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The Lancet: New report details “massive global failures” of COVID-19 response, calls for improved multilateral cooperation to end pandemic and effectively manage future global health threats

The Lancet Commission report highlights widespread, global failures in the COVID-19 response, resulting in millions of preventable deaths and reversed progress towards UN SDGs. The report calls for strengthened multilateral cooperation, improved technology, and international health financing to address future health threats.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·TypeSystematic review·DateSep 14, 2022

Changes to Toronto’s public transit system would eliminate barriers, retain riders

A new study from the University of Waterloo highlights the need for Toronto's public transit system to improve its accessibility and affordability to retain vulnerable users. The researchers recommend a reassessment of travel networks, equitable pricing, and enhanced safety measures to connect core riders better with the rest of the city.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalCanadian Planning and Policy / Aménagement et politique au Canada·DateSep 8, 2022

Agriculture drives more than 90% of tropical deforestation

The study reveals that between 90 and 99 percent of all deforestation in the tropics is driven directly or indirectly by agriculture. The majority of deforestation results in land speculation or abandoned projects, rather than actively producing agricultural production.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalScience·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 8, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Technology transfer deficits jeopardize climate targets

A new study finds that public-private partnerships and energy initiatives can partially address technology transfer deficits but are insufficient. China's success in attracting technology transfer through foreign direct investment is seen as an alternative model for developing countries.

SourceResearch Institute for Sustainability (RIFS) – Helmholtz Centre Potsdam·JournalEnergy Policy·TypeSystematic review·DateSep 6, 2022

Spotting the human-driven snags in global sustainability quest

A new study developed a novel way to understand how human activities cause unintended consequences on sustainable development goals. Researchers used China's Wolong Nature Reserve as a demonstration site and found that efforts to promote one goal often result in unintended impacts on others.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalEcology and Society·DateAug 25, 2022

Citizen science: Empowering citizens to address global challenges

The primer highlights how citizens can contribute meaningfully to scientific research, enabling inclusive decision-making and closing data gaps. Citizen science promotes open data practices, advancing collaborations between various actors and making science more participatory and inclusive.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalNature Methods·DateAug 25, 2022
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.

Digging through patents to make mining greener

Researchers from Kyushu University analyzed global patent applications to identify R&D strategies for sustainable mining technologies. The study found that the Paris Agreement and raw metal price trends influence CCMT development, with varying degrees of impact by country.

SourceKyushu University·JournalResources Policy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 24, 2022
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.

Fossil fuel companies’ projections won’t meet Paris Agreement climate goals

New research reveals that fossil fuel companies' decarbonisation scenarios are incompatible with Paris Agreement goals, with most projecting high levels of warming and exceeding the 1.5°C limit. The study provides a critical assessment of scenarios published by public, commercial, and academic institutions.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 16, 2022

Indigenous youth film project turns the lens on nutrition and food security

The project empowers Indigenous youth to create films about locally available foods and other concerns, raising awareness of nutritional deficiencies and gender discriminatory norms. The initiative aims to improve dietary diversity and promote transformative change through self-expression and participation.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalCurrent Developments in Nutrition·DateAug 16, 2022

Concrete evidence: simple method to improve the sustainability of construction

A recent study published in Construction and Building Materials has found that heat treatment can significantly improve the strength of recycled concrete, reducing its environmental impact. The researchers developed an energy-efficient means of improving recycled concrete outcomes through thermal treatment.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalConstruction and Building Materials·DateAug 9, 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.

New magnesium superionic conductor towards lithium-free solid-state batteries

Researchers from Tokyo University of Science create a metal–organic framework-based magnesium ion conductor showing superionic conductivity at room temperature, overcoming the limitations of magnesium ion-based energy devices. The novel Mg2+ electrolyte exhibits a high conductivity of 10−3 S cm−1, making it suitable for battery applica...

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2022

Huddersfield researchers secure funding to illuminate chemistry

Huddersfield researchers are working on a new project to develop novel and sustainable molecular materials that harness light to drive useful chemical reactions. The project aims to address the limitation of using rare and expensive elements like ruthenium and iridium in current applications. By exploring the intrinsic properties of li...

