Articles tagged with Sustainability
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.
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.
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 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 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 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 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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Researchers developed a method to produce cobalt nanoparticles with controlled crystal phase, leading to higher selectivity and efficiency in hydrogenation reactions. The study showcases the potential of abundant cobalt as an alternative to noble metal catalysts.
A study published in Future Foods found that German consumers are willing to try and buy cheese produced through precision fermentation. Emphasizing high product quality and environmental benefits increases acceptance, while concerns about traditional agriculture reduce willingness to purchase.
Researchers at Tufts University developed a nanomanufacturing approach using water as the primary solvent, reducing environmental impact and opening doors to hybrid electronic-biological devices. The method uses silk fibroin as a surfactant to enhance water's ability to coat surfaces evenly.
The Western Fire & Forest Resilience Collaborative will engage a research team to study wildfire challenges and solutions in Colorado, leveraging fieldwork, remote sensing, and modeling to inform fire management strategies. The funding from Lyda Hill Philanthropies will help minimize devastating fires and maintain resilient forests.
Researchers analyzed six US cities and found that tree species in parks were more drought-tolerant and reflected greater native biodiversity than those in residential yards. The study highlights the importance of planting drought-tolerant trees in urban areas to adapt to future climate change.
A short-term reduction in leisure-time screen media use within families was found to positively affect psychological symptoms of children and adolescents. This effect was particularly notable in mitigating internalizing behavioral issues and enhancing prosocial behavior.
Researchers achieved a new method for synthesizing α-substituted carbonyl compounds using a palladium-catalyzed anti-Michael addition reaction. The method produces high-yield products and can be applied to various nucleophiles, including indoles and aromatic compounds.
New studies from Chalmers University of Technology suggest that hydrogen-powered aircraft could meet the needs of 97% of intra-Nordic flights and 58% of Nordic passenger volume by 2045. A novel heat exchanger technology has shown promise in reducing fuel consumption by almost eight percent.
A team of scientists and engineers designed an electrolyte that maintains high power delivery during charging and discharging cycles. This innovation addresses the key challenge of low power delivery at landing stages in electric aircraft, where batteries are not fully charged.
A comprehensive analysis of US coal power plants reveals feasibility for conversion to advanced nuclear reactors, providing valuable insights for policymakers and utilities. The study uses a GIS-based tool to evaluate socio-technical and economic factors, suggesting a broad spectrum of suitability levels across different locations.
Researchers in the Netherlands have developed a self-cooling artificial turf system that stores rainwater under the surface, reducing surface temperatures by up to 35°C. This innovation makes sports fields safer for players and helps mitigate urban flooding, while also offering a durable and low-maintenance alternative to natural grass.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have developed a technique for ultrafast formation of carbon dioxide hydrates, which can store carbon in the ocean and prevent it from being released into the atmosphere. This breakthrough could make carbon storage more accessible and feasible on a global scale.
A research team finds that local community members are indispensable partners in enhancing community engagement in repairing damaged ecosystems. Local values and attitudes play a crucial role in promoting sustainable ecosystem management practices.
The US food system is dominated by industrial agriculture, which perpetuates global challenges like food insecurity and biodiversity loss. Agroecology offers a solution, prioritizing ecological and social sustainability without sacrificing one for the other.
A new theory deciphered the physical mechanisms of fracture in soft materials, revealing an elastic instability that breaks symmetry. This discovery aims to create more resistant and durable materials with a positive environmental impact.
Researchers found seawater mixed with ore fluids to form gold, revealing a new mechanism for gold vein formation. This discovery could lead to the identification of high-grade gold deposits in sub-seafloor settings, reducing environmental impact.
Long-distance travel has a substantial carbon footprint, with journeys over 50 miles accounting for 70% of emissions. Research suggests targeting long-distance travel may be more effective than current efforts to reduce emissions. Changing behavior and policy can maximize reductions in carbon emissions from passenger travel.
A nationwide bottle deposit program could significantly increase the rate of plastics recycling in the US, from 24% to 82%, according to MIT researchers. With the right policies in place, including sufficient demand for recycled material, PET bottles can be safely made into new products with high quality and minimal processing.
