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China’s climate goals could reshape the global palm oil industry

A new review suggests that China's carbon reduction commitments can influence the environmental performance of the global palm oil industry by promoting sustainable production, traceability, and climate-responsible technologies. This could help reduce palm oil's climate footprint while protecting livelihoods.

SourceShenyang Agricultural University Collaborative Journals·JournalAgricultural Ecology and Environment·TypeLiterature review·DateJul 14, 2026
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.

Palm oil isn’t necessarily less sustainable than other oils, say conservationists

Researchers call for greater transparency and regulation in the vegetable oil industry to enable consumers to make informed decisions about their oil choices. The authors emphasize that almost all oils are associated with biodiversity and human rights issues in some contexts, depending on crop management and supply chains.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports Sustainability·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 16, 2025

Researchers engineer plants for optimal biofuel production

Researchers have charted how plant metabolism responds to genetic changes that increase oil production, finding simultaneous increases in both oil and protein content. The study's findings will provide scientists with clues for optimizing biofuel production in plants such as camelina and pennycress.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Proteome Research·DateJul 10, 2025

New frontiers in recycling waste vegetable oil: A research project for the circular economy

A research project from Politecnico di Milano proposes a novel method to recycle used vegetable oil into valuable resources like bio-lubricants and air purification devices. The project optimizes waste treatment processes while reducing waste and promoting European independence in critical raw material supply.

SourcePolitecnico di Milano·JournalRSC Sustainability·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 18, 2025
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Protecting the protector boosts plant oil content

Scientists at Brookhaven Lab demonstrate new genetic strategy to boost plant oil content by protecting the oil-protector protein, resulting in 54% more oil accumulation in leaves and 13% more in seeds. This approach can increase biomass energy content and provide sustainable fuels.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNew Phytologist·DateFeb 8, 2024

Widely consumed vegetable oil leads to an unhealthy gut

Researchers found that a diet high in soybean oil decreases beneficial bacteria and increases harmful bacteria, leading to increased inflammation and susceptibility to colitis. Olive oil, with lower amounts of linoleic acid, is considered a healthier alternative.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalGut Microbes·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 5, 2023

Can a healthy diet prevent prostate cancer?

A study of 15,296 men found that a healthy Mediterranean or Prudent diet had no impact on prostate cancer risk, while an unhealthy Western diet may increase the risk of aggressive tumors. The findings suggest avoiding Western-style diet products and adopting Mediterranean diet habits could help prevent aggressive prostate cancer.

SourceWiley·JournalBJU International·DateApr 19, 2023

Turning vegetable oil industry waste into power: innovative electrode modification improves bio-electrochemical treatment of wastewater

Researchers have developed a novel and cost-effective anode catalyst that can improve and stabilize power generation performance of MFCs treating vegetable oil industry wastewater. The study investigates modification of electrodes to increase bacterial adhesion and efficient electron transfer.

SourceSociety of Chemical Industry·JournalJournal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology·DateMar 13, 2023
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.

Genetic background has an effect on the metabolism of essential fatty acids

A recent study from the University of Eastern Finland found that genetic background has an effect on the metabolism of essential polyunsaturated fatty acids alpha-linolenic acid and linoleic acid. The study showed that the FADS1 genotype modifies the responses to diets rich in alpha-linolenic acid and linoleic acid.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalMolecular Nutrition & Food Research·DateNov 18, 2022

University of Missouri is helping the aviation industry go “green”

MU researchers, including Jay J. Thelen and Dong Xu, are exploring genetic modification to increase seed oil production in camelina and pennycress for biofuel use in the aviation industry. The team aims to create a sustainable 'green energy' source as an alternative to petroleum-based fossil fuels.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·DateNov 9, 2022

Engineering industrial microalgae for producing healthy biological oil

Researchers discover two specific enzymes that assemble medium-chain fatty acids in marine microalgae Nannochloropsis oceanica, elevating MCT production and enabling customizable oils. The study paves the way for engineering industrial microalgae into efficient sustainable feedstock.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·DateSep 7, 2022

NTU Singapore and ETH Zurich scientists decontaminate heavy metal water using protein from plant waste

Scientists have created a membrane made from a waste by-product of vegetable oil manufacturing that can filter out heavy metals from contaminated water. The membrane uses proteins derived from peanut or sunflower oil production to attract and trap heavy metal ions, purifying water to international drinking standards.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 23, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Why stored linseed oil tastes bitter -- And what you could do about it

Researchers identified cyclolinopeptides, particularly a methionine sulfoxide-containing class 4 peptide, as the primary cause of linseed oil's bitter off-flavor. Breeding or technical measures may help optimize flavor quality by reducing these peptides' content.

SourceLeibniz-Institut für Lebensmittel-Systembiologie an der TU München·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 21, 2022

Scientists discover genetic markers for predicting seed oil quality

Researchers from Skoltech identified four genetic markers that can predict tocopherol composition in sunflower lines, which is crucial for producing high-quality dressing and cooking oils. This breakthrough discovery will help facilitate faster breeding of new varieties.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalG3 Genes Genomes Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 28, 2022

Amazon community transforms residues into resources

In the Brazilian Amazon, small towns are practicing a self-sustaining circular economy by converting waste into inputs for production. The Carauari community produces 100 metric tons of processed fish per year, generating resources from waste that fuel other activities.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·Journalnpj Urban Sustainability·DateSep 9, 2021

Researcher boosts vegetable oil production in plant leaves

A University of Missouri researcher has found a way to increase triacylglycerol production in plant leaves using CRISPR gene editing, which could lead to greater and cheaper vegetable oil production. This breakthrough technique enables the harvesting of oil from large, leafy plants with multiple uses, such as sorghum.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 17, 2020
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.

