Designing microbe factories for sustainable chemicals
The science is clear: fossil fuels are harmful to the environment. So why is it so difficult for us to stop using them? Economic reasons are at least part of the answer. From our energy grid to the manufacturing of certain textiles and other products.....»»
Uranium-immobilizing bacteria in clay rock: Exploring how microorganisms can influence the behavior of radioactive waste
When designing repositories for high-level radioactive waste in deep geological layers, various factors must be carefully considered to ensure their long-term safety. Among other things, natural communities of microorganisms can influence the behavio.....»»
High stakes: The Arctic test of sustainable development
EU researchers are helping policymakers reconcile competing demands in a region full of natural resources, beauty and tradition......»»
New catalyst allows energy-friendly ammonia production for fertilizers and alternative fuel
Researchers led by Satoshi Kamiguchi at the RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science (CSRS) in Japan have discovered a greener way to produce ammonia, an essential compound used in fertilizers......»»
Officials sued over farm chemicals near Latino schools
For Nelly Vaquera-Boggs, the plastic tarps that cover strawberry fields in Monterey County, California, when they are being fumigated with toxic chemicals offer little comfort—especially when those fields are close to schools......»»
Study lists world"s "forever chemical" hotspots
Dangerous concentrations of long-lingering "forever chemicals" have been found in surface and groundwater worldwide, according to a study released Tuesday that showed Australia, the United States and Europe as hotspots......»»
Designing a cost-effective X-ray free electron lasers facility
Many advances in structural science since the 1970s were made by probing materials with synchrotron radiation: that is, high energy X-rays generated through accelerating high-energy electrons. The latest generation of such sources, X-ray free electro.....»»
Viewpoint: People or planet? Australia must invest in both for a sustainable future
Designed to support Australia's pathway to net zero, the government recently released its Sustainable Finance Strategy for consultation......»»
Can toothpaste tubes be recycled across the US? It"s getting closer
Toothpaste tubes and other squeezable plastic containers are getting closer to being more sustainable in the U.S. Some 90% of toothpaste tubes on the market are now made in a way that makes them compatible for recycling with HDPE, the same plastic us.....»»
EPA"s push to eliminate ‘forever chemicals" brings scrutiny to EV components
The EPA is moving to rid waterways of cancerous PFAS chemicals, but the auto industry still relies on some of them for crucial components and materials, including those used in EVs......»»
EV prices drop up to 20% as new and used inventory surges
Inventory is growing, and prices are falling for new and used EVs. Enlarge (credit: Getty Images) Among the many things upended by the pandemic was the traditional American car-buying experience. Factories were idled to.....»»
Plant more native trees to reduce landslide risk, control erosion, say researchers
Landslides typically occur under heavy rain. With the potential for increased precipitation due to climate change and a possible return to La Niña reinforcing slopes with native trees and shrubs could be an effective, economical and sustainable solu.....»»
More than two dozen Colorado water systems exceed EPA"s new limits on "forever chemicals"
Twenty-nine of the more than 2,000 water treatment facilities in Colorado do not meet strict new federal limits on the amount of dangerous "forever chemicals" in their drinking water supplies and it will cost millions to clean those toxins out of the.....»»
New NASA strategy envisions sustainable future for space operations
To address a rapidly changing space operating environment and ensure its preservation for generations to come, NASA released the first part of its integrated Space Sustainability Strategy, on Tuesday advancing the agency's role as a global leader on.....»»
EPA’s PFAS rules: We’d prefer zero, but we’ll accept 4 parts per trillion
For two chemicals, any presence in water supplies is too much. Enlarge (credit: Layland Masuda) Today, the Environmental Protection Agency announced that it has finalized rules for handling water supplies that are contam.....»»
US announces tough tap water standards for "forever chemicals"
US President Joe Biden's administration on Wednesday announced the first nationwide tap water standards to protect the public from toxic "forever chemicals" linked to serious health harms ranging from cancers to developmental damage in children......»»
Researchers explain how cities can implement environmentally sustainable densification
The housing situation in Swiss cities and towns is currently the subject of intensive debate in politics and the media. Housing and densification is a key topic for spatial and urban planners—because, ultimately, they are tasked with implementing c.....»»
A new algorithm to predict information superspreaders in social media
Understanding how information flows in social networks is critical to counteracting dangerous misinformation, promoting the spreading of news, and designing healthy online social environments. Scholars have long realized the role of information super.....»»
Researchers develop better way to make painkiller from trees
Scientists at the University of Wisconsin–Madison have developed a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable way to make a popular pain reliever and other valuable products from plants instead of petroleum......»»
Searching for "Forever Chemicals" From an Endless Landfill Fire
Alabama residents are considering blood or urine tests to see if “forever chemicals” have resulted from a nearby landfill fire that has burned since 2022......»»
New study suggests we"re likely underestimating the future impact of PFAS in the environment
Per-and poly-fluoroalkyl substances—commonly known as PFAS—are a group of over 14,000 human-made chemicals that have been popular since the 1950s for their diverse skills in resisting heat, water, grease and stains......»»