Articles tagged with Sustainable Development
A collaborative project between ASU and industry partners aims to develop a regional Direct Air Capture Hub in the Four Corners area, with the goal of removing at least 1 million metric tons of CO2 from the atmosphere each year. The project will also create jobs, stimulate local economies, and support climate change mitigation efforts.
Researchers emphasize global importance of tree crops for achieving UN Sustainable Development Goals, while promoting biodiversity conservation and mitigating climate change. Tree crops provide stable habitats, prevent soil erosion, and contribute to greenhouse gas reduction.
A new study reveals the potential of federal reservoirs to host enough floating solar panels to generate up to 1,476 terawatt hours, or enough energy to power approximately 100 million US homes a year. This could help meet the country's solar energy needs and provide more reliable and resilient energy to the power grid.
Researchers developed a novel method for carbon fiber recycling that leverages Joule heat generation, thermal stress, and expansion forces to separate fibers without chemicals. The technique is more effective than traditional methods, preserving longer fibers with higher strength and reducing environmental impact.
CITEC has announced its inaugural group of subawardees, who will develop innovative technologies for cancer detection and treatment in low-resource settings. The projects focus on improving HPV screening, developing deep learning algorithms for image analysis, and creating affordable microscopes for cancer screening.
A new dual-functional RO membrane has been developed to reduce biofouling in water purification, desalination, and wastewater treatment. The membrane demonstrates broad-spectrum antibacterial activity and resistance to various foulants, making it suitable for a range of applications.
A new study by the University of Portsmouth argues that economic development often overshadows human rights, prioritizing profit over the voices of local communities and indigenous peoples. The researchers highlight the need to integrate human rights into international economic law to pave the way for fairer and more sustainable outcomes.
Researchers from ETH Zurich developed hygroscopic wall and ceiling components that can significantly reduce humidity in heavily used indoor spaces, resulting in a 75% reduction in discomfort index compared to conventional painted walls.
Kyushu University researchers create a microwave flow reaction device that converts complex polysaccharides into simple monosaccharides, producing glucose. The device utilizes a continuous-flow hydrolysis process, where cellobiose is passed through a sulfonated carbon catalyst heated using microwaves.
A new smart window technology combines liquid crystals with nanoporous microparticles and a patterned vanadium dioxide layer to simultaneously control visible light and infrared radiation. The device offers fast, efficient heat and visibility management, marking a significant step forward in energy-efficient building design.
Researchers at Graz University of Technology have developed new measurement methods to accurately measure emissions from category-L vehicles in realistic operation. The project results will help law enforcement agencies detect limit violations and manufacturers adapt their fleets.
Experts propose an 18th SDG to protect Earth's orbit from accumulating debris, citing the need for global consensus and mechanisms for enforcement. The proposal builds on earlier calls for a legally-binding treaty to safeguard the planet's orbital environment.
Researchers create a novel material consisting of nanosized ruthenium clusters anchored on graphitized carbon that reacts with ammonia molecules to produce hydrogen and nitrogen. The catalyst becomes more active over time due to atomic-level transformations, enhancing hydrogen production from ammonia.
Researchers have debuted the first comprehensive gene expression atlas of the plant periderm at the single-cell level, providing new insights into phellem cells and their role in carbon storage. The atlas could be used to stimulate growth of the protective periderm in plants facing environmental stress due to climate change.
MIT engineers developed a nanofiltration process to capture aluminum ions from cryolite waste, reducing hazardous waste and improving efficiency. The membrane selectively captured over 99% of aluminum ions, enabling the recovery of aluminum and reducing the need for new mining.
Researchers at Rice University have created a sustainable way to integrate chlorine into chemical building blocks, reducing costs and environmental impact. The new process uses iron and sulfur catalysts activated by mild blue light, eliminating harsh chemicals and high temperatures.
Researchers developed a heterogeneous catalytic system to depolymerize polyurethane waste into diamines, diols, and lactones. The resulting intermediates were then converted into functional polymers, including energy-storage-capable polyimide and chemically recyclable polylactone.
A POSTECH research team developed a groundbreaking strategy to enhance LLO material durability, extending battery lifespan by up to 84.3% after 700 cycles. The breakthrough addresses capacity fading and voltage decay issues.
The S2Cool project aims to design and develop a Novel Indirect Evaporative Cooler (NIEC) that addresses the constraints of current IEC systems through simplified design and optimised airflow. The technology has the potential to deliver transformative benefits, including up to 65% energy savings and significant reductions in CO2 emissions.
A new cryptographic framework proposes a data sharing scheme that guarantees data integrity without compromising privacy. The protocol uses advanced tools like zero-knowledge proofs to ensure confidentiality and facilitate the analysis of encrypted data.
