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Bioinspired cellulose aerogel mimics white beetles for passive daytime cooling

Researchers developed a cellulose-based aerogel inspired by white beetles' optical structure, achieving high solar reflectance and infrared emissivity through hierarchical photonic scattering networks. The material achieved daytime subambient cooling of up to 7.1 °C and reduced building energy consumption by 43.5% on average.

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.

Enzyme produced by fungus may replace chemicals in the paper industry

A new enzyme from a fungus cultivated in sugarcane bagasse or wheat bran can promote cellulose pulp bleaching. The xylanase facilitates the removal of xylan fractions associated with residual lignin, increasing brightness and efficiency in subsequent stages of pulp processing. This non-toxic alternative reduces chemical load and has gr...

Safer receipt paper from wood

Researchers at EPFL developed thermal paper coatings using lignin, a major component of wood, which have low or no toxic signatures. The new formulations match commercial thermal paper performance while showing improved safety profiles.

New UMaine research could help lower prescription drug costs

Researchers at the University of Maine Forest Bioproducts Research Institute have discovered a sustainable method to produce (S)-3-hydroxy-γ-butyrolactone, a crucial building block in pharmaceuticals. This approach could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and production costs by up to 60%.

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.

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.

New strategy leverages lignin condensation for biomass utilization

Researchers from Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics developed a strategy to leverage lignin condensation, a process previously considered a hindrance, to produce valuable chemicals and materials. This approach maximizes the value of lignocellulose, aligning with the goals of green biorefineries.

Mystery of curling paper solved

Researchers at TU Graz have discovered that the cause of curling paper lies in solvents contained in the ink, which migrate towards the unprinted side over time. This causes the cellulose fibres on the unprinted side to swell and the paper starts to curl.

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.

Bioengineered yeast feed on agricultural waste

Researchers at Tufts University have developed modified yeast that can efficiently consume agricultural waste biomass sugars, including xylose, arabinose, and cellobiose. This breakthrough enables the production of biofuels, pharmaceuticals, and bioplastics with a significantly reduced carbon footprint.

Using agricultural waste materials to produce lactic acid

A team of researchers from QIBEBT has developed a method to produce high-quality lactic acid from lignocellulosic biomass, reducing the need for intermediate sterilization and nutrient supplementation. This breakthrough has significant implications for industrial-scale production of biodegradable materials.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Oxygen-vacancy-mediated catalysis boosts direct methanation of biomass

Researchers developed an efficient method for direct methanation of lignocellulosic biomass using Ru/TiO2 catalysts, achieving selectivity above 95% at temperatures below 200°C. The oxygen-vacancy-mediated catalysis process couples biomass oxidation with hydrogenation to produce biomethane.

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.

Microbes working together multiply biomass conversion possibilities

Researchers have developed a novel approach for converting lignocellulose biomass into valuable chemicals by combining multiple microorganisms. This modular system, known as the lactate platform, enables the production of diverse chemicals, including butyric acid and lactic acid, with high efficiency.

Panda poo, ants and slugs could be key to the green fuel of tomorrow

A new research project at Aarhus University aims to convert lignocellulosic biomass into sustainable bioethanol using enzymes and microorganisms found in pandas' digestive systems, as well as those of ants and slugs. The goal is to produce bioethanol via completely natural processes.

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.

Unraveling the science behind biomass breakdown

Scientists at ORNL discovered a chemical reaction that enhances the breakdown of cellulose in lignocellulosic biomass. The THF-water cosolvent phase separates on the faces of crystalline cellulose fibers, allowing certain enzymes to interact and increase hydrolysis.

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.

Harnessing gut fungi of herbivores to break down biomass

Researchers have created a library of fungi-secreted enzymes that efficiently break down plant biomass, which could simplify and lower the costs of biofuel production. The discovery highlights the potential of symbiotic fungi from herbivore guts, particularly Piromyces, to degrade lignocellulose with enzyme synergy.

Novel pretreatment could cut biofuel costs by 30 percent or more

A new pretreatment process called Co-solvent Enhanced Lignocellulosic Fractionation (CELF) reduces the need for enzymes in biofuel production by up to 90%, cutting costs by 30% or more. This technology also extracts up to 90% of lignin from biomass, paving the way for additional high-value chemicals and fuels.

Enhancing biofuel yields from biomass with novel new method

Researchers at UC Riverside have developed a versatile platform technology called Co-solvent Enhanced Lignocellulosic Fractionation (CELF) to produce biofuels from biomass more efficiently. The method uses tetrahydrofuran as a co-solvent and achieves high yields, reducing the cost of producing fuels and chemicals.

Fueling aviation with hardwoods

A multi-university team has developed a technology to transform lignocellulosic biomass into a jet fuel surrogate via catalytic chemistry. The proposed approach could potentially produce aviation fuels at a cost of $2.88 per gallon, making it a promising alternative to traditional petroleum-derived fuels.

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.

Panda poop microbes could make biofuels of the future -- an update

Scientists have identified over 40 microbes in giant panda feces that can break down lignocellulose, a key step in producing ethanol and biodiesel from non-food plant material. This discovery could help shift production away from food crops and toward sustainable biofuels.

New advance in biofuel production

Joint BioEnergy Institute researchers have made a breakthrough in biofuel production by developing an enzyme-free ionic liquid pre-treatment method. This technique reduces the cost of producing advanced biofuels and decreases water consumption, making it a more sustainable alternative to traditional methods.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

New processing steps promise more economical ethanol production

Researchers have developed a cost-effective pretreatment process that integrates three technologies to produce bioethanol from corn stover. The new process generates four valuable products, including amorphous cellulose, hemicellulose sugars, lignin, and acetic acid.