Articles tagged with Sustainability
A survey of scientific literature on micro- and nanoplastics in human health identifies key challenges and proposes best practices for analysis, including digestion treatments and shape considerations. The study aims to improve our understanding of plastics' impact on human bodies.
Researchers at Institute of Science Tokyo found that exposure to water vapor enhances oxide-ion mobility by increasing interstitial oxygen ions, nearly doubling the oxide-ion conductivity at 500 °C. This breakthrough could advance the development of efficient and durable fuel cells for clean energy applications.
The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework sets robust targets for protecting marine biodiversity, addressing its complexity and variability. By focusing on key indicators such as species distribution, genetic diversity, and ecosystem structure, policymakers can track changes and implement effective conservation measures.
Researchers consider natural rubber's potential as a sustainable material for flexible sensors, self-powered systems, and energy harvesting devices. The study aims to enhance natural rubber's electrical and mechanical properties while minimizing its environmental impact.
Researchers call for global hunt to identify 'positive tipping points' that can trigger rapid reductions in emissions and environmental harm. Experts believe a method to find these points can help accelerate the green transition.
The two universities are sharing high-end research equipment, including microscopes and atom probes, to foster deeper collaboration and joint research projects. This will lead to higher-quality research, faster innovation, and more effective industry engagement.
Researchers used machine learning to identify iron-containing compounds that can be added to polymers, making them more resistant to tearing. The study could lead to more durable plastics and reduce plastic waste.
A new study highlights an opportunity for China to take the lead in fluorocarbon lifecycle management, which could prevent up to 8 billion tonnes of CO2-equivalent emissions by 2060. By implementing strategies like recovery, recycling, and reclamation, China can reduce more than half of residual refrigerant emissions.
Scientists have developed a novel technique to track the behavior of cellulose nanofibers by conjugating water-compatible fluorescent amino acids, enabling easy viewing without background signals or disruptions. The method uses a covalent bond to increase stability and visibility, opening up opportunities for various fields of study.
The São Paulo School of Advanced Science in Systems Change and Sustainability brings together leading academics to discuss cutting-edge knowledge on sustainable transformation. Applications will be selected based on résumé, academic transcript, letters of recommendation, and proposal submission.
A cross-cultural study of 800 people from 37 countries found that tourists from rule-based cultures like China and India support green features in B&Bs more strongly. In contrast, Western cultures prioritize rooftop gardens over eco-friendly facilities. The study highlights the importance of considering cultural values when marketing s...
A recent study estimates that scuba diving generates $0.9 to $3.2 billion in annual revenue, employing 124,000 people, 80% of whom are locals. This industry funding supports marine conservation initiatives and boosts local economies.
Research led by University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa researchers found that Indigenous agroforests in Fiji offer a more nutritionally diverse food supply when they have greater ecological diversity. The study highlights the importance of Indigenous knowledge and management practices in supporting environmental resilience and human nutrition.
Hospital and nursing home food are found to be lacking in healthy plant-based options, with too many refined grains, added sugars, and saturated fats. The study recommends reducing animal-source foods and increasing plant-based options to improve both human and planetary health.
The Sustainability Accelerator at Stanford University has selected 41 new projects spanning biology, agriculture, electricity, industry, and water, addressing key climate vulnerabilities. The projects aim to drive implementation of sustainability challenges and create an ecosystem for impact.
Researchers at UniSA propose a predictive analytics approach to identify high-risk areas before damage occurs, reducing pipe blockages and environmental contamination. The study suggests that traditional removal methods are not effective and can cause more harm.
The StamiNa project aims to demonstrate and validate a new sodium-ion battery technology for e-mobility applications in East Africa, offering an alternative to lithium iron phosphate batteries. This collaboration seeks to accelerate commercialization while supporting the growth of an African-led battery ecosystem.
Researchers successfully converted CO2 from thermal power plant exhaust into formic acid and formamide using waste silicon wafers from discarded solar panels. The reaction produces high yields of these valuable organic chemicals, demonstrating the practicality of recycling materials to sequester greenhouse gases.
Researchers used generative AI models like ChatGPT and DALL-E to analyze men's fashion trends and create realistic fashion collection images. The study highlights the importance of expertly worded prompts for accurate fashion design implementation, enabling efficient and creative use of generative AI in fashion.
A new study from the University of Surrey highlights the importance of understanding human behavior in reducing domestic water use. The UK is projected to face a daily shortfall of five billion litres of freshwater by 2055, and the sector must develop effective strategies to address this issue.