Researchers are developing new ways to harvest and adapt energy from everyday home activities, such as turning a doorknob or opening a fridge door. This technology aims to create smart interfaces that can power appliances and assist people with disabilities, increasing energy efficiency and accessibility.
Researchers have developed a new sodium-ion battery material that improves performance by 15% and increases energy density to 458 Wh/kg. The material, Na x V2(PO4)3, allows for stable operation and continuous voltage change, making it a promising alternative to lithium-ion batteries.
A recent study found that socioeconomic inequalities trap local governments in a cycle of limited resources, rising inequality, and declining capacity to meet citizens' needs. Strategic, targeted interventions are necessary to break the cycle of inequality and enhance public satisfaction with local governance.
The Global Young Academy Asian Event-Global π Roundtable 2024 brought together experts to discuss strategies for addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development. The event explored topics such as resilient cities, mineral resources, and the integration of art and culture in scientific communication.
Over 260 young scientists from around the world have signed a declaration at Wenzhou, China, to promote sustainable innovation. The Wenzhou Declaration emphasizes the importance of leveraging science, technology, and innovation to tackle global challenges and create a resilient future.
Researchers at Institute of Science Tokyo have identified key factors driving photochemical water oxidation. By fine-tuning reaction potential and pH conditions, they enhance the efficiency of this process, paving the way for more sustainable energy solutions.
Scientists create a natural polysaccharide-based edible coating that replaces synthetic packaging, extending shelf life while reducing global food waste. The biofilm shows improved mechanical strength, antioxidant properties, and antibacterial activity, making it an eco-friendly solution to address food waste issues.
Research by Charan van Krevel finds that poor investments in resource-rich countries are caused by systemic issues, not just apathy or lack of will. Effective sustainable development is hindered by corporate skimming off profits, leaving little for future generations.
Researchers have developed a 3D concrete printing system that captures and stores carbon dioxide, offering a promising alternative to traditional cement-based construction methods. The innovation improves printability, increases strength, and enhances mechanical properties, resulting in stronger and more eco-friendly buildings.
Combining AI and citizen science enhances SDG monitoring and achievement by addressing data gaps and biases. Successful applications have been demonstrated in addressing environmental indicators, good health, sustainable cities, life below water, and life on land. The integration of these approaches can create synergies to address sust...
The integration of ground source heat pump (GSHP) systems with energy piles offers a promising solution to address the growing urban heat island effect and reduce electricity consumption in smart cities. This technology provides efficient heating and cooling, reduces carbon emissions, and promotes sustainable urban development.
Key findings include the urgent need for technological advancements in power generation, transportation, and materials to reduce GHG emissions. Additionally, the authors propose innovative agricultural practices and AI-powered clean energy solutions to promote sustainable development.
A new study from the University of Surrey found that multinational enterprises (MNEs) are actively contributing to environmental problems despite claiming to address them. The research team argues that there is an urgent need for MNEs to reassess their innovation strategies to align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
A nationwide analysis of Japan's plastic litter removal from rivers found that natural disasters and extreme weather events contribute to spikes in collected plastic waste. The study, led by Tokyo University of Science, also identified positive correlations between basin population, plastic litter recovery, and cleanup activities.
The ARC will promote research groups and consolidate others to control greening, especially in areas not currently covered. The center aims to mitigate the disease's impact on citrus production, which has declined by 36.5% and fruit production costs are approximately 20% higher.
A new study reveals insights into leveraging allele dosages in sweetpotato breeding practices to improve key agricultural traits. Researchers found that differences in allele dosage significantly impact root weight, plant architecture, and flesh color.
The 2025 Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prizes were awarded to four female and six male researchers, with two working in the humanities and social sciences, four in life sciences, three in natural sciences, and one in engineering sciences. The winners received €2.5 million each to fund their research for up to seven years.
Five Texas researchers have been honored with the 2025 Edith and Peter O'Donnell Awards for their innovative breakthroughs in small cell lung cancer, lithium-ion battery technology, and galaxy discovery. Lauren Averett Byers is being recognized for her work on novel therapeutic strategies for SCLC, while Caitlin M. Casey is exploring p...
A new report from Simon Fraser University recommends building mass utility-scale solar mega-projects to diversify Canada's energy mix and reduce reliance on hydroelectric power. The study suggests that prioritizing rapid deployment of utility-scale projects in optimal sunlight locations can have a transformative effect on the electrici...
Finland's approach to Public-Private Collaboration enables effective addressing of complex issues like the energy transition through coordinated efforts among stakeholders. The Vaasa region, with its unique ecosystem orchestrations agency, drives innovation towards sustainable innovations.
