Articles tagged with Sustainable Development
Researchers found that certain plants like ivy and lavender are effective at trapping particles of pollution on their leaves. The study suggests that a mix of plant species can produce the most effective green walls, depending on their leaf shape and micromorphological properties.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that EU countries have made progress towards achieving the 2030 sustainable energy goal, but some countries still have a long way to go. Malta made the greatest progress, while Bulgaria is furthest from meeting its targets.
A new project, NaKlaR, aims to improve the efficiency and sustainability of sodium-ion batteries by optimizing production processes and recyclability. The goal is to develop a battery with performance comparable to current reference cells while containing at least 25% recycled electrode material.
Researchers at Aston University will explore gel electrolyte materials to improve lithium-ion batteries' safety and environmental sustainability. The project aims to replace harmful components with renewable ionogels, addressing the need for scalable methods of storing electrical energy.
A global study led by the University of Surrey reveals that green spaces like parks, wetlands, and botanical gardens can cool city air significantly during heatwaves. The study found that bigger parks have a greater cooling effect, and connecting green spaces into 'green corridors' can unlock greater benefits.
A study published in Natural Resources Forum found that renewable energy production reduces carbon dioxide emissions in OECD countries but increases them in emerging economies. Economic growth also enhances environmental quality in both sets of countries, while institutional quality is linked to fewer emissions in OECD countries.
A new simulation model examines the conditions under which institutions emerge and persist, highlighting the critical role of competition and learning from out-groups. The study builds on Elinor Ostrom's design principles for successful management, shifting focus to understanding how collective property rights arise and spread.
Researchers developed a sustainable technique to 3D print multiple dynamic colors from a single ink using UV-assisted direct-ink-write printing. The new method produces structural colors in the visible wavelength spectrum, offering vibrant and potentially more sustainable alternatives.
A new study suggests Mexico can grow its economy by building biorefineries to produce biofuels, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals from abundant organic waste materials. The research promotes the adoption of sustainable practices to achieve UN Sustainable Development Goals 8-12.
Smarter eco-cities harness real-time data to address environmental challenges and implement innovative approaches for ecological conservation. However, high energy demands associated with AI and AIoT applications pose a challenge to attaining environmental objectives.
Researchers created an AI-enabled model to help mitigate global ammonia emissions from agriculture. By optimizing fertilizer management, the model can effectively reduce emissions by up to 38%, with Asia having the highest potential for reduction.
A Brazilian study developed a method using AI to identify crop-livestock integration areas from satellite images. The approach can benefit agriculture by optimizing land use, diversifying farming activities, and encouraging sustainable practices.
A new study has mapped the health risks of heatwaves in India, finding that mild heatwaves are the deadliest, while extreme ones have fewer deaths due to their infrequency. The research highlights the need for policymakers to plan for both common and extreme heatwaves to protect public health.
A study of 38 Ontario municipalities found that almost all publish their sustainability goals but under half formally report on progress. Researchers from the University of Waterloo aim to help Canadian municipalities monitor and measure their climate mitigation efforts through a new partnership.
West Virginia University engineer Yuhe Tian is developing powerful artificial intelligence tools that can reimagine the sustainability of chemical manufacturing. She aims to harness quantum intelligence to innovate environmentally friendly chemical plant designs.
Researchers have developed a novel optical neural network architecture that achieves nonlinear optical computation by precisely controlling ultrashort pulse propagation in multimode fibers. This approach streamlines the need for energy-intensive digital processes, achieving comparable accuracy with significantly reduced parameters.
The NEST360 alliance is launching Phase 2 with a focus on five sub-Saharan countries to reduce newborn deaths by 75% through improved medical care and systems-change approach. The initiative aims to limit newborn deaths to no more than 12 per 1000 live births by 2030, aligning with the U.N.'s SDG 3.2 goal.
Researchers at NYU Tandon School of Engineering have achieved a breakthrough in RFD, increasing the salt removal rate by approximately 20% while lowering its energy demand. The system can store affordable renewable energy and produce potable drinking water, promising a sustainable solution to the global water crisis.
Researchers at RIKEN successfully spin artificial spider silk that closely matches natural production, mimicking the complex molecular structure of silk. The eco-friendly innovation has potential benefits for environment and biomedical fields.
A study by University of Waterloo researchers found that corporate investing in communities decreased despite an increase in companies committing to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. The results indicate 'SDG-washing', where public pledges aren't translating into socially responsible investments.