A new study from Colorado State University and Western Colorado University found that aspen forests can act as natural firebreaks, slowing fires' spread. Aspen trees with high moisture content and chemical differences reduce flammability, making them more resistant to burning.
Drexel engineers create vascular network within cement-based building materials that can help passively regulate surface temperature, reducing energy loss in buildings. The approach is inspired by nature's circulatory system and uses phase-change material to maintain a desired indoor temperature.
A new method automates identification of energy loss origin in electrical steel, addressing a pressing challenge in magnetics. The approach successfully traces iron loss to magnetic domain structure.
A new palladium-loaded a-IGZO catalyst achieved over 91% selectivity when converting CO2 to methanol, leveraging electronic properties of semiconductors. The study demonstrates novel design principles for sustainable catalysis based on electronic structure engineering.
A new study introduces the SESBI index to measure stream health based on ecosystem services provided to humans. The tool evaluates six indicators directly tied to stream benefits, enabling decision-makers to quickly understand a stream's condition and prioritize investments.
A fully autonomous robotic system developed by MIT researchers can measure important material properties like photoconductivity, increasing the speed and precision of research. The system uses machine learning and robotics to analyze new semiconductors and optimize the development of more powerful solar panels.
At the upcoming AI for Good Global Summit, Alex Zhavoronkov PhD will discuss the future potential of generative AI. Insilico Medicine's founder and CEO has invented critical technologies in generative AI and reinforcement learning, and his keynote will explore applications in drug discovery and longevity.
Researchers from UK and Canada will study ways to reduce mining's environmental footprint and enhance efficiency across critical mineral value chains. The project aims to develop new geological models and exploration tools for rare earth element deposits, aiming to diversify the supply chain and ensure high environmental standards.
Researchers at The University of Osaka develop AI-powered method to analyze urban vegetation color, structure, and seasonal changes using street view imagery. This allows city planners to enhance the 'feel-good' factor of urban green spaces throughout the year.
A new study from Tulane University reveals that parts of New Orleans are sinking at an alarming rate, with some areas experiencing up to 2 inches of elevation loss annually. The findings highlight the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure the city's flood defenses remain effective.
A University of Pittsburgh study has identified a protein called ferritin that can selectively recover critical metals like cobalt and nickel from liquid solutions. The process uses benign conditions and could significantly reduce energy demands and costs associated with metal recovery.
Researchers develop biodegradable material that cools temperatures by up to 9.2°C and reflects 99% of sun's rays, reducing energy consumption by 20% a year in hot cities.
The WSIS+20 High-Level Event 2025 in Geneva will assess 20 years of using digital technologies for progress and chart the future direction ahead of the UN General Assembly review. The event will tackle critical issues like the digital divide, AI governance, and sustainability.
A new study from the University of Delaware and Columbia University found that plastic bag bans and fees can reduce plastic bag litter on shorelines by 25-47%, with more effective impacts at state-level policies. However, overall plastic pollution continues to grow, albeit at a slower rate in places with these policies.
Researchers found that some AI prompts create up to 50 times more CO2 emissions than others, with reasoning-enabled models producing the most emissions. Users can significantly reduce emissions by prompting AI to generate concise answers or limiting high-capacity model use.
Researchers at Colorado State University have developed a more efficient light-based process for transforming fossil fuels into useful modern chemicals, effective even at room temperatures. The organic photoredox catalysis system uses visible light to alter chemical compounds, reducing energy demands and pollution in various industries.
Researchers developed a self-folding origami-based sensor that harnesses the triboelectric effect to generate electricity and eliminate the need for batteries. The device can identify dropped objects with high accuracy, making it suitable for logistics, medical devices, and wearable applications.
Two medical centers at UC San Diego Health have been named Top 25 hospitals in the nation for exceptional sustainability efforts. The institutions are committed to advancing health care and leadership in environmental stewardship.
Mount Sinai Health System has received three prestigious awards from Practice Greenhealth for its commitment to environmental sustainability. The system's Mount Sinai Green program aims to reduce waste, improve energy efficiency, and create healthier environments. Recent initiatives include reducing emissions by 50% by 2030 and improvi...
Frei Otto's ideas revolutionized architecture with his focus on lightweight, interdisciplinary, and responsible design. His work continues to inspire research in sustainable building methods, and his legacy shapes the University of Stuttgart's strategic profile area for Architecture and Adaptive Buildings.
