Category: Sustainability

Engineers at Rice University have achieved a breakthrough that could significantly aid in the fight against environmental pollution. The team has developed a novel, cost-effective method to synthesize covalent organic frameworks (COFs), materials known for their exceptional ability to trap gases, filter water and accelerate chemical reactions. The innovation holds substantial promise for addressing persistent…

An unprecedented collaboration between global experts has led to the development of a novel economic model that could reshape how businesses think about success. This paradigm, called the “prosocial market economy,” prioritizes cooperation, ethical behavior and sustainability, moving away from the traditional focus on self-interest and short-term profits. Led by Jan Pfister, an associate professor…

In an unexpected twist, scientists from The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) and Stanford University have discovered that zooplankton, minute aquatic creatures known for their bacterial grazing habits, fail to clean water contaminated with fecal microorganisms. Published in the journal mSphere, the study provides groundbreaking insights into the limitations of relying on natural…

In a significant scientific breakthrough, researchers from the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science of the Chinese Academy of Sciences have successfully synthesized cubic gauche nitrogen (cg-N) at atmospheric pressure. The research, led by Wang Xianlong, utilized potassium azide (KN3) and the plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) technique to achieve this milestone. The results of the…

A team of researchers from the University of Tokyo has unveiled a groundbreaking optical computing technology that promises to revolutionize digital devices by significantly enhancing speed and energy efficiency. The novel design, known as diffraction casting, builds upon earlier optical computing methods and aims to address current limitations in electronic computing. As computing applications grow…

An innovative and cost-effective battery cathode material, developed by a multi-institutional research team led by Georgia Tech’s Hailong Chen promises to significantly enhance the performance and affordability of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). This breakthrough has the potential to transform the electric vehicle (EV) industry and bolster large-scale energy storage solutions. “For a long time, people have…

Silk, known for its ancient luxury and durability, is now set to revolutionize the future of microelectronics. Researchers led by the Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) have achieved a remarkable scientific feat. They have successfully created a uniform two-dimensional (2D) layer of silk protein fragments, known as fibroins, on graphene — a…

In a significant step toward creating sustainable fuels, researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a pioneering artificial photosynthesis system. This groundbreaking setup chains two carbon atoms together to produce ethylene with unparalleled efficiency, longevity and yield. “The performance, or the activity and stability, is about five to six times better than what is…

In a significant step towards a more sustainable energy future, scientists led by Columbia Engineering have developed advanced K-Na/S batteries that promise to revolutionize how we store renewable energy. By leveraging inexpensive, readily available elements such as potassium, sodium and sulfur, these high-energy batteries offer an efficient and affordable solution for long-duration energy storage. Renewable…

A new study led by the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric and Earth Science has revealed that over 2 million acres of floodplain were developed across the United States in the past 20 years. Significantly, nearly half of this development occurred in Florida, where about 398,000 new residential properties were built on…