefits and improved quality of life.
Researchers confirm that US western states' unsustainable water practices are causing long-term environmental costs, with salt usage linked to $2.5 billion in crop revenue losses and high-quality produce prices rising.
Researchers found that both the Southwest and Southeast have insufficient water resources to support human needs, leading to a reliance on imported virtual water. The study highlights the need for new strategies in water storage and conservation across the US, particularly in regions with inland metropolitan areas.
A recent study has found that media coverage on HIV/AIDS in developed countries has decreased by over 70% since the 1990s. Meanwhile, attention to climate change has increased significantly, potentially diverting resources away from addressing socioeconomic issues like malaria and poverty.
Researchers at the University of Leeds and Manchester are conducting a £1.5 million project to inform sustainable urban transport planning by 2050. The STEP-CHANGE project will gather data on household travel behavior and analyze it with historical records to develop new tools for sustainability.
A Michigan State University study suggests that urban farms and community gardens in Detroit can supply local residents with a majority of their produce. The study found that a combination of these spaces could provide over 75% of the city's vegetables and 40% of its fruits.
A new analysis by ACS Environmental Science & Technology warns of a toxic toys crisis due to hazardous substances in children's products, including lead and cadmium. The report recommends banning or restricting the use of toxic substances and industry-wide measures to ensure product safety.
A new University of California, Davis study suggests that the global oil supply will run dry within 90 years, far before replacement technologies are ready. The forecast is based on market capitalizations and dividend payments from publicly owned oil and alternative energy companies.
The University of Houston is collaborating with the Mexican Institute of Greater Houston on a $2 million federal grant to provide broadband education and training to underrepresented communities. The project aims to improve digital literacy, increase internet adoption, and enhance economic growth among minority populations.
A team of Pitt and Carnegie Mellon researchers are leading a $2 million federally funded project to improve life-cycle assessments and predict environmental impacts. They aim to redesign the scientific method guiding sustainable construction and develop a digital simulator to predict a structure's ultimate footprint.
China's rapid growth has led to significant environmental challenges with worldwide implications, emphasizing the need for a systems approach to tackle these issues. The country's biodiversity is threatened by extinction, and climate change requires global cooperation to develop low-emission industries.
The MU Healthy Lifestyle Initiative is helping communities make healthy living easier by increasing access to affordable, locally produced foods and safe physical activities. The initiative has seen positive changes in four initial counties, including schools and local farms participating in Farm to Cafeteria and farmers markets.
A group of experts from UBC and Scripps Institution criticizes the MSC for failing to promote sustainable fishing practices, citing concerns over declining fish populations and high-impact methods like bottom trawling.
Sharon Walker, a US engineer, partnered with Ben-Gurion University in Israel to develop innovative approaches to water management. The collaboration aims to enhance global competency of graduate students and faculty through research and education.
Four Tufts graduate students have won $10,000 from the Dow Sustainability Innovation Student Challenge for their research into sustainable solutions to global challenges. The winners proposed innovative projects on topics such as clean water access, food security, and animal species decline.
A new manifesto calls for a radical change in the global innovation agenda to address poverty, environmental degradation, and inequality. The report recommends policies to increase transparency, accountability, and inclusive innovation, with diverse stakeholders involved.
Researchers studying two isolated Pacific atolls find diverse marine life populations in response to different fishing pressures. At Palmyra, a protected US wildlife refuge, high densities of sharks and large fish are found, while Tabuaeran, inhabited by 2,500 people, hosts lower fish populations due to artisanal fishing.
Michigan State University environmental scientist Jianguo Liu argues that China needs strong leadership and institutional innovations to achieve sustainability. He highlights the importance of integrating natural and social science research to understand complex interactions between humans and the environment.
The researchers' technology uses electricity to purify contaminated concrete, injecting nanoparticles that form a protective barrier around steel reinforcement. This enhances corrosion resistance and reduces the need for costly repairs or replacements, making it a significant step towards sustainable infrastructure.
Primitive recycling processes used in developing countries contaminate air, water, and soil with pollutants like dioxins and toxic cyanide. Alternative solutions, such as paying recyclers not to recycle or promoting repair and reuse, are proposed to address the growing e-waste problem.
A Michigan State University scientist warns that China and India's growing economies and populations will significantly impact the global environment unless they work together. The two countries are urged to exercise environmental stewardship to ensure future economic growth.
The Journal of Family Business Strategy aims to contribute new knowledge and understanding to the field of family business. The journal publishes research that addresses how family influences business and vice versa.
The Decision Theater offers a systems approach to decision-making, combining diverse perspectives to create flexible solutions. By focusing on decision-makers' needs first, experts can identify optimal short-term and long-term solutions.
Arnim Wiek, an assistant professor at Arizona State University, is working to develop solutions for the sustainability challenges facing society. His research focuses on scenario building and visualizations of future pathways, with a goal of empowering decision-makers to think in alternatives.
Tom Bowman has developed a series of graphics that translate key figures from the IPCC report for public audiences, making scientific information accessible. The new format aims to help institutions, corporations, educators, and consumers understand climate change risks and opportunities.
The article discusses the potential of sustainable Earthship design in reducing environmental impact. Researchers argue that these self-sufficient homes can provide long-term shelter and financial independence, but still rely on technological systems for resource production.
Researchers are developing methods for conservation and repair of architectural heritage using traditional lime plaster, improving the sustainability of historic buildings. The Nordic Building Limes Forum conference aims to promote the use of lime mortar and traditional craftsmanship in both historic and new builds.
A Kansas State University geographer is researching how rural communities define and implement sustainability to improve civic and business leader decisions. She found that some leaders have a clear understanding of the term, while others struggle with its meaning.
A UK study finds that young volunteers feel disconnected from environmental conservation work due to lack of training in both conservation and youth work. The report calls for more coordination between voluntary sectors and youth services to support skills-building and regeneration policies.
A recent study found that adding a wood stove to a home can significantly reduce heating costs, with savings ranging from 25% to 60%. The carbon emissions associated with wood stoves are also negligible, making them a more environmentally friendly option than traditional gas heating systems.