Researchers at Nagoya University have developed a novel fuel cell electrolyte concept using phosphonic acid polymers with hydrocarbon spacers. The new membrane exhibits improved water insolubility, chemical stability and conductivity under high-temperature and low-humidity conditions.
Chris Johnson, a senior chemist at Argonne National Laboratory, has been elected as a fellow of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI) for his significant contributions to battery science. He pioneered the development of nickel-manganese-cobalt cathode materials and has published over 150 scientific papers on emerging sodium-ion batte...
A recent study by the University of Geneva and the United Nations found that 30% of hackathons contribute significantly to the SDGs, particularly climate change. These events attract new participants and generate long-term collective engagement, making them a promising tool for global cooperation.
A research team led by Professor Jung Inn Sohn from Dongguk University developed a gel polymer electrode-based triboelectric nanogenerator (GPE-TENG) with stretchable, semi-transparent, and durable properties. The device generates electrical signals when tapped or stretched, delivering a peak power of 0.36 W/m² at a load of 15 MΩ.
The University of Cincinnati College of Medicine has launched a styrofoam recycling project to divert over 900 pounds of EPS waste from landfills each month. The program aims to reuse existing styrofoam materials, reducing the need for styrene and minimizing environmental impact.
A $75 million consortium, including the Pulte Institute, aims to inform USAID's activities with detailed evidence on poverty alleviation programs. The Promoting Impact and Learning with Cost-Effectiveness Evidence (PILCEE) partnership will guide USAID's work by evaluating program impact and synthesizing findings.
Scientists from Tokyo University of Science unveil a new method for improving lithium-ion battery safety and capacity by optimizing the atomic configuration of TiNb2O7. The study reveals that reducing particle size and relaxing network distortion leads to better charging and discharging properties.
Researchers at Texas A&M University developed a non-toxic pesticide using neem seed extract and nanotechnology. The new formulation shows improved targeting ability and reduces environmental pollution by up to 80-90% of sprayed pesticides missing their target entirely.
A new monitoring system uses 'virtual sensing' to accurately estimate CO₂ and NOx emissions based on driving behavior. The system provides personalized environmental impact assessments, empowering drivers to manage their emissions.
A new UN report highlights the economic benefits of investing in sustainable land and water management to reduce drought costs. The study estimates that nature-based solutions can generate up to $10.1 trillion in business value by 2030, while creating millions of jobs.
The US Department of Defense has awarded East Tennessee State University's Research Corporation over $900,000 to create a biomanufacturing facility that turns waste streams into valuable products. The project aims to bolster domestic bioindustrial manufacturing and advance sustainable manufacturing goals in Northeast Tennessee.
Researchers at Linköping University have developed a design principle for producing efficient organic solar cells with environmentally friendly solvents, reducing toxicity and increasing scalability. The study's findings pave the way for commercializing sustainable solar cell technology on a larger scale.
The new journal, SCI Sustainability, aims to break down silos and integrate knowledge to promote sustainable development. It will publish research on policy regulation, sustainable technologies, manufacturing, and supply chains.
Dr. Kamau-Rutenberg brings expertise in food systems, social inclusion, and gender-sensitive innovation to drive transformative change in Africa's agricultural development. She aims to harness agricultural biodiversity and sustainably transform food systems to improve people's lives.
Mechanical engineering professor Debora Lyn Porter is using a $990,000 grant to research growing fungi into patterns called biotemplating. The goal is to create materials with high strength-to-weight ratio and biodegradability, suitable for aerospace and clothing production.
The MINE-THE-GAP project aims to bridge the gap in mining's environmental and social impacts by providing reliable mining indicators using advanced satellite data and artificial intelligence. The project will provide mine-level indicators, including on land use, waste generation, and extracted minerals.
Dr. Sebastian Stich aims to create more efficient and adaptable machine learning models using collaborative learning approaches. The goal is to reduce computational power demands and costs, making it accessible to smaller players in fields like medicine.
Gaia clinched the top award after making the shortlist with five other world-class university buildings. NTU is a pioneer in sustainable building technologies, advancing the use of Mass Engineered Timber (MET) for tropical climates and inspiring a global shift toward eco-conscious building technologies.
A new seven-point strategy devised by international experts outlines steps for safe, equitable, and sustainable global water management. The plan emphasizes local collaboration, community engagement, and inclusive policies to foster peace and security.
Researchers from Institute of Science Tokyo successfully developed a multi-element perovskite catalyst that selectively oxidizes light alkanes to alcohols with high yield and selectivity. The breakthrough catalyst operates under mild conditions and exhibits excellent stability and reusability.