Articles tagged with Sustainable Development
A recent study found that children with autism spectrum disorder tend to prefer predictable movements, which could serve as an early indicator of the condition. This preference may be linked to difficulties in learning cause-and-effect relationships and is a key characteristic of repetitive behaviors associated with ASD.
Researchers have developed a multifunctional aerogel for efficient crude oil cleanup, exhibiting high compressive strength, hydrophobicity, and photothermal conversion. The aerogel's unique structure enables rapid absorption of viscous crude oil, addressing environmental concerns related to increasing oil spills.
Researchers developed a novel approach to enhance chitosan aerogels' mechanical properties by incorporating silk microfibers with different aspect ratios. The study showed significant improvements in compressive strength, deformation mechanisms, and liquid transportation capabilities.
A study reveals widespread overlap between feeding grounds for seabirds, marine mammals, and regions with high wind potential. Researchers propose developing risk maps to predict conflicts and recommend expanding marine protected areas and strengthening spatial planning tools.
Researchers at the University of Surrey developed a cost-effective method for removing CO2 from the air and converting it into synthetic fuel. The Dual-Function Material (DFM) process has been shown to be financially competitive with established industry methods, offering a promising route to decarbonize industries.
Researchers developed an electrochemical approach to convert harmful nitric oxide emissions into high-purity nitric acid, reducing industrial nitrogen waste and promoting sustainable pollution mitigation. The process operates at near-ambient conditions with minimal infrastructure, offering economic and environmental benefits.
PERSEI Space's technology uses electrodynamic tethers to de-orbit satellites without fuel, increasing efficiency and reducing space debris. The company is leading a demonstration mission for 2026 to test its equipment.
A new framework, SOPA, assesses business process sustainability using life cycle assessment and activity-based costing to evaluate environmental impacts. The study demonstrates the potential for digital processes to significantly reduce environmental costs.
A new paper highlights emerging alternatives to traditional diabetes medicines, such as continuous glucose monitors and lifestyle interventions like GEM, which can improve patient adherence and long-term health outcomes.
Researchers at Waseda University developed a novel self-assembly process to create multilayered films with superior thermal, mechanical, and gas barrier properties. The film exhibits enhanced hardness and self-healing ability compared to conventional materials.
A professor is conducting a study to increase forest farming in Appalachia, with the goal of creating a sustainable economy for the region. The project aims to develop the workforce and formalize businesses to ensure efficient supply chains.
Dr. Rita Okoroafor's research integrates geochemistry, geomechanics, and reservoir engineering to improve understanding of fluid-rock interactions in subsurface technologies. Her work enhances hydrogen storage efficiency, optimizes geothermal reservoir performance, and improves CO2 storage security.
The study highlights the need to reconstruct human education due to increasing uncertainties in politics, economy, science, and technology. A proposed strategy includes rebuilding an educational contract based on understanding and cooperation, developing a dynamic lifelong education system, and exploring AI-empowered education models.
Researchers at KAIST evaluated industrial microbial cell factories to identify suitable strains and optimal metabolic engineering strategies. Using genome-scale metabolic models, they calculated maximum theoretical yields and achievable yields under industrial conditions for 235 bio-based chemicals.
Researchers develop a novel 'zeolite blending' method to synthesize CON-type zeolites with unprecedentedly high aluminum content. This approach enables precise control over Al content, opening possibilities for catalyst development in various industrial applications.
The forum highlights AI's vast potential in optimizing energy production, accelerating new material inventions, improving climate modeling, and supporting green finance applications. It also emphasizes the need for a whole-of-community approach to harnessing AI's transformative power in combating climate change.
The 2025 Hong Kong Climate Forum brings together leaders to discuss climate change mitigation measures, green technologies, and policy support. Experts emphasize the need for global action and accelerated transformation of economies and societies.
The California Solar Canal Initiative brings together seven leading research universities to identify optimal locations for generating renewable energy and conserving land statewide. By covering large sections of the state's canal network with solar panels, researchers aim to conserve water, reduce air pollution and generate clean energy.
Researchers explore 'net-zero carbon debt' to track responsibility for climate overshoot, with implications for emission reduction targets and international cooperation. The study suggests that regions bearing greater debt should strengthen mitigation plans and establish support mechanisms.
A new approach to AI developed by Texas A&M University engineers mimics the human brain's neural processes, integrating learning and memory in a single system. This 'Super-Turing AI' has the potential to revolutionize the industry by reducing energy consumption and environmental impact.