Empa researchers have developed a system to investigate up to ten different reaction conditions for producing synthetic fuels from CO2. The system accelerates the discovery process by generating a large number of high-quality datasets, enabling scientists to make accelerated discoveries.
A groundbreaking study introduces a novel multi-agent reinforcement learning approach to manage air mobility demand in densely populated urban areas. The proposed system ensures safe and efficient navigation through complex airspace using sophisticated algorithms.
Researchers found that only 11% of studies on species distribution models include human activities, despite humans being the primary drivers of change. New models aim to accurately account for human influence in conservation predictions.
Remanufacturing is a process that transforms end-of-life products into new ones, offering economic benefits and environmental advantages. Companies need to invest time and energy to adopt this approach, but it can lead to increased profitability and sustainability.
Researchers suggest charging carbon emitters with an emission tax could help fund basic income programs while reducing environmental degradation. Implementing basic income could boost global GDP by 130% and generate $7 in economic impacts for every dollar spent.
Researchers use nanomedicine and digital twin technologies to develop Plant Nanobiotechnology, addressing agricultural challenges and increasing crop yield. Digital twins of plants enable the design of nanocarriers that target nutrient delivery to specific plant organs.
A research team has developed a new framework for the circular economy, which aims to reduce negative impacts on environmental and human health. The SpheriCity project provides a tool for cities to conduct circularity assessments and collaborate with each other.
A University of Copenhagen study explores how people justify their reluctance to cut down on meat consumption. Participants deployed various excuses, including shaming vegans and avocados as being 'climate-unfriendly', to maintain a morally responsible self-image.
A study highlights the motivators and barriers influencing consumer adoption of electric vehicles worldwide, emphasizing the reduction of air pollution as a primary motivator. The transition is hindered by high costs, charging infrastructure concerns, and driving range limitations.
Researchers have developed a new electrochromic film based on metal-organic frameworks that can quickly switch between transparent and colored states to block or allow sunlight. The film demonstrated reliable performance for over 40 hours and 4,500 cycles of switching.
A new global study found that cities with more climate-related health issues were more likely to maintain climate action despite funding shortfalls. Cities in the Global South exhibited higher ambition in climate action and promoted green recovery efforts compared to European and North American cities.
Researchers at Linköping University assess Stockholm's climate strategy, finding a reliance on carbon capture technology without sufficient discussion of its risks. They recommend setting separate targets for emissions reduction and capturing CO2 to ensure clearer decision-making.
The Planetary Inclusion Scale assesses life's connections to the environment, promoting experiences of belonging and inclusion. It offers a new perspective on sustainability by considering temporal, spatial, and ethical orientations.
The study found that green infrastructures such as botanical gardens, wetlands, and street trees are effective in cooling urban heat, with temperature reductions ranging from 9.63°C to 17.7°C. A nine-stage framework has been proposed to facilitate GBGI implementation and maximize benefits.
At NUTRITION 2024, researchers will explore emerging findings on the role of diet in cancer risk and survivorship, as well as personalized dietary therapy for cancer treatment and survivorship. Scientists will also share insights into precision nutrition, environmental sustainability, and infant feeding practices, shedding light on the...
A new study published in the Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand found that wind farms can offset their carbon emissions within two years. The research used data from a Harapaki onshore wind farm in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand, and found that the turbine can generate all the energy consumed across its life-cycle within six months.
A new study found that consumers prioritize animal welfare, freshness, and quality over environmental sustainability when purchasing meat and dairy products. The research suggests that producers can market sustainably produced food products by highlighting their animal welfare credentials.
Scientists at ETH Zurich have engineered a thermal trap that can deliver heat at temperatures of over 1000 degrees Celsius using solar radiation. This technology has the potential to decarbonize energy-intensive industries on a large scale, making it an important step towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
A recent study analyzed 53 peer-reviewed Life Cycle Assessment studies and found that conventional plastics are not always the least environmentally friendly choice. Bioplastics emerge as a viable alternative for climate change and fossil resource depletion, but other environmental impact categories show some disadvantages. The analysi...