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·DateAug 3, 2022

Environmental students from poorer regions rate the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals as more important than those from richer regions do

A study of environmental students from 41 countries found that SDGs are highly accepted globally, with significant differences in pillar ratings between countries. Lower-income nations rated the SDGs as more important than higher-income nations.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalHumanities and Social Sciences Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 2, 2022
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Building bricks from waste materials

Scientists create polymer bricks made from waste cooking oil and industrial byproducts, eliminating the need for mortar in traditional building methods. The new material's sulfur-sulfur bond produces a strong, sustainable construction material with potential to streamline construction.

SourceFlinders University·JournalMacromolecular Chemistry and Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 30, 2022

Gender pay gap linked to unpaid chores in childhood

A new study found that girls who spend more time on household chores in childhood are more likely to have limited future employment opportunities. The research suggests that unequal shares of household care work contribute to the gender pay gap, constraining girls' access to better-paid and higher-quality jobs.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalFeminist Economics·TypeLiterature review·DateJul 21, 2022

Reduction of global inequalities in energy use necessary to stop climate change

A new study by ICTA-UAB reveals that existing climate mitigation scenarios perpetuate energy use inequalities between the Global North and South. To stop climate change, the Global North must reduce its energy consumption to sustainable levels while allowing for sufficient growth in energy use in the rest of the world.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 7, 2022
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.

SMART research reveals promising uses of non-destructive sensors to aid food security and enhance sustainable agriculture

Recent advancements in non-destructive sensors enable real-time monitoring of plant health, allowing for prompt adjustment of environmental conditions to augment crop productivity. The sensors convert plant signals into digital signals, establishing direct communication between plants and growers.

SourceSingapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART)·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 30, 2022

New technology turns the whole fish into nutritious food

A new sorting technology at Chalmers University of Technology reduces fish waste by up to 50%, creating five nutritious cuts from the whole fish. The innovation is being implemented in a Swedish herring processing plant, which aims to produce healthier and more sustainable food products.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalFood Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 27, 2022

Default options facilitate faster carbon offsetting in air travel

Research shows that default options on carbon offsetting websites can lead to faster CO2 compensation, even at higher costs. The study found that as costs increase, the effectiveness of these defaults decreases. This suggests that people are price-sensitive when it comes to high-cost defaults.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeObservational study·DateJun 23, 2022
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.

Can robotics help us achieve sustainable development?

The study highlights opportunities for robotics to support human activities, foster innovation, and enhance monitoring. However, it also identifies potential threats such as exacerbating inequalities and diverting resources from tried-and-tested solutions. Researchers emphasize the need for early identification of negative impacts and ...

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Communications·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 22, 2022

Red meat consumption may remain high in Finland despite consumer support for plant-based diets

A recent study found that while consumers in Finland express openness to shifting towards a plant-based diet, their purchasing trends reflect a strong preference for red meat. The researchers analyzed individualized purchase data of 29,437 customers and found that red & processed meat accounted for 63% of protein purchases, while plant...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Sustainability and Transformation·TypeObservational study·DateJun 16, 2022

Multi-spin flips and a pathway to efficient ising machines

A team of researchers from Waseda University developed a novel solution to efficiently solve complex optimization problems using Ising machines. Their hybrid algorithm reduces residual energy and reaches more optimal results in shorter time, increasing the machine's applicability across industries and sustainability practices.

SourceWaseda University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Computers·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 31, 2022
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

New research on tidal flats is ‘wake up call’ for US coastal communities

A new study reveals that tidal flats in the southeastern US are under pressure from urbanization, leading to erosion and loss of these critical ecosystem guardians. The research highlights the need for sustainable management plans to mitigate the impacts of urban expansion on coastal environments.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalEarth·TypeCase study·DateMay 25, 2022

Albert Winsemius and Singapore

A team of NTU Singapore economists compiled a detailed study of Albert Winsemius' influence on Singapore's early economic development, analyzing his affinity with Singapore and his contributions to the country's economic growth. The book examines his synergy with pioneering leaders like Lee Kuan Yew and Dr Goh Keng Swee.

SourceWorld Scientific·DateMay 24, 2022
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.

Mercury removal made easy

A team of researchers at Flinders University has developed a novel sorbent made from waste materials that can absorb almost all mercury in polluted water in minutes. The material, coated with poly(S-r-limonene), is fast-acting and selective, capturing only mercury without other metal contaminants.

