Articles tagged with Environmental Engineering
A new study finds that hand washing can significantly reduce fecal bacteria contamination in stored drinking water, which is crucial for households with limited access to municipal water supply systems. The research discovered nearly 100 times more fecal bacteria in stored water compared to its source in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
A new software called SleepServer created by UC San Diego computer scientists reduces energy consumption on enterprise PCs by an average of 60 percent. The software maintains connectivity and responds to applications even when the PCs are in low-power sleep mode, enabling them to work while they sleep.
Researchers are creating a Subsurface Thermal Energy Storage (STES) system to store waste energy underground, cutting heating and cooling costs and reducing carbon emissions. The system uses natural insulating properties of underground sediments and conventional heat pumps to achieve higher efficiency than traditional HVAC systems.
Clemson University has received a three-year, $400,000 faculty-development grant from the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission to recruit and retain younger faculty in nuclear science. The grant will support Dr. Brian Powell and help establish an excellent base for his academic career.
The EnComPas2 project developed an integrated platform to manage multiple gadgets, enabling technicians to detect appliances and configure services remotely. The platform achieved high user satisfaction rates, but pricing remains a challenge.
A University of Alberta researcher examines three social narratives that prevent people from acting on the effects of oil on the environment. These narratives, including strategic realism, eco-apocalypse, and technological utopianism, hinder effective action despite knowledge of the issue's impact.
The American Chemical Society's Green Chemistry Institute is developing a universal standard to evaluate chemical products and processes based on their environmental performance. This standard will provide comparative data, making it easier for consumers to choose greener products.
The University of Adelaide's Environment Institute has ranked countries based on their environmental impact using seven indicators. The study found that total wealth is the most important driver of environmental impact, contradicting the Kuznets curve hypothesis.
The developing world is projected to generate twice as much electronic waste (e-waste) as developed countries by 2030, with 400-700 million PCs discarded annually. Technological advances have led to a rapid decline in consumer electronics lifespan, prompting concerns about environmentally safe disposal methods.
The University of Houston welcomes the NSF-supported National Center for Airborne Laser Mapping, bringing cutting-edge laser mapping technology to its campus. The center aims to advance research in geosensing systems engineering, improving disaster recovery, oil and gas exploration, and environmental studies.
Using optical-coherence tomography (OCT), researchers are documenting the formation of the mammalian heart in real-time, allowing for the first time to observe the heart beat and chamber contractions. This breakthrough technology aims to shed light on developmental processes and gene mutations that cause cardiovascular abnormalities.
A team of US engineers is traveling to Chile to document the effects of a massive 8.8 magnitude earthquake that struck on February 27. The team will focus on soil and geologic conditions, as well as the performance of engineered structures in the quake.
Most household dust originates from outdoors, comprising dead skin, carpet fibers, and tracked-in soil, with potential contaminants like lead and arsenic.
The EUREKA project's breakthroughs led to cheaper, faster, and better digital effects, making it possible for feature films to be cost-effective. The technology has had a lasting impact on global filmmaking, with companies like Framestore and FilmLight continuing to develop and sell software products.
Researchers confirm high levels of PCBs in IHSC sediments, sparking concerns about dredging's environmental impact. The study highlights the need for further investigation into the effects of dredging on sediment PCB levels and potential health hazards to humans.
The TacSat-4 spacecraft has completed environmental and performance testing, awaiting launch. The mission provides near global coverage of Ultra High Frequency (UHF) channels for communications, data exfiltration, and Blue Force Tracking.
The Portable Lightweight Ubiquitous Gasket (PLUG) system, developed by Wil Laska, passed its second test in November 2009, demonstrating the ability to fill with water, float on flood currents, and adhere to breach sites. Four technologies were tested, including a large balloon or tube that worked as hypothesized.
A Swiss study found most silver nanoparticles released during washing come out of fabrics in the first wash, posing a risk to aquatic life. The release varied from 1.3% to 35% of total nanosilver in fabric, highlighting the need for manufacturers and consumers to minimize nanoparticle distribution.
Research from the University of Leeds shows that air pollution levels change dramatically within small geographical areas dependent on wind patterns and street layout. Pedestrians can significantly reduce their exposure to traffic pollution by crossing one street away from main roads.
The global e-waste problem requires harmonization of disposal and recycling standards across national borders to effectively address the issue. The use of outdated electronic devices poses significant risks to human health and the environment, with 20-50 million tonnes of e-waste generated annually.
