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Green backyards help increase urban climate resilience: Here is how

Green backyards in cities provide multiple benefits, including improved thermal comfort and increased carbon storage. Small differences in green structure can yield significant benefits, with greener courtyards showing up to 11°C cooling effects. Proper maintenance is key to enhancing these benefits.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalOne Ecosystem·DateJan 24, 2022

Decarbonisation tech instantly converts CO2 to solid carbon

Researchers at RMIT University have developed a smart and super-efficient way of capturing carbon dioxide and converting it to solid carbon, which can be integrated into existing industrial processes. The technology offers a pathway for instantly converting CO2 as it is produced, locking it permanently in a solid state.

SourceRMIT University·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateJan 18, 2022
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.

Safer carbon capture and storage

Researchers from the University of Oxford investigated the behavior of CO2 within a depleted hydrocarbon reservoir in Louisiana, USA. They found that up to 74% of CO2 was dissolved in groundwater, while microbial methanogenesis converted 13-19% of the injected CO2 to methane.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 29, 2021

Controlled burning of natural environments could help offset our carbon emissions

A new study finds that controlled burning can stabilize or increase soil carbon, offering a method to maximize carbon storage. By manipulating fires, ecosystems can store huge amounts of carbon when the frequency and intensity are just right. This approach may help maintain natural ecosystem processes.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 23, 2021

New technique tunes into graphene nanoribbons’ electronic potential

Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory developed a method to stabilize graphene nanoribbons and directly measure their unique magnetic properties. By substituting nitrogen atoms along the zigzag edges, they can discretely tune the local electronic structure without disrupting the magnetic properties.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 22, 2021

Towards carbon neutrality: New synthesis method yields superior membrane for carbon capture and storage

Researchers from Japan have developed a new method to synthesize a pure Si-CHA membrane showing much higher CO2 separation performance than existing membranes. The key to this achievement is using a porous silica substrate instead of alumina, eliminating problems with pore size reduction and improving efficiency.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalMembranes·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2021
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.

A rocky fate for greenhouse gases

Researchers used synchrotron X-ray scattering and quantum computer modeling to investigate temperature's impact on amorphous magnesium carbonate. The findings suggest that modifying the precursor material's physical properties can help create more efficient carbon capture technologies.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 29, 2021

“Serious threat” of fugitive emissions with natural gas-based hydrogen

Researchers from Australian National University warn that Australia's hydrogen strategy lacks distinction between green and blue hydrogen, which could increase emissions. Large-scale investment in fossil fuel-based hydrogen with carbon capture technology may be risky due to substantial fugitive emissions.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalApplied Energy·DateNov 17, 2021

Recycling CO2 to fuel a carbon-neutral future

Scientists at KAUST have created catalysts that can convert CO2 into valuable hydrocarbons, such as gasoline-grade isoparaffins, with high selectivity rates. The development paves the way for a circular carbon economy and drop-in fuels from CO2.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 11, 2021
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.

Life cycle assessment of carbon capture

A life cycle assessment of carbon capture at Amager Bakke incineration plant reveals that the technology reduces CO2 emissions from incineration but decreases electricity production by 50%. The overall net energy efficiency is not affected, but heat output increases by 20%.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalWaste Management & Research The Journal for a Sustainable Circular Economy·DateNov 9, 2021

Repurposing carbon dioxide may be key to net-zero emissions

A team of researchers at Texas A&M University has developed a method to turn carbon dioxide into valuable chemicals through reduction reactions. This process could provide a path to repurpose excess CO2, reducing its negative environmental impact.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalACS Applied Energy Materials·TypeNews article·DateNov 4, 2021

Urgent action needed to reduce uncertainty on CO2 storage prospects

Researchers at Princeton University urge for increased policy support and investment in carbon capture and storage (CCS) to reduce energy sector emissions. Current storage capacity is insufficient to meet ambitious decarbonization targets, highlighting the need for strategic planning and characterization capabilities.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 28, 2021

Industry must prepare now for a new world of green electricity

The University of Leeds research highlights the need for industry to adopt new technologies that can manufacture materials using renewable electricity. This is crucial to achieving net zero emissions targets by 2050, as current steel and aluminium manufacturing capacities pose a significant barrier to this goal.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalCurrent Opinion in Environmental Sustainability·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 27, 2021
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.