SourceFlinders University·JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 13, 2022

Time is now to future proof the land, world leaders say at Abidjan Summit

Heads of State and Government meeting at the United Nations' global conference on land called for immediate action to stem life and livelihood losses due to desertification, land degradation, and drought. The Abidjan Call urges prioritizing drought relief and committing to achieving land degradation neutrality by 2030.

SourceUnited Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)·DateMay 9, 2022

Broad participation needed to transform mining for a sustainable future

Current mining practices can be improved through effective policies and stakeholder involvement. A more sustainable extractive industry can supply key raw materials for renewable energy technologies and support the UN Sustainable Development Goals. To achieve this, diverse stakeholders must participate in governance at different levels.

SourceResearch Institute for Sustainability (RIFS) – Helmholtz Centre Potsdam·JournalEarth Science Systems and Society·TypeSystematic review·DateMay 5, 2022

Identifying global poverty from space

Researchers have identified over 2.4 million households in 49 countries as being below a certain economic threshold, based on the percentage of unlit settlements detected using nighttime light satellite images. The study found a clear association between increasing percentages of unlit communities and decreasing economic wellbeing levels.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 5, 2022
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.

The shape of things to come: tropical birds are changing because of us

Human activity on Hainan Island is causing changes in the body shapes and diets of tropical birds, resulting in biotic homogenisation. Despite efforts to protect biodiversity, the island's unique ecosystem is being affected by large-scale economic and land-use changes.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalConservation Biology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 14, 2022

Singapore scientists demonstrate that some tropical plants have potential to remove toxic heavy metals from the soil

A team of researchers from Nanyang Technological University and National Parks Board in Singapore has discovered that certain tropical plant species can absorb and remove toxic heavy metals and metalloids from contaminated soil. The study identified 12 plant species effective for phytoremediation, including Cow Grass, Brake Fern, and I...

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 12, 2022

“Vertical farming will play a role in future food production”

Vertical farming enables crops to be grown in vertically stacked layers, conserving land and allowing for multiple harvests per year. This method can significantly reduce water requirements and chemical crop protection, while increasing yields through optimal growth conditions and technologies.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalThe Journal of Agricultural Science·DateApr 12, 2022

High expectations, uncertain benefits: industry 4.0 and corporate sustainability performance

A study finds that Industry 4.0 technologies have largely failed to improve resource efficiency and reduce emissions, contrary to company expectations. However, companies with high digitalisation levels are better positioned to align production with demand and improve sustainability performance.

SourceResearch Institute for Sustainability (RIFS) – Helmholtz Centre Potsdam·JournalSustainable Production and Consumption·TypeSurvey·DateApr 8, 2022
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Triggering cellular apoptosis by optical targeting

Researchers at Okayama University have created a new method to kill cancer cells using light-activated protein AR3, reducing the risk of adverse reactions. The approach uses green light to trigger apoptosis in targeted cells, offering a promising alternative to conventional treatments.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 30, 2022

Optimizing the Mitigation of Heavy Metal Pollution in Biochar-treated Soils with Machine Learning

Researchers used machine learning to predict the most important factors underlying heavy metal pollution remediation in biochar-treated soils. Biochar nitrogen content and application rate were found to be the most crucial features in determining HM immobilization, with soil properties also playing a significant role.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 29, 2022

Poorly conceived payment-on-results funding threatens to undermine education aid

A new study examines the 'Programme for Results' scheme, a results-based financing package underpinning Ethiopian government's education reforms. It found that several aspects of the project were unfit for purpose from the start, including inadequate systems to measure results and overlooked groups of children with disabilities.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalThird World Quarterly·DateMar 29, 2022

Digitalisation and sustainability: how do DAX companies measure up?

A study by RIFS researcher Silke Niehoff analyzed DAX company sustainability reports and found that most prioritize customer demands and efficiency over environmental concerns. However, a few companies are using digitalization to promote sustainable development and serve as role models.

SourceResearch Institute for Sustainability (RIFS) – Helmholtz Centre Potsdam·JournalBusiness Strategy and the Environment·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 28, 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.

