Articles tagged with Sustainable Development
The integration of MXene with cellulose creates a material with enhanced photothermal, electrothermal, biocidal, and piezoelectric characteristics. The composite showcases remarkable pressure sensitivity, efficient electromagnetic interference shielding, and superior antibacterial activity.
Researchers have explored biomass-derived antibacterial agents as a sustainable alternative to conventional compounds. The study reveals the potential of these agents in various sectors, including cosmetics and healthcare, and discusses challenges and future perspectives for their application.
Researchers at Rutgers University are developing an innovative method called electroponics, which uses electrospray to deliver water and agrichemicals to plants with minimal waste. This technology has the potential to increase food security and sustainability, particularly in water-scarce environments or space stations.
The ASAP Global Center at the University of Illinois will integrate international teams and scientific disciplines to tackle global challenges like improving feedstock-crop performance and converting plant matter into fuel. The center aims to generate crucial knowledge, empower communities, and strengthen global cooperation.
A nationwide study found that Australians are buying too many clothes and need guidance on responsible disposal. The study revealed that age was the most significant factor in determining consumer clothing practices, with younger generations more likely to buy second-hand and repair clothes.
A new study from Uppsala University found that nearly 40% of the public support rationing of goods like meat and fuel to reduce their climate impact. The study, which surveyed over 9,000 people in five countries, also showed that acceptability of rationing is on par with taxes for emissions-intensive food.
Researchers used aerial drone technology and boat-based surveys to map complex tidal flows around the world's most powerful tidal turbine, O2. The study provides new insights into optimal turbine placement and site-specific assessments to address uncertainties surrounding interactions with marine habitats and environments.
Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology developed a method to precisely control the timing of DNA droplet division, mimicking biological Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation (LLPS) droplets. This breakthrough enables precise control over synthetic droplet dynamics, key to developing bio-inspired systems.
Researchers developed a lignin sub-microsphere loaded with TiO2 for enhanced sunscreen capabilities, achieving SPF 42.93 and improved color properties.
Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology developed a non-fluorinated battery system to comply with environmental regulations and enhance battery performance. The innovative 'APA-LC' system, entirely free of fluorinated compounds, shows improved oxidation stability and higher capacity retention.
A researcher at UTA is developing a tracer tool to help water suppliers ensure safe and reliable drinking water during extreme weather events. The tool will enable better management of drinking water in Tarrant County, addressing concerns about water flow and distribution.
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have developed a new catalyst that efficiently converts a derivative of glycerol into bio-based propylene, contributing to sustainable chemical production. The catalyst enables the selective reduction of allyl alcohol to propylene with high efficiency using renewable energy sources.
Researchers at Waseda University developed a novel process for converting ammonia into green hydrogen gas at low temperatures using an electric field and Ru/CeO2 catalyst. The study successfully achieved 100% conversion rate at 398K, surpassing the equilibrium conversion rate.
A recent global assessment by University of Hamburg's CLICCS identifies key conditions for sustainable climate adaptation, including developing measures together with local populations. The study also emphasizes the importance of social movements, climate litigation, and achieving higher levels of social justice in driving change.
Researchers create interlocking glass bricks that can withstand pressures similar to concrete blocks, aiming to reduce embodied carbon in construction. The 3D-printed bricks are designed to be reused and repurposed, promoting a circular construction method.
Researchers have created a single-step method for producing Invar alloys with zero CO2 emissions and improved mechanical strength. The new process integrates metal extraction, alloying, and thermomechanical processing into one reactor step.
Researchers at Fujita Health University have discovered a key signaling pathway involved in aversive learning, which may help develop treatments for psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and autism. By identifying 221 candidate substrates of ROCK, the study sheds light on the molecular mechanisms underlying aversive learning.
A new USDA-funded research grant supports the development of sustainable, biodegradable mulch films that can provide nutrients to crops while reducing plastic pollution. The project aims to create durable and effective films that can be used for years without harming the environment.
Scientists at the Max Planck Institute developed hexagon-shaped robotic components that can be snapped together into high-speed robots with rearrangeable capabilities. The modules feature artificial muscles and magnets for quick connections, enabling rapid changes in geometry and motion.
Researchers at HSE University developed mathematical models to predict impact of nuclear power on Sustainable Development Index. Increasing nuclear power share to 20-25% could boost SDI, but scenarios with slower growth or reduction lead to lower increases.
A team of researchers from Shibaura Institute of Technology developed a moving particle simulation-aided soil plasticity analysis for earth pressure balance shield tunnelling. The study found that earth pressure is a reliable indicator for analyzing soil plasticity and proposed a computer-aided analysis system that precisely reflects e...
