Articles tagged with Sustainable Energy
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.
The University of Delaware has secured a four-year funding renewal from the U.S. Department of Energy for its Catalysis Center for Energy Innovation, advancing processes for converting biomass into chemicals and fuels. The center has contributed to over 340 publications and trained more than 350 students in sustainable technologies.
Researchers at ASU have made significant advances in catalysis, a crucial energy technology. Their work, featured on the cover of the October edition of ACS Catalysis, explores electrocatalytic properties of binuclear Cu(II) fused porphyrins for hydrogen evolution.
A majority of U.S. beer drinkers are willing to pay $1.30 more per six-pack for beer produced with sustainable practices. The brewing industry can reap financial benefits from introducing energy-saving practices, according to a new study published in PLOS ONE.
PolyU has received a generous HK$100 million donation from Ir Dr Otto Poon for strategic research in smart city, smart mobility, and sustainable energy. The fund will support the establishment of two research institutes and two endowed professorships.
Researchers at Hokkaido University create photoelectrode that harnesses 85% of visible light, 11 times more efficient than previous methods. The innovative design uses gold nanoparticles to absorb a broad range of wavelengths, enabling efficient conversion of sunlight into renewable energy.
Researchers advise caution on new pebble-bed nuclear reactors due to potential for accidents and inadequate safety measures. The design lacks key safeguards, including a high-pressure containment structure and redundant cooling system, increasing the risk of radioactive material release.
Researchers have successfully controlled plasma instabilities in a way that could lead to the efficient operation of ITER, a key step towards harnessing fusion power. The experiments used high-pressure plasmas and resonant magnetic perturbations to suppress large ELMs and produce benign ones.
Researchers at NYIT have developed a 3D data modeling tool called IN-SOURCE to simulate and visualize the impact of environmental conditions on FEW distribution networks and urban infrastructure. The tool aims to help policymakers make informed decisions about infrastructure investments and mitigate the effects of climate change.
Researchers investigated natural refrigerants as replacements for CFCs, HCFCs, and HFCs in geothermal heat pumps to reduce energy consumption and operating costs. They found that ammonia and n-butane are the most economical and environmentally friendly alternatives.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab have discovered a method to make the linkages between COFs much more sturdy, giving them new characteristics and expanding their applications. The technique targets weak links and forms resilient bonds that hold up in harsh chemical environments.
The University of Texas at Arlington has received the Excellence in Sustainability Award for its commitment to reducing energy and water consumption. The award recognizes the university's various Earth-conscious initiatives, including bike- and car sharing programs, sustainable materials and designs, and campus green spaces.
The University of Melbourne researchers have created a tool to calculate the 'nitrogen footprint' of an organization, providing a guide to reduce daily activities' impact on pollution. The study found that institutions can significantly contribute to nitrogen pollution but also have potential for reduction by up to 60%.
Scientists identified nanoscale defects as the cause of voltage fade in Lithium-rich NMC cathode materials. By combining experimental and theoretical approaches, researchers showed that heat treating the materials eliminated most defects, restoring original voltage.
Researchers at the University of British Columbia have developed a cheap and sustainable way to build solar cells using bacteria that convert light to energy. The cell generated a current stronger than any previously recorded and worked efficiently in dim light, offering a promising solution for regions with frequent overcast skies.
A study by the European Commission Joint Research Centre found that even with strong efforts, residual carbon emissions will reach over 1000 gigatons by the end of the century, exceeding the level needed to achieve the 1.5°C target. Accelerated energy efficiency improvements and electrification are necessary to limit warming.
The study finds that a radical shift towards renewable energy, energy efficiency, and measures to achieve SDGs is needed. Investments in low carbon energy will likely need to overtake fossil fuel investments as early as 2025.
Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have developed a 'thin triple' super window design that is seven times more insulating than a single-glazed window. The new technology could save $10 billion annually in energy costs, outperforming insulated walls in winter.
Transforming daily activities like transportation, heating, and device use can limit global warming to 1.5°C. This can be achieved through innovations in energy efficiency and low-carbon development, enabling the meeting of UN Sustainable Development Goals while remaining within the climate target.
Researchers at Binghamton University are developing a micro-device using bio-photovoltaic technology to create self-sustaining wireless sensor networks. The project aims to harness energy from biological photosynthesis to improve wireless sensing and communication, with potential applications in various industries.
