Articles tagged with Sustainability
A study found that 186 countries struggle to produce enough of essential food groups for their own needs, with significant gaps in meat and dairy products. The research highlights the need for international cooperation to build resilient food supply chains and ensure public health.
Researchers have found new organisms that can capture carbon dioxide and clean pollutants from the environment. By exploring extremophiles in homes, scientists can gain insights into their unique characteristics and develop sustainable solutions.
The new ShARP Center will investigate how PFAS affect liver health, and develop methods to detect and remove them from public water sources. Researchers will also study the link between PFAS exposure and rare cancers.
A new global model shows that targeted interventions across emissions, diets, food waste, and water efficiency could halter environmental degradation by 2050. The study identifies five measures to reduce transgression: climate mitigation, food-consumption change, reduced food waste, improved water-use efficiency, and improved nitrogen-...
Empa researchers have developed a bio-based, biodegradable material from fungal mycelium that avoids chemical processing. The material has versatile functional properties, including emulsification capabilities, and is suitable for various applications. Its biodegradability makes it an attractive alternative to traditional materials.
The study examines energy scenarios that align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement, finding that sustainable development scenarios significantly reduce extreme poverty. Under these scenarios, the number of people without enough energy to meet basic household needs is projected to decrease by over 90%.
A landmark study by Prof. Yong Sik Ok charts biochar's global market potential as a carbon-negative technology aligned with ESG goals, UN SDGs, and Net Zero pathways. The study provides actionable guidance for governments, industry leaders, and research institutions to integrate biochar into their climate portfolios.
A team of scientists has developed a new method for desalination that uses liquid tin to simultaneously purify water and recover valuable metals. The process, powered by concentrated solar energy, can transform desalination brine into a valuable resource.
Researchers at the University of Surrey unveiled a new type of electronic component called multimodal transistor (MMT) that simplifies display circuits while improving performance and sustainability. The MMT enables compact high-performance circuits suitable for devices like smartphones, tablets and wearables, reducing power requiremen...
Researchers from Institute of Science Tokyo developed a novel catalyst that efficiently produces sulfones at low temperatures, achieving high selectivity and reducing precious metal consumption. The new SrMn₁₋xRu_xO₃ catalyst offers significant advantages over conventional systems, making it suitable for various industries.
Global CO2 emissions from industry can be reduced by up to 5% through improved energy management and social constructions of energy efficiency. The key findings highlight the importance of system-wide processes, increased knowledge dissemination, and corporate culture changes in achieving this goal.
A recent article reviews the integration of data science into electrocatalysis, accelerating the design of high-performance catalysts. The combination of low-dimensional and high-dimensional analytics is providing deeper insights into structure-property relationships.
A new study finds that cornstarch-based biodegradable materials can reduce environmental impact by 17 times compared to traditional plastic sanitary products. The production of these materials has a lower global warming potential and reduced toxicity due to sustainable manufacturing processes.
Researchers found that a fertility rate of at least 2.7 children per woman is needed to reliably avoid eventual extinction in small populations. A female-biased birth ratio can reduce extinction risk, helping more lineages survive over time.
Researchers have developed a new alloy design strategy that combines exceptional strength with superior resistance to hydrogen embrittlement. The approach enables dual nanoprecipitates to trap hydrogen and enhance strength, resulting in a 40% increase in strength and a five-fold improvement in hydrogen embrittlement resistance.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Sustainable Materials have developed a carbon-free method to extract nickel from low-grade ores in a single step, reducing CO2 emissions by 84% and increasing energy efficiency. The approach enables the use of low-grade nickel ores, which account for 60% of total nickel reserves.
A study analyzed per capita municipal expenditures and their correlation with population changes in small and medium-sized cities in Japan. The results revealed that prioritizing child welfare expenditures is a key strategy to sustain populations, while city planning expenditures on street maintenance and construction were also effective.
Researchers propose a novel approach to reduce carbon emissions in cement manufacturing by leveraging iron naturally present in cement raw materials. The method enables the co-thermal conversion of CaCO₃ with CH₄ under a methane atmosphere, resulting in high-value syngas as a byproduct and significantly reducing carbon footprint.
A new study published in Nature Ecology & Evolution shows that integrating nature restoration with land management strategies can ensure long-term sustainability. Strategic restoration efforts can yield significant biodiversity and climate benefits while ensuring continued food and timber production across Europe.
