Articles tagged with Sustainability
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
Researchers found that living in neighborhoods with low food access, contaminated drinking water, and proximity to Superfund sites increases PFAS levels in blood. The study provides evidence for addressing neighborhood-level factors in reducing racial and ethnic environmental health disparities.
A study published in Nature Cities analyzed textile waste in various cities, finding that most donated clothes are exported or thrown away. Experts call for a change in how cities handle fashion waste, suggesting the need for local recycling and reuse facilities.
A new study by University of Texas at Austin researchers has found a significant cache of rare Earth elements hidden inside US coal ash waste. The study estimates that there could be 11 million tons of accessible rare earth elements in the US coal ash supply, which is nearly 8 times the current domestic reserves.
A new study warns that Colorado's West Slope basins, supporting a $5 billion agriculture economy, face a potential tipping point due to drought vulnerability. The research suggests that even moderate climate change and streamflow declines can threaten water storage, agriculture, and municipal supplies.
An international team of scientists identified a surprising factor accelerating lithium-ion battery degradation, leading to reduced charge and potential failure in critical situations. Strategies to reduce self-discharge may include electrolyte additives and cathode coatings to improve battery lifespan.
Researchers created a new electrode design that increases the efficiency of converting CO2 into ethylene, a valuable chemical product. The electrochemical system can now be scaled up for industrial applications without significant energy or cost losses.
Frank Yin, a renowned agronomy researcher at UTIA, has been recognized with the prestigious 2024 American Society of Agronomy Fellowship. Throughout his career, he has made significant contributions to research and education in areas such as nutrient management, precision agriculture, and soil conservation.
The collaboration aims to detect red tide occurrences early and provide information to fisheries stakeholders to prevent damage to marine environments. The system will also be used for broader environmental monitoring of forests and oceans, improving accuracy through repeated validation.
Large-scale declines in African elephant populations have been confirmed over 53 years of survey data. Forest elephant populations decreased by 90%, while savanna elephant populations fell by 70%. The study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, provides a comprehensive assessment of African elephants and highli...
Scientists from leading institutions and societies urge governments to adopt scalable, innovative microbial technologies to combat climate change. These solutions have shown promise in carbon sequestration, methane mitigation, bioenergy production, bioremediation, and more.
Researchers developed a sustainable, high-performance material suitable for packaging and biomedical devices by exploiting the mechanical properties of cellulose nanofibres. Adding small peptides improves their mechanical performance and water-resistance.
Researchers used computer modeling to study the feasibility and challenges of hydrogen-powered aviation, suggesting that improvements in fuel cell power could eliminate environmental impact. The team's model indicated that switching from traditional jet fuel to hydrogen fuel could reduce CO2 emissions by up to 90%.
Researchers have designed a paper-aluminum laminate that could replace plastic layers in protective packaging, providing a more sustainable option. The material's mechanical properties were compared to conventional polyethylene-aluminum laminates and found to be nearly identical.
Scientists create diacetylene derivative-based luster materials with tunable colors and metallic lusters, opening new possibilities for applications in jewelry, printing inks, and cosmetics. The developed material can express a golden luster selectively using light irradiation, minimizing environmental footprint and weight.
A study by Osaka University reveals that Japanese consumers value transparency in AI assistants, compromising on performance for greater clarity. Environmental sustainability is also a consideration, but remains secondary to cost and performance.
A new tool developed by Stanford University and Morgan Stanley assesses the nature-related impacts of over 2000 global companies, providing a new framework for evaluating and acting on corporate impacts on nature. The tool provides ecosystem services footprinting metrics with greater transparency than existing ESG approaches.
A KAUST-led global study found that livestock management and climate explain woody species coverage in arid environments. Managing grazing pressure and type of herbivore can allow for more sustainable production in these ecosystems.
An international team of researchers emphasizes the need for interdisciplinarity and transdisciplinarity in crisis management. Science can contribute to integrated decision-making by co-designing solutions with scientists, policymakers, and affected populations.
Researchers at North Carolina State University identify molecular property of lignin that determines ease of using microbial fermentation to turn trees into industrial chemicals. The discovery could lead to more sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based chemicals.
The school will focus on methods to address structural safety and infrastructure resilience challenges in a climate change context. Key findings include the importance of increasing infrastructure resilience to reduce social wellbeing impacts.
