Zeolite catalyst method uses microwaves to convert waste cooking oil into useful chemicals
Researchers from Kyushu University have revealed that a zeolite material called Na-ZSM-5 is effective in improving the chemical conversion of biomass into olefins—a precursor chemical that makes everything from plastics to pharmaceuticals—using m.....»»
Empathy with "sad" bananas compels shoppers to reduce food waste, shows research
Faced with a pile of loose, unsold single bananas, retailers can motivate customers to buy overlooked fruit by giving it emotional appeal, according to new research from the University of Bath's School of Management......»»
"Forever chemicals" are polluting African waters
Every week seems to bring a new report about where "forever chemicals" have been found: in soil, drinking water, our bodies and marine animals. Their proper scientific name is perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). But they're more com.....»»
Coastal revelations from space: New satellite tech maps sandy beaches
Scientists have developed a method to map sandy beach intertidal zones with unprecedented accuracy using satellite data. This innovative approach allows for precise measurements of coastlines that are constantly shaped by tides and waves, providing c.....»»
Scientists create an enzyme not found in nature for use in efficient synthetic metabolic pathways
A team of researchers led by Tobias Erb at the Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology in Marburg has succeeded in developing a new enzyme. The "lactyl-CoA mutase" can efficiently convert a key metabolic compound into valuable products......»»
Hexagons of hexagonal boron nitride join up to form 2D insulator for next-gen electronic devices
A method that can grow a useful insulating material into exceptionally high-quality films that are just one atom thick and are suitable for industrial-scale production has been developed by an international team led by Xixiang Zhang from KAUST......»»
Scientists develop self-sustained protein transport and tissue assembly in artificial cells
In a new Nature Communications study, scientists have developed a novel method for artificial cells to interact with their external environment without the need for complex modification processes......»»
960 million dirty diapers are a big waste problem—what can be done with them
The use of disposable diapers (nappies) is growing in African countries. The disposable diaper undoubtedly makes it easier for many parents to work or spend time on other things, including their own and their child's well-being......»»
Don’t waste your money. The basic Kindle is the only Kindle you need
Are the expensive Kindles tempting? Absolutely. But you must resist reaching for your wallet, as the basic Amazon Kindle is all you're likely to ever need......»»
The $60 Billion Potential Hiding in Your Discarded Gadgets
Rich nations mine just a fraction of e-waste, leaving $60 billion a year in critical metals wasting away in boxes and drawers. But in West Africa, a dangerous recycling work is thriving......»»
New hybrid catalyst developed for clean oxygen production
A research team at the Institute of Materials Chemistry at TU Wien, led by Professor Dominik Eder, has developed a new synthetic approach to create durable, conductive and catalytically active hybrid framework materials for (photo)electrocatalytic wa.....»»
A tax on new plastic would slash waste—if built into the global treaty on plastics
Earlier this week, the mining magnate Andrew Forrest made headlines calling for a global "polymer premium"—or plastic tax—to be placed on every ton of newly manufactured plastics. A tax like this could form part of the Global Plastic Treaty being.....»»
A rising tide of e-waste, made worse by AI, threatens health, the environment and the economy
Our growing reliance on technology at home and in the workplace has raised the profile of e-waste. This consists of discarded electrical devices including laptops, smartphones, televisions, computer servers, washing machines, medical equipment, games.....»»
Toxic site is leaking cancer-causing chemicals in Grand Prairie, Texas: When will it be cleaned?
The Environmental Protection Agency has finalized a plan to clean a toxic site leaking cancer-causing chemicals under dozens of homes in Grand Prairie, Texas......»»
Researchers use eDNA metabarcoding to identify pollinators, aiming to boost crop production
A Curtin University study has revealed that a new method of capturing DNA could provide farmers with a valuable tool for boosting crop production—while also benefiting the environment......»»
Strategies for safe and equitable access to water: A catalyst for global peace and security
Water can be a catalyst for peace and security with a critical role in preventing conflicts and promoting cooperation among communities and nations—but only if managed equitably and sustainably, a study reveals......»»
Five fairness flaws the UN"s new plastics treaty must change
The UN's new plastics treaty is about to be finalized—marking a crucial opportunity to form an international agreement to tackle the plastic pollution crisis. Plastic waste is ubiquitous—damaging human health and livelihoods, as well as ecosystem.....»»
Scientists synthesize unsymmetrical ureas using non-phosgene method
Unsymmetrical ureas can form multiple stable hydrogen bonds with proteins. Since drugs containing urea functional groups display unique biological activities when interacting with their targets, they play an important role in drug development and med.....»»
Fossil fuel supply: The elephant in the room at climate change conferences
"Natural resources … are a gift from God. Every natural resource, whether it's oil, gas, wind, sun, gold, silver, copper, they are all natural resources. Countries should not be blamed for having them, and should not be blamed for bringing these re.....»»
Colorado investigates reports of falsified data on cleanup of about 350 oil, gas sites
State oil and gas regulators are investigating reports that environmental consultants falsified results of tests on soil, groundwater and contamination at about 350 locations in Weld County between 2021 and this summer......»»
Chinese island plastic pollution turned into artistic omens
As storm clouds gathered on a forgotten beach in China's Miaodao islands, artist Fu Junsheng picked his way through piles of plastic waste washed up along the shoreline, looking for inspiration......»»