A team of researchers at MIT has developed a system that makes pesticides stick to plant leaves, reducing waste and costs for farmers. The new technology, which involves coating droplets with an oily material, improves the 'stickiness' of the droplets by up to a hundredfold.
Avelino Corma, John Hartwig, and Helmut Schwarz received the BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Award for their fundamental advances in catalysis. They have improved efficiency and reduced energy consumption in various industrial processes through their innovative catalysts.
The SwRI H2-ICE2 consortium aims to refine the performance and efficiency of hydrogen internal combustion engine vehicles. The two-year program will test the vehicle's capabilities under various real-world conditions, with a focus on commercial viability.
Childhood tuberculosis cases in the EU/EEA have increased by 26% over the past three years, with young children under 15 accounting for 4.3% of all TB cases. The rise in pediatric TB has raised concerns about incomplete treatment, drug-resistant TB, and further transmission.
Researchers developed a novel processing technique to create super-strong, lightweight wood that surpasses natural wood's mechanical properties. The resulting self-densified wood boasts exceptional tensile strength, flexural strength, and impact toughness.
The study identifies two chains of influence - company-centric and owner-centric - highlighting varying power dynamics between asset owners and companies worldwide. By understanding these differences, asset owners can foster stronger ESG shareholder interaction with local companies across different global contexts.
Researchers have developed a mercury-free method to isolate lithium-6, essential for producing nuclear fusion fuel. The new method uses zeta-vanadium oxide and achieves enrichment rates comparable to the banned COLEX process, paving the way for unlocking nuclear fusion as a sustainable energy source.
A recent study in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior emphasizes the value of braiding cultural food values with nutrition education to promote healthy eating among the Osage Nation community. The study's findings highlight five key concepts crucial to healthy eating, including food accessibility, community food values, and...
A novel copper-based zeolite imidazolate framework (Cu-ZIF-gis) has been developed to separate deuterium (D2) from hydrogen (H2) at 120 K (-153°C), exceeding the liquefaction point of natural gas. This material exhibits improved separation efficiency and lower energy consumption compared to traditional methods.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new carbon-negative building material that can be used to manufacture concrete, cement, plaster, and paint. By converting CO2 into solid, durable materials using electricity and seawater, the material not only stores CO2 but also produces clean hydrogen gas.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen create a hybrid cheese recipe combining milk and pea proteins, resulting in a product with a similar texture and taste to traditional paneer. The study demonstrates that up to 25% of milk protein can be replaced with pea protein without compromising on quality.
Researchers at Saarland University are developing leaner, customized AI models and techniques like knowledge distillation to reduce energy consumption. These smaller models enable small and medium-sized businesses to access powerful AI technology without a large technical infrastructure.
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.
A research team at Tokyo University of Science has identified two new tetranins in spider mite saliva that reduce reproduction and increase defense responses in plants. The findings have potential for organic farming techniques and more resilient crops, contributing to sustainable agriculture and enhanced food safety.
A new study explores how policymakers can ease the burden of climate threats on people in informal settlements, refugee camps, and war zones. The researchers argue that these 'trapped populations' require tailored policies to adapt in their location or facilitate migration.
Aston University has secured over £540,000 to train early career researchers from Jordan, Thailand, and the Philippines on sustainability challenges. The programme will equip academics with expertise to solve major sustainable development challenges through industrial mentoring and support.
Scientists identify the origin of magnetic moment enhancement in an iridium-doped iron-cobalt alloy through high-throughput X-ray measurements. The study reveals that Ir addition leads to increased electron localization and spin-orbit coupling, resulting in enhanced magnetic moments.
Researchers at Waseda University develop a new imaging technique that uses neutron activation to transform gold nanoparticles into radioisotopes, enabling long-term tracking of their movement in the body. This breakthrough could lead to more effective cancer treatments and precision monitoring of drug distribution.
Researchers have developed novel membranes that can pull lithium directly out of salt-lake brines using electricity, leaving other metal ions behind. The process could reduce the environmental impact of lithium mining and contribute to more efficient energy storage systems for renewable energy sources.
A new analysis reveals that no country is on track to meet all 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals by the target year of 2030. Machine-learning tools were applied to over 20 years' worth of data from 231 indicators and GDP data, highlighting complex linkages between goals.
A recent study on the governance of public policy in the Brazilian state of Amazonas recommends an experimentalist governance system that integrates local efforts and values traditional knowledge. The approach prioritizes the conservation of ecosystems while promoting socio-economic development and attracting investment to the region.
