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Coal boilers may offer a practical route for treating organic cleaning wastewater

Blending moderate amounts of organic cleaning wastewater with coal lowers ignition temperature and reduces combustion activation energy, but excessive addition weakens overall combustion. The study suggests a practical balance between easier ignition and stable combustion can be achieved.

SourceShenyang Agricultural University Collaborative Journals·JournalEnergy & Environment Nexus·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 6, 2026

Study documents wind regulations across all Kansas counties, can help guide energy policies nationwide

The study found that about 70% of Kansas counties have some form of regulations, with 40% having enabling regulations to accommodate wind development. Counties in western and southern parts of the state tend to have more restrictive regulations, while rural areas with agricultural economies are more likely to have enabling regulations.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalSustainability·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 27, 2025
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Rising heat waves tied to fossil fuel and cement production

Research by ETH Zurich reveals human-induced climate change has increased extreme heat wave frequency and severity, with fossil fuel and cement production contributing significantly. The study highlights the responsibility of large carbon emitters, such as oil and gas companies, in exacerbating heat waves.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·TypeSystematic review·DateSep 10, 2025

Analysis documents changing trends in U.S. carbon emissions

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University analyze historical U.S. carbon emissions trends, identifying factors that contributed to changes and offering lessons for developing countries. The study suggests that investing in efficient technologies and avoiding overreliance on coal can help avoid pitfalls encountered by the United States.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalJournal of Economic Perspectives·DateJul 21, 2025
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.

Biodiversity in England’s rivers improved as metal pollution reduced

A study found that reductions in zinc and copper pollution led to improvements in freshwater biodiversity in England's rivers. The researchers used statistical modeling to investigate various factors contributing to the decline in metal pollution.

SourceUK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 18, 2025

Coal emissions cost India millions in crop damages

A new study by Stanford University researchers found that coal-fired power stations drag down annual wheat and rice yields by 10% or more due to NO2 emissions. Eliminating these emissions could boost rice output by $420 million per year and wheat output by $400 million per year.

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 4, 2025
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Enormous cache of rare Earth elements hidden inside coal ash waste

A new study by University of Texas at Austin researchers has found a significant cache of rare Earth elements hidden inside US coal ash waste. The study estimates that there could be 11 million tons of accessible rare earth elements in the US coal ash supply, which is nearly 8 times the current domestic reserves.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalInternational Journal of Coal Science & Technology·DateNov 18, 2024

At the top of the world, lead pollution reaches even pristine glaciers

A new study by Ohio State University researchers has detected lead pollution in ice cores from the Guliya ice cap in northwestern Tibet, revealing a significant change in its origin beginning in 1974. This shift was likely caused by stricter emissions policies implemented in the US during that time period.

SourceOhio State University·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateNov 5, 2024

Liquefied natural gas carbon footprint is worse than coal

A new study by Cornell University finds that liquefied natural gas (LNG) exported from the US has a one-third larger carbon footprint than coal when considering processing and shipping. LNG's extraction, processing, transportation, and storage account for approximately half of its total greenhouse gas footprint.

SourceCornell University·JournalEnergy Science & Engineering·DateOct 3, 2024

Diversifying China’s urban heating systems will reduce risk of carbon lock-in

A Princeton-led study suggests that diversifying China's urban heating systems will reduce the risk of carbon lock-in. The researchers examined three hypothetical investment scenarios and found that under a low-coal scenario, electric technologies can meet up to 34% of total district heating demand in 2030.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalNature Energy·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 1, 2024
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.

Improving air quality increases forest fires

A new UC Riverside study found that boreal forests in the northern hemisphere are particularly vulnerable to negative effects of cleaning up aerosol pollution. Reducing levels of human-made aerosols causes an increase in wildfires, especially in northern hemisphere forests.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 29, 2024

New Study: The price tag of phasing-out coal

A new study finds that government plans for coal phase-out around the world include monetary compensation to affected parties, with a total estimated global cost of USD 200 billion. However, if China and India were to adopt similar plans, the cost would skyrocket to over USD 2 trillion. The researchers argue that international finance ...

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeSystematic review·DateMay 13, 2024

Coal emissions reductions and mortality in China

The implementation of China's National Action Plan on Air Pollution Prevention and Control resulted in decreased mean daily fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels between 2013 and 2017. The associated acute health effects on total and circulatory mortality significantly decreased, with a reduced exposure-response relationship observed ...

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateApr 30, 2024
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.

Coal train pollution increases health risks and disparities

A new study from the University of California, Davis found that coal train pollution has significant health effects disproportionately impacting communities of color and low-income populations. The study estimates that six additional deaths may occur annually among exposed populations under severe scenarios.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalEnvironmental Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 18, 2024

Rice study shows coal-based product could replace sand in concrete

Researchers at Rice University have discovered a graphene-derived material that can serve as a substitute for sand in concrete, offering a potential solution to the looming 'sand crisis.' The study found that the graphene-based concrete is 25% lighter but just as tough as conventional concrete.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 26, 2024

Better microelectronics from coal

A team of researchers has developed a new process to transform coal into high-purity materials ideal for making ultra-thin electronics. These devices can operate faster and consume less energy than current state-of-the-art technologies.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalCommunications Engineering·DateJan 3, 2024
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.