Researchers at Lancaster University found that tidal range schemes can protect estuaries and coastal areas from sea level rise by harnessing high tides and maintaining low tide levels. These barrages can provide jobs, reliable power, and reduced costs while conserving habitats.
A new method has been developed to convert the widely used dry-cleaning solvent perc into carbonate esters and chloroform, valuable building blocks for further organic synthesis. This clean process uses on-demand UV activation, eliminating the need for toxic source materials.
Researchers propose using waste materials like agricultural residues and old cotton textile waste to produce regenerative textiles. The study evaluates the potential of these waste sources for textile applications, identifying soybean, wheat, rice, sorghum, and sugarcane residues as suitable candidates.
Researchers developed an innovative method to manage construction-generated sludge by utilizing aeration curing, which reduces pH levels and requires less neutralizer. The technique has the potential to improve soil health and support sustainable development goals.
A team at UNC-Chapel Hill has developed a new process for synthesizing amides with 100% atom efficiency, employing environmentally friendly cobalt. This approach offers an attractive alternative to traditional methods, which often generate waste and poor atom economy.
A team of researchers at Shinshu University has successfully extracted mycelial pulp and fibers from fruiting mushroom bodies using sunlight, preserving their intricate mycelial structures. The fibers show excellent formability and potential applications in packaging materials, textiles, and soundproofing.
New research shows that migrants can be a transformative force for sustainability, bringing energy and ideas to new locations. However, poorly managed migration deepens inequality and increases environmental harm. The studies emphasize the need for comprehensive policies that manage migration in the interests of people and the planet.
Researchers at UH are expanding research knowledge and building a new curriculum for students to address climate change impacts on food crops. They aim to improve plant growth and build resistance against extreme weather events, such as droughts and heat waves.
Researchers developed a novel solution for Pichia pastoris enzyme production, utilizing cyanobacterial biomass to support efficient and sustainable industrial processes. The study reveals the potential of cyanobacterial biorefineries to generate high-performing enzyme-producing strains.
Machine learning algorithms revealed that MP size, shape, and dosage significantly alter soil properties. The study provides essential data for informed decision-making on plastic waste management and corporate sustainability efforts.
Researchers have developed a solid electrolyte that allows for efficient hydride ion conduction at room temperature, enabling the creation of safer, more efficient hydrogen-based batteries and fuel cells. This breakthrough provides material design guidelines for the development of next-generation energy storage solutions.
A new study found that fossil fuel companies rarely respond to online discussions about extreme weather, but instead engage with sustainability initiatives and corporate efforts. Climate misinformation can fuel denialism and delay action, emphasizing the need for understanding how it's designed and spread.
Research from the University of Surrey found that older tree plantations tend to be more biodiverse than younger ones. However, even the oldest plantations cannot match the natural diversity of original habitats. The study aims to promote responsible tree planting practices that prioritize biodiversity conservation.
Researchers at KAIST have developed eco-friendly technologies for producing plastics and processing waste plastics using microorganisms. The team presented the latest microorganism-based technologies that can produce plastics from renewable biomass resources and decompose waste plastics, contributing to a circular economy.
Research finds national parks and protected areas in Thailand are more prone to forest fires when located far from indigenous communities. Collaborative work with local communities reduces forest fires and air pollution, highlighting the importance of indigenous practices.
Researchers from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University developed a system to assess water quality challenges in Suzhou, China. The study found that the city's water capacity has increased since 2001 due to effective water management measures.
A study published in Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture proposes a framework to characterise the unique properties of cacao beans in the Buenaventura region. The research highlights the benefits of establishing Denominations of Origin for cacao, including higher market prices, cultural preservation, and sustainable practices.
New HIV diagnoses rose by 31% in the EU/EEA in 2022, with migrants accounting for 49% of cases. Ukrainian refugees made up a significant proportion of new diagnoses, with women disproportionately affected. The increase highlights the need for tailored early testing and treatment approaches to address this growing public health threat.
A recent study from the University of Copenhagen found that consumers rate vertically farmed greens similarly to organic ones. The study debunked consumer prejudices about vertically grown produce, showing that it can be just as healthy and natural.
The Future Earth program has faced challenges in inspiring groundbreaking research to address major sustainability issues, including a lack of engagement with the global science community. The program's 'top-down approach' neglects local communities' needs and prevents swift responses.
A new polyurethane production technique using CO2 creates easily recyclable plastics with a thermoset structure, but can be reshaped by exchanges of chemical bonds. These plastics offer multiple ways of recycling materials at their end-of-life, eliminating additives.
