Articles tagged with Environmental Chemistry
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have discovered the first organometallic molecule containing berkelium, a highly radioactive element. The discovery reveals that berkelium exhibits a unique tetravalent oxidation state, challenging traditional understanding of its behavior in the periodic table.
A new study by MIT confirms the Antarctic ozone layer is healing, with high statistical confidence that reductions in CFCs are the primary cause. The research uses fingerprinting to isolate the anthropogenic signal and rule out natural variability.
Richard Willson, a University of Houston professor, has been elected Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry for his contributions to the chemical sciences. He has developed innovative methods to detect viruses and other biological threats using glow-in-the-dark nanoparticles.
Researchers have developed a novel electrochemistry approach to build new molecules using micelles from naturally occurring amino acids and coconut oil. This breakthrough method could reduce the cost of making medicines by combining solvents, electrolytes, and reaction boosters into one simple tool.
Researchers at ETH Zurich developed a groundbreaking method to recycle Plexiglas by breaking down polymer chains into individual monomer building blocks. The process relies on a chlorinated solvent and UV light, with yields of up to 98% even in multicoloured samples.
The University of Illinois researchers have developed organic-material-based nanozymes that can detect histamine in food products with an affordable analytic performance profile. An integrated point-of-use platform allows for rapid detection of agricultural and biological molecules without laboratory equipment.
The newly synthesized monolayer Ti3C2Tx transforms photocatalytic bioaerosol disinfection at the catalyst-cell interface. The material achieves a sterilization efficiency of 3.3 log in just 12.8 seconds, far exceeding traditional TiO2.
Plastic Back and a US-based recycler partner to scale low-temperature chemical recycling technology converting hard-to-recycle plastics into valuable byproducts. The partnership aims to address the global plastic waste crisis, reducing landfill waste and dependency on virgin raw materials.
Researchers unveil Ba-Si orthosilicate oxynitride-hydride as a transition metal-free catalyst, offering a more sustainable approach to ammonia production. The novel catalyst demonstrates exceptional stability and higher activity than conventional ruthenium-loaded MgO catalysts.
A University of Nebraska-Lincoln research team has identified methanogens that can consume hydrogen and dissolve calcium carbonate, producing methane. This discovery has implications for the sustainable development of bioenergy sources and challenges current understanding of carbonate mineral stability.
A new study explores how chemical mixtures transform under shifting environmental conditions, shedding light on prebiotic processes that may have led to life. The research finds that environmental factors played a key role in shaping the molecular complexity needed for life to emerge.
A team from Tokyo University of Science developed a novel trivalent platform for triple click chemistry, allowing for the efficient synthesis of complex compounds. The approach utilizes simple initial materials and promotes sustainable pharmaceutical synthesis.
Researchers at Rice University developed microscopic reactors capable of performing chemical reactions using water instead of toxic solvents. This innovation could drastically reduce pollution in industries including pharmaceuticals and materials science.
A team of researchers from the University of Tokyo has developed an ultrathin film that can absorb terahertz waves in the 0.1–1 THz range, enabling secure and clear transmission for 6G wireless communications. The absorber is made of titanium and oxygen and can be used outdoors due to its resistance to heat, water, light, and organic s...
A recent study found that polyester microdroplets can form in salt-rich environments, at low alpha-hydroxy acid concentrations, and in small reaction volumes. This expands on previous research and suggests that polyester protocells were likely more common on early Earth than previously thought.
A new study highlights the need for collaboration among recyclers, manufacturers, and policymakers to develop efficient and sustainable lithium-ion battery recycling processes. Advanced techniques like direct recycling and upcycling could reduce costs by up to 40% while minimizing secondary pollution.
Researchers at University of Hawaii at Manoa shed light on the transformation of supercooled water into ice, mimicking Earth's atmosphere conditions. The study provides valuable insights into cloud formation and precipitation, tying into a $26 million project to develop sustainable refrigerant technologies.
Daniel Armstrong, a renowned UTA chemist, has been honored with the prestigious 2025 Pittcon Analytical Chemistry Award for his pioneering work in analytical chemistry. His research focuses on developing new approaches to identify chiral disease biomarkers, peptide epimers, and isotopic compounds.
Researchers developed a recyclable alternative to thermosets, making materials like car tires and hip joints more environmentally friendly. The new material, made from dihydrofuran, can be easily recycled and degrades naturally over time.
A University of Virginia study uses satellite data to show long-term air pollution inequalities tied to industrialized swine facilities in Eastern North Carolina. The research finds that these disparities extend multiple kilometers beyond the immediate vicinity of facilities, affecting communities of color disproportionately.
