Articles tagged with Wood
A new study published in Nature Climate Change found analyses of carbon emissions may be misleading as they failed to include policy mechanisms. Contrary to previous findings, conserving native forests resulted in better climate outcomes than sustainable harvesting due to policy effects.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have successfully printed and dried three-dimensional objects made entirely from cellulose for the first time, competing with fossil-based plastics and metals. The breakthrough uses a 3D bioprinter to create electrically conductive materials with carbon nanotubes.
KU Leuven researchers create sustainable process to convert wood waste lignin into chemical building blocks for various products. The resulting chemicals can be used in paint, insulation foam, and several other applications.
Researchers investigated wood supply and demand in Bavaria by 2035, finding that using wood as a building material first reduces ecological benefits. Wood scarcity could lead to increased imports and substitute products, affecting jobs and carbon balance.
Research reveals that selectively-logged tropical forests, which account for 30% of global rainforests, contain up to 64% dead wood, leading to increased carbon emissions. This study suggests that a large proportion of forests worldwide are less sinks and more sources of carbon dioxide.
A study in California's Sierra Nevada region found a nine-fold increase in standing dead trees and nearly three times more logs on the ground, but smaller and more decayed pieces. This shift poses a challenge for forest managers, who must balance habitat value with fire hazard reduction.
A Yale-led study suggests that only 27-34% of world's wood fuel is unsustainable, highlighting the need for nuanced, local-specific climate and forest policies in developing nations. The research also identifies 'hotspots' where deforestation exceeds sustainable yields, primarily in South Asia and East Africa.
The new version of Argonne's WATER tool predicts water consumption associated with use of cellulosic feedstocks. The tool provides analysis down to the county level for the first time, supporting biofuel industry development and planning.
A three-year grant will measure indoor air quality in tents used by Native subsistence hunters in subarctic North America to determine possible health effects of wood smoke exposure. The study aims to provide information on emissions mitigation methods and improve understanding of multipollutant emissions.
Researchers developed cellular composite materials with unprecedented light weight and stiffness using epoxy-based resins and 3D printing techniques. The materials mimic balsa wood's mechanical properties and offer improved performance over commercial 3D-printed polymers and polymer composites.
Researchers analyzed 33 fungal genomes to determine if wood-decaying fungi fall under one of two general classes. They found that some fungi, such as Botryobasidium botryosum and Jaapia argillacea, show similarities to white rot fungi but lack key enzymes, complicating the traditional categorization.
A new study reveals that local-scale factors, such as terrain and temperature, explain most of the variation in wood decomposition, while climate plays a smaller role. The research suggests that termites and fungi have a more significant impact on decomposition than previously thought, which can improve climate change projections.
A new study suggests that local factors, such as fungal colonization and terrain, play a more significant role in wood decomposition rates than previously thought. This finding has implications for climate models, which may be weakened by aggregating data across large geographic areas.
A study by Ecological Society of America finds that excluding invasive pests like the emerald ash borer from imported goods saves US $11.7 billion, outweighing added costs. The treatment reduces wood borer infestation rates by up to 52%, benefiting homeowners and local governments.
A new international standard for wood packaging material has significantly reduced insect stowaways, with a 52% drop in infestation rates. The International Phytosanitary Standard ISPM 15 has achieved near-100% reduction in insect stowaways in some countries.
Scientists have found that Borneo's dipterocarp trees produce wood faster than their neighbors and other tree species in the Amazon, with average differences of 3.2 tons per hectare per year. This unique trait may be linked to their ability to tap into scarce nutrient resources or trade-off growth for other plant parts.
Researchers at the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology have developed highly absorbent nanocellulose sponges that can absorb up to 50 times their own weight of oil. These sponges, known as 'silylated' nanocellulose sponges, also float reliably on water and are biodegradable.
Researchers at UMass Amherst have developed a new version of Geckskin, a gecko-like adhesive that can adhere to various surfaces like drywall and wood. The material exhibits the ability to stick and release on different surfaces, opening up possibilities for innovative technologies in homes, offices, or outdoors.
Researchers found that chimpanzees select tree branches with specific physical properties, such as stiffness and leaf surface area, to build comfortable and safe nests. Ugandan Ironwood was the preferred choice due to its firmness and resilience.
A Yale University-led study finds that using more wood and less steel and concrete in building and bridge construction can reduce global carbon dioxide emissions and fossil fuel consumption. Sustainable management of wood resources can achieve both goals while maintaining biodiversity and reducing fossil fuel burning.
