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Integrate disciplines to conserve biodiversity

The article emphasizes the importance of integrating different disciplines and stakeholders in conservation efforts. Key findings include the need for increased funding and expert guidance for transdisciplinary research, as well as the benefits of such approaches, including improved data quality and innovation.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalBasic and Applied Ecology·DateJul 5, 2021

Reducing plastic waste will require fundamental change in culture

A study by Research Institute for Sustainability reveals that barriers to reducing plastic packaging consumption include habits, lack of knowledge, hygiene concerns, and economic factors. To achieve zero-waste shopping, cultural and infrastructural changes are necessary, including making alternative options more affordable and convenient.

SourceResearch Institute for Sustainability (RIFS) – Helmholtz Centre Potsdam·JournalCleaner and Responsible Consumption·DateJul 1, 2021

New findings to boost barley yields at higher temps

A team of researchers discovered a novel barley protein, HvMADS1, that regulates flower production in response to high temperatures. The study found that introducing a genetic modification to the protein can convert an unbranched spike into a branched structure with more flowers, potentially increasing grain production.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNature Plants·DateJun 29, 2021

Smart transfer rules can strengthen EU climate policy

The study suggests that revenues from emissions pricing should be distributed according to historical emissions, providing the greatest leeway for a consensual ambitious climate policy. This design can help overcome obstacles such as differing country sizes and wealth, ultimately strengthening EU climate policy.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalJournal of Environmental Economics and Management·DateJun 25, 2021

'Lady luck' - Does anthropomorphized luck drive risky financial behavior?

A new study published in the Journal of the Association for Consumer Research posits that increased accessibility to anthropomorphized luck can lead consumers to pursue higher-risk financial behavior. The authors suggest that preferences for riskier options are driven by shared risk perceptions that may engender feelings of security.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of the Association for Consumer Research·DateJun 23, 2021

Changes in farming practices could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 70% by 2036

A new study published in PNAS predicts that changes in farming practices could reduce greenhouse gas emissions from grain production by up to 70% within the next 15 years. The study identifies a combination of technological innovations, including digital agriculture, crop genetics, and electrification, as key drivers of this reduction.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 21, 2021

Religious participation makes both old and young more likely to trust their neighbors and donate to charity

A new study found that religious participation increases social trust among both millennials and older adults, with those attending church more likely to donate to charity. The research also shows that younger generations can benefit from intergenerational interactions with their elders, who tend to have more social capital.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalThe Sociological Review·DateJun 17, 2021

More sustainable mortars and concrete with optimal thermal and mechanical efficiency

The University of the Basque Country's research team has created mortars and concretes with optimal thermal and mechanical efficiency, replacing natural materials with industrial by-products. The new materials have good thermal conductivity and are suitable for use in radiant floor heating systems, reducing CO2 emissions.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalJournal of Building Engineering·DateJun 10, 2021

Measuring sound diversity of quietness

Researchers develop Composite Urban Quietness Index to measure sound diversity of quietness, aiming to provide a new understanding of comfortable quiet. The study reveals that high-intensity sound and silent acoustic environments can cause stress, highlighting the need for quantifiable characteristics of quietness.

Assessing feasibility concerns in climate mitigation scenarios

Researchers develop a framework to identify and evaluate feasibility concerns in climate mitigation scenarios, highlighting institutional constraints and socio-cultural limitations. The study applies the framework to IPCC scenarios, revealing that many assume fast decarbonization rates in regions with low mitigation capacity.

SourceCMCC Foundation - Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJun 9, 2021

Innovation projects can reinvent the UN

Researchers at UNIGE found that digital initiatives within country offices have the strongest impact on changing ways of working, embedding new skills, and restructuring teams across the UN. The study highlights the power of bottom-up innovation, where ideas can spread from country to country, achieving scale and changing the organizat...

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalJournal of Management Studies·DateJun 9, 2021