Researchers developed AshPhos, a ligand that facilitates the formation of carbon-nitrogen bonds using inexpensive materials. The tool has potential applications in pharmaceuticals, nanomaterials, and degrading PFAS pollutants.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology found that biochar significantly reduces DDT uptake by earthworms in contaminated soil, halving the toxin's presence. This method could enable farming on land deemed unusable due to environmental risks.
Researchers from Trinity College Dublin have developed 'Malteser-like' molecules that can be governed to produce predictable and desirable self-assembly structures. These molecules hold promise for applications in highly sensitive sensors, next-gen targeted drug delivery agents, and luminescence-based monitoring.
Long-term drainage increases bound OC% in non-Sphagnum wetlands due to reactive metal oxides, but decreases it in Sphagnum wetlands. This mechanism helps compensate for lost unbound SOC components in non-Sphagnum wetlands.
Researchers at Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology developed foldable molecular paths using zeolitic imidazolate frameworks, which can adjust size, shape, and alignment in response to temperature, pressure, and gas interactions. This technology has potential applications in creating filters that adapt to capture harmful ...
Researchers at KIT developed a new water treatment method using carbon nanotube membranes in electrochemical membrane reactors. The study found that pre-adsorption of steroid hormones does not limit their degradation, thanks to rapid adsorption and effective mass transfer. This approach has the potential to improve the removal of micro...
Researchers at Rice University have created a sustainable way to integrate chlorine into chemical building blocks, reducing costs and environmental impact. The new process uses iron and sulfur catalysts activated by mild blue light, eliminating harsh chemicals and high temperatures.
Researchers at Cornell University developed a method to extract gold from e-waste using vinyl-linked covalent organic frameworks (VCOFs), capturing 99.9% of the precious metal while minimizing other metals. This approach converts CO2 into useful chemicals, reducing waste disposal demands and providing environmental benefits.
A team of scientists has developed a method to insert a filiform molecule into the cavity of a ring-shaped molecule using light-induced reactions and self-assembly processes. This creates a molecular fit that is not possible at thermodynamic equilibrium, enabling the creation of new substances with unique properties.
The Global Young Academy Asian Event-Global π Roundtable 2024 brought together experts to discuss strategies for addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development. The event explored topics such as resilient cities, mineral resources, and the integration of art and culture in scientific communication.
D-Glue, an eco-friendly adhesive designed to break apart at lower temperatures, will partner with Plug and Play Japan's Deeptech Program. The debondable glue aims to reduce landfill waste and energy consumption, with the potential to expand production on a mass scale.
Scientists create a natural polysaccharide-based edible coating that replaces synthetic packaging, extending shelf life while reducing global food waste. The biofilm shows improved mechanical strength, antioxidant properties, and antibacterial activity, making it an eco-friendly solution to address food waste issues.
Researchers at Texas A&M University developed a non-toxic pesticide using neem seed extract and nanotechnology. The new formulation shows improved targeting ability and reduces environmental pollution by up to 80-90% of sprayed pesticides missing their target entirely.
A study found that a marine worm ingests and excretes organic-rich mud containing high concentrations of PAHs, halving the concentration within two hours. The degradation occurred when the mud passed through the worm's digestive tract, not in the mud itself.
Researchers at NYU Abu Dhabi have developed a new material that efficiently detects and removes perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) from drinking water, potentially revolutionizing water purification efforts worldwide. The breakthrough addresses global concerns over PFAS, or 'forever chemicals', which pose severe health risks.
A $50 million consortium, led by Virginia Tech, aims to develop high-energy, long-lasting sodium-ion batteries using abundant and inexpensive materials. The initiative seeks to reduce US dependence on critical elements in lithium-ion batteries, paving the way for a more sustainable future in electric-vehicle technology.
A new study found that residential garden produce grown near the Fayetteville Works fluorochemical plant can contain high levels of GenX and other PFAS, posing an exposure risk to consumers. Water-rich produce like berries and figs exhibited the highest PFAS levels, with daily intake estimates suggesting a significant health concern.
Chemists at Ohio State University have developed a novel way to capture and convert carbon dioxide into methane, utilizing nickel-based catalysts and reducing the need for massive amounts of energy. This breakthrough could pave the way for more efficient climate mitigation technologies and help close the carbon cycle.
University of Delaware researchers develop a method to remove toxic particles from tires by upgrading a molecule that provides UV protection into safe chemicals. The leftover crumb rubber can be recycled using classic plastic recycling methods or converted into aromatics and carbon black.
Researchers developed a spray coating that absorbs blue light and converts it to red light, increasing crop yield by up to 9% in field trials. The technology has the potential to extend greenhouse seasons, reduce energy consumption, and improve fruit taste.
