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The high cost of cold feet: why backtracking on green energy hurts economies more than progress helps

A new study by Nirma University reveals that policy synchronization is key to reducing pollution costs in Mediterranean nations. The research found that when a country's environmental taxes, green protection spending, and renewable energy adoption move in perfect synchronization, the overarching cost of pollution drops significantly.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalCarbon Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 23, 2026

Supercritical fluids once thought uniform found to contain liquid clusters

Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology experimentally demonstrated the existence of nanometer-sized liquid clusters in supercritical fluids, overturning the prevailing notion of a single phase. These clusters persisted for up to an hour and have significant implications for industrial processes and natural environments.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalCommunications Physics·DateSep 30, 2025

Eddy-mean flow energy exchange depends on three variables

Researchers found that the eddy-mean kinetic energy exchange term is separated into three parts: one associated with cross-stream variation, one with along-stream variation, and one with mean flow direction. This new framework describes eddy-mean energy exchange without accounting for forces or physical properties.

SourceOcean-Land-Atmosphere Research (OLAR)·JournalOcean-Land-Atmosphere Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 19, 2025

Graphite production gets a makeover

Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a new catalytic graphitization technology to convert petroleum coke into graphite, reducing emissions and cost associated with conventional synthetic graphite production. The process uses lower temperatures and shorter times, making it more sustainable and efficient.

Enhancing transverse thermoelectric conversion performance in magnetic materials with tilted structural design

Researchers developed artificial materials with improved transverse magneto-thermoelectric conversion performance through structural design. The findings provide new guidelines for designing materials and new ways to utilize the anomalous Nernst effect for practical applications.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 12, 2024

Vegetation regulates energy exchange in the arctic

A study led by the University of Zurich found that diverse Arctic vegetation affects the land surface energy budget. The researchers linked vegetation types to energy exchange data from 64 measuring stations, revealing a significant difference in heat flux between various vegetation types and glaciers/grasslands.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 31, 2022

New study in Earth Science Frontiers explores an untapped reserve of oil and gas resources

A research team analyzed the economic feasibility of in situ upgrading technology by assessing the energy consumption ratio. They found that appropriate well spacing and minimum total organic content are crucial for efficient energy use. The study aims to promote the application of this technology for optimized oil shale exploitation.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalEarth Science Frontiers·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 8, 2022

Neutrino factories in deep outer space

An international research team has shed light on the origin of neutrinos, shedding new evidence that blazars can be confidently associated with astrophysical neutrinos. The study utilizes neutrino data from the IceCube Neutrino Observatory and BZCat catalogue to establish a connection between high-energy neutrinos and galactic nuclei.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 14, 2022

Reduction of global inequalities in energy use necessary to stop climate change

A new study by ICTA-UAB reveals that existing climate mitigation scenarios perpetuate energy use inequalities between the Global North and South. To stop climate change, the Global North must reduce its energy consumption to sustainable levels while allowing for sufficient growth in energy use in the rest of the world.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 7, 2022

Humans run at the most energy-efficient speed, regardless of distance

Researchers found that humans' natural tendency is to run at a speed that conserves caloric loss, defying the common goal of racing to shave time off miles. By analyzing data from wearable fitness trackers and lab experiments, scientists discovered that most runners maintained a consistent speed for short and long distances.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 28, 2022

Bat box design, placement matter for energy balance in endangered bats

Research finds that bat box design and landscape placement significantly impact the energetic balance of endangered Indiana bats. A study by University of Illinois researchers tested five bat box designs and four landscape placements to determine their effects on bat metabolism, development, and survival.

