Articles tagged with Wood
A research team has created a high-quality bioplastic from wood byproducts, showing promise for producing durable and sustainable plastics. The resulting material exhibits high mechanical strength, stability, and UV-light resistance, making it suitable for various applications, including packaging and automobile manufacturing.
Scientists at Empa and ETH Zurich create piezoelectric wood by dissolving lignin using a biological process, resulting in an elastic material that generates a voltage when deformed. The technology has potential applications as a sensor or electricity-generating floor, and researchers are exploring its industrial feasibility.
Researchers have developed a genetic engineering method to observe woody cell wall formation in plants, allowing them to better understand the mechanisms behind complex biological processes. This breakthrough could lead to the development of stronger construction materials with a smaller carbon footprint.
Researchers analyzed tree rings in Alaska to understand the climate's response to the 1783 Laki Volcano eruption. They found that tree growth stopped suddenly after the eruption, suggesting a sudden cooling at the end of the growing season.
A new study finds that crops grown near Chernobyl's exclusion zone continue to be contaminated with radioactive isotopes, including strontium 90 and caesium 137. The contamination poses significant health risks to humans and the environment, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and remediation efforts.
Researchers have developed a sustainable material called regenerated isotropic wood (RGI-wood) from surface nanocrystallized wood particles. RGI-wood boasts improved mechanical properties, fire retardancy, and electromagnetic shielding capabilities compared to natural wood and petroleum-based plastics.
A team of scientists discovered an elbow-shaped flume in the Barbegal watermills, a unique adaptation for efficient water supply. The research, published in Scientific Reports, provides insights into Roman engineers' ingenuity and technological advancements.
Researchers have created a bio-based, water-resistant wood film that can emit and scatter light, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional lighting materials. The luminescent panel demonstrates excellent mechanical properties and can be used as cover panels for lamps, displays, and laser devices.
A recent study by Aalto University and Finnish Environment Institute shows that shifting to wood in European construction can significantly reduce environmental impact. If 80% of new residential buildings were made of wood, they would store 47% of Europe's annual cement industry emissions.
A first-of-its-kind study found that the US wood pellet industry has a net positive effect on southeastern US forests, with overall carbon storage increased and standing-dead trees decreasing. However, the researchers caution that future expansion and increasing demand may pose concerns if not monitored closely.
A study by researchers at Penn State found that mulch bags labeled as 'cypress' often contain less than claimed, with some bags containing no cypress at all. The investigation used a new method to sort and estimate species mix in the mulch, revealing significant discrepancies between advertised content and actual composition.
Researchers report a successful restoration of an ancient oak woodland in Illinois, with native plant biodiversity comparable to best remnant woodlands. The team's efforts focused on rooting up invasive plants, periodically burning, seeding native plants and culling deer, achieving a level of success rare in restoration ecology.
Scientists have discovered a way to reduce lignin in poplar trees using CRISPR/Cas9 technology, leading to increased wood processing efficiency and a potential solution for a carbon-neutral bio-based economy. The research found that engineered trees showed no negative impact on growth or biomass yield.
Using advanced X-ray Computed Tomography (XCT) to study smoldering, Stanford researchers developed a new analysis method that provides three-dimensional images of wood structures. Their computer model can predict where wildfires might strike next and allocate resources more efficiently, saving lives and reducing property loss.
Researchers identified key drivers of secondary growth resumption in Northern Hemisphere conifers, including photoperiod and mean annual temperature. These factors interact with spring forcing and moisture availability to regulate wood formation.
Researchers detected six coumarins in oak wood, wine, and spirits, finding that a combination can produce a bitter taste. Higher levels of coumarins were found in red wines and spirits, particularly those aged for longer times.
A new solar-powered water purification technology uses a biomimetic hierarchical steam generator to produce clean drinking water from non-drinkable sources. The device achieves high evaporation rates and efficiency, making it a promising solution for water-scarce areas.
Researchers developed a wood-based steam generator that harnesses solar energy to separate pure water from contaminants. The device uses light-absorbing, water-evaporating top layers and insulating glass bubbles for efficient purification.
A seven-year field experiment found no discernible difference in Oregon slender salamanders on recently harvested tree stands compared to older stands. The study highlights the importance of downed wood in detecting both species.
Researchers used subannual precision radiocarbon dating to analyze tree rings in the Por-Bajin monument, revealing a sudden increase in atmospheric 14C in 775 CE. The analysis allowed them to pinpoint the exact year and season of construction as summer 777 CE.
