While plastic waste is an issue, its prominence in the general public’s concern for the environment is overshadowing greater threats.
Sustainability
An eco-friendly smart coating to keep buildings cool without air conditioners
Researchers have developed an innovative method to make advanced coating materials for “smart” sub-ambient radiative cooling in large-scale building applications.
Closing the plastic loop with a one-pot recycling process
Researchers develop an efficient, low-energy method for upcycling polyethylene plastic waste into valuable molecules that can be repurposed for further use.
Crawling out of the shadows: Arthropods as vertebrate predators
New research is uncovering the importance of small predatory species in shaping ecosystems and managing threatened populations.
A plant to help the planet: A strong, tough, and scalable material from fast-growing bamboo
Lightweight but tough, bamboo is the hope for a more sustainable life and future for our planet.
Microrobots against harmful polymers in water bodies
Czech researchers developed self-propelled microrobots that decompose complex solid pollutants, such as single use and disposable textile fibers.
Anthropogenic climate change accelerating faster than earlier, natural analogs
Whilst large-scale volcanic activity has been responsible for huge temperature rises millions of years ago, human-made climate change is happening at a far faster rate.
Ecologists sound alarm on plastic pollution
Unless growth in plastic production and use is halted, a fundamental transformation of the plastic economy to a framework based on recycling is essential.
Cement made from plant oil and waste sulfur
Researchers combine waste vegetable oil and sulfur to create an eco-friendly, sturdy and lightweight cement substitute that can be remelted as often as desired.
Compressed air cars for urban transportation
Researchers have increased the efficiency of compressed air cars with the aid of phase change materials for heat recovery, making them a viable carbon-free alternative for future passenger cars.
Giant hornet: Potential spread and impact on honeybees
Spread of the giant Asian hornet (Vespa mandarinia) in the USA threatens honeybee colonies, and new analysis assesses the possible impact.
The effects of ocean warming
Marine biologist Ian Bouyoucos investigated blacktip reef sharks in French Polynesia. In this interview, he reveals that not everything in this paradise is as it should be thanks to climate change.
Dual aluminum-nitrogen battery that stores energy and fixes nitrogen
A rechargeable aluminum-nitrogen battery serves the dual purpose of not only storing and retrieving energy, but also being able to fix its nitrogen stream as ammonia.
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