Scientists at NTU Singapore have developed a solar-powered method to transform sewage sludge into green hydrogen and single-cell protein, reducing environmental damage and creating renewable energy and sustainable food. The three-step process recovers 91.4% of organic carbon and converts 63% into single-cell protein without producing h...
A new hydrogel material combines toughness, electrical conductivity, and environmental sustainability, offering a promising solution for flexible electronics. The hydrogel exhibits exceptional mechanical properties and antibacterial properties, making it suitable for applications in strain sensors and supercapacitors.
A study by Pusan National University uncovers the impact of nanoplastic exposure on red blood cell maturation in zebrafish embryos. Exposure to polystyrene nanoparticles disrupts normal blood cell development, leading to an increase in immature RBCs and a decrease in mature RBCs.
Perovskite LEDs have shown great potential for commercialization due to their lower costs and environmental impact. However, longevity remains a significant issue that needs to reach around 10,000 hours for a positive environmental impact.
The study categorizes CROP-AP models into four key types, highlighting five major applications in agricultural productivity simulation. Future research priorities focus on strengthening model validation and simulating multi-scale interactions to support sustainable global food production.
Researchers from PolyU have discovered the precise location of aluminium atoms in zeolite frameworks, enabling the design of more efficient and stable catalysts. This breakthrough has wide-reaching implications for industries such as renewable energy and pollution control.
Dongguk University researchers developed a novel clove essential oil-based Pickering emulsion formulation with improved antibacterial properties. The emulsion uses carbon quantum dots derived from clove essential oil residue, increasing bacterial adhesion and antibacterial activity compared to conventional emulsions.
A University of Oxford study found that widely used biodiversity impact assessment tools have significant uncertainties, which can lead to misguided efforts and ineffective strategies if not addressed. The researchers suggest ways to reveal, reduce, and navigate these uncertainties to improve the use of these tools.
The UTA-UT Austin team will use AI, quantum simulations, and experimental techniques to develop magnets that eliminate rare-earth elements. The researchers aim to enhance U.S. energy security and accelerate sustainable energy solutions with comparable magnetic properties.
A special issue of the Journal of Dairy Science provides detailed technical recommendations for developing and implementing feed additives to reduce methane emissions from ruminants. The guidelines cover testing, trial, and modeling phases to ensure efficacy and safety.
Researchers Garett Sansom and Lindsay Sansom will evaluate soil conditions in Settegast and Lakewood neighborhoods for cancer-causing heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The project aims to identify residents' environment-related concerns and develop a better understanding of local priorities and challenges.
A new study from the University of Surrey found that positive hands-on experiences with EVs significantly boost purchase intentions, while negative experiences can deter potential buyers. The researchers advocate for increased investment in public test-driving events and educational campaigns to address consumer adoption.
Researchers at TU Wien have developed a process to recover nickel from spent batteries and convert it into a nanocatalyst that reduces CO2 into valuable methane. This innovation has the potential to reduce waste and provide a sustainable fuel source.
Scientists have developed a novel palladium-based nanosheet catalyst that matches platinum's performance in hydrogen production, making it a promising low-cost alternative. The discovery demonstrates excellent durability and stability, aligning with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.
The University of Illinois researchers have developed organic-material-based nanozymes that can detect histamine in food products with an affordable analytic performance profile. An integrated point-of-use platform allows for rapid detection of agricultural and biological molecules without laboratory equipment.
Researchers from Rice University have developed an efficient lithium extraction method using solid-state electrolyte membranes, which can separate lithium from water and other ions with near-perfect selectivity. This breakthrough could make the production of EV batteries more sustainable by reducing reliance on traditional mining methods.
Researchers from the University of the Basque Country have developed a hybrid supercapacitor using carbon from Pinus radiata waste, offering a cost-effective and sustainable alternative for improving conventional lithium-ion capacitors. The system stores high-power energy and can withstand many charge-discharge cycles.
A new study from the University of Surrey, Accor, and Booking.com has identified four key ways to engage guests in sustainable travel. The report highlights the importance of clear sustainability messaging, balancing appeals to pleasure and comfort, empowering guests, and helping them act responsibly while away.
Researchers developed a first-of-its-kind nanosensor capable of detecting Fe(II) and Fe(III) in living plants with high spatial and temporal resolution. This innovation enables real-time non-destructive iron tracking, optimizing plant nutrient management and improving crop health.