Scientists at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz have developed a new sustainable method to extract vanillin from lignin, reducing toxic waste and increasing commercial viability. The process uses electrolytic depolymerization in caustic soda, producing high-quality vanillin with a yield of around four percent.
Researchers at West Virginia University are developing reusable, environmentally friendly mask filters using wood-derived materials to address PPE shortages. The filters, made from polylactic acid, nanocellulose, and nano copper, aim to prevent viruses and microorganisms from penetrating masks.
A $260,000 award from the US Forest Service supports a two-year project led by NAU professor Han-Sup Han to develop wood products market, invest in rural economies, and increase forest restoration treatments. The goal is to create a center of expertise that can support sustainable forest land management and cluster development.
A study employing two approaches has accurately dated a collection of wooden timbers from the East Mediterranean using radiocarbon measurements and tree-ring associations. This precise chronology can support archaeological records and provide valuable insights into climate fluctuations during the Bronze and Iron Ages.
A study led by University of Arizona researchers challenges the long-held view of the Plaza Tree of Pueblo Bonito as a living tree in an otherwise treeless landscape. Dendroprovenance analysis revealed that the tree did not grow where it was found, suggesting it may have come from distant mountain ranges.
The new Boston building will be one of the largest residential wooden structures in the US, featuring a cross-laminated timber structure that eliminates most greenhouse-gas emissions. Its kit-of-parts approach and energy-efficient design make it a pioneering example of sustainable building in urban areas.
Researchers at UMass Amherst have identified eastern hemlock and eastern white pine as structurally sound for cross-laminated timber (CLT) use. The study finds that these trees can create jobs and support better forestry management, addressing climate change.
Researchers at The University of Tokyo have developed a new procedure for recycling concrete with wood, yielding a building material with superior bending strength. This innovative approach may help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and construction costs.
Researchers at the University of Montana studied how black-capped chickadees and red-breasted nuthatches encode information in their calls, revealing that they can distinguish between direct and indirect threats. The study suggests that birds are capable of sophisticated decision-making and avoiding spreading false information.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology developed a new method to preserve lumber by applying a metal oxide coating, which shows promise in replacing conventional pressure treating methods. The new process has been found to be effective in creating a hydrophobic barrier, reducing water absorption and mold growth.
An interdisciplinary team from KU Leuven has mapped out the technological and economic viability of replacing petroleum with wood in the chemical industry. The research suggests that a biorefinery using wood can produce chemicals with lower CO2 emissions, making it a more sustainable alternative.
Research project in Ebrach Forest investigates optimal dead wood placement to promote biodiversity, with sun-exposed trunks showing rare species but also numerous shaded species. The study was funded by €500,000 and will run until 2023.
Researchers analyzed 80 volatile compounds and identified 17 key compounds responsible for wine fragrance. These compounds relate to fruity, woody, toasted, and citric aromas and can help guide the creation of more affordable wines with specific aromatic profiles.
Designing mid-rise urban buildings with engineered timber could create a 'bank vault' storing 10 to 68 million tons of carbon annually. This would drastically reduce carbon emissions associated with the construction sector.
A new study shows that buildings made from wood instead of cement and steel can avoid greenhouse gas emissions from production and store CO2, turning them into a powerful means to mitigate climate change. Sustainable forest management is crucial for this transition.
Ancient Romans used timber from eastern France (Jura mountains) for portico construction in Rome. The oak planks were transported over 1700km via rivers before reaching the city.
The study uses low-temperature scanning electron microscopy to image the nanoscale architecture of tree cell walls in their living state. It reveals that macrofibril structures with a diameter exceeding 10 nanometres are common across all trees studied, providing new insights into wood's mechanical properties.
Timothy Young, a professor at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, has been named a Fellow by the International Academy of Wood Science. This international honor recognizes his significant contributions to wood science and research globally.
Research team finds wood chips from ancient trees dating back 19 million years in ocean core samples, revealing a previously unrecognized way carbon remains locked away for millions of years. The discovery suggests that the amount of carbon exported and buried by modern rivers may be 50% greater than previously thought.
Researchers argue that Germany's reforestation plan won't protect forests from future climate change. Instead, preserving dead wood and promoting diverse tree structures could increase resistance to extreme weather events and pests.