Top nitrogen researchers discuss potential pathways to achieve radical improvements in nitrogen fixation chemistry, driven by molecular-level understanding and discovery of new catalytic systems. They also present a clean and renewable light-driven process for converting nitrogen to ammonia, a primary component of fertilizer.
Researchers found that local population involvement and fair decision-making processes are critical to successful low-carbon energy transitions. This includes communication channels, information sharing, and addressing concerns of those affected by the change.
Researchers are working to develop commercially valuable products from plant materials, including chemicals, fuels and industrial materials. The goal is to make biobased products more cost-effective by using lignin and other plant components.
A team of scientists has responded to criticisms on the feasibility of 100% renewable electricity systems, finding that technical solutions exist to address concerns about grid stability and variability. The study reveals that these solutions are affordable, especially given the decreasing costs of wind and solar power.
A new study estimates Bitcoin's minimum current energy usage at 2.55 gigawatts, with predictions suggesting it could consume up to 7.7 gigawatts by the end of 2018. The network's growing electricity demand raises concerns about its sustainability and impact on climate goals.
Scientists have developed battery-free 'smart' toys using triboelectric nanogenerators that gather energy from mechanical vibrations. The devices, powered by squeezing or shaking traditional toys, can illuminate LED lights and may pave the way for self-powered medical sensors and wearable electronics.
Researchers propose a novel two-part system combining gas hydrates and membranes to separate impurities from natural gas. The integrated system aims to improve performance, reduce costs and diminish ecological side effects compared to benchmark technologies.
A research team developed a more effective variant of an enzyme that can break down polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a common plastic used in bottles. The improved enzyme shows promise in degrading not only PET but also a bio-based substitute, polyethylene furandicarboxylate (PEF).
Researchers at Eindhoven University of Technology have developed an artificial leaf that can produce chemicals using sunlight, increasing efficiency by 20%. The 'mini-factory' uses a clever feedback system costing less than 50 euros to automatically adjust production levels.
Researchers recommend integrating smart-sensor-controlled air cleaning technologies with plants to optimize indoor air quality. Plants absorb carbon dioxide, increase humidity, and passively absorb pollutants, making them a potential solution for reducing indoor pollution and saving energy.
A University of Michigan study found that energy-efficient lighting availability and price vary with poverty levels. In high-poverty areas, the upfront cost of LED bulbs is twice as high as conventional incandescent bulbs, limiting access to energy efficiency.
Researchers at Swansea University's Energy Safety Research Institute have found a way to convert CO2 into ethylene, the basis of making plastics, at room temperature. This process has the potential to offset global carbon emissions and utilise half a billion tonnes of emitted CO2 annually.
The High Throughput Experimental Materials (HTEM) Database contains detailed properties and synthesis conditions of inorganic materials, accelerating material science advancement globally. NREL's large-scale database makes it easier for researchers without expensive equipment to explore new materials.
A new study by Terence Saldanha at Washington State University suggests that investing in green technologies can lead to increased energy conservation efforts and profits for companies. The research highlights the importance of timing and technology investments in achieving these benefits.
Researchers create reconfigurable material using liquid tubes, which can be customized into reaction vessels for various uses. The material can conform to surroundings and repeatedly change shape, opening doors for new chemical synthesis and electronic applications.
Researchers from NREL have pinpointed regions on enzymes that can be targeted via genetic engineering to break down cellulose faster. The team has gained a better understanding of the structure-activity relationships of these enzymes, which are crucial for industrial processes such as cellulosic ethanol production.
The US Department of Energy awards a $10.6 million grant to produce more biodiesel and biojet fuel from high-oil content crops like energycane and Miscanthus. The project aims to increase oil production by 15 times compared to soybeans, making it a more sustainable alternative.
Research into polymer solar cells has made significant advances, with increased numbers of publications and patents. However, the technology is unlikely to replace traditional silicon solar cells due to durability and efficiency issues.
A Northwestern University team has created a new fuel cell with exceptional power densities and long-term stability at optimal temperatures. The discovery enhances the viability of incorporating fuel cells into a sustainable energy future by solving multiple problems simultaneously through electrode, electrolyte, and contact improvements.
A recent study reveals that many companies claim to apply sustainable sourcing practices, but these efforts often have a narrow focus, covering only a small portion of their supply chain. Despite this, companies are more likely to adopt at least one practice when faced with consumer and civil society pressure.