Research by NIOO-KNAW reveals that less intense farming practices, such as reduced ploughing and increased grass-clover mixtures, can improve soil health and multifunctionality in both conventional and organic agriculture. This approach, known as 'productive de-intensification,' aims to retain crop yields while enhancing soil functions.
New research warns that global policies may lead to triggering of multiple climate tipping points, with a 62% risk on average. However, sustainable future pathways with lower greenhouse gas emissions can significantly reduce this risk.
Researchers from DTU found that a sustainable diet can allow for up to 255g of poultry or pork per week without harming the planet. However, moderate amounts of red meat exceed planetary boundaries. The study suggests that pescetarian, vegetarian, and vegan diets can be healthy and sustainable.
Biomass is crucial for Europe's ability to reach its climate targets, providing both energy and negative emissions. Excluding biomass from the European energy system would increase costs by 169 billion Euros per year.
The PREPSOIL Final Event will bring together key stakeholders to discuss the implementation of Mission Soil and the proposed Soil Monitoring Law at regional and local scales. The event aims to equip regions with tools for protecting and restoring soils through collaboration and knowledge-sharing.
Research from the University of Adelaide found that nutrition-conscious consumers have habits reducing food waste, with 1030 Australians surveyed.
Researchers used electromagnetic data to identify areas suitable for recharge, finding that up to 13 million acres in the Central Valley may be ideal for refilling aquifers. The team developed a web application called fastpath to help groundwater agencies and landowners pinpoint optimal recharge pathways.
A new system harnesses electricity from falling rainwater by creating a plug flow pattern that separates electrical charges as water moves through a tube. This process converts over 10% of the energy in the water into electricity, making it a promising alternative to traditional hydroelectric power.
A new study reveals that Malaysia's capture fisheries have stalled despite being critical to the country's food security and economy. Aquaculture, including farmed fish and seaweed, is now driving growth with seaweed farming becoming a single largest component of aquaculture output.
NTU Singapore will launch three educational initiatives supported by an endowment of up to S$275 million, benefiting 1,200 students annually. The initiatives include the NTU Opportunity Grant to support undergraduates with financial need.
A study by Durham University found that unequal distributions of wealth correlated with longer-term human settlement over the last 10,000 years. However, this relationship was not causal, suggesting that humankind's survival is not linked to ever-increasing inequality.
Insilico Medicine is a pioneer in generative AI-driven healthcare, showcasing its Pharma.AI platform and pipeline portfolio featuring IND clearance molecules. The company will share insights at Abu Dhabi Global Health Week panel discussions, focusing on longevity and precision health.
A new report reveals that Indonesia's small farmers can increase productivity and market access through technology-driven innovations. The report outlines ten best practices for agritech startups and wider ecosystems to enable and shape the country's rural startup ecosystem.
The UN University's new report emphasizes the need for deep systemic changes to address climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. It introduces the Theory of Deep Change, which identifies structures and assumptions that perpetuate these challenges, and highlights five areas where urgent transformation is needed.
A new configuration approach for radial distribution systems incorporates distributed renewable energy resources, achieving superior voltage stability, reduced system losses, and improved resilience. The study also quantifies significant environmental benefits, including reduced CO2 emissions and optimized resource utilization.
A new framework, SOPA, assesses business process sustainability using life cycle assessment and activity-based costing to evaluate environmental impacts. The study demonstrates the potential for digital processes to significantly reduce environmental costs.
Researchers argue that scientists should use storytelling techniques to convey their work, appealing to humans beyond technical writing. They propose methods such as embracing storytelling, sharing behind-the-scenes stories, and using personal anecdotes to inspire meaningful action.
Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder have designed biodegradable press-on nails called Bio-e-Nails, made from algae or shellfish-derived ingredients. These customizable, colorful nails can be easily remelted and reshaped for new uses, promoting a more sustainable beauty industry.
Researchers mapped China's wetlands from 1980 to 2020, revealing a net loss of ~60.9 × 10^3 km^2 due to climate change and human impacts. Meanwhile, the study highlights the importance of sustainable management and conservation strategies to mitigate these losses.
Researchers at Ohio State University have discovered a more efficient way to produce methanol from carbon dioxide, a cleaner alternative fuel. The new process uses a dual catalyst system, resulting in a 66% increase in efficiency and paving the way for sustainable technologies.
Researchers found that clothing rental companies in niche markets, such as sportswear, are more successful and sustainable. They identified key business models, including membership, subscription, and individual rental, and emphasized the importance of collaborations with suppliers and manufacturers.
