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Biochar made from brewery waste could help trap harmful bacteria in sandy filtration systems

Researchers found that biochar produced from malt spent rootlets can sharply increase E. coli retention in sand, offering a potential route to cleaner water and productive reuse of brewery waste. Adding more biochar changes how bacteria are retained, shifting from physical trapping to direct attachment.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalBiochar·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 10, 2026

New approach boosts microplastic removal from wastewater

Researchers at RMIT University have developed a new method for removing microplastics from wastewater, achieving removal rates of more than 90% through the use of microbubbles and nanobubbles. The approach is simple to implement and significantly increases plastic removal during primary treatment.

SourceRMIT University·JournalACS ES&T Water·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 5, 2026
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Do-it-yourself box filter clears the air of indoor pollutants

Researchers developed a low-cost, durable DIY air cleaner that works as well as HEPA filters to clear indoor air pollutants. The Corsi-Rosenthal Box, comprising common HVAC filters, performed as well or better than comparable HEPA filters in removing particles from the air.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateMar 24, 2025

A clear game-changer: Curtin’s water-repellent glass breaks new ground

Researchers at Curtin University have developed a new technique to make glass water-repellent, creating a durable and environmentally friendly surface that can improve safety in vehicles and buildings. The process uses ultrasound to trigger a chemical reaction, forming a stable organic layer on the glass surface.

SourceCurtin University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 26, 2025

UH researchers making clean water more accessible

Researchers at the University of Houston have developed a new membrane that allows water to flow eight times faster while maintaining high salt rejection rates. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient and cost-effective desalination systems, lowering costs and increasing access to clean water.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateFeb 26, 2025
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Chemical looping turns environmental waste into fuel

Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a low-carbon system that transforms materials like plastics and agricultural waste into syngas, producing high-quality chemicals and fuels. The technology achieves a purity of around 90% in a process that takes only a few minutes.

SourceOhio State University·JournalEnergy & Fuels·DateJan 29, 2025

Revolutionary biofilter offers breakthrough solution for emerging contaminants in wastewater

Researchers unveiled an innovative system that outperforms conventional filtration methods by combining microbial electrochemical technologies with enhanced biodegradation processes. The biofilter demonstrates significant removal of pharmaceuticals and herbicides, altering their chirality to influence toxicity and biodegradability.

SourceEurasia Academic Publishing Group·JournalEnvironmental Science and Ecotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 15, 2025

SNU researchers develop filter-free microbubble air purification system

The SNU researchers developed a comprehensive air purification system that removes fine dust, CO2, and volatile organic compounds using water-based purification. The system mimics the gas exchange principles of the human respiratory and circulatory systems, providing a sustainable alternative to existing filtration systems.

SourceSeoul National University College of Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 27, 2024
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

UBC engineers develop all-in-one solution to catch and destroy ‘forever chemicals’

Researchers at the University of British Columbia have developed an all-in-one solution to remove and destroy PFAS substances, also known as 'forever chemicals,' from water supply. The system combines an activated carbon filter with a patented catalyst that traps and breaks down harmful chemicals into harmless components.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalCommunications Engineering·DateAug 28, 2024

New membrane technology developed by NYU Abu Dhabi researchers could lead to more effective and efficient water purification systems

The NYU Abu Dhabi team has developed a new type of dual-faced membrane that effectively purifies water from contaminants and boasts strong antibacterial properties. The microwave-mediated synthesis method allows precise control over the membrane's properties, enabling efficient removal of pollutants.

SourceNew York University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 8, 2024
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Novel pre-treatment process enhances PFAs removal from drinking water

A research team at New Jersey Institute of Technology has developed a novel pre-treatment process to enhance the performance of existing GAC systems for PFAS removal. The approach involves adding a chemical that forms hydrophobic complexes with PFAS molecules, improving removal efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

SourceNew Jersey Institute of Technology·DateJul 10, 2024

Injectable water filtration system could improve access to clean drinking water around the world

Researchers at University of Texas at Austin developed a portable and affordable water filtration system that can catch up to 100% of particles larger than 10 nanometers. The device uses low-cost, sustainable materials and is easy to use, making it an attractive solution for improving freshwater availability in remote regions.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature Sustainability·DateJan 23, 2024

Fresh Research for Fresh Air: Harnessing microbes for removing indoor pollutants

Researchers in Chile developed a prototype using microorganisms to remove VOCs and PAHs from indoor air, achieving efficiencies above 90%. The system can operate for 8 months without losing efficiency. This breakthrough offers a potentially low-cost solution to improve indoor air quality.

SourceSociety of Chemical Industry·JournalJournal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology·DateDec 19, 2023

Air cleaners don’t stop you getting sick, research shows

A systematic review of air filtration systems found little evidence to support their effectiveness in reducing the risk of viral infections. The study analyzed 32 studies and found no strong evidence that air treatment technologies can protect people from catching airborne respiratory or gastrointestinal infections.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalPreventive Medicine·TypeSystematic review·DateNov 16, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Chemical contamination on International Space Station is out of this world

Concentrations of potentially harmful chemical compounds in ISS dust exceed median values in US and Western European home floor dust. The study guides design and construction of future spacecraft by highlighting the importance of material choices.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 8, 2023

Sewage to sustenance: Making reclaimed water ready for crops

Researchers at the University of California - Riverside have developed a low-cost technology using biochar to remove harmful compounds from reclaimed water, making it safe for agricultural reuse. The biochar-based polishing systems have shown promising results in removing antibiotics and resistant bacteria, potentially reducing the spr...

