Category: Sustainability

To whales hunting with soundwaves in the depths of the ocean, a torn plastic party balloon can sound alarmingly similar to a delicious squid. According to new research led by Duke University, echo-locating whales are potentially driven to consume plastic debris instead of — or in addition to — their natural prey. “These acoustic signatures…

As global native bee populations continue to decline, U.S. crop production increasingly relies on commercial pollination services. Addressing this critical gap, a new study from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign explores pollination contracts between beekeepers and California almond growers, identifying contractual clauses that could benefit both parties significantly. “There’s about 1.3 million acres of almond…

In a new study, scientists led by Man-Qun Wang, a professor at the College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, have discovered a simple yet effective method to bolster the health and productivity of tomato plants by altering watering practices. This innovative approach, published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, could help…

In a landmark discovery poised to transform the global seafood industry, researchers have identified the key players behind the world’s refrigerated cargo vessels, or reefers, in a study published in the journal Science Advances. This breakthrough promises enhanced transparency and accountability in seafood supply chains, tackling long-standing issues of illegal fishing and opaque practices. Fish…

Researchers at City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) have unveiled a significant breakthrough in the field of solar energy. A pioneering fabrication technique developed by the team promises to enhance the commercial viability of perovskite solar cells by boosting their stability, reliability, efficiency and affordability. The research, published in the journal Science, reveals a simplified…

A landmark study by researchers at the University at Buffalo, in collaboration with Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research in Leipzig, Germany, has revealed a crucial finding about per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly referred to as “forever chemicals.” The study meticulously measured the toxicity levels of various PFAS when combined, disclosing that their collective toxicity…

A recent study led by researchers at North Carolina State University reveals that per- and polyfluoroalkyl chemicals (PFAS) could remain in the groundwater of Cumberland and Bladen counties in North Carolina for more than 40 years. The study shines a spotlight on the lingering effects of these persistent chemicals, which have been linked to serious…

In a significant breakthrough, researchers led by Iakovos Tzanakis from Oxford Brookes University have developed an innovative method to tackle one of the world’s most stubborn environmental threats — PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals.” These chemicals, prevalent in everyday items and a known health hazard, have long eluded effective and sustainable removal strategies. A…

Scientists at the University of Liverpool, in collaboration with several international institutions, have made significant strides in understanding bacterial photosynthesis. By employing state-of-the-art cryogenic electron microscopy, they have captured detailed structural images of key photosynthetic protein complexes in purple bacteria, specifically Rhodobacter blasticus. These findings, published in the journal Science Advances, could propel advancements in…

After years of observing plastic consumption by environmental bacteria in urban waterways, a research team led by Northwestern University has unveiled how certain bacteria break down plastic waste for sustenance. This breakthrough could offer a revolutionary method to tackle the burgeoning plastic pollution problem. The study, recently published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology,…