Emissions and evasions

A new study found that fossil fuel companies rarely respond to online discussions about extreme weather, but instead engage with sustainability initiatives and corporate efforts. Climate misinformation can fuel denialism and delay action, emphasizing the need for understanding how it's designed and spread.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·Journalnpj Climate Action·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 20, 2023

Toxic chemicals found in oil spills and wildfire smoke detected in killer whales

A study found polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Southern Resident killer whales and Bigg's killer whales off the coast of B.C., with contaminants from oil spills and wildfire smoke. The presence of PAHs suggests recent exposures to toxic chemicals, emphasizing the need for improved pollution management.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 19, 2023

Fossil CO2 emissions at record high in 2023

Fossil CO2 emissions from global carbon budgets have reached a record high in 2023, with global warming exceeding 1.5°C target becoming increasingly likely within seven years. The study projects that total global CO2 emissions will be 40.9 billion tonnes, far from the reductions needed to meet climate targets.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEarth System Science Data·DateDec 4, 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.

National Jewish Health doctors identify health disparities for indigenous coal miners with black lung disease

Researchers at National Jewish Health found that Indigenous coal miners are more likely to develop disabling black lung disease but have limited access to medical benefits. The study highlights the need for updated lung function standards specific to Indigenous populations to address racial disparities in respiratory health.

SourceNational Jewish Health·JournalAnnals of the American Thoracic Society·DateNov 2, 2023

A clean-energy future for legacy coal?

Lehigh University researchers have developed a technique using machine learning and advanced spectroscopy to characterize waste feedstocks for gasification-produced hydrogen. This process has the potential to eliminate hazards associated with stored coal waste and reclaim valuable resources, while also emitting fewer pollutants than tr...

SourceLehigh University·DateOct 16, 2023

Discovery made about Fischer Tropsch process could help improve fuel production

Researchers at Washington State University have made a groundbreaking discovery about the Fischer Tropsch process, a key step in converting coal, natural gas, and biomass into liquid fuels. The team found that the process exhibits self-sustained oscillations, which can be harnessed to enhance reaction rates and product yields.

SourceWashington State University·JournalScience·DateOct 5, 2023

Paths for reducing harmful air pollution in South Asia identified

A new study by Washington University researchers identifies primary organics as the main drivers of high PM2.5 concentrations over South Asia, attributing 1 million deaths to residential combustion and industry emissions in 2019.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeObservational study·DateJul 11, 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.

Chinese Medical Journal Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine article decodes patterns of pneumoconiosis among miners

The study analyzed historical data on coal miners in China, revealing a strong correlation between raw coal production, mining technology, and CWP incidence. The researchers identified key turning points in disease incidence, linked to changes in diagnostic criteria and labor management, as well as coal industry policy reforms.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal - Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 20, 2023

The problems with coal ash start smaller than anyone thought

A new study by Duke University researchers reveals that the amount of toxic elements leaching out of coal ash depends largely on its nanoscale structure. The discovery highlights the complexity of coal ash as a material and emphasizes the need for closer examination of fine details within the ash to understand environmental risks.

SourceDuke University·JournalEnvironmental Science Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 6, 2023

Coal trains increase air pollution in San Francisco bay area

A recent study by the University of California, Davis found that coal trains and terminal operations significantly increase fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution in urban areas, contributing to serious health problems. The study also highlighted the disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalAir Quality Atmosphere & Health·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 1, 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.

Study: Shutting down nuclear power could increase air pollution

A recent MIT study finds that shutting down nuclear power could significantly increase air pollution, with up to 5,200 premature deaths estimated. The study reveals that fossil fuel sources would fill the gap, leading to increased health risks, especially for Black or African American communities.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Energy·DateApr 10, 2023

Eco-efficient cement could pave the way to a greener future

Rice University scientists developed a rapid process to remove heavy metals from coal fly ash using flash Joule heating. This purified coal fly ash can be used in infrastructure projects, reducing emissions by 30% and improving concrete strength and elasticity.

SourceRice University·JournalCommunications Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 28, 2023

Coal exit can happen only with stronger policies – and with China

A new study suggests that current coal exit efforts are unlikely to succeed without stronger policies, including carbon pricing and phase-out of coal mining. China plays a critical role in achieving this goal, as it produces and consumes over half of global coal, and its swift action can help propel Paris-aligned momentum.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 6, 2023

China’s stricter clean heating policies may have saved thousands of lives – study

A recent study found that China's cleaner heating policies in northern cities, including Beijing and Tianjin, reduced premature deaths from air pollution by 23,000 in 2021 compared to 2015. The stricter policies led to a significant decrease in fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 1, 2023
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Researchers revealed the important role of intermolecular hydrogen bond in the separation and purification of structurally similar compounds

The study reveals that N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) separates carbazole and anthracene due to strong intermolecular hydrogen bonds. Researchers used advanced liquid-state NMR techniques to analyze the interaction mechanism, finding a C=O···H-N bond between DMF and carbazole.