Researchers developed a hybrid approach to test how buildings collapse during powerful earthquakes. The new method is safer and far less expensive than traditional shake table tests, allowing for the testing of full-scale buildings. The study's results could help engineers design buildings that are less prone to sustaining damage.
Researchers at the University of California, Riverside are developing a five-year project to harness the communication capabilities of LED lights. The project aims to create low-cost wireless communication systems using LED lights, which could revolutionize navigation and directions in areas where radio frequencies are limited.
A new formula for assessing tropical sky climate conditions allows for optimized daylighting and shading. The study suggests that for over 95% of occupancy periods, daylight alone can suffice for lighting with the right window configuration.
Amy Cerato, a University of Oklahoma assistant professor, has been selected for the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers. She is being recognized for her research on designing robust foundations in marginal soils, which could save the US billions annually by repairing infrastructure built on expansive soil.
Two NTU projects win up to S$4 million in research funds for fast and efficient detection of Cryptosporidium in water using genetic analysis and biophotonic chips. The technologies aim to enable prompt implementation of control measures, reducing time and manpower required.
Researchers are exploring various methodologies to meet biofuel needs, including Edenspace Systems' Energy Corn and Coskata's Flex Ethanol technology. These approaches aim to lower fossil fuel reliance and mitigate global warming concerns.
Researchers create framework to calculate environmental cost of travel, including power plants, train station upkeep and airport runway construction. A half-full Boston light railway is found to be as environmentally friendly as a midsize aircraft at 38% occupancy.
A UBC study has shown that different species of three-spine stickleback fish can significantly impact their aquatic ecosystems within 11 weeks. The researchers created mini-ecosystems in tanks with varying species and found substantial differences in dissolved organic carbon levels, affecting plant growth and sunlight penetration.
Engineers at the University of Leeds have discovered a method to clean contaminated water by adding vinegar, stimulating the growth of naturally-occurring bacteria that alter chemical make-up of chromium compounds. This treatment reduces the risk of cancer, kidney problems, and other health issues associated with chromate chemicals.
LSU engineers have developed a model forecasting chemical contaminants in Katrina-flooded homes, including aerosols and gases that can cause serious health risks through inhalation. The study's findings could be applied to future flooding events, helping prepare first responders for increased exposure risks.
A new study from the University of Minnesota finds that cellulosic ethanol has fewer negative effects on human health due to lower emissions of fine particulate matter. The study estimates that transitioning to cellulosic ethanol could reduce environmental and health costs by as much as half compared to gasoline.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new technology that can generate accurate maps of underground oil reservoirs, guiding engineers to extract more oil. The technique uses JPEG compression to create realistic maps from limited measurements, improving predictions of oil production and potentially increasing efficiency.
A University of Houston-led research team has developed a method to identify pollution sources using unique identifiers found in fine particulate matter. The findings suggest that people living close to highways and refineries are more likely to become seriously ill.
Researchers have developed electronics that can withstand complex deformations, including twisting. Their 'pop-up' technology has been improved to create circuits that can bend, stretch, and twist, enabling new applications in medical and athletic fields.
Carnegie Mellon University's Western Pennsylvania Brownfields Center will expand its brownfields research and education with a $900,000 EPA grant. The funding will support the development of an interactive tool to assess carbon footprints and energy impacts from brownfield development.
A simple device that uses an electrically charged tube to create an electric field that thins fuel has been developed, leading to a 20% increase in gas mileage in highway driving and a 12-15% gain in city driving. The technology has potential applications on all types of internal combustion engines.
The Woods Institute has awarded five faculty planning grants to develop long-term research programs at Stanford, focusing on solving the world's water demands. The grants aim to identify promising solutions to freshwater challenges and facilitate partnerships among academics, businesses, and policymakers.
Researchers have created a new method for producing functional nanoscale patterns with sub-100 nanometer features. The process uses a flexible polymer membrane and exploits elastic instability to generate long-range orientational order, resulting in stable and reusable diamond-plate patterns with high precision.
A new study by George Mason University researcher Nicole Darnall shows that companies can profit from environmentally friendly practices, such as reducing waste and developing green products. The study found that organizations that improve their environmental performance can offset the cost of regulation or even accrue a net gain.
A new grant will fund research to identify, forecast, and detect areas of clear-air turbulence, reducing anxiety for travelers. The study will also aid astronomers in using adaptive optics to reduce telescope image degradation caused by atmospheric optical turbulence.