Seven ORNL technologies win R&D 100 research awards

Researchers from Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed innovative technologies in self-healing sealants, precision deicers and quantum-enabled grid security. These breakthroughs aim to improve construction materials, reduce waste in road maintenance and enhance power grid protection.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·DateOct 22, 2021

A concrete solution

A new kind of concrete made from recycled waste materials could significantly reduce the industry's carbon footprint. The calcium carbonate concrete uses captured carbon dioxide and discarded concrete to create a durable and versatile building material.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalJournal of Advanced Concrete Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 7, 2021

New tool for energy sector models carbon capture incentives

A new model, developed by Carnegie Mellon University researchers, identifies coal- and natural gas-fired electricity generation plants suitable for carbon capture technologies. The tool takes into account various factors like plant age, efficiency, location, and technology to explore optimal CO2 reduction strategies at an affordable cost.

SourceCollege of Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University·JournalInternational Journal of Greenhouse Gas Control·DateOct 5, 2021
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Captured water, carbon dioxide from car exhaust could help grow food

A team of Texas A&M University researchers propose capturing CO2 and water from passenger vehicle exhaust for use in urban greenhouses. Preliminary simulations indicate that the system could reduce greenhouse gas emissions and provide a sustainable source of reclaimed resources for food production.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalCircular Economy and Sustainability·TypeNews article·DateSep 13, 2021

Making methane from CO2: Carbon capture grows more affordable

Researchers at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have developed a new method to convert captured CO2 into methane, reducing materials and energy needs. The new process uses EEMPA solvent, resulting in lower costs for natural gas production.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalChemSusChem·DateSep 3, 2021
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Scientists use radar data to measure the impact of forest fires in the Amazon

Researchers combined VOD with remote sensing data from optical satellites to analyze the effects of fire on Amazon canopy dynamics. The study found that VOD provided a more accurate picture of photosynthetic and non-photosynthetic biomass changes, and that rainfall was close to average during the fire season.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalRemote Sensing·DateSep 2, 2021

New study demonstrates significant carbon storage in African mountain forests

A new study published in Nature reveals that African tropical mountain forests store an average of 149.4 tonnes of carbon per hectare, significantly higher than previously estimated by the IPCC. This finding highlights the importance of preserving these carbon-rich ecosystems for climate protection.

SourceUniversität Bayreuth·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 26, 2021

‘Nanojars’ capture dissolved carbon dioxide, toxic ions from water

Researchers have developed tiny 'nanojars' that can split bicarbonate into carbonate and capture it, as well as certain toxic anions, making them suitable for recycling. The nanojars are made up of multiple repeating units of a copper ion and a pyrazole group, and can selectively bind to specific ions.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateAug 25, 2021
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.

Survival strategy of starving spruces trees: The critical role of reserves

Trees continue to form reserves even during long periods of starvation, contrary to the assumption that they only form when photosynthetic conditions are favorable. As CO2 starvation progresses, trees stabilize their reserve levels and divert resources to storage, allowing them to survive climate extremes.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2021

The case for onboard carbon dioxide capture on long-range vehicles

A Northwestern University research team proposes a practical way to make ships CO2-neutral using solid oxide fuel cells. The technology can store and utilize captured CO2, enabling CO2-negative emissions from cargo ships. This method is more viable than battery electric or hydrogen fuel cell options for long-range vehicles.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalACS Energy Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 18, 2021

The challenge of capturing carbon

Current carbon capture technologies require significant energy output, making them less than optimal. Researchers are working on developing more efficient methods using solid sorbents and membranes, which already show promise in concentrated CO2 emissions sites.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJul 21, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

NTU Singapore converts tamarind shells into an energy source for vehicles

A team of scientists at NTU Singapore has developed a way to convert tamarind shells into carbon nanosheets, which can be used as an energy storage material in vehicles. The process is eco-friendly and reduces waste, making it a promising alternative to industrially produced counterparts.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalChemosphere·DateJul 13, 2021

Gulf Coast ready to develop carbon storage hub

The Gulf Coast region is well-positioned to develop a carbon storage economy, thanks to its unique geology and high concentration of industry. The study highlights the region's potential for capturing and storing CO2, which can help reduce emissions in the near term.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·DateJul 5, 2021
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Passing the acid test: New low-pH system recycles more carbon into valuable products

Researchers at the University of Toronto have developed a new electrochemical system that converts more than 50% of CO2 into valuable products. The system runs under acidic conditions, which reduces undesired side reactions and enhances efficiency, making it an economically viable solution for carbon capture and utilization.

SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalScience·DateJun 3, 2021

'Champagne' technology to capture carbon dioxide via the oceans

The SeaCURE method utilizes natural processes and renewable energy to remove CO2 from seawater, allowing the ocean to absorb more CO2. The process involves making seawater temporarily acidic to 'bubble out' CO2, then delivering a concentrated stream for utilisation and storage.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·DateMay 24, 2021
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Transforming atmospheric carbon into industrially useful materials

Scientists at Salk Institute successfully transformed tobacco and corn husks into silicon carbide (SiC) while sequestering up to 50,000-fold more carbon from seed to lab-grown plant. The process retains about 14 percent of the plant-captured carbon, offering a potential solution for climate change mitigation.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalRSC Advances·DateMay 6, 2021

CMU lab leads development of pasta that morphs into shape when cooked

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have created flat-packed pasta that forms into familiar shapes when cooked, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional pasta. The pasta's unique grooves control its shape, allowing for reduced packaging, storage, and transportation needs.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 5, 2021

Climate action potential in waste incineration plants

Researchers at ETH Zurich calculate that waste incineration plants in Europe have a significant potential for negative emissions through bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS). If fully exploited, BECCS could reduce European CO2 emissions by 200 million tonnes per year.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateMay 4, 2021
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.

Why commercialization of carbon capture and sequestration has failed and how it can work

A recent study by University of California San Diego researchers identified 12 essential attributes that explain why commercial carbon capture and sequestration projects succeed or fail in the US. The credibility of revenues and incentives is crucial, with policies like the 45Q tax credit providing a guaranteed revenue stream.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateMar 22, 2021

Cheaper carbon capture is on the way

A new solvent, EEMPA, has been developed that captures carbon dioxide at a cost of $47.10 per metric ton, surpassing commercial technology's $58.30 per metric ton. The solvent is water-lean and 99% less viscous than previous formulations, allowing it to be easily applied in existing capture systems.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalInternational Journal of Greenhouse Gas Control·DateMar 11, 2021

Irrigation management key for bioenergy production to mitigate climate change

A new study reveals that bioenergy production without sustainable irrigation management could double global water stress by the end of the century. However, implementing sustainable water management measures can halve this increase, but poses significant tradeoffs and challenges.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 8, 2021

Graphene filter makes carbon capture more efficient and cheaper

Scientists have developed a graphene filter that can extract carbon dioxide from industrial emissions with high efficiency and speed. The filter, which is the thinnest in the world, can separate carbon dioxide from other gases with an efficiency surpassing most current filters.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 25, 2021

Mangrove forests store more carbon when they're more diverse

Researchers found that species diversity in mangrove forests enhances biomass production and soil carbon storage, leading to higher carbon storage capacities. Increasing mangrove diversity through restoration and conservation projects is crucial for mitigating climate change.

SourceBritish Ecological Society·JournalFunctional Ecology·DateFeb 24, 2021
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

How will we achieve carbon-neutral flight in future?

The ETH researchers conclude that continuing to power aircraft with fossil fuels and removing CO2 emissions using Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is a cost-effective option for achieving carbon neutrality. Indirectly capturing CO2 from waste incineration gases also shows promise, costing significantly less than direct air capture.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalIndustrial & Engineering Chemistry Research·DateJan 13, 2021

Can sodium-ion batteries replace trusty lithium-ion ones?

Researchers have discovered a promising material for sodium-ion batteries, offering enhanced electrochemical performance and reduced capacity loss. The study provides new insights into the sodium storage behavior of electron-rich element-doped amorphous carbon, paving the way for large-scale sodium-ion battery development.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Reviews·DateJan 12, 2021

Faster, greener way of producing carbon spheres

Researchers at Swansea University have developed a faster, greener way to produce porous carbon spheres, which are crucial for carbon capture technology and renewable energy storage. The new method produces spheres with high carbon capture capacity and works effectively at large scales.

SourceSwansea University·JournalCarbon·DateDec 28, 2020
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.

Carbon capture's next top model

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh analyzed over 150 studies on hollow fiber membrane contactors, a leading carbon capture technology. They found that 3D models can reveal unique information about the technology, accelerating progress towards commercial use.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalMembranes·DateDec 16, 2020

How clean electricity can upgrade the value of captured carbon

Researchers at University of Toronto have developed an electrochemical method to convert captured carbon into commercially valuable products, such as fuels and plastics. The new process significantly lowers the overall energy cost of combined capture and upgrade, making it more economically attractive.

SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalNature Energy·DateDec 7, 2020

New phase of modeling the viscous coupling effects of multiphase fluid flow

Researchers led by Kyushu University have developed a new method to explore key phenomena associated with multiphase fluid flow in porous materials, overcoming the limitation of viscous coupling effects. The new approach combines pore network modeling and lattice Boltzmann simulations, allowing for accurate capture of viscous coupling ...

SourceKyushu University, I2CNER·JournalAdvances in Water Resources·DateNov 16, 2020
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.

Membranes for capturing carbon dioxide from the air

Membrane-based Direct Air Capture (m-DAC) technology has been developed to efficiently capture CO2 from ambient air. The technology uses organic polymer membranes to separate carbon dioxide with high efficiency and competitive energy expenses.

SourceKyushu University, I2CNER·JournalPolymer journal·DateOct 16, 2020