Scientists at Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft are producing isobutene from sugar using a microbial conversion process. The pilot plant, set to start in 2014, will have the potential to produce up to 100 tons of isobutene per year.
A team of MIT researchers has discovered that a small piece of sapwood can filter out over 99% of bacteria from contaminated water. The xylem tissue in the sapwood allows water to flow through while blocking most types of bacteria, making it a promising low-cost material for water filtration.
Researchers found that pine tree sapwood can filter out more than 99% of E. coli bacteria from contaminated water, but has a particle size limit. The small-branch filtration system produced clean drinking water suitable for one person per day.
The study analyzed the potential of energy wood resources in the Leningrad region of Russia, finding significant potential for intensification. Maximization of sustainable energy wood supply could create new jobs and business opportunities, but challenges like low productivity and technical accessibility need to be solved.
Air quality in Greece has deteriorated by 30% since the financial crisis, with fine particles lodged deep into lung tissue posing health risks. Burning cheaper fuel sources like wood and trash for heating has contributed to this issue.
Larger commercial and industrial operations in areas with access to large timber resources could convert to wood-powered burners for heat and power. Wood is a renewable resource that could contribute to the nation's energy needs indefinitely if managed sustainably.
A new research project led by Aarhus University scientists aims to improve agricultural production in Ghana using irrigation and biochar. The initiative seeks to increase crop yields, reduce deforestation, and protect the environment while providing more employment opportunities and a better economy for local communities.
A study by Brown University researchers found that lighter non-wood bats did not launch the ball at significantly higher speeds than wood bats, particularly for younger players. The study's results suggest that coordinated rules for bat performance in youth baseball are needed to ensure player safety and enjoyment.
Researchers used a special microscope to reveal how nanostructures contain damage within microscopic cavities, allowing trees to seal off damaged cells. The bordered pits are filled with a mesh membrane of nanofibrils that radiate from a thickened central region, controlling sap flow and protecting trees.
Researchers found that whiskey samples can contain hundreds of nonvolatile compounds, resulting in complex molecular mingling during aging. The deliberate chemistry experiment revealed a treasure trove of information useful for whiskey-makers and regulators.
Research in Navarre's beech groves reveals traditional forestry management reduces fungal diversity, with some species disappearing and families affected. The study highlights the importance of decomposing dead wood for fungal populations, contradicting current forest management practices.
Researchers at the University of Maryland have created a nanoscale battery using wood fibers that can last over 400 charging cycles, making it a promising alternative to traditional batteries.
Researchers have created a battery made from wood coated with tin that shows promise for becoming a tiny, long-lasting and efficient energy source. The device performed successfully through 400 charge-discharge cycles, making it suitable for large-scale energy storage applications such as wind farms or solar energy installations.
Scientists have discovered a new enzyme that can break down wood into simple sugars, which can then be fermented to produce liquid biofuels. The gribble cellulase is extremely resistant to aggressive chemical environments, making it ideal for industrial applications and potentially reducing costs.
The article describes progress in introducing cleaner cook stoves to developing countries, cutting fuel use and air pollution exposure. The new stoves can reduce climate-warming emissions and improve health outcomes for millions of people worldwide.
A team of Max Planck researchers discovered that sunken wood can serve as a temporary habitat for rare deep-sea animals. The wood's degradation by bacteria produces hydrogen sulfide, attracting species that rely on these compounds for energy, such as cold-seep mussels.
Researchers have identified two species of wood-boring beetles as the makers of wormholes in European printed art since the Renaissance. The study, published in Biology Letters, uses printed art as a trace fossil to precisely date species and identify their locations.
Researchers discovered a method to improve softwoods' performance by mimicking the black locust tree's heartwood properties, which reduces water collection and resists rot. The treated wood is harder and more resistant to changing humidity, making it a more stable building material.
USDA scientists are working to minimize the threat of Laurel wilt disease caused by the fungus Raffaelea lauricola, vectored by the redbay ambrosia beetle. Chemical attractants for beetle traps and fungicides to slow disease spread have been developed.
Scientists warn that the famous Swedish warship Vasa is deteriorating due to significant loss of strength in its wooden hull. The study found that the ship's wooden structure weakened by up to 80 percent, potentially threatening its preservation for future generations.
Scientists at North Carolina State University discovered a novel protein controller that regulates gene expression in tree cells during wood formation. The controller protein prevents abnormal growth and promotes healthy wood formation by suppressing the expression of certain genes.
