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Gullies on Mars could have been formed by recent periods of liquid meltwater, study suggests

A new study led by Brown University researchers reveals that Martian gullies could have been formed by on-and-off periods of meltwater from ice on and beneath the planet's surface. The study found that when Mars tilts on its axis to 35 degrees, conditions become dense enough for brief episodes of melting to occur.

SourceBrown University·JournalScience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 29, 2023

Little-known microbes could help predict climate tipping points

Researchers at Duke University have identified a climate feedback loop that could accelerate climate change. Monitoring mixotrophs, tiny organisms with dual metabolism modes, may allow us to anticipate the tipping point before it gets there. However, nutrient pollution poses a challenge to detecting early warning signals.

SourceDuke University·JournalFunctional Ecology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 1, 2023

Microbes powered by electricity

Researchers at Leibniz-HKI have confirmed experimentally that bacteria use electrons from hydrogen to produce organic compounds. This breakthrough could make microbial electrosynthesis (MES) a commercially viable technology, producing ethanol and other fuels while storing excess electricity. The study optimized the process for high yie...

With formic acid towards CO2 neutrality

Researchers develop a new method for fixing carbon dioxide using formic acid, which can replace conventional chemical manufacturing processes with carbon-neutral biological methods. The process produces formaldehyde, a non-toxic substance that can be fed into metabolic pathways to create valuable substances.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 15, 2023

Introducing green carbon science

Green carbon science explores the interplay between economic growth, carbon energy, and carbon dioxide, aiming to develop a new energy system with carbon neutrality. The concept is based on the trilemma of economic growth, resources, and environment, and seeks to replace fossil fuels with sustainable alternatives.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateMay 6, 2023

Breath test can monitor metabolism at home - study

Researchers at Anglia Ruskin University found that a portable breath test can detect changes in metabolism in response to diet. The study used the Lumen device to monitor metabolic fuel use at home and showed that it could detect acute changes in carbohydrate use, but was not sensitive on a day-to-day basis.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalJournal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition·DateApr 26, 2023

Exposure to cannabinoids in pregnancy increases newborn mortality and respiratory problems

A Brazilian study found that prenatal exposure to cannabinoids increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome, breathing difficulties, and impaired control of breathing. The study suggests that consumption of cannabis or derivatives during pregnancy can have severe effects on the fetus's neural and physiological functions.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalBritish Journal of Pharmacology·DateApr 25, 2023

Want better kimchi? Make it like the ancients did

Researchers found that traditional handmade clay jars, called onggi, ferment kimchi faster and produce more beneficial bacteria due to their unique porous structure. The study highlights the connection between the earthenware's material properties and the fermentation process, providing new insights into ancient technology.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 12, 2023

A biohybrid system to extract 20 times more bioplastic from CO2 developed by KAIST researchers

Researchers at KAIST have developed a hybrid system that combines electrochemical CO2 conversion with microbial bioconversion to produce bioplastics. The system resulted in the world's highest productivity, producing up to 83% of cell dry weight as bioplastic from CO2.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 30, 2023

A European consortium achieves record efficiency in direct conversion of CO2 and H2O into sustainable fuels using earth-abundant materials

A European consortium has achieved a world-record solar-to-fuel efficiency of over 10% in converting CO2 and H2O into sustainable fuels using sunlight. The innovative cell produces hydrogen continuously (24/7) without the use of critical raw materials.

SourceInstitute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ)·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateMar 13, 2023

Engineered wood grows stronger while trapping carbon dioxide

Rice University scientists have developed a method to engineer wood that traps carbon dioxide while increasing its strength. This process involves removing lignin and hemicellulose from the wood and replacing them with metal-organic framework particles, making it a sustainable alternative to traditional materials.

SourceRice University·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 16, 2023

Nickel laden black gold converts CO2 to chemicals using solar energy and green hydrogen

Researchers at Tata Institute of Fundamental Research developed a plasmonic black gold-nickel catalyst that efficiently converts CO2 into chemicals using solar energy and green hydrogen. The catalyst shows a multifold increase in catalytic activity, achieving a high production rate of 2464±40 mmol g−1 h−1 with over 95% selectivity.

It takes two: cooperating catalysts provide new route for utilizing formate salts

Researchers at Hokkaido University have developed a new method using cooperating catalysts to perform challenging dearomative carboxylation reactions. This process enables the production of α-amino acids, which are potentially useful for drug development, and offers greater freedom in designing and synthesizing molecules with carboxyl ...

SourceHokkaido University·JournalACS Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 6, 2023

Symbiotic CO2 sequestration

Researchers genetically engineered a microbial community that can convert CO2 into sugar and produce useful chemicals, effectively acting as a living carbon sink. The community, consisting of bacteria and cyanobacteria, produces chemicals with a negative carbon balance.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 9, 2022

Researchers identify elusive carbon dioxide sensor in plants that controls water loss

Scientists have discovered a long-sought plant water loss-regulating sensor, composed of two proteins working together to regulate stomatal movements in response to changing CO2 concentrations. This finding has significant implications for trees, crops, and wildfires, as well as efficient plant water use and CO2 uptake.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 7, 2022

Calcifying organisms, under threat from a combination of ocean warming and acidification

A new study reveals that global warming and ocean acidification are threatening marine organisms with calcium carbonate skeletons, such as corals and sea urchins. The researchers found a clear pattern showing that species with high levels of magnesium in their skeletons become more common with warmer seawater temperatures.

SourceInstitut de Ciències del Mar (ICM-CSIC)·JournalEcography·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 28, 2022

New study of comets provides insight into chemical composition of early solar system

A new study of 25 comets has found strong evidence that comet outgassing could be the source of the chemical composition of the early solar system. The research, led by Olga Harrington Pinto, measured the ratio of water, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide gases from comets to test predictions of solar system formation and evolution.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalThe Planetary Science Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 4, 2022

Study: Public more likely to support climate action if other countries commit as well

A recent study by University of Cologne researchers found that the public is more willing to support costly climate policies if other countries contribute as well. This increased willingness is due to individuals expecting these efforts to be fairer and more effective. The team surveyed over 10,000 citizens in four countries and discov...

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalNature Communications·TypeSurvey·DateNov 3, 2022

Carbon-neutralizing propylene production catalyzes change in petrochemical engineering

Researchers at Hokkaido University have developed a new catalyst that uses carbon dioxide to produce propylene more efficiently than existing methods. The catalyst also captures and converts carbon dioxide into useful resources. This breakthrough contributes to the carbon neutralization of the petrochemical industry.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 26, 2022

Membranes help multiply microbial CO2 munching

Researchers at KAUST developed conductive membranes that stimulate microbial growth and separate biochemical products, reducing the CO2 conversion time from over 30 days to just one month. The membranes use nickel nanoparticles to catalyze hydrogen production, enhancing efficiency and stability in microbial electrosynthesis systems.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·DateSep 20, 2022

New treatment makes fruit juices safer

Researchers at the University of Florida have developed a new treatment method using carbon dioxide to eliminate bacteria from fresh fruit juice, preserving its flavor and appearance. The process is as effective as heat pasteurization in reducing pathogens, but without the undesirable taste change.

Gas Releases At Mammoth Mountain More Complex Than Expected

Researchers continuously monitored carbon dioxide flux at a 35-acre tree-kill area near Horseshoe Lake, discovering daily cycles that defy temperature explanation. The data suggests barometric pressure oscillations and Earth tides may influence the degassing rate, highlighting the complexity of volcanic gas emission.