Next-generation passive radiative cooling technology offers an electricity- and refrigerant-free cooling solution, potentially reducing surface temperature by at least 2°C. The innovation has promising application potential in buildings, roads, and clothing, addressing issues such as urban heat islands and greenhouse gas emissions.
A new study identifies 324 owners of globally used reefers, 10 of whom account for nearly a quarter of all transshipment events. The research provides unprecedented transparency into the seafood value chain, allowing for improved governance and oversight of transshipment practices.
Researchers analyzed atmospheric mercury concentrations and found a 10% decline between 2005 and 2020, contrary to global inventories that indicate an increase. The study suggests that human activity-driven emissions are driving the trend, but limitations in data and scientific understanding remain.
A new study of bubbles on electrode surfaces could help improve the efficiency of electrochemical processes by understanding how blocking effects work. The findings show that only a smaller area of direct contact is blocked from its electrochemical activity, not the entire surface shadowed by each bubble.
The WVU STARS-UP program pairs two-year colleges with nearby four-year institutions to provide astrophysics and astronomy research opportunities. The goal is to create a sustainable pipeline for careers in STEM, focusing on underrepresented students from low socioeconomic communities.
A new case study in India found that home garden interventions struggled due to verbal training, lack of demonstrations, and limited household engagement. However, flexibility and participatory techniques like Process Net-Mapping revealed positive outcomes on nutrition and sustainable agriculture practices.
The UK is investing £170 million in new research and innovation projects to support clean living, tackle climate change, and boost economic growth. The projects will focus on land use transformation, sustainable agriculture, and environmental monitoring.
The review highlights the potential of cellulose-based materials in purifying wastewater without causing environmental harm. Cellulose can be converted into valuable products like hydrogels, aerogels, and nanocellulose for sustainable water remediation.
A recent study explores the feasibility of non-wood cellulose-based textiles, offering a promising direction for the industry. The research highlights the potential of agricultural residues and dedicated fiber crops as viable alternatives to wood-derived pulp.
Researchers introduce the 'prosocial market economy' as a model embedding cooperation, ethical behavior, and sustainability into organizational practices. This approach prioritizes collaboration and collective well-being, fostering long-term economic success and sustainability.
A group of scientists and economists warn that green subsidies can have negative spillover effects and diminish overall effectiveness if not implemented cautiously. They suggest imposing time limits on subsidies to ensure they do not perpetuate harmful practices over the long term.
A new study from Uppsala University found that nearly 40% of the public support rationing of goods like meat and fuel to reduce their climate impact. The study, which surveyed over 9,000 people in five countries, also showed that acceptability of rationing is on par with taxes for emissions-intensive food.
A human rights-based approach to coral reef protection could ensure governments are held accountable for safeguarding marine ecosystems. An estimated one billion people rely on healthy coral reefs globally for food security and income, highlighting the catastrophic impact of their loss on human health and economic wellbeing.
Researchers at KAUST have developed a new cooling system that extracts water from the air using gravity, eliminating the need for electricity. The system can double the rate of water collection compared to alternative technologies and offers significant energy savings.
The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine has released comprehensive guidelines for protecting, promoting, and supporting breastfeeding in emergency situations. The recommendations aim to safeguard the health and well-being of infants in disasters and conflicts by ensuring safe nutrition and immune protection.
A recent study published in Global Environmental Change highlights the pressing need for innovative economic strategies to address global water scarcity and pollution. The research found that 71% of the world's population has high existing water security needs, with significant disparities in readiness across regions.
Researchers introduce a novel, green approach to convert citrus waste into bioactive pectin and micronized cellulose using cavitation. The process, termed CytroCav, offers a circular economy practice requiring only water and electricity.
Researchers have devised a method to convert caragana waste into a potential ruminant feed by using a two-stage bioaugmentation process. The TBA process improves the nutritional value and safety of the waste, reducing lignin content and anti-nutritional factors.
Researchers found that stored human urine had little impact on soil bacterial communities, increasing nitrifying and denitrifying groups compared to synthetic fertilizers. The study suggests that recycled urine could enhance agricultural sustainability, reduce wastewater pollution, and decrease reliance on synthetic fertilizers.
A new study has identified key factors to build food resilience in Sub-Saharan Africa, including diversifying suppliers, empowering local farmers, and promoting sustainable practices. The proposed blueprint aims to enhance self-sufficiency and reduce reliance on external sources.