A new study by MIT researchers suggests that microplastics are less likely to accumulate in sediment infused with biofilms, which can resuspend particles and carry them away. In contrast, areas of bare sand can become hotspots for microplastic accumulation due to the lack of biofilm.
The proposed Global Minerals Trust would provide a cooperative framework for managing critical minerals, prioritizing environmental and social safeguards. It aims to replace the current competitive model with one rooted in transparency, justice, and long-term resilience.
A new study reveals a robust link between organizational longevity and commitment to environmentally sustainable business practices. Older firms outperform younger counterparts on environmental metrics, suggesting that sustainability is a survival strategy.
Researchers from USP and FAPESP will present their work on various topics, including health, agriculture, and artificial intelligence. The event aims to promote strategic connections and international visibility for startups and researchers.
The ITU-WBA Greening Digital Companies report shows that tech sector carbon emissions continued to rise in recent years due to rapid advances in AI and data infrastructure. Despite this, the report highlights encouraging progress as more companies set emissions targets, source renewable energy, and align with science-based frameworks.
A new process using seawater and recycled soda cans can produce green hydrogen with a low carbon footprint comparable to other green hydrogen technologies. Researchers found that the overall emissions of this method are on par with those of fossil-fuel-based processes, making it a scalable and sustainable option for energy production.
A new study from Colorado State University reveals that photovoltaic (PV) arrays in grasslands can improve soil moisture levels and increase plant growth, particularly during dry years. The research found a 90% increase in grass production on the east side of panels compared to neighboring open sites.
Researchers have developed a sustainable method for extracting sugars, organic acids, and phenolic compounds from corn stover using subcritical water. This process recovers high-value bioderivatives with yields up to six times higher than traditional methods, reducing energy costs and time.
A research team at Rice University has developed a new material, known as a Kramers nodal line metal, with novel electronic properties that could enable more powerful and energy-efficient electronic devices. The material demonstrates superconducting properties and the ability to carry electricity without energy loss.
A new study published in Science finds that strong climate policy can preserve twice as much ice as current warming trajectories, even if temperatures stabilized today. At a 1.5°C temperature increase, 53% of global glacier mass could be preserved, alleviating hazards like flooding and freshwater deficiency.
Scientists develop sustainable alternative to cement, using recycled glass and construction waste to create durable and green construction material. The breakthrough innovation offers practical applications in urban infrastructure development and disaster-prone regions.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new fuel cell that can carry three times as much energy per pound as current EV batteries, offering a lightweight option for electrifying transportation systems. The technology has the potential to enable electric aviation and other sectors like marine and rail transportation.
A new IIASA-led study uses satellite imagery and machine learning to monitor street-level greenery in cities worldwide. The results show a global decline of 0.3-0.5% per year, with sharper declines in Asia and Oceania. Uneven distribution raises concerns about fairness and access to green space.
Researchers developed an energy-efficient measurement system leveraging waveform similarity to achieve high precision with minimal power consumption. The system demonstrated 72μW power efficiency using commercially available electronic components, paving the way for long-term bio-signal monitoring and self-powered IoT devices.
A recent study analyzes evolution of sustainability in higher education institutions, highlighting need for standardization and impact assessments. University-led initiatives and campus regulations can directly impact sustainability performance.
Researchers at GEOMAR identify that EU fisheries management's reliance on national interests and ICES advice leads to overfishing, resulting in the collapse of many fish stocks. A new approach is proposed to set quotas independently of national interests and prioritize sustainable catches.
A new MIT study reveals that climate change will make it harder to reduce ground-level ozone in certain regions, including eastern North America and Western Europe. In contrast, northeast Asia may see improvements in air quality with decreased nitrogen oxide emissions.
The Carbon Hub brings together scientists, industry leaders, and policymakers to reimagine hydrocarbons as sources of clean hydrogen and advanced carbon materials. This process could address energy access, emissions, and unsustainable material usage, potentially avoiding gigatons of CO2.
Scientists at the University of Surrey have developed a breakthrough in eco-friendly batteries that store more energy and capture carbon dioxide. The new lithium-CO₂ 'breathing' batteries use a low-cost catalyst to overcome efficiency issues, potentially leading to widespread adoption and reducing emissions.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new approach to boost the efficiency of electrochemical carbon dioxide capture and release by introducing a simple intermediate step that facilitates both capture and release. The new method uses nanofiltration membranes to separate ions in the solution based on their charge, allowing for more effici...