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateJun 19, 2023
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Manganese in Central Valley water threatens fetuses and children

A UC Riverside-led study finds nearly half of domestic well water users in the Central Valley live in disadvantaged communities with high manganese contamination rates. The highest concentrations are found in private, untreated well water systems, posing health risks to fetuses and children.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateApr 5, 2023

CityU scientists engineer a breath-to-charge electrostatic face mask for prolonged air filtration, reducing the environmental burden

Researchers at City University of Hong Kong develop a self-charging electrostatic face mask that can continuously replenish its electrostatic charge through the user's breathing. The mask provides high-efficiency airborne particle removal with 95.8% effectiveness after 60 hours of testing.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 16, 2023

Designing better water filters with AI

Researchers used AI to design and test thousands of functional group patterns on a carbon nanotube pore, finding optimal arrangements that can filter out contaminants. The study demonstrates AI's potential in developing new types of water purification membranes.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Central Science·DateNov 30, 2022

A combination of behaviour change campaigns and technology could help to keep air pollution at a minimum in schools, according to Surrey experts

A new study from the University of Surrey found that behaviour change campaigns and technology can significantly reduce air pollution in schools. Implementing these interventions can lead to a reduction in outdoor nitrogen dioxide exposure by up to 23% compared to business-as-usual activities.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalScience of The Total Environment·DateNov 29, 2022

A new air purification strategy might reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission in classrooms and other indoor spaces by as much as tenfold

A new study by USC researchers demonstrates that high-efficiency air filtration systems can significantly improve indoor air quality. Operating such systems with portable HEPA air purifiers can maximize the removal of tiny airborne particles, reducing COVID-19 transmission risk by up to tenfold.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 9, 2022
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Investing in new water filtration membranes is worth it

Researchers found that antifouling membranes, which resist contaminant accumulation, cost less over their lifetimes than cheaper alternatives. This leads to reduced operating expenses for municipal wastewater facilities and desalination plants.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalACS ES&T Engineering·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 12, 2022
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

New filtering method promises safer drinking water, improved industrial production

A new filtering technology inspired by biology can separate fluoride from chloride ions with twice the selectivity, potentially preventing waterborne diseases like fluorosis. The technology also has potential applications in industrial processes such as chemical production and mining.

SourceTufts University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 6, 2021

Role of aspirating system type in SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity among dental staff

A study of 157 healthcare workers in Ekaterinburg, Russia found that aspirating systems with HEPA filters reduced SARS-CoV-2 infection prevalence. Dental clinics using dry suction systems had higher infection rates compared to those utilizing semi-dry and fully filtered systems.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·JournalJDR Clinical & Translational Research·DateFeb 8, 2021

New research to enhance air filtering in ambulances

A new research project aims to improve air filtering in ambulances by mapping airflow patterns and installing effective filtration units. The project will provide flow maps from the ambulance interior under different driving conditions, enabling the optimised installation of filtration systems.

SourceCranfield University·DateFeb 4, 2021

Not all in-home drinking water filters completely remove toxic PFAS

A new Duke University study found that many household filters are only partially effective at removing toxic perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from drinking water. Activated-carbon filters removed an average of 73% of PFAS contaminants, while reverse osmosis filters and two-stage filters achieved near-complete removal.

SourceDuke University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateFeb 5, 2020

Manta rays could teach us a thing or two about effective filtration

Researchers studied manta ray filtration using physical modeling and CFD, discovering a novel non-clogging mechanism that resists clogging. The 'ricochet' separation process allows water to pass through while tiny particles are eaten, promising applications for industrial wastewater treatment and reducing microplastic pollution.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 26, 2018
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Highly efficient heavy metal ions filter

A new hybrid filter membrane has been developed to remove heavy metals from water, including industrially relevant elements like lead and mercury. The membrane's efficiency is high, with over 99% of toxic substances bound in just a single pass.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJan 25, 2016

In search of a healthy and energy efficient building

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.

SourceConcordia University·JournalBuilding and Environment·DateJul 15, 2015

On-board school bus filtration system reduces pollutants by 88 percent

A new on-board air filtration system developed for school buses reduces exposure to vehicular pollutants by up to 88%, making it cleaner way to transport children. The HECA filtration system could protect the 25 million American children who commute on school buses nearly every day from harmful exposures.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·DateMar 2, 2015
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Researchers devise hidden dune filters to treat coastal stormwater runoff

Researchers from NC State University have developed low-cost filtration systems that filter out most bacteria in stormwater runoff by 96 percent. The systems, installed beneath sand dunes, show minimal impact on groundwater levels and effectively limit bacterial pollution.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalEcological Engineering·DateMar 19, 2013

National Jewish, EPA put HEPA filters, air purifiers to the test

A National Jewish Medical and Research Center study, funded by the EPA, investigates the effectiveness of HEPA filters and electrostatic air filtration systems in removing allergens and irritants from homes of children with asthma. The study aims to determine if these interventions can help lower asthma severity in some children.

SourceNational Jewish Health·DateApr 2, 2000

Microbes work magic on hazardous air pollutants

The biotrickling filter technology uses naturally occurring microorganisms to metabolize air pollutants into harmless byproducts. It has been successfully tested at the Naval Air Station-North Island in San Diego, reducing HAP emissions from aircraft painting operations by up to 95%.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·DateAug 10, 1999

Breakthrough Systems To Detect Nuclear Explosions Worldwide

The Department of Energy has developed two breakthrough devices, ARSA and RASA, to detect nuclear detonations by analyzing the atmosphere for radioactive material. These systems enhance the ability of the US and international community to detect and confirm nuclear explosions.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateJul 27, 1998
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.