No rest for new elephant mothers

A new study published in Animal Behaviour found that newborn African savannah elephants can keep up with their mothers' daily movements, contrary to previous assumptions. This remarkable ability allows the calves to benefit from protection against predators and integration into the herd's social structure.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalAnimal Behaviour·TypeObservational study·DateApr 20, 2022

The University of the Basque Country on track to cut its environmental and social footprint

The University of the Basque Country is taking steps to cut its environmental and social footprint by analyzing its impact through life-cycle assessment and modeling. By identifying areas for improvement, such as reducing transportation emissions and extending computer lifespan, the university aims to reduce its impact by up to 30%.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalData in Brief·DateApr 19, 2022

Time crystals leave the lab

Researchers at University of California - Riverside observe time crystals in a system not isolated from its environment, achieving a major breakthrough. The all-optical time crystal uses a disk-shaped magnesium fluoride glass resonator and has potential applications in accurate measurements and precision timekeeping.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 14, 2022

Columns designed from nanographenes

Scientists from University of Würzburg create custom-made nanographene with cavities to hold smaller PAHs, forming two- and three-layer complexes in solution. They also isolate pairs as solids, leading to promising results for solar cells

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 7, 2022

All in a day’s work

Researchers compared the energetic strategies of humans and great apes, finding that humans are less efficient at acquiring food due to their high-intensity activities. However, this inefficiency is compensated by a higher return rate on energy investment, making human subsistence strategies successful.

New study shows electric fields can improve the efficiency of wastewater purification

Researchers from South Korea have demonstrated that applying an electric field during air stripping can significantly improve ammonia removal efficiency from wastewater. The study found that electric fields with alternating current of 50 MHz and power of 15 V/cm increase efficiency from 51% to 94%, even under sub-optimal conditions.

SourceNational Korea Maritime and Ocean University·JournalWater Research·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 24, 2021

Green transition creates new risks and rewards

The green transition is already underway, with countries facing unique risks and opportunities based on their degree of competitiveness in fossil fuel markets. Diversifying economies towards low-carbon exports can mitigate negative impacts, while supporting innovation and job creation are key to maintaining long-term competitiveness.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Energy·DateNov 4, 2021

Blowing up medieval gunpowder recipes

The study of medieval gunpowder recipes reveals that the evolution of the perfect powder was a slow trial-and-error process. Researchers analyzed energies released during combustion and found that certain additives made gunpowder stronger, while others had no energetic advantages but might have served other purposes.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Omega·DateSep 22, 2021

Switched on IR-active organic pigments

Researchers developed a modular organic molecular system with customizable properties, creating a potent dye that absorbs light in the near-infrared range. The pigments' electronic switchability makes them suitable for studying electron transfer in photosynthesis and as efficient electron-transporting materials.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 9, 2021

Stop-motion photons: Localized light particles on the road

Scientists at the University of Rostock have made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of quantum mechanics. Localized light particles have been observed on long optical fibers, transcending the mechanism previously considered by Phil Anderson's theory of Anderson localization. This new class of disorder allows for the abrupt transp...

SourceUniversity of Rostock·JournalNature Photonics·DateJun 18, 2021

Novel chirped pulses defy 'conventional wisdom'

University of Rochester researchers produce highly chirped pulses with relatively low-quality equipment, increasing possibilities for high-capacity telecommunication systems and astrophysical calibrations. The new method uses normal dispersion cavities, which are more common and can generate stable pulses despite high energy loss.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalOptica·DateJun 17, 2021

Magnetized threads weave spectacular galactic tapestry

A new panorama of the Galactic Center builds on previous surveys, expanding Chandra's high-energy view. The image features X-ray and radio emission intertwined threads, bound by magnetic fields that may have formed through magnetic reconnection. This process drives galactic-scale outflows and affects cosmic rays and interstellar medium.

SourceCenter for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMay 27, 2021

Artificial intelligence for space

Researchers at University of Würzburg are developing AI technology to analyze images from Mars and other planets, detecting previously unknown anomalies such as circular holes and geysers. The project aims to train AI on board a small satellite in space to learn independently and report discoveries back to Earth.

Bitcoin price boom 'locking in' vast energy consumption

The surging Bitcoin price is driving increasing energy consumption, with estimates suggesting the entire network could consume up to 184 TWh per year. This 'lock-in' effect means that even if the price crashes, energy consumption remains high, threatening international safety and exacerbating climate change.

SourceCell Press·JournalJoule·DateMar 10, 2021