Water resource conservation promotes sustainable development in China's northern drylands

A research group studied China's water conservation regulations in the northern drylands and found they drove industrial transformation, reducing negative environmental impacts. Adaptive strategies were developed for 12 cities to integrate their development pathways and promote holistic sustainable development through cooperation.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Environmental Science & Engineering·TypeContent analysis·DateMar 25, 2022

Evaluating sustainability progress requires a broad and long look

A new study by Michigan State University researchers explores the complexities of making meaningful progress in critically important areas. The analysis reveals that improvements in some economic SDGs can impair social and environmental SDGs initially but then improve simultaneously after a turning point.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature Sustainability·DateMar 24, 2022
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.

A new “truth” about the rainforest: How Bolsonaro’s supporters misuse satellite data

A new study reveals how Bolsonaro's supporters are misusing satellite data to promote economic development at the expense of environmental protection. The researchers found that far-right groups are creating alternative 'truths' about deforestation, questioning the validity of scientific findings and sowing confusion among the public.

SourceResearch Institute for Sustainability (RIFS) – Helmholtz Centre Potsdam·JournalEarth System Governance·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 16, 2022

The next frontier for African genomics - safeguarding African biodiversity

The African BioGenome Project aims to sequence the genomes of Africa's endemic plants, animals, fungi, and protists. This will build resilience in breeding, sustainable food systems, and biodiversity conservation, aligning with the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

SourceUniversity of South Africa - Cape Town Campus·JournalNature·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 15, 2022

Converting plastic waste into porous carbon for capturing carbon dioxide

A team of researchers has found that plastic waste-derived porous materials can adsorb CO2 from flue gas, reducing plastic pollution and emissions. The study suggests that these materials could be used in industrial-scale applications, making them a promising alternative to conventional CO2 capture technologies.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalGreen Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 10, 2022

Study proposes to involve high school students in mapping natural disaster hazards and impact prevention

A Brazilian study proposes a methodology to involve secondary school students in mapping natural disaster hazards and impact prevention. The students, aged between 2019-2021, were trained to identify areas prone to flooding and landslides using aerial photographs taken by drones.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalDisaster Prevention and Management An International Journal·DateMar 10, 2022

Sustainability in times of COVID-19: Converting face masks into valuable fuel

A team of researchers proposes converting discarded surgical masks into a burnable fuel through pyrolysis, yielding a carbon-rich oil with high heating value. The study suggests this method offers better environmental performance compared to conventional waste management approaches.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalBioresource Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 8, 2022
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Tomatoes of equal quality with less irrigation water

Researchers at the University of Seville conducted a study on deficit irrigation for Sunchocola tomatoes, finding no significant changes in commercial quality but increased carotenoids and phenolic compounds. The results have significant nutritional importance and potential for global irrigation water savings.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalJournal of Food Composition and Analysis·DateMar 4, 2022

Sustainable groundwater use could be answer to Africa’s water issues

A study led by the University of Texas at Austin found that groundwater levels in Sub-Saharan Africa frequently increased over time, with most aquifers replenishing their water supply during rainy periods. The research tracked long-term water storage gains and losses across Africa's major aquifers using NASA's GRACE satellites.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateMar 1, 2022

Stanford researchers map wildlife and infrastructure to maximize tourism in Costa Rica

The study demonstrates the importance of protecting nature to keep tourism revenue flowing, with key findings showing that infrastructure supports tourism hotspots where roads and hotels are easily accessible. Researchers suggest creating a nationwide accounting system to track the value of natural assets and provide long-term habitat ...

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 28, 2022
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.

Improving eye health essential to achieving Sustainable Development Goals

A new study published in The Lancet Planetary Health found that improved eye health services are associated with moving closer to achieving seven SDGs. Multiple direct connections were discovered between eye health services and increased productivity, household expenditure, income, education, and equality.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·DateFeb 24, 2022

Reducing carbon emissions of C&D waste in building refurbishment

Researchers from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University provide valuable insights on managing C&D waste and reducing carbon emissions in building refurbishment projects. By upcycling generated waste, carbon emissions can be significantly reduced, with a potential reduction of around 40% compared to traditional practices.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalEnvironmental Science and Pollution Research·TypeCase study·DateFeb 23, 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.

290 million new city dwellers benefit China's climate balance

Urbanization in China has led to an increase in biomass and carbon stocks, both in rural areas and recently developed cities. The country's afforestation strategy and green policy initiatives have contributed to this positive effect on its climate balance.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNature Sustainability·DateFeb 21, 2022