SourceInstitute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalIndustrial Chemistry and Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 26, 2022

Santa should phase out coal as punishment in Christmas stockings

Experts, including a pediatrician, suggest phasing out coal as punishment in Christmas stockings due to its damaging effects on children's health and the environment. They propose alternative gifts, such as recycled or plant-based options, to foster friendships and combat anxiety.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeNews article·DateDec 19, 2022

Risk of population disruption as a result of decarbonization

The study suggests that increased demand for energy transition metals could be more disruptive to some communities than winding back production of thermal coal. An additional 115.7 million people would be at risk from disruption by ETMs.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNature Communications·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 15, 2022
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.

Countries bet on forests and soils to reach net-zero

A new study by the University of East Anglia highlights the risks of relying on nature-based solutions, such as forests and soils, to achieve net-zero emissions. The research warns that these solutions may not be enough to offset the remaining difficult-to-decarbonize emissions if progress on reducing fossil fuel use stalls.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateDec 7, 2022

Real-time space observations can now keep watch over ‘super emitter’ power plants

Scientists have successfully tracked CO2 emissions from the Bełchatów power plant in Poland using existing satellites. The study demonstrates that tracking-at-the-source is already possible for 'super-emitters' like this facility, and its success is an important achievement. The results indicate that the EU's planned CO2M mission will ...

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Remote Sensing·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 28, 2022

Lake sediments show decades of coal ash contamination

A study by Duke University and Appalachian State University reveals that coal ash pollution has been more persistent and widespread than previously known, with large quantities deposited in lake sediments. The contaminants can leach into the aquatic food chain, posing chronic risks to ecosystems.

SourceDuke University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 3, 2022
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.

Rooftop solar cells can be a boon for water conservation too

A study by Duke University researchers found that rooftop solar cells can save a significant amount of water, with households saving an average of 16,200 gallons per year. Converting to solar in homes reduces the use of grid electricity and therefore also the volume of water used.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 21, 2022
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Seismic noise analysis could help monitor potential hazards in active mine

A new method allows for the separation of signals generated by mining activity from background seismic noise, enabling real-time monitoring of seismic events and structural integrity. This approach could be applied to various environments, including mines, volcanoes, and oil extraction sites.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·TypeObservational study·DateJun 28, 2022

How are the physical characteristics of the coal-fluid system reflected in ultrasound?

Researchers studied acoustic characteristics of gas-liquid-solid linkage in CBM reservoirs, analyzing P-wave and S-wave response to fluid saturation under different coal rank conditions. The study found that the relative anisotropy increased with water saturation, suggesting stronger acoustic anisotropy in tectonic coals.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Earth Science·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 28, 2022

New study shows increase in black lung disease in coal miners

A new study has found higher levels of silica dust in the lung tissue of contemporary coal miners compared to previous generations, providing a rationale for the Mine Safety and Health Administration to develop a more protective occupational standard for silica. The study suggests that changing mining practices, which generated more si...

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAnnals of the American Thoracic Society·TypeSystematic review·DateApr 14, 2022

What is causing the rise in black lung disease?

A new study has found a clear link between silica exposure and severe black lung disease in contemporary coal miners. The researchers attributed the resurgence of progressive massive fibrosis to changes in mining technology, such as mechanized coal extraction devices introduced in the 1950s.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalAnnals of the American Thoracic Society·DateApr 12, 2022

Wind, solar could replace coal power in Texas

A new study by Rice University engineers suggests that wind and solar projects could eliminate the need for coal in Texas, drastically reducing pollution. The research uses optimization modeling to identify the least-cost combinations of proposed wind and solar projects that can replace coal-fired power generation.

SourceRice University·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 21, 2022
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Grant to reduce, eliminate toxicity of coal mine dust

Researchers aim to eliminate respirable coal mine dust toxicity with chemical additives, targeting ultrafine particles and quartz. The project will investigate particle surface chemistry and aging effects on toxicity, with potential applications in metal, non-metal mining, and construction.

SourcePenn State·DateFeb 15, 2022

The role of risk aversion in the coal contracting behavior of US power plants

A new study finds that US power plants prioritize reducing input cost variance over minimizing expected total costs, resulting in longer coal contracts and higher contract prices. The researchers estimate that if all power plants purchased coal from the spot market, the annual aggregate cost savings would be $2.9 billion.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of the Association of Environmental and Resource Economists·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 13, 2022

Coal creation mechanism uncovered

A team of researchers found that microbes are responsible for the formation and production of methane in coal deposits. They analyzed methoxyl groups in coal samples from around the world and used stable isotopes to show that organic material becomes coal through microbial action, contradicting traditional geochemical understanding.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience·DateNov 11, 2021
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.