Capturing carbon dioxide with electricity: A microbial enzyme inspires electrochemistry
Humans continuously emits greenhouse gases, worsening global warming. For example, carbon dioxide (CO2) accumulates dramatically over the years and is chemically very stable. Yet, some microbes capture CO2 using highly efficient enzymes. Scientists f.....»»
Scientists enhance Seaglider technology to measure carbon dioxide
Scientists around the world rely on ocean monitoring tools to measure the effects of climate change. Researchers at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and their industry partners have advanced the technology available to measure carbon dioxide in the.....»»
X-ray measurements reveal an unexpected role for copper in photocatalysts
Copper is a promising catalyst for sustainably converting carbon dioxide into substances with more electrons (called reduced species). This is an important step in converting carbon dioxide into fuels. This reaction is often initiated by electrical e.....»»
New mechanism in bacterial DNA enzyme opens pathways for antibiotic development
Researchers from Durham University, Jagiellonian University (Poland) and the John Innes Center have achieved a breakthrough in understanding DNA gyrase, a vital bacterial enzyme and key antibiotic target. This enzyme, present in bacteria but absent i.....»»
Wood ants that actively combat plant diseases could be used in organic apple orchards
The small industrious wood ant can do more than just build high nests in spruce forests. A newly published article in the journal Microbial Ecology reveals that ants combat a range of plant diseases, including those affecting apples. At the same time.....»»
Cop29: Indigenous communities still being sold short as the world decides how to regulate carbon markets
As the annual UN climate conference, Cop29, draws to a close, negotiators, civil society observers and activists are staying up late, poring over draft texts that will determine how the international community addresses climate change for years to co.....»»
World approves UN rules for carbon trading between nations at COP29
New rules allowing wealthy polluting countries to buy carbon-cutting "offsets" from developing nations were agreed at UN climate talks Saturday, a move already raising fears they will be used to greenwash climate targets......»»
Exploring new liquid organic hydrogen carrier materials for a safer, more transportable energy source
To reduce CO2 emissions, the energy transition from a carbon-based energy system to a more sustainable system based on hydrogen energy is urgently needed. However, the nature of hydrogen (such as low volumetric density, flammability, and embrittlemen.....»»
Nano-patterned copper oxide sensor provides rapid ultra-low hydrogen detection
Hydrogen is becoming an increasingly popular choice as we shift towards cleaner energy. It can be burned like traditional fuels, producing only water as a byproduct, and can generate electricity when used in fuel cells. However, as hydrogen productio.....»»
Capturing the turbulence of landfalling hurricane winds
When Hurricane Milton roared onshore in Florida last month, its powerful winds shredded the roof of Tropicana Field in Tampa, which had originally been planned as a staging area for emergency responders. Other parts of the city, however, suffered muc.....»»
Quantum-inspired design boosts efficiency of heat-to-electricity conversion
Researchers at Rice University have found a new way to improve a key element of thermophotovoltaic (TPV) systems, which convert heat into electricity via light. Using an unconventional approach inspired by quantum physics, Rice engineer Gururaj Naik.....»»
Infrastructure and communication challenges can be barriers to food safety in the low-moisture food industry
Low-moisture foods such as dried fruits, seeds, tree nuts and wheat flour were once considered to carry minimal microbial risks. However, the increased number of outbreaks linked to bacteria-contaminated low-moisture foods has resulted in product rec.....»»
Support for carbon pricing higher than expected, finds study
Viewed by many experts as one of the most effective tools of climate policy, carbon pricing seeks to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Currently, however, only 23% of global greenhouse gas emissions are subject to this climate tax, as it is seen as un.....»»
Plastic reduces krill"s ability to remove carbon in the deep ocean, marine ecologists find
New research shows that increased levels of plastic pollution in the Southern Ocean could reduce the ability of Antarctic krill, a tiny shrimp-like crustacean, to help take CO2 from the atmosphere. The results are published this month in the journal.....»»
Carbon credits scheme failing threatened species, says study
New research shows that most areas under a federal government scheme designed to reduce carbon emissions or store carbon don't protect the habitat of threatened species......»»
Turning carbon emissions into methane fuel: New method offers potential for abundant energy savings
Chemists have developed a novel way to capture and convert carbon dioxide into methane, suggesting that future gas emissions could be converted into an alternative fuel using electricity from renewable sources......»»
US, China must collaborate on carbon dioxide removal, report finds
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions alone might not be enough to reach climate action goals: The world's two biggest emitters—the United States and China—must cooperate to accelerate the development of methods that actively remove carbon dioxide fr.....»»
COP29: Only by returning carbon to the ground is net zero truly possible
Negotiations at the 29th Conference of Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) are entering their second week after things got off to a rocky start......»»
Researchers calculate topological numbers for 2D materials with spiral boundary conditions
In recent years, topological materials have been studied extensively. A typical example of a topological material is a topological insulator, which is a unique insulator that does not conduct electricity inside the material, but allows electricity ca.....»»
New study emphasizes value of a carbon tax to effectively decarbonize the economy
A carbon tax is the most effective way for New Zealand to cut emissions while supporting a stable economy, according to a University of Auckland study......»»
Researchers develop pioneering monitoring technique to help build mangrove resilience
Mangroves are remarkable ecosystems home to amazing biodiversity, dense vegetation, and conditions that capture large quantities of carbon. Since they occur in warm, tropical, and subtropical coastal regions, they also take the brunt of the impact fr.....»»