Articles tagged with Environmental Engineering
A study by Duke University identifies 6,648 fracking spills in Colorado, New Mexico, North Dakota, and Pennsylvania between 2005 and 2014, with half of spills due to pipes and valves. The analysis reveals that wells with previous spills are at higher risk of future incidents.
Exposure to newer organophosphate flame retardants has significantly increased over the past decade, with a metabolite of tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCIPP) found at levels 15 times higher in 2014-2015 samples than in 2002-2003.
A new study found that some fast-food packaging in the US contains a variety of fluorinated compounds, including long-chain PFASs associated with developmental problems, decreased fertility, and increased cancer risk. The researchers detected fluorine in nearly half of food contact papers overall.
A Japanese research group used a new DNA analysis technology to detect 128 fish species in Maizuru bay, Kyoto prefecture. This method, known as eDNA metabarcoding, allowed them to survey fish in multiple areas during a short time period, detecting nearly 80% of the species present.
Researchers at Swansea University have developed a technique to engineer electrical contacts on nanoscale structures, enabling the creation of enhanced devices based on nanomaterials. This breakthrough has significant implications for future technologies, including energy-harvesting clothing and advanced biosensors.
Researchers at Rice University have made breakthroughs in understanding how concrete responds to stress at the atomic level. By studying the internal structure of tobermorite, they found that defects can lead to increased strength and toughness by allowing layers to glide past each other.
A new Duke University study reveals that global emissions targets can only be met if green technologies are developed and implemented at an unprecedented pace. To limit warming below the Paris Agreement's 2 degrees C target, green innovations must be accelerated by a full order of magnitude, or about ten times faster than in the past.
Researchers have developed a virtual reality system that generates real-time 3D images from CT data for enhanced visualization. This allows surgeons to interact with detailed models of bones, tissues, and blood vessels, streamlining the surgical planning process.
A study by the American Chemical Society found that all tested plastic teethers contained BPA and other endocrine-disruptors, which can leach out into water. The researchers detected a range of parabens and antimicrobials in most teethers, raising concerns about infant exposure to potentially toxic chemicals.
Rice University scientists are building a tool to detect and quantify genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in the environment. The technology uses light transmission spectrometry to identify DNA or proteins from engineered crops and animals, which can have unintended consequences on ecosystems.
The UW RAPID facility will provide next-generation tools for collecting post-disaster data, including laser scanning equipment and mobile devices for social surveys. The center aims to reduce physical damage and socio-economic losses from future events by analyzing complex data sets and improving mathematical models.
The National Science Foundation has awarded $110 million to XSEDE to expand its services and support for advanced computational and data-enabled research. XSEDE will continue to provide services to over 6,000 scientists and engineers while adding innovative elements in response to evolving user demands.
The NSF has awarded $110 million to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and 18 partner institutions to continue and expand activities through XSEDE. XSEDE will maintain existing services, add innovative elements, and support diverse scientific and engineering challenges.
A new study by Duke University found that future climate warming will likely cause only minor cuts in energy output at most US coal- and gas-fired power plants. The study contradicts previous modeling-based studies that predicted significant drops in plant efficiency due to rising temperatures.
Researchers at Cornell University have discovered a method to produce vortex ring-derived particles, which can be used for cell delivery and cell-free protein production. This technique, developed by Duo An and his team, has the potential to greatly improve treatments for Type 1 diabetes patients.
Research by USC Viterbi researchers found that widespread adoption of drought tolerant vegetation in California may lead to an average daytime warming of 1.3 degrees Fahrenheit due to decreased evaporative cooling. However, lower nighttime temperatures are predicted, with a potential decrease of 6 degrees Fahrenheit, which could mitiga...
The end-Ediacaran extinction, 540 million years ago, was triggered by ecosystem engineers - newly evolved organisms altering the environment, leading to the demise of older species. Fossil evidence found in Namibia preserves a mixed community of Ediacarans and animals, providing key insights into their interaction.
Scientists report elevated levels of toxic compounds in e-cigarette vapor when heated to higher temperatures, including glycidol and formaldehyde. The release of these compounds increases with device use and voltage settings.
Researchers analyzed fossil records and ostrich eggshell stable isotope measurements from two Middle Stone Age sites, finding no correlation between climate shifts and technological or cultural innovations. The study challenges the idea that climate change drove early human experimentation.