Researchers have found that plants exhibit a wide range of mechanical properties, from stiffness and strength. Fruits and vegetables are the least stiff, while densest palms can be 100,000 times stiffer. Plants' microstructures, such as cell wall composition and arrangement, contribute to this diversity.
Acetylated wood, a new form of sustainable wood, has been developed using a back-to-the-future technology that permanently expands cell walls to resist water absorption. The material has similar properties to modern construction materials but a smaller carbon footprint.
A new study puts finishing touches on the history of the 'Bay of the Pirates' warship's beak-like weapon, identifying a major threat to preserving it. The analysis revealed that the ancient wooden marine treasure is made of pine with waterproofing agents and contains copious sulfur that can turn into corrosive acid.
Researchers at HZB have discovered that the alum preservative used on Viking artifacts has led to acidic reactions, destroying cellulose fibers. They are now developing new materials to preserve these cultural treasures.
Researchers have discovered high levels of sulphur and iron compounds in shipwrecks off the west coast of Sweden, including warships and Viking vessels. The presence of toxic hydrogen sulphide poses a risk to wooden hulls and requires special conservation procedures to prevent damage.
A new study reveals that genetically improved loblolly pines have increased carbon uptake and stem-wood production, with 17% and 13% increases respectively, over a 40-year period. This enhancement of the trees' ability to act as carbon sinks is expected to mitigate climate change.
Aalto University researchers have developed a new bioprocess that uses only lignocellulose from wood biomass to produce chemicals and biofuel. This process avoids wasting any parts of the wood sugar and can be used in existing combustion engines without modifications.
A unique chemical composition of a cockroach signal, emitting a sex pheromone, could help determine habitat suitability for an endangered woodpecker. The synthetic pheromone attracts large numbers of adult male cockroaches, suggesting that the area could be a suitable home for the red-cockaded woodpecker.
Researchers at Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA) have developed a method to treat wood with a white-rot fungus, resulting in instruments with tonal qualities comparable to Stradivarius. The goal is to standardize the process to mass-produce violins with guaranteed quality.
A team of international experts has described the detailed structure of cellulose fibres in wood, crucial for developing strong, sustainable composite materials and second generation biofuels. The research reveals that enzymes can bind to specific surface areas on the cellulose fibres, making it easier to break down into glucose.
A new study finds that using sustainably managed forests and utilizing wood for long-lived products can remove existing carbon dioxide from the air. The strategy also suggests using wood wastes for biofuels to displace fossil fuels, resulting in up to a 100% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
A new study published in the journal Biofuels Bioproducts & Biorefinin suggests that wood-based biofuel can compete with corn ethanol for a share of the renewable fuels market. The research identifies opportunities to reduce costs and increase economic viability through technological advancements and economies-of-scale.
Researchers at Virginia Tech are using genomics to improve poplar tree quality as a biofuels feedstock. The goal is to increase bioenergy crop production and reduce dependence on food crops, offering new options for American farmers.
A comprehensive study of tension wood reveals its unique features and links them to sugar release, which is crucial for producing biofuel. The research provides insight into the molecular and biochemical properties of tension wood, shedding light on how it can be used to design more suitable bioenergy crops.
The USDA has awarded $40 million to the Northwest Advanced Renewables Alliance (NARA) and the University of Washington to produce domestic aviation fuel using sustainable wood biomass. The projects aim to overcome technical barriers, such as lignin breakdown, to make woody materials viable for biofuel production.
A recent study published in the journal Carbon Management suggests that using wood products can reduce carbon emissions by up to 10 tons per ton, making them a viable alternative to fossil fuels. Sustainably managed forests are found to be essentially carbon neutral, but older forests have limited capacity to absorb carbon dioxide.
A research group has discovered a genetic mechanism that controls the development of wood cells in plant roots, allowing for potential engineering of more wood-producing plants. The study, published in Current Biology, sheds light on the formation of water-transporting tissues and their role in plant colonization of land.
Scientists have developed stronger, lighter, and more sustainable automotive plastics by harnessing the power of plant-based nano-cellulose fibers. These innovative materials are set to revolutionize car production, reducing weight and improving fuel efficiency.
A new outdoor testing system tracks real weather conditions and measures the impact of temperature changes on building joint sealants. This technology may help manufacturers improve the protective performance of their products, leading to reduced moisture damage and associated repairs.