Research on more sustainable materials and systems. Covers nature-inspired manufacturing, resource disparities, mood-supporting materials, and low-carbon concrete.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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 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%.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers from the University of Michigan found that line drying clothes could save households up to $2,100 in energy costs over their lifetime. The study also highlighted the importance of behavioral changes, such as running dryers during off-peak hours, and the varying emissions due to different regions' energy sources.
A study by MIT researchers found that climate change can cause the thermosphere to shrink, reducing atmospheric drag and allowing space junk to remain in orbit for decades. This could lead to increased collisions and debris, threatening the sustainability of satellite operations.
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.
The new guide aims to eliminate wasteful designs and promote durable fashion. By focusing on maximising product lifespan and materials, the guidelines enable businesses to implement circular clothing design.
The UK's top earners contribute disproportionately to carbon emissions, yet they can drive systemic change through their purchasing power and influence. Wealthy individuals are more likely to adopt green technologies, but their lifestyles remain high-emission due to frequent flying and luxury consumption.
A new study from the University of Surrey suggests that hotels can significantly reduce their environmental impact by prioritizing vegetarian and plant-based options on restaurant menus. By strategically framing these dishes as first choices, hotels can guide guests toward more sustainable food choices.
Researchers found that polymers used as flame retardants can break down into dozens of smaller molecules, causing mitochondrial dysfunction and developmental harm. The study also detected these pollutants in soil, air, and dust near electronic waste recycling facilities.
Researchers from UC San Diego will present cutting-edge solutions to address global challenges such as climate change and human longevity. The event features a film premiere and thought-provoking presentations on topics like capturing carbon and democratizing health data.
Vent-Axia wins two environmental industry awards for its groundbreaking manufacturing transformation and innovative partnership with electrical retailer AO. The company's new materials testing database, created by University of Bath student Roben Els, has enabled product certification and third-party accreditation.
Researchers develop plant-based adhesives, self-bonding bamboo fiberboards, thermally insulating cardboard foams, and wood-derived hydrogels for repairing joints, offering promising solutions to recycling challenges in furniture and building insulation.
A new study from the University of Surrey, Accor, and Booking.com has identified four key ways to engage guests in sustainable travel. The report highlights the importance of clear sustainability messaging, balancing appeals to pleasure and comfort, empowering guests, and helping them act responsibly while away.
Researchers are calling for a reduction in toxic chemicals used in plastics manufacturing and a complete ban of hazardous chemicals. The study highlights the need for improved reporting, transparency, and regulation of chemicals throughout the plastics life cycle.
The 5th International Polar Year (IPY-5) aims to study the Arctic and work towards climate solutions. Research emphasizes science diplomacy and international cooperation to address the climate emergency.
Unplanned oil supply outages caused by geopolitical instability are throwing airline stock markets into chaos, making it more expensive to fly. The study highlights the potential impact on investment strategies, stock market stability and long-term financial planning in the aviation sector.
The increasing extraction of sand across the world is causing significant harm to marine ecosystems, leading to coastal erosion, habitat destruction, and the spread of invasive species. Integrating sand mining into broader environmental policies is crucial to mitigating its impacts.
Researchers at NC State University have developed a new technique to tune the optical properties of quantum dots using light, reducing energy consumption and environmental impact. This method allows for precise control over the bandgap, enabling the creation of high-quality perovskite quantum dots for optoelectronic devices.
The INSEAD webinar focuses on Access Afya's journey to scale its affordable healthcare model while maintaining its mission. The company will share insights into its innovative approach and sustainable impact through a discussion with CEO Daphne Ngunjiri and Commercial Growth & Finance Director Danny McCabe.