A UCLA-led study predicts the Sierra Nevada snowpack will take years to recover from drought, even with above-average precipitation. The research provides unprecedented detail and precision, offering insights into water availability in other mountain ranges.
New UQ research enables ultra-precise measurements of movement and gravity, benefiting industries like mining and environmental hydrology. The technique improves sensitivity of measurement devices and tracks water movement, glaciers and polar ice caps.
Researchers developed a wearable system called Health and Environmental Tracker (HET) to monitor users' environment, heart rate, and other physical attributes to predict and prevent asthma attacks. The system uses novel sensing devices, including a spirometer, to track lung function and feed data into the system.
A joint university team is using field and laboratory tests, computer modeling, to evaluate the level of vibration six rock-based lighthouses endure from constant sea battering. The study aims to understand how climate change affects lighthouse longevity.
A study by researchers at Duke University found that coal from the Appalachian Mountains contains the highest amounts of rare earth elements. The team identified ash from this region as a potential source for extracting these critical materials, which are essential for clean energy and emerging technologies.
Scientists develop new method to control magnetic particles of two distinct sizes suspended in liquid, forming channels that drive small particles along, improving sorting and lab-on-a-chip device functionality.
Recent studies from the University of Missouri found that Diverging Diamond Interchanges decrease overall crashes by more than 50 percent nationwide. Additionally, fatal and injury crashes decreased by over 70 percent, proving these innovative designs are efficient, effective, and life-saving.
A new blackspot identification method developed by QUT uses a Bayesian latent class model to analyze multiple crash risk processes. The model identifies additional high-risk sites, resulting in improved prediction ability and accuracy.
A graphene-based sensor and switch have been developed to detect individual CO2 molecules and VOC gas molecules, which are difficult to detect due to their low concentrations. The technology has the potential to improve air quality in homes with good insulation, reducing health problems such as sick building syndrome.
The university is leading an independent study on the association between changes in Flint's water system and public health issues, including a recent Legionnaires' disease outbreak. Researchers will conduct enhanced surveillance and engage with the community to investigate potential connections.
Researchers optimize algae-based biorefineries to produce cleaner energy with reduced costs and carbon footprint. The study's model uses flue gases as a source of CO2, reducing expenses by almost 90%.
Earth and environmental scientists can now conduct long-term experiments using drones at a fraction of the cost of traditional aircraft or satellites. This innovation enables individual researchers to obtain low-cost repeat imagery tailored to specific research interests.
A new study highlights how topography influences biodiversity in mountains. Mid-altitudes host the most species due to the size and connectivity of similar habitats. Biodiversity peaks at these elevations, not at high altitudes or lower levels, according to researchers from EPFL.
A portable version of NIST's 'headspace analysis' technique has been developed, enabling detectives to carry a convenient version of the method in a briefcase-sized kit. The kit can recover vapors from solid or liquid compounds, including environmental pollutants and forensic evidence, with collection times as fast as 3 seconds.
The University of Hawaii will develop a large-scale data visualization system, CyberCANOE, using a $857,000 NSF grant. The system will provide an alternative approach to ultra-resolution display environments and enable researchers to work together more effectively with large amounts of data.
Professor Ian Craddock discusses how IoT technologies can transform health care and reduce costs by managing chronic conditions outside the hospital environment. He will explore challenges, security concerns, and application scenarios for healthcare using his SPHERE project as an example.
The University of Southampton will host a new £36m National Infrastructure Laboratory in partnership with industry and government. The lab aims to develop new understandings of large structures and infrastructure engineering through research and teaching facilities.
The Power Over Wi-Fi system can wirelessly power low-power devices, such as cameras and wearable trackers. The technology attracts attention for its potential to enable Internet of Things development.
A promising new iron-based alloy has been discovered that can be used in next-generation cooling technologies, offering a more efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional cooling methods. The alloy's use of magnetic fields to change refrigerant temperature holds potential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
US fracking operations consume nearly 250 billion gallons of water between 2005 and 2014, which is lower than other energy-related extraction methods. However, in drought-stricken areas, local water shortages could limit future use of hydraulic fracturing.
A team of researchers from Pitt, Drexel, and NIH found that the Ebola virus can survive in detectable concentrations in wastewater for at least a week or longer. The study suggests that procedures for disposing of contaminated liquid waste might underestimate the virus' ability to persist.
NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center collaborates with YYESIT LLC to develop a product offering innovative monitoring, interpreting, and reporting capabilities for healthcare safety and quality protocols. The partnership aims to advance NASA's work in image processing, computer vision, intelligent decision-making, and optimization.