A team of green chemists from the University of the Witwatersrand has developed a sustainable method to produce potential sunscreens using cashew nut shells. The new aromatic compounds show good UVA and UVB absorbance, protecting humans, livestock, and polymers from harmful sun rays.
Researchers found that Asian longhorned beetle larvae can consume tree tissues that their parents cannot, allowing them to thrive on a wider range of hosts. This discovery explains how the beetle expands its range and poses a threat to vulnerable species in North American forests.
Researchers at Princeton University have developed a new wood-based membrane for water filtration that outperforms existing polymers and offers a more sustainable alternative. The membrane's high porosity enables efficient water vapor transport and reduces heat loss, making it ideal for distilling fresh water from salty sources.
Researchers have developed a new terahertz imaging technique that can detect subsurface insect damage in wood, allowing for early detection of infestations. The technique uses terahertz time-of-flight tomography to identify damage caused by insects like the typographer beetle, which infects spruce and other coniferous trees.
University of Illinois Professor Nenad Miljkovic validated the antimicrobial efficacy of John Boos & Co.'s proprietary cutting boards and companion board oil and cream. The study found that application of the Mystery Oil and Board Cream created an antimicrobial, hydrophobic surface that killed bacteria after three hours.
Researchers have successfully mimicked the ultrastructure of wood using 3D-printing technology, enabling the creation of sustainable green products. The new process allows for precise control over cellulose nanofibril arrangement, replicating desirable properties of natural wood.
Researchers found a microscopic valve-like structure in slow-growing ponderosa pines provides greater safety against drought but slows water transport, limiting growth rate. The study suggests there is a fundamental tradeoff between drought resistance and growth rate in these trees.
A newly engineered wood-based material successfully reflects heat and cools buildings by deflecting incoming solar radiation. The material, which is more than eight times stronger than natural wood, can reduce energy costs by between 20% and 50% in 16 U.S. cities.
Blossom, a handcrafted open-source robot platform, is designed to be simple, expressive, and inexpensive, allowing users to customize it with various materials like wood and wool. The robot's mechanical design enables flexible gestures, making it suitable for teaching children about robotics and human-robot interaction.
Research reveals tree species with durable wood persist longer, but slow growth comes at the expense of reduced resources; Early stages dominate 'fast' pioneer species with soft wood.
Researchers at the University of Maryland have developed a self-cleaning solar evaporator made of wood that can efficiently produce clean drinking water from salty water. The device uses interfacial evaporation technology and minimizes maintenance needs, making it suitable for off-grid water generation in low-income countries.
Researchers developed a new type of transparent wood that absorbs, stores and releases heat, potentially saving energy costs in eco-friendly homes. The material is biodegradable, strong and can bear heavy loads, opening the door for its eventual use in modern architecture.
Researchers uncover six distinct genera and over 60 species of wood-boring clams, revealing their unique diet and importance in the ocean's carbon cycle. The discovery sheds new light on these tiny creatures' role in shaping the deep-sea ecosystem.
A new residential wood ash program aims to replenish Muskoka's declining calcium levels, essential for forest growth and life. The program could also improve crayfish stock, water quality, and maple syrup production.
A team of researchers from the University of Maryland has developed a heat-to-electricity device using a piece of wood, which can potentially be used to generate energy from body heat. The device uses ions and unique properties of the wood's natural nanostructures to convert low-grade heat into electrical signal.
Researchers at NC State University have identified a complex transcriptional regulatory network that regulates wood formation in woody plants. The study reveals novel interactions between key transcription factors and genes, providing insights into the regulation of lignin biosynthesis and its relation to disease resistance.
A South African fungus has been found to rapidly degrade lignocellulose into fermentable simple sugars, feeding a community of surrounding fungi. The genome sequence of the fungus reveals its extraordinary ability to break down wood and produce valuable products.
Scientists at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a new material called metallic wood that has the strength of titanium but is four to five times lighter. The material's porous structure can be infused with other materials, making it suitable for applications such as plane wings or prosthetic legs that also serve as batteries.
A study by Lancaster University tested six acoustic guitars with different back and side plate materials, finding similar sound quality ratings among all instruments. Despite this, experts suggest using sustainable woods as substitutes for expensive and endangered ones to minimize environmental impact.
Columbia University researchers used voxel printing to create digital wood, a complex material for 3D printing. The technique allows for the creation of objects with internal grains and external color textures. Digital wood has potential applications in various fields, including architecture and product design.