Research on more sustainable materials and systems. Covers nature-inspired manufacturing, resource disparities, mood-supporting materials, and low-carbon concrete.
Researchers Prof David Julian McClements and Prof David L. Kaplan propose hybrid foods as a solution to reduce industrial animal use's carbon footprint and boost health. The authors emphasize the need for collaboration to optimize protein combinations balancing nutrition, taste, sustainability, and affordability.
Researchers analyzed 11 international constructed floating wetlands projects and found that they can be a competitive solution for improving water quality, especially for nitrogen removal. The cost of removing nitrogen was consistently cheaper than phosphorus, making floating wetlands a more economical option over time.
Researchers found that species diversity is highest in landscapes with 60% unmanaged forests and 40% intensively managed forests. Extensively managed forests contribute little to support species richness, but improving their ecological performance can help maintain forest biodiversity.
A new strategy to increase low-emission food consumption has been found effective in controlled choice experiments with 3,000 participants. The 'nudge by proxy' approach highlights consumer motivations rather than environmental impacts, significantly outperforming traditional carbon footprint labelling.
A groundbreaking European study by Dr. Mohammad Fazle Rabbi evaluates the EU's food system and identifies key pathways for reduction in carbon emissions. The research highlights systemic inefficiencies, regional disparities, and improvements in circular economy practices that can contribute to emission reductions.
Research highlights that wealthy countries waste more food, but urbanization is narrowing this gap. Global food waste has increased by 24% since 2004, with rising waste in middle-income countries driven by economic growth and urbanization.
Researchers will analyze genetic diversity and structure of four key sponge species to enhance resilience in restored populations. The project aims to build ecological resilience in vulnerable marine environments through a genetics-based approach.
Researchers at UMass Amherst have found that applying nanoscale selenium to rice foliage increases nutritional content, enhances soil microbial diversity, and decreases greenhouse gas emissions by 41%.
The project, designed by Juan José Castellón, represents a powerful model of interdisciplinary collaboration between Rice's School of Architecture and Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. The modular system collects and cleans rainwater through hollow ceramic structural columns and a lightweight canopy membrane.
The Trusted Tap project enables households to monitor their tap water quality using commercially available filters and sending them to Washington University in St. Louis for analysis. This allows households to receive guidance on next steps if contaminants are detected, promoting safe drinking water for all Americans.
A University of Delaware-led research team has developed a new type of catalyst that enhances conversion of plastic waste into liquid fuels more quickly and with fewer undesired byproducts. The catalyst achieves reaction rates nearly two times faster than those previously reported, producing targeted production of liquid fuels while mi...
The Rice WaTER Institute hosted the Water Nexus Conference 2025, bringing together industry, policy, and research experts to discuss integrated approaches for safe and reliable water systems. Key findings include the need for innovative technologies, capital structuring, and operational efficiency to close the growing funding gap in wa...
Utrecht University has acquired full ownership of the Solar Farm Bunnik, generating over 16GWh of renewable electricity annually. The move aims to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and contribute to the university's ambitious CO₂-neutral target by 2030.
Research reveals community management effectively protects vast areas of Amazonian forest, safeguarding biodiversity and supporting local communities. Community-led conservation efforts are crucial for long-term sustainability, but require recognition and financial support.
A diet rich in wholegrains, fruits, and vegetables while limiting red meat and sugary drinks may help prevent type 2 diabetes and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Higher adherence to this planetary health diet was associated with a 32% lower incidence of type 2 diabetes and 18% lower greenhouse emissions.
A new study has found that while vertical farms can deliver more than 20 times the yield of field farms and use far less water, their carbon footprint still exceeds traditional farming due to high energy demands. Researchers suggest switching to alternative materials could cut the environmental cost by over 95%.
A new study suggests that school meal procurement can be redesigned to maximize public value, promoting nutritious meals, sustainable farming, and local producer participation. This approach has the potential to shape markets and drive social, environmental, and economic benefits, as seen in Scotland's and Brazil's successful programs.
The IUCN Microbial Conservation Specialist Group is a new coalition of experts aiming to integrate microbiology into global biodiversity governance. The group's priorities include building a global network, mapping microbial conservation hotspots, developing microbe-specific Red List criteria, and mapping existing projects.
A self-powered analytical device has been developed to detect toxic amines in water using electrochemiluminescence. The device generates its own voltage from liquid flow and produces light signals to indicate contamination, making water quality testing more accessible and portable.
A comprehensive study assesses decarbonization's ramifications on global poverty and inequality, revealing the potential for redistributing domestic carbon revenues to alleviate poverty. However, careful policy design and international cooperation are crucial to address social development issues in developing countries.
Six Japan-led programs will be presented at the Science Summit UNGA80, addressing global challenges such as food and water security, rare diseases, inclusive education, and research ethics. The programs are open to a global audience and offer free registration.
Researchers at RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science identified ancient protein SCORE to help plants defend against various pathogens. By engineering synthetic SCORE variants, plants can be made resistant to multiple pathogen types.