A representative survey of Mogadishu's population used remote sensing and smartphone technology to gather data on household dynamics, access to electricity, and child education. The findings revealed significant challenges in collecting accurate data due to security concerns and fragmented authority structures.
Researchers found that using stainless steel containers and silverware for hot meals can decrease melamine levels in people's bodies by 41-92%. This practice could lower exposure to the industrial chemical, which has been linked to urinary stones and kidney problems.
Engineers at MIT have developed a model that predicts the force needed for robotic grippers to adjust their grasp on an object by interacting with the environment. This approach, called extrinsic dexterity, enables robots to perform more complex maneuvers without needing expensive and complex hand designs.
Researchers have developed a new model of survival that can predict the potential harm caused by thousands of chemicals used daily. By considering death as a continuum between random events and individual tolerance, scientists can analyze every chemical using high-throughput screening, paving the way for further testing.
The US Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory has found that butanol can be used as a safe and effective alternative fuel for recreational boats. This new blend, which includes 16% butanol, was demonstrated to outperform ethanol at 10% in terms of performance, efficiency, and emissions.
Researchers found that a common air filter, photocatalytic oxidation (PCO), releases more dangerous chemicals than it removes, raising concerns about indoor air quality. The study's authors aim to develop new testing methods and energy-efficient technologies to improve building ventilation.
A recent study published in the International Journal of Water found that decentralized water regulation presents a theoretical benefit, allowing different populations to tailor spending to their particular circumstances. The research suggests that local decision-making can promote good governance and improve outcomes for Canadians.
A study of travertine deposits in the Anio Novus aqueduct revealed an actual estimate of its flow rate, significantly lower than previous estimates. The aqueduct's average water level indicates it was almost always full of water, supplying Rome with a reliable water supply that enabled urbanization during the first century AD.
Researchers assess building collapse risk due to ground-shaking aftershock tremors after main earthquakes, considering factors like site-to-source distance and aftershock magnitude. The study introduces a logical method for predicting collapse probability based on these variables, allowing for quantification of risk.
Latrine odor can deter users, leading to open defecation. Perfume researchers identified key compounds causing the stench in Indian, Kenyan, and South African facilities. Understanding these sensory profiles is crucial to countering odors and making latrines more welcoming.
OU Professor Jizhong Zhou has been recognized for his outstanding contributions in environmental genomics and microbial ecology. He is being honored for developing innovative metagenomics technologies and groundbreaking discoveries about microbial systems in response to environmental change.
Indiana University is conducting a groundbreaking study to explore how environmental signals affect women's persistence and performance in STEM fields. The research, supported by the National Science Foundation, uses real-world data and behavioral experiments to validate its findings.
The National Science Foundation has announced 2015 Graduate Research Fellowship recipients, representing a diverse group of scientific disciplines and backgrounds. The awardees receive three years of financial support for graduate study leading to a research-based master's or doctoral degree.
A new study by MIT researchers finds that smarter programming of stoplights can reduce delays, improve efficiency, and lower emissions in urban areas. By combining vehicle-level data with city-level traffic patterns, the algorithm produces more accurate predictions and recommendations for optimizing traffic flow.
Research suggests that focusing monitoring on companies using the most environmentally damaging technologies can encourage investment in cleaner technology, leading to increased emissions reductions. This approach maximizes net benefits to society while reducing monitoring costs.
A comprehensive analysis of 66,101 health-care facilities in 54 low- and middle-income countries found that 38% lack an improved water source, 19% lack improved sanitation, and 35% lack soap for hand washing. This compromise basic health-care services like child delivery, posing infection risks to patients and staff.
A partnership between a cognitive scientist and an environmental scientist has enhanced high school students' learning of basic spatial reasoning, as well as solving complex problems involving climate change and other STEM subjects. The program uses computer-based layered maps to facilitate visualization and reasoning.
The Air Force Office of Scientific Research has awarded approximately $16.6 million in grants to 57 young investigators from research institutions across the US. The recipients will conduct basic research in areas such as dynamical systems, quantum processes, and energy, with a focus on advancing the Air Force mission.
The EPA's proposed rule aims to disclose all pesticides' inert ingredients, but consumer advocates argue it doesn't go far enough to protect human health and the environment. The fight over regulations dates back nearly a decade, with advocacy groups claiming that many inert ingredients are hazardous to people's health.