The reuse of human urine could significantly reduce the global demand for fertilizers in agriculture, lowering energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Researchers have developed a system to recover nitrogen from urine, which can be used as fertilizer for urban agriculture.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a system that actively removes microplastics from water in a single cycle. The microcleaners, made from biodegradable materials, use the Marangoni effect to self-disperse and capture microplastics, which are then collected by skimming.
A study conducted at Osaka Metropolitan University found that the opening of a multifunctional facility called ONIKURU significantly increased residents' daily walking time, especially among female young adults. The results suggest that such architecture-scale interventions can contribute to building health-promoting environments.
A new study reveals that blockchain-powered freshness tracking can minimize food waste and increase efficiency in retail supply chains. Smart contracts can ensure fair pricing and compensation for suppliers, creating a win-win scenario.
A new study from the University of Surrey warns that delayed and disorderly energy transitions could lead to increased inflation, higher interest rates, economic stagnation, and financial instability. However, an orderly transition with targeted investments in green technologies and a robust financial framework can mitigate these risks.
A new study published in Climate Policy highlights the significant cost disparity between household electricity and e-fuel for long-distance mobility. The research shows that the wealthiest 1% of EU citizens are responsible for 66% of air travel, while the majority emit less than 0.1 ton of CO2 equivalent emissions per year.
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University developed an engineered yeast that can produce record-high yields of D-lactic acid from methanol, a key compound used in biodegradable plastics and pharmaceuticals. The optimized yeast strain achieves a 1.5-fold boost in production compared to other methanol-based methods.
The Bezos Earth Fund has launched a five-year project to conserve amphibian species in Latin America, partnering with the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute and Amphibian Survival Alliance. The initiative aims to halt amphibian extinctions and boost captive populations by 15%.
The study identifies two chains of influence - company-centric and owner-centric - highlighting varying power dynamics between asset owners and companies worldwide. By understanding these differences, asset owners can foster stronger ESG shareholder interaction with local companies across different global contexts.
Researchers found that large, contiguous areas of well-networked tree canopies lower mortality risk in densely developed cities. Compact, geometrically simple areas of tree canopy also show a positive effect on health. The study suggests that connecting isolated green spaces and promoting biodiversity can support human health.
Researchers assessed the environmental impact of five waste-to-nutrition technologies in France, finding that their efficiency is variable. They compared these technologies with existing waste recovery methods, such as anaerobic digestion and composting.
A new study found that adding green-synthesised iron nanoparticles (G-nFe) to pig manure neutralises bioavailable copper, reducing environmental risks. The process reduces exchangeable cooper by 66.8%, carbonate-bound copper by 47.5%.
Researchers from the University of Vaasa found that consumers who prefer plant-based alternatives are perceived as socially different, evoking feelings of admiration and envy. Marketing strategies must address prevailing prejudices to make vegetarianism socially acceptable.
Researchers have successfully demonstrated the environmental benefits of turning CO₂ emissions into key chemical ingredients for essential consumer goods. The study found that waste CO₂ can be part of the solution rather than the problem, reducing GWP by around 82% for paper mill emissions.
New research from the University of Kansas found that completing a greenhouse gas emission inventory indeed moves the needle toward mitigation, with cities reducing their CO2 emissions by about 22 fewer pounds per capita. The addition of sustainability staff did not show a statistically significant reduction.
Climate change and air pollution threaten food systems, while agricultural activities contribute to global warming and poor air quality. Implementing mitigation and adaptation strategies within the food system can reduce emissions and improve resilience.
Researchers from Shinshu University investigated erythritol slurry as a promising heat transfer medium for thermal storage and transport. Their findings could help guide the design of industrial waste heat recovery systems, advancing energy efficiency and carbon neutrality.
The study categorizes CROP-AP models into four key types, highlighting five major applications in agricultural productivity simulation. Future research priorities focus on strengthening model validation and simulating multi-scale interactions to support sustainable global food production.
Wealthy individuals, despite being major contributors to global emissions, possess three positive climate capabilities: investing in green technologies, knowledge about climate change, and social influence. Researchers suggest harnessing their potential to accelerate the UK's transition to net-zero carbon emissions.
Scientists at the University of Birmingham warn that increasing CO2 levels could lead to a decrease in 'space sustainability' due to changes in the Earth's upper atmosphere. The research suggests that as the atmosphere cools, it contracts, reducing satellite density and potentially increasing the risk of collisions.