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Quantifying barriers to establishing sequestration wells

A recent study from Carnegie Mellon University estimates the time required to develop, approve, and implement a geologic sequestration site in the US, identifying six clearance points that must be passed for a site to become operational. The findings suggest that on average, there is a 90% probability that the time required for a site ...

SourceCollege of Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 18, 2023

Wildfires also impact aquatic ecosystems

Research from the University of California San Diego finds that wildfires transform lakes and aquatic ecosystems, storing more carbon and emitting less CO2. The study suggests a shift in the role of aquatic systems in the global carbon cycle, with potential consequences for aquatic health and fisheries.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalGlobal Change Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 12, 2023

A cool (temperature) take on direct air carbon capture

Researchers have developed an ion-exchange method that captures CO2 at room temperature, paired with an electrochemical cell to purify the gas. The technology has the potential to be powered by industrial waste heat or geothermal energy, reducing emissions and costs.

SourceLehigh University·DateDec 11, 2023
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.

Time-tested magnesium oxide: Unveiling CO2 absorption dynamics

Scientists studied magnesium oxide crystal samples exposed to the atmosphere for decades and days to months, revealing that a reacted layer forms on its surface. This layer limits carbon dioxide molecules from reacting with fresh magnesium oxide, making the technology less efficient.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2023

Three proposals from researchers to meet EU climate goals

Researchers propose three methods to meet EU climate goals: a carbon removal bank, extended land use regulation, and clear identification of difficult-to-tackle emissions. These measures aim to incentivize companies and countries to invest in new technologies and reduce emissions.

SourceLinköping University·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateDec 7, 2023

The ocean may be storing more carbon than estimated in earlier studies

A recent study has found that the ocean's capacity to store atmospheric carbon dioxide is significantly higher than previously estimated. The research team analyzed data from around the world and calculated a new estimate of 15 gigatonnes per year, an increase of around 20% compared to previous studies.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature·DateDec 6, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Researchers decode aqueous amino acid’s potential for direct air capture of CO2

Scientists have made a significant stride toward understanding a viable process for direct air capture of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The study focused on aqueous glycine, an amino acid known for its absorbent qualities, and discovered that focusing solely on free energy barrier is an oversimplification that can lead to inaccur...

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 4, 2023

New study offers cautious hope about the resilience of redwoods

Researchers found that coast redwood's massive carbon reserves fueled growth of new leaves after a catastrophic fire, allowing the forest to begin regenerating. However, many trees did not survive, and it may take centuries for the ecosystem to fully recover.

SourceNorthern Arizona University·JournalNature Plants·DateNov 30, 2023

Minimalist or maximalist? The life of a microbe a mile underground

Researchers characterized nearly 600 microbial genomes, revealing two types of microbes: minimalists and maximalists. Minimalists share resources with friends, while maximalists can produce energy and transform biomolecules, offering insights into life in the Earth's crust and potential on Mars.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalEnvironmental Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 28, 2023
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

From CO2 to green chemicals—researchers are one step closer

An international team at DTU has increased the durability of CO2 electrolyzers, enabling the conversion of captured CO2 into valuable green chemicals like ethylene and ethanol. The breakthrough could play a significant role in the green transition by reducing global CO2 emissions

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalNature Catalysis·DateNov 14, 2023

Template for success: Shaping hard carbon electrodes for next-generation batteries

Researchers at Tokyo University of Science developed nanostructured hard carbon electrodes using inorganic zinc-based compounds, which deliver unprecedented performance and significantly increase the capacity of sodium- and potassium-ion batteries. The new electrodes improve energy density by 1.6 times compared to existing technologies.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 13, 2023

Lightning identified as the leading cause of wildfires in boreal forests, threatening carbon storage

Research reveals that lightning ignitions account for 77% of burned areas in intact extratropical forests, which store vast quantities of carbon. Climate change is projected to increase lightning frequency, posing a significant threat to these forests and the planet's carbon storage.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 9, 2023
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

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.

Engineers develop an efficient process to make fuel from carbon dioxide

Researchers at MIT and Harvard University have developed an efficient process to convert carbon dioxide into a stable, solid formate fuel that can be used in fuel cells and generate electricity. The new process achieves over 90% conversion efficiency and eliminates the need for toxic and flammable fuels.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·DateOct 30, 2023

New study finds hidden trees across Europe: A billion tons of biomass is overlooked today

A new AI-driven mapping study from the University of Copenhagen has discovered a billion tons of hidden biomass in Europe, including trees outside forested areas. The research found that countries like Denmark, Netherlands, and UK have significant tree cover outside forests, which can impact biodiversity and climate models.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 25, 2023

Research advances toward goal of net zero carbon emissions

Researchers at the University of Houston have discovered that microalgae can be used to sequester carbon dioxide and convert it into mass-produced proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates. This process has the potential to transform food production, treat wastewater, and produce sustainable biofuels.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalGreen Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 25, 2023
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.