A recent study discovered that COI1 proteins in maize balance growth and defense by degrading JAZ and DELLAs. This finding could lead to developing more resilient maize varieties. The research revealed an unexpected role of COI1 in regulating DELLA levels, enabling maize to thrive under hot and arid climates.
A nationwide study found that over 840,000 new residential properties were built in floodplains across the US, with about 398,000 in Florida. Despite this, many communities have taken proactive measures to limit floodplain development through smart regulations and practices.
The new Corporate Lab aims to advance collaboration between industry and public sector researchers to address real-world challenges in sustainable living and digital technologies. It will develop and trial novel digital technologies prioritizing sustainable ecosystems and lifestyles, including energy-efficient AI algorithms, green clou...
Scientists at Johannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz create a new approach to prepare highly efficient dyad photocatalysts through electrostatic interactions, outperforming established catalysts. The novel method enables the use of inexpensive additives to improve performance and durability.
Researchers have designed an energy-efficient device to produce drinking water from seawater using solar power, addressing the critical need for clean water in coastal nations. The new technology can continuously desalinate water without major maintenance, producing up to 20 litres of fresh water per square meter.
A new study by University of Maryland researchers found that village size plays a crucial role in determining the economic impact of electrification. Villages with populations over 2,000 people experience significant benefits, including doubled household expenditure and growth in microenterprises. In contrast, smaller villages see litt...
A study by Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology found that installing EVCS boosted spending at nearby establishments by 1.4% in 2019, leading to an overall increase of USD 6.7 million. Strategically placed EVCS also stimulated consumer spending in underprivileged areas, creating potential catalysts for economic growth.
A team of GIST researchers developed a new defect passivation strategy for polycrystalline perovskites, leading to improved power conversion efficiency and long-term operational stability. The strategy uses a chemically identical polytype of perovskite to suppress defects in the crystal structure.
Researchers from Texas A&M are leading a $26 million decarbonization effort to convert CO2 into valuable products, driving a circular carbon economy. The initiative aims to develop cost-effective and sustainable solutions for manufacturing systems.
A new study by Imperial College London identifies key trade-offs between effectiveness and scalability in conservation programs. The lessons highlight the importance of balancing program expansion with effective implementation, considering scale-dependent effects on conservation outcomes.
Researchers developed a new type of temperature-adaptive radiative cooling device with improved performance, reducing solar absorptance by 7.54% and increasing emissivity by 13.3%. This advancement holds promise for optimizing energy use and advancing sustainable thermal management solutions.
A new hybrid technology called SonoBio uses high-frequency ultrasound in combination with biodegradation to break down per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a class of 'forever chemicals'. Researchers aim to make PFAS completely harmless by turning them into carbon dioxide and fluoride.
A study published in Nature Medicine reveals a correlation between high temperatures in the final week of pregnancy and an increased risk of stillbirth and early neonatal mortality. High temperatures were associated with a 34% higher risk of perinatal death, which doubled during the six hottest months of the year.
Researchers at Tohoku University's AIMR have developed a copper-based catalyst for nitrate reduction to ammonia, achieving a significant enhancement in yield and Faraday efficiency. The catalyst's performance is attributed to structural and phase changes during the electrochemical reduction process.
Scientists at ETH Zurich have developed a new method for chemical plastics recycling that breaks down long-chain polymer molecules into monomers, creating high-quality plastics. The approach involves adding a powdered catalyst to molten plastic and stirring it with an impeller, resulting in improved mixing and fewer byproducts.
The Rice University Sustainability Institute has partnered with Chevron to establish a graduate fellowship program supporting innovative sustainable energy solutions. This year's fellows are tackling critical energy challenges, including recycling lithium-ion batteries and developing cost-effective solar-driven technologies.
Researchers developed novel naphthalene derivatives with air stability for aqueous organic flow batteries. These molecules achieved long-term stable cycling even under air-atmosphere conditions, demonstrating promising potential for sustainable energy storage.
Researchers at Rice University developed a thermochromic material that outperforms existing varieties in terms of durability, transparency, and responsiveness. The new polymer blend significantly enhances energy efficiency for indoor space cooling, potentially reducing energy consumption and carbon footprint.
Researchers have developed a lithium/manganese-based material that outperforms nickel-based layered materials in terms of energy density and fast-charging capabilities. The new material, nanostructured LiMnO2 with a monoclinic layered domain, boasts high-energy density of 820 Wh kg-1 and no reported voltage decay.