A new method uses narrow bandgap λ-MnO2 to extract lithium from salt water while desalinating it to generate freshwater. The method achieved high lithium selectivity and reduced energy demand by 87%, indicating its potential as a solution for both lithium recovery and water purification.
The journal bridges agronomy, ecology, environmental science, and sustainability to address pressing global challenges such as soil health, water quality, and climate resilience. It offers a broad scope for original research, reviews, perspectives, and commentaries with no article processing charges until 2027.
The world's oceans absorbed significantly less CO2 in 2023 than expected, with the global marine carbon sink decreasing only moderately. Three physical and biological processes - CO2 escape, stratification of the water column, and the biological pump - counteracted CO2 outgassing and supported the sink's strength.
A team of researchers has developed a method to remove yellow stains from fabric using high-intensity blue LED light, which is more sustainable than traditional bleaching methods. The technique, which utilizes ambient oxygen as an oxidizing agent, successfully removed stains from multiple fabrics, including silk and polyester.
A Northwestern University study reveals how Pseudomonas putida, a common soil bacterium, rewires its metabolism to thrive on complex carbons like lignin. The findings provide insights into the biomanufacturing industry's quest to harness bacteria for biofuel production and chemical synthesis.
A new study by the University of Otago warns that electric vehicles will lead to increased winter electricity peaks in Aotearoa. The research shows that charging EVs in winter requires more energy, potentially increasing monthly consumption by up to 30% by 2050.
MIT researchers developed a sustainable electrolyte that quickly breaks down when submerged in organic solvents, allowing for easy recycling of components. The new material could revolutionize the battery industry by simplifying the recycling process and reducing electronic waste.
Researchers developed a technique to monitor corrosion and cracking in nuclear reactors using real-time 3D imaging. By directly imaging material failure processes, scientists can design safer reactors that deliver higher performance.
Brazilian researchers have developed a ceramic clay that is lighter than traditional materials by adding algae from the Sargassum genus. The addition of sargassum reduced the apparent density of lightweight ceramic clay aggregates, improving thermal comfort and reducing environmental harm.
The Leopoldina webinar discusses the conditions and practical recommendations for sustainable freshwater aquaculture in Germany and Brazil. The report highlights the potential of this method to contribute significantly to global food security, reduce water and land consumption, and promote a circular economy.
Simpler, physics-based models can generate more accurate predictions than state-of-the-art deep-learning models for certain climate scenarios. However, simple models are more accurate when estimating regional surface temperatures, while deep-learning approaches excel at local rainfall estimation.
The team's two-step high-temperature hydrogen annealing process improves both performance and reliability, effectively removing defects and expanding the operational voltage range.
Researchers developed modified ilmenite oxygen carriers that improve hydrogen yields and redox reaction efficiency in chemical looping systems. The new carriers enable simultaneous hydrogen production, carbon dioxide capture, and power generation, paving the way for scalable, carbon-neutral energy systems.
Researchers at RIKEN have developed a mechanochemical method to increase hydrogen saturation in perovskite powder, doubling its capacity. This discovery has significant implications for environmental sustainability and the potential for a hydrogen-based economy, as it enables more efficient production of ammonia fertilizer.
A new study by the University of Surrey found that AI technologies can give hotels, restaurants, and cruise lines a competitive edge while improving environmental and social impact. The research calls for targeted staff training, industry-wide partnerships, and government-backed incentives to speed up AI adoption.
Research in Business Strategy and the Environment reveals stronger LGBTQ+ inclusion correlates with higher environmental scores and greater renewable energy consumption among U.S. firms. This relationship is partially mediated by environmental innovation, suggesting inclusive workplace practices enhance environmental outcomes.
A new global analysis reveals a critical oversight in sustainable coffee and carbon-capture initiatives. Shade-grown coffee farms store significantly more carbon than tree-planting projects can sequester, posing an incentive for farmers to remove existing trees.
Researchers propose using epoxidized cottonseed oil as a safer alternative to formaldehyde and PFAS in fabric finishing, making cotton fabrics smoother, water-repellent, and resistant to wrinkling. The process creates strong chemical bonds with cellulose fibers, forming a polymer that makes the fabric hydrophobic.
A team of experts envisions a path toward a carbon-neutral agricultural future by expanding policies designed to promote low-carbon biofuels. Climate-smart practices could reduce carbon emissions by 4-8 billion tonnes per year, according to studies.
Researchers create digital twin facility management system for relocatable modular buildings, improving asset management and decision making. The DT-FMS enhances the lifecycle management of RMBs, minimizing waste and maximizing value through reuse and reconfiguration.
Researchers developed a borate-water-based electrolyte that enables safe, fast-charging lithium-ion batteries under ambient conditions. The new technology also offers direct recycling of active materials through water dispersal, ensuring a sustainable approach to battery production.
A new study from South Dakota State University reveals how grapevine canes can be converted into a biodegradable plastic-like material. The resulting films are stronger than traditional plastic and will decompose in the environment, providing a potential solution to the plastic waste problem.
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.