Articles tagged with Sustainability
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...
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.
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...
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 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.
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.
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 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 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 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 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.
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 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.
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 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 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 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.
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.