A study found that Americans spent more time at home in 2012, saving 1,700 trillion BTU in energy consumption. This increase was driven by decreased travel and non-residential space use, resulting in a net 1.8% national energy savings. The research highlights the impact of advances in information technology on American lifestyle patterns.
Research by NREL found that up to 3% of PEVs on the road (7.5 million vehicles) does not significantly increase residential power demand. However, uncoordinated charging in clusters may overload distribution transformers, requiring infrastructure upgrades.
A new polymer binder allows for a doubling in lithium-sulfur battery capacity even after 100 charge cycles. Researchers designed the polymer to regulate ion transport processes and prevent sulfur degradation.
Microgrids in Alaska provide electricity for over 200 communities, generating more than 2 million hours of operating experience annually. Renewable energy sources reduce energy costs and improve resilience in the face of grid failures or sabotage.
Solar energy can expand without encroaching on farmland and conservation areas, researchers say. Alternative surfaces totaling over 1.5 million football fields in size can accommodate solar installations, generating more than 19,000 terawatt-hours of energy per year.
Researchers created a catalyst that can reduce pollutants at lower temperatures, relevant to advanced engines. The work uses smaller amounts of platinum and presents a new way to create more powerful catalysts.
Researchers use bacteria to convert leftover sugars and acids from Greek yogurt into molecules that can be used in biofuels or safe feedstock additives. The process produces valuable chemicals, including green antimicrobials and potential drop-in biofuels for jet fuel.
Researchers have modified lithium-ion batteries to include slits along the electrodes, potentially mitigating battery failure during automobile accidents. The prototype improved energy density and reduced housing material costs, offering a safer alternative for electric vehicles.
Researchers at NREL have created a novel catalytic process to produce renewable acrylonitrile using 3-hydroxypropionic acid, achieving unprecedented yields and eliminating production of hydrogen cyanide. The new method offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional petroleum-based production processes.
Three MIT Portugal PhD student projects have won the TecInnov Thales competition, focusing on energy, mobility and sustainability. Pedro Fraga's ASIST project aims to reduce inspection costs in critical infrastructures, while Diogo Henriques' indoor air quality monitoring system infers occupancy rates and comfort.
Researchers develop biomimetic drive elements inspired by pine cones, which can open and close without energy consumption. The goal is to optimize building energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Bruna Tavares, a MIT Portugal Program PhD student, has developed an innovative monitoring method that uses advanced sensors to better understand the conditions of the Portuguese power grid. The method aims to increase the quality of service and reduce failures in the electric network.
A new report highlights the need for sustainable solutions to address growing energy demands from emerging middle classes. The study finds that adoption rates of energy-efficient materials and technologies vary greatly across countries due to differences in climate, economic power, and public perception on climate change.
Two INRS professors, Shuhui Sun and Federico Rosei, received international recognition for their groundbreaking work on novel materials. Their research focuses on developing renewable energy technologies, with Professor Rosei's discoveries leading to improved solar panels.
UTSA has launched five innovative research initiatives to support clean energy and climate action, with funding totaling over $2 million from CPS Energy. The projects aim to improve air quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create smart buildings that can optimize energy consumption.
Scientists at Berkeley Lab have successfully demonstrated the efficient conversion of carbon dioxide to fuels and alcohols using artificial photosynthesis. The system achieved efficiencies rivaling natural counterparts, producing ethanol and ethylene with high energy conversion rates.
A new study investigates why US battery material startups are failing under current venture capital funding models. The authors draw inspiration from the pharmaceutical industry, providing recommendations for entrepreneurs, investors, manufacturers, and policy-makers to improve commercialization chances.
The New European Wind Atlas aims to reduce overall uncertainties in determining wind conditions by improving competencies on atmospheric flow and data guidelines. The atlas should be able to predict wind conditions with accuracy better than three percent in uncomplicated regions and ten percent in complicated regions.
A discovery by two scientists at NREL could aid the development of next-generation semiconductor devices. They used ultraviolet light to modify the interface between two dissimilar semiconductors, creating a flawless interface and enabling the integration of different classes of semiconductors.
A new method converts tree leaves into porous carbon materials for use in high-tech electronics. The resulting supercapacitors exhibit remarkable electrical properties and potential applications in computer technology and hybrid vehicles.
Researchers found that optimally designed vertical axis wind turbines can financially compete with fossil-fuel based power plants in urban and suburban areas. The study suggests the potential to spearhead net-zero energy buildings or cities through efficient energy harvesting.