Catalyzing the conversion of biomass to biofuel
Zeolites are extremely porous materials: Ten grams can have an internal surface area the size of a soccer field. Their cavities make them useful in catalyzing chemical reactions and thus saving energy. An international research team has now made new.....»»
Novel ratchet mechanism uses a geometrically symmetric gear driven by asymmetric surface wettability
The ratchet mechanism is a fascinating energy-conversion system that converts disorderly or random motion into orderly, directed movement through a process known as spontaneous rectification. It is a critical component of mechanical systems, typicall.....»»
The original Super Mario Bros. now has an unofficial level builder
A ROM hacker not only made a NES to SNES conversion of the original Super Mario Bros., but also an almost real-time level editor......»»
Chemical and transportation industries could boost with new catalyst coating
Coupling electrochemical conversion of the greenhouse gas CO2 with renewable electricity sources—such as solar and wind—promises green production of high-demand chemicals and transportation fuels. Carbon dioxide coupling products such as ethylene.....»»
Salt stress promotes early flowering, inhibits floral organ development by disturbing cell cycle in tomatoes
A research team investigated the impact of salt stress on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) floral transition, revealing that salt stress significantly reduced plant biomass and caused early flowering and smaller flowers. This study underscores the impor.....»»
Unlocking carbon"s potential: CRISPR boosts lignocellulose absorption
Lignocellulosic biomass, such as paper mulberry, holds promise for sustainable material production due to its cost-effectiveness and renewability. However, optimizing lignin composition remains challenging due to its complex structure and varied comp.....»»
Natural drylands grossly under-protected: Study predicts major threats due to human land-use conversion
Drylands cover about 42% of the Earth's land surface and are increasingly threatened by human land-use pressures like agriculture, alternative energy sources, overgrazing and climate change. Up to a third of the global human population living in dryl.....»»
Will burying biomass underground curb climate change?
Though carbon removal startups may limit global warming, significant questions remain. (credit: TEEIC) On April 11, a small company called Graphyte began pumping out beige bricks, somewhat the consistency of particle boa.....»»
Studies explore converting wastewater to fertilizer with fungal treatment
Creating fertilizers from organic waste can help reduce the consumption of fossil fuels and promote sustainable production. One way of doing this is through hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL), which converts biomass into biocrude oil through a high-temp.....»»
Diatom surprise could rewrite the global carbon cycle
When it comes to diatoms that live in the ocean, new research suggests that photosynthesis is not the only strategy for accumulating carbon. Instead, these single-celled plankton are also building biomass by feeding directly on organic carbon in wide.....»»
Engineering eco-friendly solvents: An AI approach for carbon capture, biomass processing
Oak Ridge National Laboratory scientists have developed a method leveraging artificial intelligence to accelerate the identification of environmentally friendly solvents for industrial carbon capture, biomass processing, rechargeable batteries and ot.....»»
Catalysts with single non-noble metal component for efficient conversion of biomass-based chemicals
Utilization of biomass as the basic feedstock for the production and chemicals and energy storage has been demonstrated to be an important alternative to achieve sustainable society, which has attracted increasing interests in both academic and indus.....»»
Ecological impact of eucalyptus trees: Balancing benefits and risks
A new study has found that Eucalyptus trees, widely planted in Israel's Western Negev, have a significant allelopathic effect, reducing herbaceous plant biomass and flowering density of red anemones, particularly in unshaded areas......»»
Secrets of sargassum: Scientists advance knowledge of seaweed causing chaos in the Caribbean and West Africa
Researchers have been working to track and study floating sargassum, a prolific seaweed swamping Caribbean and West African shorelines, and causing environmental and economic harm. The study, "Changes in holopelagic Sargassum spp. biomass composition.....»»
Carvana converting 2nd ADESA auction site into its own inspection, reconditioning center
Online used-vehicle retailer Carvana said it is in the process of converting ADESA Portland. It completed its first such conversion last month, with ADESA Buffalo......»»
Transforming common soft magnets into next-generation thermoelectric conversion materials with 3-minute heat treatment
A research team from NIMS and Nagoya University has demonstrated that an iron-based amorphous alloy, widely used as a soft magnetic material in transformers and motors, can be transformed into a "transverse" thermoelectric conversion material that co.....»»
For sustainable aviation fuel, researchers engineer a promising microorganism for precursor production
Sustainable aviation fuels made from renewable sources of carbon could reduce carbon dioxide emissions and help to mitigate climate change. Isoprenol is a chemical involved in the production of a jet biofuel blendstock called 1,4-dimethylcyclooctane.....»»
Researchers reveal how molecular roadblocks slow the breakdown of cellulose for biofuels
Cellulose, which helps give plant cell walls their rigid structure, holds promise as a renewable raw material for biofuels—if researchers can accelerate the production process. Compared to the breakdown of other biofuel materials like corn, breakin.....»»
A hydrocarbon molecule as supplier and energy storage solution for solar energy
Until now, the generation and storage of electricity from solar energy has been dependent on various devices, leading to conversion losses. That may change soon, as chemists at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and other resea.....»»
Researchers reveal sources of black carbon in southeastern Qinghai-Tibet plateau
Black carbon (BC) is the result of incomplete combustion of fossil fuels and biomass, with strong light absorption. It is second only to carbon dioxide as a climate-forcing factor for atmospheric warming. Deposition of BC on snow and ice surfaces red.....»»
Apple"s macOS 15 to get rare cognitive boost via Project GreyParrot
Exclusive: Apple has been working on the most significant update to its Calculator app in years and the version being tested in early betas of macOS 15 sports brand-new features and exciting enhancements to the unit conversion system.The Calculator a.....»»