Adding crushed rock to farmland pulls carbon out of the air

Researchers at UC Davis and Cornell University found that crushed rock can store carbon dioxide in soils for short time scales, equivalent to taking 350,000 cars off the road every year. The study tested this technology in a dry climate and showed promising results, suggesting a new way to verify carbon removal via enhanced weathering.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalEnvironmental Research Communications·DateOct 24, 2023

Carbon capture method plucks CO2 straight from the air

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a novel approach to capture carbon from ambient environmental conditions, using innovative kinetic methodologies and a diversity of ions. The 'moisture-swing' technique captures CO2 at low humidities and releases it at high humidities, enabling carbon removal from virtually anywhere.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateOct 3, 2023
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.

Capturing CO2 with electricity: A microbial enzyme inspires electrochemistry

Scientists have isolated a microbial enzyme that converts CO2 to formate with high efficiency when attached to an electrode, making it a potential candidate for capturing the greenhouse gas. The system uses renewable energy from wind or solar power to drive the conversion process, storing energy in the form of formate.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateSep 28, 2023

Copper-based catalysts efficiently turn carbon dioxide into methane

Researchers at Rice University developed a way to convert carbon dioxide into methane using copper-based catalysts. The method relies on electrolysis and involves modifying the distances between copper atoms in polymer templates, which improves the chemical conversion rate.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 25, 2023

New study unveils direct synthesis of FCMs via solid-state mechanochemical reaction between graphite and PTFE

Researchers developed a novel solid-state mechanochemical reaction to synthesize FCMs from PTFE and graphite, producing materials with enhanced storage capacity and electrochemical stability. The new method bypasses toxic reagents and offers a safer alternative for practical applications.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateSep 22, 2023
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.

DOE backs Rice study of how soils store carbon

Researchers will track how key minerals form in a watershed to build a fuller picture of the processes that allow soil to store carbon as organic matter. Understanding these mechanisms can help develop practices and incentives for a carbon market economy, potentially harnessing Earth's natural mechanisms to combat climate change.

SourceRice University·DateSep 18, 2023

Legal mining sites in Brazil store 2.55 gigatonnes of CO2 in vegetation and soil, study estimates

Researchers at the University of São Paulo estimate that Brazil's active legal mines will release 2.55 gigatonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere if not managed sustainably. The country's technosols, derived from mine tailings and waste, could offset up to 60% of soil-related emissions, according to a new study.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateSep 15, 2023

WVU engineers study how to pull carbon out of building air to make methanol

Researchers at West Virginia University have developed a technology that can capture carbon dioxide from the air of buildings and use it to produce methanol, a common chemical with numerous applications. The process is expected to increase the sustainable supply of methanol while removing greenhouse gases from the atmosphere.

SourceWest Virginia University·DateSep 13, 2023
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Study suggests energy-efficient route to capturing and converting CO2

Researchers at MIT developed an electrochemical process that captures and converts CO2 in a single step, reducing energy consumption. The system can be powered by renewable electricity, making it suitable for industrial processes with no obvious renewable alternative.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalACS Catalysis·DateSep 7, 2023

Capturing carbon in savannas: New research examines role of grasses for controlling climate change

A recent study found that grasses account for over half of the soil carbon content across tropical savannas, including soils directly beneath trees. The researchers' findings suggest that increasing tree cover in these ecosystems has a negligible impact on soil carbon storage.

SourceS.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources, Utah State University·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeCase study·DateSep 6, 2023

A new way to capture and recycle carbon dioxide from industrial emissions

Researchers have developed an electrochemical cell that can easily capture and release CO2, a major contributor to industrial emissions. The device operates at room temperature and requires less energy than traditional methods, making it a promising alternative for industries that struggle with electrification.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Central Science·DateAug 30, 2023

New platform could boost development of carbon-capturing batteries

Researchers have developed a lab-on-a-chip electrochemical testing platform to speed up the production of catalysts for Li-CO2 batteries. The new method enables quick screening of materials, studying reaction mechanisms, and practical applications, potentially contributing to negative emissions technologies.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 22, 2023
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Climate win-win: study quantifies benefits of enhanced weathering

A new study quantifies the climate benefits of enhanced weathering, applying ground-up silicate rock to Midwestern farm fields to capture significant amounts of carbon dioxide. The method reduced net carbon loss to the atmosphere by 42% in maize plots and more than doubled carbon storage in miscanthus plots.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateAug 21, 2023