A team of researchers from Pitt and Notre Dame have received a $2 million NSF grant to develop 'chiplets' - refurbished integrated chips that can be reused in new products, reducing manufacturing waste and emissions. The project aims to create a more sustainable computing lifecycle by mapping the reuse of decommissioned FPGAs.
A novel computer simulation program 'iBridge' was developed at KAIST to predict gene targets for efficient production of valuable compounds in microbial cell factories. The system successfully established E. coli strains capable of producing three high-demand compounds, including panthenol and nylon components.
Researchers have developed a new self-assembling nanosheet that can create functional and sustainable nanomaterials for various applications. The material is recyclable and can extend the shelf life of consumer products, enabling a sustainable manufacturing approach.
Global cities have made significant progress in increasing physical greenspace coverage and reducing inequality in human exposure to urban greenspaces. The study found a marked reduction in greenspace exposure inequality over the past two decades, with faster rates of reduction in developing countries.
Scientists from Japan create a new, more efficient form of liquefied stabilized soil from construction waste that can fill narrow spaces and be pumped over long distances. The material has improved flowability and lower environmental impact, making it suitable for large-scale civil engineering projects.
Researchers at University of Tokyo developed a new plastic material called VPR, which can maintain complex shapes, repair itself with heat, and biodegrade in seawater. The material has improved toughness, shape memory, and recyclability.
A new technique reduces toxic byproducts and increases efficiency in producing alkylbenzene, a crucial intermediate for detergents. The process uses simple alkanes as alkylating agents, resulting in harmless molecular hydrogen as the sole byproduct.
A holistic transformation is needed for a sustainable future, and a new study by an international team of researchers explores the Theory of Planetary Social Pedagogy as a driver. This theory applies to all societal sectors and aims to make life meaningful by increasing experiences of belonging and inclusion.
Researchers from NTU Singapore and ETH Zurich have developed a clean and sustainable material to build zero-waste fuel cells using chicken feathers. The membrane, made from protein amyloid fibrils, conducts protons and reduces carbon emissions from burning unwanted chicken feathers.
A new net zero carbon planning policy in Bath & North East Somerset is expected to make new buildings much more energy efficient and boost the introduction of renewables. Despite concerns about increased costs, most planning applicants support the policy's intentions, with solar photovoltaics and heat pumps being key technologies.
A team of researchers warns that global coastal adaptations are inadequate to address climate change threats, citing short-sighted policies and projects. The experts call for decisive action by the international policy community to identify and tackle key risk areas.
Researchers have created biobased polyesters with superior mechanical properties, exceeding those of polyethylene and polypropylene. The new material can be easily recycled and exhibits increased tensile strength and elongation at break with molecular weight.
A recent study reveals that climate adaptation efforts globally are largely isolated and uncoordinated, with a lack of cohesion in task distribution among various actors. Comprehensive, just, and forward-thinking adaptation requires involvement from multiple groups, including governments, organizations, and individuals.
New technology enables self-sustaining modules to assemble, disassemble and recycle, offering unprecedented sustainability for electronic devices. The innovation is part of a larger field of Microelectronic Morphogenesis, which aims to replicate living systems through controlled form creation.
A new study by Caroline Hachem-Vermette and Kuljeet Singh analyzed the design and energy characteristics of various neighborhoods to assess their vulnerabilities to power outages. The researchers found that thoughtful design can reduce a neighborhood's energy vulnerability during disruptions, and they recommend modifications to shelter...
Researchers found that mature mangroves can tolerate high rates of subsidence and sea level rise, but sediment availability is crucial for their effectiveness. In areas with insufficient sediment, mangroves' ability to stabilize coastlines will deteriorate, leading to inland migration of communities.
The University of Manchester will advance understanding of microbial communities and their impact on the world. The £5.4m project aims to engineer bespoke microbial communities for applications such as CO2 conversion, contributing to a more sustainable Net Zero future.
A new approach is being developed to identify sepsis in newborn babies, with the potential to transform sepsis testing. The Neosepsis project aims to reduce neonatal deaths in Uganda by providing a quick and reliable test using a small drop of blood.
The illegal wildlife trade is a significant financial portfolio that creates state-level security and development risks. Implementing AML laws and sharing intelligence with banks can boost IWT law enforcement. Countries like Singapore, UK, and Australia are making progress in combating money laundering and IWT.