Category: Sustainability

A pioneering team of researchers at the universities of Stuttgart and Freiburg has developed a groundbreaking, energy-autonomous facade system that adapts to weather conditions passively, without relying on electricity. Drawing inspiration from the natural mechanisms found in pine cones, this innovative system, named the “Solar Gate,” could mark a significant advancement in sustainable architectural design.…

In a significant breakthrough for earthquake-resistant infrastructure, the University of Sharjah has been granted a patent for an innovative device that utilizes sand to protect buildings from seismic damage. This pioneering technology, developed by Moussa Leblouba and Mostafa Zahri, promises to make earthquake protection more affordable and widely accessible. The new device, named the “Particle-Based…

A recent study led by researchers at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities provides valuable insights into the benefits of alternating corn and soybean crops, especially in the face of climate change. The findings are published in the peer-reviewed journal Global Change Biology. Rising temperatures and increasing weather extremes pose a significant threat to global…

In an insightful study, scientists have revealed how plant roots adapt to drought conditions by growing at steeper angles to access deeper water reserves. This research, published in the journal Current Biology, was .conducted by plant scientists from the University of Nottingham and Shanghai Jiao Tong University. The study highlights the pivotal role of abscisic…

A team of researchers at ETH Zurich has unveiled a pioneering moisture-binding material designed to passively regulate indoor humidity, promising significant advancements in sustainable building technologies. This breakthrough, published in the journal Nature Communications, could drastically reduce reliance on energy-intensive mechanical ventilation systems, fostering a more eco-friendly approach to indoor climate control. Whether in offices,…

Over the past three decades, the Great Salt Lake has lost more than 15 billion cubic yards of water, becoming shallower at a rate of four inches annually. A recent analysis suggests that reducing irrigation is essential to reversing this trend and preserving the lake. Published today in the journal Environmental Challenges, the study reveals…

Tiny plastic particles from clothing, packaging and other products are making their way into the fish that people eat, according to a new study led by Elise Granek, a professor of environmental science and management at Portland State University. This discovery sheds light on the prevalence of microplastic contamination in widely consumed finfish and crustaceans,…

In a breakthrough study, researchers from the University of Göttingen have shed light on the intricate connections between pollinators, their movement patterns and crop varieties, and how these factors jointly influence the quality of fruits. Published in Trends in Plant Science, the study challenges the conventional focus on pollinator quantity and calls for a nuanced…

In a groundbreaking advancement for environmental sustainability, a research team led by Cornell University has unveiled an innovative method to extract gold from electronic waste and repurpose it as a catalyst for converting carbon dioxide (CO2) into organic materials. This pioneering technique, detailed in a paper published in the journal Nature Communications, offers a promising…