USTC develops new catalysts for CO2 electroreduction

Researchers at USTC have developed a novel catalyst that achieves high electrochemical performance in both neutral and alkaline media. The asymmetric dinitrogen-coordinated nickel single-atomic sites enhance the intrinsic activity of the sites, resulting in a high turnover frequency of over 274,000 site−1 h−1.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 11, 2023
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Study ties fracking to another type of shaking

Researchers confirm fracking triggers tremors, which can be used to track fluid movement and monitor fault activity. This finding has implications for sustainability and climate science, as carbon sequestration through fracking may reduce atmospheric emissions.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalScience·DateAug 10, 2023

Ammonia as a carbon-free hydrogen carrier for fuel cells: a perspective

Researchers discuss the potential of using ammonia as a hydrogen carrier for on-site power generation via ammonia decomposition. The high hydrogen content (17.6 wt%) and low toxicity make it an attractive alternative to traditional hydrogen storage methods, but challenges such as leakage and toxicity need to be addressed.

SourceIndustrial Chemistry & Materials·JournalIndustrial Chemistry and Materials·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 8, 2023

Carbon dioxide – not water – triggers explosive basaltic volcanoes

Geoscientists at Cornell University have discovered that gaseous carbon dioxide can trigger explosive eruptions in basaltic volcanoes. The research uses a new model to suggest that magma comes directly from the mantle, stored tens of kilometers below Earth's surface.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 7, 2023
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Interactive networks for capturing gas with high selectivity

Researchers at Kyoto University designed a flexible PCP to selectively adsorb CO2 from industrial mixtures by opening gates that only allow CO2 to pass through. The system achieves exclusion discrimination gating, enhancing binding and opening pores for efficient gas capture.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 2, 2023

Using our oceans to fight climate change

Direct ocean carbon capture (DOC) technology uses membrane contactors to remove CO2 from seawater, offering a cost-effective alternative to land-based solutions. The University of Pittsburgh team has developed innovative DOC methods using hollow fiber and encapsulated solvents, demonstrating their potential to significantly lower costs.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·DateJul 24, 2023
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

The carbon cycle is speeding up

A recent study found that warming in Northern ecosystems leads to a massive loss of carbon in the soil, with up to 40% released into the atmosphere within years after warming. The research team also discovered that plant productivity becomes nitrogen limited under warming conditions, reducing the ecosystem's ability to store carbon.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalGlobal Change Biology·TypeObservational study·DateJul 18, 2023

Oregon State scientists find a better way to capture carbon from industrial emissions

Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a new, cost-effective way to capture carbon dioxide from industrial emissions. The method uses a nanomaterial called a metal-organic framework (MOF) that can selectively adsorb CO2 in humid conditions, making it suitable for post-combustion applications.

SourceOregon State University·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 5, 2023

2D nanosheets for sustainable carbon capture

A team of researchers from SUTD and A*STAR has developed a quick and energy-efficient technique to produce 2D mica nanosheets, which have shown an 87% higher CO2 adsorption capacity than bulk mica. The nanosheets' high specific surface area and porosity enable effective carbon capture.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalMaterials·DateJul 4, 2023
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Electrochemical device captures carbon dioxide at the flick of a switch

A new electrochemical device developed by Rice University engineers can capture carbon dioxide directly from sources like flue gas to the atmosphere using electricity. The system has efficiency above 98% and requires minimal electricity input, making it a promising front for climate change mitigation.

SourceRice University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 28, 2023

‘Critical climate solution’ or ‘worse than coal’? Study explores debate around divisive energy technology

A new study analyzed coverage of BECCS in 166 newspaper articles to understand public opinion on the energy technology. The research identified eight key storylines, including Pro-BECCS narratives that emphasized its necessity and Revolutionary technology, alongside Anti-BECCS lines that highlighted environmental concerns.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalEnergy Research & Social Science·DateJun 27, 2023

Will engineered carbon removal solve the climate crisis?

A new IIASA-led study investigated the potential of engineered Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) technologies, such as Direct Air Capture of CO2 (DACCS), to help bridge the gap between current emissions reductions and ambitious climate goals. The study found that novel CDR can keep pre-Paris climate targets within reach when accounting for ...

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJun 22, 2023
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Surrey researchers unravel the workings of a unique carbon capture technology, advancing the UK's mission to reach net zero

Surrey researchers have made significant breakthroughs in capturing and converting carbon dioxide into useful products. The team's switchable DFM, 'NiRuNa/CeAl', captures CO2 in three chemical reactions: methanation, reverse water-gas shift, and dry reforming of methane.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 21, 2023

Environmental risks and opportunities of orphaned oil and gas wells

Researchers estimate that plugging documented orphaned wells in the US will exceed $4.7 billion by 30-80% and may not cover undocumented wells. The study analyzed data from over 80,000 documented wells and found that over 4.6 million Americans live near these wells.

SourceMcGill University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJun 20, 2023