A team of researchers has developed Janus crystals that capture humidity from the air with high efficiency, enabling a spontaneous and energy-free process for collecting potable water. The discovery could provide an endless source of clean water, addressing global water scarcity issues.
SwRI researchers developed a tool to model environments expected on icy moons, accounting for organics and predicting conditions for microbial life. The project aims to constrain environmental factors and provide valuable information about ocean worlds.
A new study published in Science Advances found that the Arctic Ocean has seen a sharp rise in legacy persistent organic pollutants (POPs) decades after global regulations were put in place. POPs, which are toxic and bioaccumulative, pose potential dangers to animals and people in the fragile ecosystem's food web.
Researchers developed a sustainable, high-performance material suitable for packaging and biomedical devices by exploiting the mechanical properties of cellulose nanofibres. Adding small peptides improves their mechanical performance and water-resistance.
Researchers at Loma Linda University found the Salton Sea's shoreline is retreating at an increasing rate, creating more polluted dust from agricultural runoff. The study forecasts parts of the North Shore will retreat up to 172 meters by 2041, posing health risks to nearby communities.
The international project will analyze temperature-sensitive proteins in animals adapted to different thermal environments to understand how they perceive temperature changes. The study aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms underlying cold perception in animals, enabling them to initiate physiological responses crucial for survival.
A team of scientists and experts led by PNNL has developed a cloud computing approach to democratize access to emerging resources. They demonstrated that cloud computing can provide an agile complement to high-performance computing facilities, enabling complex chemistry workflows to be completed in days instead of months. The initiativ...
A team of researchers has developed a method to extract valuable materials such as biopolymers and phosphorus from wastewater treatment plants. These biomaterials can be used as sustainable alternatives to oil-based products in various industries, including paper production, building materials, and water purification.
A new study by Harvard researchers finds alarmingly high PFAS concentrations in fish tissues even up to 8 km from the military base. The results underscore the urgent need for more comprehensive monitoring of PFAS in aquatic ecosystems, particularly in regions where freshwater fishing is an important food source.
A new study found that the US air pollution monitoring network has significant gaps in coverage, particularly in historically underrecognized communities. The network's inadequacy to capture exposure disparities has been highlighted as a major concern, with potential health implications for millions of people.
Researchers at City University of Hong Kong have developed a new fabrication technique for perovskite solar cells, achieving power conversion efficiencies over 25% and 95% efficiency after 2,000 hours. This simplification makes industrial production more cost-effective and paves the way for more reliable and efficient solar cells.
Recent research highlights the multifaceted potential of chestnut tannin in various sectors, including its use as a replacement for antibiotics in animal feed and as a biostimulant and biofertilizer in agriculture. The compound's high biological activity is attributed to its ortho-phenolic groups.
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a novel method to strengthen polyvinyl chloride (PVC) products by permanently attaching chemical additives using electricity. This new approach can prevent microplastic degradation and improve the material's durability, making it more suitable for various applications.
A research team has developed a simplified synthesis method for organic fluorophores using formaldehyde, reducing molecular size and increasing atomic efficiency. The new technique can also be applied to in vivo environments, showing promise for life sciences research and diagnostics applications.
A University of Maryland-led study found that burying wood in the right environmental conditions can stop its decomposition and help curb carbon dioxide emissions. The researchers analyzed a 3,775-year-old log and surrounding soil, revealing that it had lost less than 5% carbon dioxide thanks to the low-permeability clay soil.
Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology developed a non-fluorinated battery system to comply with environmental regulations and enhance battery performance. The innovative 'APA-LC' system, entirely free of fluorinated compounds, shows improved oxidation stability and higher capacity retention.
Industrial fishing practices in tropical and subtropical waters release high levels of methylmercury into the ocean. The majority of this mercury is found in large pelagic fish like tuna, which are then consumed by humans. This can lead to developmental delays in children and impaired cardiovascular health in adults.
A research team developed a computational workflow for analyzing large data sets in metabolomics, speeding up the process to capture chemical profiles of coastal environments. The tool, accessible to researchers worldwide, highlights potential sources of pollution and enables statistical insights within minutes.
Scientists have developed an electrochemical approach using catalysts derived from used lithium-ion batteries to produce hydrogen peroxide. The method utilizes carbon nanostructures and cobalt, displaying catalytic properties in oxygen reduction reactions.
Research shows ozone gas reduces tropical forest growth by 5.1% on average, impacting carbon capture and global warming. This effect is stronger in some regions, including Asia's tropical forests, which lose 10.9% of new growth.