Researchers at Duke University have developed a new method to measure the size and shape of the nucleus in living cells, using angle-resolved low coherence interferometry (a/LCI). This technique allows for rapid and accurate measurements, enabling scientists to better understand how changes in nucleus shape influence gene expression.
Bill Middleton is using satellite imagery to build a detailed landscape map of Oaxaca, where the Zapotec people formed the first state-level and urban society in Mexico. The study will explore how the Oaxacan economy and environment changed as the Zapotec state grew and then collapsed.
The updated GREET model allows researchers to simulate new fuel pathways, including ethanol from Brazilian sugarcane and bio-butanol production. The model also evaluates the energy consumption required for producing aluminum in sport utility vehicles.
Ted Nordhaus and Michael Shellenberger have won the 2008 Green Book Award from Stevens Institute of Technology’s Center for Science Writings for their book Break Through, which critiques environmentalism. The authors argue that green activists should recognize the potential of economic development and technological innovation to help o...
Biomonitoring utilizes bioindicators to detect pollutant accumulation and provides real-time trend monitoring. This approach is particularly suitable for environments where technological monitoring is impossible or too costly.
Carnegie Mellon researchers argue that dietary choice, not food miles, determines a household's climate impact. Shifting to a local diet or reducing meat and dairy consumption can significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions. Eating more plant-based meals can reduce emissions by up to 8,000 miles driven per year.
Researchers have found high levels of methyl mercury in wastewater from dental clinics and offices, which can become a potent neurotoxin when exposed to sulfate-reducing bacteria. The study estimates that up to 11 pounds of methyl mercury could be entering the US public water supply each year.
Researchers developed a bioinformatics technology that analyzed more than 14 million microbial and viral sequences, revealing distinctive metabolic profiles among viral metagenomes. This discovery has the potential to answer questions about viral dynamics in diseases like cystic fibrosis.
Researchers at UW are testing a pilot project involving dozens of volunteers wearing electronic tags to track their location and belongings in the six-story building. The study aims to explore the benefits and drawbacks of RFID technology, including data privacy and personal space concerns.
Jacobo Bielak has been awarded $1.6 million from the NSF PetaApps program to develop advanced earthquake computer simulations that can improve disaster planning and preparation. The new grant will enable the creation of three-dimensional models simulating how earthquakes impact buildings, bridges, and other critical urban infrastructures.
Ted Nordhaus and Michael Shellenberger's book Break Through: From the Death of Environmentalism to the Politics of Possibility challenges traditional environmentalist views. The authors argue that green activists should recognize the potential of economic development and technological innovation to help overcome ecological crises.
A study by Indiana University researchers found Dechlorane Plus, a chlorinated flame retardant, in tree bark across the northeastern US, with highest concentrations near the Niagara Falls factory. Tree bark can serve as a natural passive sampling device to detect airborne chemicals.
Scientists are uncertain about nanotechnology's health and environmental implications, with concerns about pollution, new health problems, and job losses outweighing benefits. The disconnect between scientific understanding and public perception hinders informed discussion and policy.
Scientists use NASA satellites to monitor environmental changes, predicting infectious disease outbreaks like Ebola, West Nile virus, and Rift Valley Fever. Malaria surveillance also benefits from this technology, providing public health organizations with increased warning time to respond to outbreaks.
Researchers aim to create a new technology that stabilizes soil for road construction, improving the environment and cellulosic ethanol industry. Soil conditions in Iowa often require mixing chemicals to improve strength, but current practices have limitations.
A recent study by Benjamin Sovacool recommends transitioning away from centralized coal and nuclear plants to small-scale decentralized generation technologies for a more sustainable energy sector. These alternatives are found to be feasible, affordable, environmentally friendly, reliable, and secure.
The Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) has chosen Elsevier as its publishing partner, starting in January 2008. The partnership will enable early publication of articles in press and improve accessibility for authors, editors, and the academic community.
Revolymer's Clean Gum boasts great taste, easy removal, and potential for environmental degradation. The technology uses an amphiphilic polymer to alter interfacial properties, making it less adhesive to common surfaces.
Interactions between ozone and body oils can lead to the formation of chemical byproducts that worsen nasal irritation, headaches, and other air traveler complaints. The study suggests simple steps like installing ozone-destroying catalysts can help reduce these byproducts in aircraft and buildings.
Researchers at UCR will develop inexpensive badges for monitoring diesel and gasoline exhaust exposure in real-time, using nanotechnology. The project aims to better understand the role of environmental factors in diseases such as diabetes and Alzheimer's disease.