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.

Skipping meals increases children's obesity and cardiometabolic risk

A Finnish study found that skipping main meals is linked to excess body fat and increased cardiometabolic risk in children as young as 6-8 years old. Children who ate more protein and had uncontrolled eating behavior were also more likely to have excess body fat.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalEuropean Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateDec 15, 2014

Collaborative research uses camelina to build better biofuel

Researchers are developing Camelina sativa as a biodiesel crop for the Great Plains, which can grow on poor-quality farmland and requires little irrigation and fertilizer. By altering the plant's biochemistry, they aim to create low-viscosity oil that can be used directly in diesel engines.

SourceKansas State University·DateAug 4, 2014

UH researcher works on plant-based plastics

A University of Houston researcher is working on developing plant-based plastics that can match the strength, flexibility, and durability of petroleum-based polymers. The goal is to create biodegradable materials with better mechanical properties and a reduced environmental impact.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateJan 31, 2014
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.

Some 'healthy' vegetable oils may actually increase risk of heart disease

A study found that replacing saturated fats with polyunsaturated oils like corn and safflower oil may not reduce heart disease risk. In fact, rates of death from cardiovascular disease increased in the treatment group. Health Canada should modify its health claim for omega-6 oils.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateNov 11, 2013

Vegetable oil IS good for you, MU researcher says

A new study from the University of Missouri contradicts claims that consuming vegetable oil promotes inflammation in humans. Researchers found no link between linoleic acid consumption and circulating indicators of inflammation.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·DateJun 7, 2013

Monounsaturated fats reduce metabolic syndrome risk

A randomized, controlled trial found that consuming monounsaturated fats in vegetable oils like canola oil lowered abdominal fat by 1.6 percent compared to other oil blends. This reduction in belly fat may decrease metabolic syndrome risk factors and heart disease risk.

SourcePenn State·DateMar 29, 2013
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.

Supercharged safflower

A new 'super-high' oleic safflower has been developed by CSIRO, with the potential to provide over 100,000 hectares of sustainable plant oils. The oil contains over 90% of valuable oleic acid, making it suitable for industrial chemical production and direct use in lubricants.

SourceCSIRO Australia·DateMay 20, 2012

Defying conventional wisdom, water can float on oil

Scientists have discovered that water can float on oil under certain conditions, depending on the size of the droplet and type of oil. This finding has important potential applications in cleaning up oil spills.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalLangmuir·DateApr 4, 2012

Modeling plant metabolism to optimize oil production

Scientists developed a computational model to analyze rapeseed plant metabolism and optimize oil production. The model, published in the Plant Journal, can simulate complex metabolic processes under varying conditions, helping identify ways to maximize carbon conversion to biomass.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalThe Plant Journal·DateJul 26, 2011

Brown University chemists simplify biodiesel conversion

Researchers at Brown University have developed a new method for converting waste vegetable oil into biodiesel fuel, using a single reaction vessel and environmentally friendly catalysts. The process is six times faster than current methods, consuming less energy and reducing the use of toxic chemicals.

SourceBrown University·JournalOrganic & Biomolecular Chemistry·DateOct 7, 2010
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.

Research promises healthier vegetable oil -- and tractor fuel to harvest it

Researchers at Michigan State University have discovered a novel, high-quality oil produced by the burning bush enzyme, which boasts lower viscosity and calorie content. This unique oil could be used as a direct-use biofuel for diesel engines and as a reduced-calorie food oil substitute.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 20, 2010

Omega-6 PUFAs and risk of cardiovascular disease

The American Heart Association advises consumers to aim for at least 5-10% of energy from omega-6 PUFAs, which may reduce cardiovascular risk and lower the risk for heart disease events by 24%. Omega-6 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties, dispelling concerns of increased inflammation and cardiovascular risk.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalCirculation·DateJan 30, 2009

More fish oil, less vegetable oil, better for your health

Scientists have discovered that adding more fish oil to the diet can decrease the formation of prostanoids, which contribute to inflammation in various tissues. This finding may lead to the development of new anti-inflammatory drugs with fewer side effects than current options.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJul 26, 2007

Food fried in vegetable oil may contain toxic compound

Research by A. Saari Csallany suggests that repeated heating of polyunsaturated oils for frying can lead to the accumulation of toxic compounds like HNE. The study aims to determine the optimal lower temperature for oil heating to prevent HNE formation and its related diseases.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·DateMay 2, 2005

Fish oil supplements may contain flame retardants

A study by Miriam Jacobs and colleagues has found significant increases in flame retardant levels in cod liver oil supplements over the past four years. This is a growing concern due to the potential for these chemicals to contaminate the environment and human health, particularly through consumption of contaminated fish oils.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateMar 16, 2004
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.

Motor oil of the future may come from veggies

Researchers have developed a new vegetable oil that can provide performance-enhancing benefits to car engines, improving stability at both hot and cold temperatures. The biodegradable oil could reduce the country's dependence on foreign oil and minimize environmental harm.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateMar 24, 2003

Plant oils reduce levels of 'bad' cholesterol

A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that consuming a moderate-fat diet rich in plant oils reduced LDL cholesterol levels by 25% in hyperlipidemic men. The specific type of plant oil used in the study was found to have a significant impact on improving cholesterol profiles.

SourceAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJun 1, 1999