A new study found that Australians are wasting a third of all food in the country every year due to confusion over use-by and best-before dates. The research suggests that clearer date labels and more practical storage advice could help reduce food waste.
Researchers at the University of Birmingham used Porous Liquids to separate harmful alcohols from water mixtures, consuming up to 88% of the PL pore volume. This innovation can reduce alcohol content in drinks while retaining flavor profiles, aligning with growing consumer demand for low-alcohol beverages.
Researchers found that for most North Atlantic flights, the climate benefit of avoiding contrails outweighs the extra carbon dioxide emitted from flying a different route. Rerouting flights could reduce global warming by up to 29% in 2039 and 14% in 2119, depending on the method used to measure climate impact.
A study published in Nature Sustainability has found an antidote to neonicotinoids, a class of pesticides killing bees. The treatment involves tiny ingestible microparticles that physically bind to the pesticide, leading to 30% higher survival rates and reduced symptoms in bumblebees.
A study published in Business Strategy and the Environment found that green finance initiatives can significantly reduce CO2 emissions. The researchers also noted that investing in renewable energy is crucial for companies to achieve environmental sustainability.
A new study recommends that influencers promoting sustainable lifestyles on social media be differently regulated to better protect consumers. The current EU consumer protection measures are inadequate, and the proposed changes would provide more legal certainty and facilitate additional training for content creators.
A recent study published in Nature questions the scientific validity of the long-held claim that 80% of the world's biodiversity is found in Indigenous Peoples' territories. The research highlights the need to correct this figure, as it oversimplifies the complex relationship between Indigenous Peoples and biodiversity.
The article examines three scenarios for Norway's hydrogen export market development, including techno-economic viability and spatial considerations. The results suggest that Norway may be cost-competitive in blue hydrogen exports but faces sustainability limitations due to natural gas reliance.
Researchers rewired a microbe to convert CO2 into mevalonate, a valuable pharmaceutical building block. The newly engineered microbes produced significantly more mevalonate than control strains, offering a promising solution for carbon capture and utilization.
A researcher at UC Berkeley has discovered that fungi can transform indigestible plant material into digestible, nutritious food in about 36 hours. The Neurospora fungus is being used to create tasty morsels from food waste, including grain covered with orange Neurospora and moldy bread.
Researchers at the University of Surrey have developed a new nano-device that can convert small amounts of mechanical energy into electrical power. The triboelectric nanogenerator can increase power density by 140-fold, making it suitable for powering wearable devices and other IoT applications.
Researchers found that stock assessments have often been overly optimistic, with a third of sustainably fished stocks classified as overfished. They call for simpler models and greater use of the precautionary principle to protect fish stocks.
The University of Kansas has received a $26 million grant from the National Science Foundation to create a new Engineering Research Center focused on developing sustainable refrigerant technologies. The EARTH center will address the challenge of replacing hydrofluorocarbons with safer, more environmentally-friendly alternatives.
Researchers have developed a chalk-based coating that cools the air underneath treated fabric by up to 15 degrees Fahrenheit. The innovative coating uses natural materials and can be applied to nearly any commercially available fabric.
A team analyzed 45 zooarchaeological remains and compared findings with contemporary data to assess the effect of sustained subsistence harvests on beluga genetic diversity, population structuring, and foraging ecology. The study found no significant changes in genetic diversity or population structuring over time.
New nutrition strategies could slash methane emissions from dairy cows by a staggering 60%, according to a Journal of Dairy Science review. Diet reformulation, using feed additives like seaweed and 3-NOP, may be key to achieving this goal.
Edith Brown Weiss advocates for a Planetary Trust to ensure a just and robust Earth system for present and future generations. She proposes six critical commitments for the UN Summit of the Future, including integrating the future into decision-making and practices.
A new study reveals that eco-friendly activewear companies' post-consumer circular economy policies are hindered by geography, making them ineffective for global customers. The research found that many companies have take-back schemes but restrict them to domestic customers or specific locations, limiting their environmental impact.
A study by University of Surrey researchers highlights the importance of public bodies investing in local food systems to create healthier communities. Community cafes and pantries have been shown to empower volunteers and promote knowledge sharing about food, while grant funding and council support can unlock new projects.
A UVA research team introduces a game-changing additive to 3D-printed concrete, enhancing its printability and mechanical properties. The study demonstrates the potential for more resilient and eco-friendly construction practices using cellulose nanofibrils.