The University of Kansas has received a $26 million grant from the National Science Foundation to create a new Engineering Research Center focused on developing sustainable refrigerant technologies. The EARTH center will address the challenge of replacing hydrofluorocarbons with safer, more environmentally-friendly alternatives.
The new ERC EARTH research center will focus on developing sustainable refrigerant technologies and practices to improve quality of life and combat climate change. Lehigh University's team, led by David Vicic, will work on reclamation and repurposing of high-GWP legacy refrigerants.
Researchers at POSTECH have developed an innovative approach to enhance the efficiency of thermoelectric materials by altering their geometry to resemble an hourglass shape. This breakthrough could lead to widespread applications in thermoelectric power generation, converting waste heat into electricity.
Researchers have developed a new method known as flash-within-flash Joule heating (FWF) that enables gram-scale production of high-quality solid-state materials in seconds, reducing energy and greenhouse gas emissions by over 50%. The technique offers a scalable and sustainable solution for manufacturing diverse compounds.
Researchers discovered that the iron nitrogenase can convert CO2 into methane and formic acid, making it a promising starting point for developing novel CO2 reductases. The enzyme's low selectivity for CO2 also suggests its potential for widespread use in nature.
Five pioneering firms in agriculture, manufacturing, and pharma retail have demonstrated businesses can catalyze social and environmental change. They address complex issues using scientific methods, partner with NGOs, and prioritize purpose alignment.
A research team at City University of Hong Kong has developed next-generation printable perovskite solar cells with higher efficiency, stability, and lower production costs. These cells can be manufactured using a 'printing' process, reducing energy consumption and processing steps compared to traditional silicon-based solar cells.
A new EU study suggests that focusing on citizens' needs rather than economic growth is crucial for achieving sustainable lifestyles. The research identifies the economic growth paradigm as a major barrier to transformation, and recommends a needs-oriented approach to ensure well-being and sustainability.
A new economic model called socio-bioeconomy (SBE) aims to protect the Amazon by supporting indigenous and rural communities, and standing forests. SBEs focus on sustainable use and restoration of ecosystems, eco-friendly tourism, and community-led development.
A new 3D printing method developed by UC San Diego engineers uses a polymer ink and salt water solution to create solid structures with ease. The process is reversible, allowing the PNIPAM ink to be reused for further printing.
Researchers at Tufts University developed a nanomanufacturing approach using water as the primary solvent, reducing environmental impact and opening doors to hybrid electronic-biological devices. The method uses silk fibroin as a surfactant to enhance water's ability to coat surfaces evenly.
Researchers from Tokyo University of Science develop a new efficient method for Z-alkene synthesis using a recycling photoreactor coupled with HPLC technology. The study yields good yields of Z-alkenes after 4–10 cycles, representing an environmentally friendly and sustainable approach.
A new study reveals that the Sierra Nevadas are a significant source of groundwater for California's Central Valley aquifer, with some areas relying almost entirely on it. The research found that the groundwater is mixed in age, with some water being as young as 4 years old and others dating back over 40,000 years.
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly widened existing economic and health disparities, slowing progress toward health-related Sustainable Development Goals. Low-income countries can expect an average progress loss of 16.5% across all health indicators.
The study uses machine learning framework to estimate global rooftop area growth, projecting a 20-52% increase by 2050. Rooftop solar power holds significant potential for emerging economies, driving sustainable development and prosperity.
New studies from Chalmers University of Technology suggest that hydrogen-powered aircraft could meet the needs of 97% of intra-Nordic flights and 58% of Nordic passenger volume by 2045. A novel heat exchanger technology has shown promise in reducing fuel consumption by almost eight percent.
A new study suggests that implementing effective water quality management measures could halve future water scarcity in the Pearl River Basin. The research highlights the importance of addressing water pollution and other environmental factors to mitigate water scarcity and support sustainable development.
Scientists studied Crassula muscosa and found its unique leaves pack tiny fins that manipulate the meniscus to direct liquid transport. An artificial mimic, CMIAs, mimics this effect, enabling real-time directional control of fluid flow in various technologies.
The University of Texas at Arlington's Junha Jeon is developing transition metal-free cross-coupling technologies using arynes to deliver medications safely and effectively. This project aims to improve the production of drugs, particularly for cancer treatment, by reducing impurities left behind by metals.
A study by Ritsumeikan University researchers found that emphasizing the cost-effectiveness of menstrual cups can increase their adoption. Tailored information efforts highlighting long-term financial benefits can play a crucial role in promoting sustainable options.