Research & science

Research & science Optimised fluoride adsorption from water using functionalised rice straw: a response surface methodology approach Volume 19, Issue 1, December 2026 . International Journal of Sustainable Engineering (Taylor & Francis) · 21 Jan 2026 Research & science Solar bias enables cuprite deposition on ITO in a bioelectrochemical cell for copper recovery Volume 19, Issue 1, December 2026 . International Journal of Sustainable Engineering (Taylor & Francis) · 21 Jan 2026 Research & science Smart clothing coming sooner than you think and Rice engineers are helping build it - Rice University Rice University News · 20 Jan 2026 Research & science The Global Sanitation Crisis: A Systems Approach to Resilient Citywide Inclusive Sanitation dc.title: The Global Sanitation Crisis: A Systems Approach to Resilient Citywide Inclusive Sanitation dc.contributor.author: Hyde-Smith, Leonie; Gambrill, Martin P. dc.description.abstract: This background paper highlights the urgent need for climate‑resilient sanitation systems as cities face increasing climate‑related pressures. The growing impacts of extreme weather events expose the deep in… World Bank Open Knowledge Repository — 'circular economy' search · 20 Jan 2026 Research & science Scientists trace fertilizer microplastics from fields to beaches Plastic-coated fertilizers used on farms are emerging as a major but hidden source of ocean microplastics. A new study found that only a tiny fraction reaches beaches through rivers, while direct drainage from fields to the sea sends far more plastic back onto shore. Once there, waves and tides briefly trap the particles on beaches before many vanish again. This helps explain why so much plasti… ScienceDaily — Sustainability · 19 Jan 2026 Research & science Microplastics are undermining the ocean’s power to absorb carbon Tiny plastic particles drifting through the oceans may be quietly weakening one of Earth’s most powerful climate defenses. New research suggests microplastics are disrupting marine life that helps oceans absorb carbon dioxide, while also releasing greenhouse gases as they break down. By interfering with plankton, microbes, and natural carbon cycles, these pollutants reduce the ocean’s ability t… ScienceDaily — Sustainability · 18 Jan 2026 Research & science Concentrated declines, distributed growth, and the challenges of balancing the green energy transition in the US by Stephen Stack, Dara O’Rourke The clean energy transition, while critical for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, poses a threat to regions specialized in fossil fuel extraction. Advocates point to the development of green industries in those places as a solution. However, it is not clear that these industries will emerge in the same regions as fossil fuel extraction. This paper maps the chang… PLOS Sustainability and Transformation · 16 Jan 2026 Research & science A deadly chemical frozen in ice may have sparked life on Earth Hydrogen cyanide, a toxic chemical, may have helped spark the chemistry that led to life. When frozen, it forms crystals with highly reactive surfaces that can drive unusual chemical reactions, even in extreme cold. These reactions could produce more reactive molecules that pave the way for life’s basic ingredients. The findings suggest frozen worlds may be more chemically active than once thou… ScienceDaily — Hazardous Waste · 16 Jan 2026 Research & science Scientists found the soil secret that doubles forest regrowth New research shows tropical forests can recover twice as fast after deforestation when their soils contain enough nitrogen. Scientists followed forest regrowth across Central America for decades and found that nitrogen plays a decisive role in how quickly trees return. Faster regrowth also means more carbon captured from the atmosphere. The study points to smarter reforestation strategies that … ScienceDaily — Sustainability · 16 Jan 2026 Research & science The Physics of Superconducting Microwave Resonators - CaltechTHESIS Caltech News · 15 Jan 2026 Research & science Role of avoided emissions scheme and estimation of contributions of electric vehicles and heat pumps to reduction in global emissions Volume 17, Issue 1, December 2026 . Carbon Management (Taylor & Francis) · 15 Jan 2026 Research & science LEVERAGING ENVIRONMENTAL FORENSIC EXPERTISE FOR EFFICIENT POLLUTION LIABILITY ALLOCATION - Detritus Journal Detritus — Multidisciplinary Journal for Waste Resources and Residues · 14 Jan 2026 Research & science Readiness to transform: Pioneer farmers’ motivations and barriers for adopting paludiculture in Germany by Morena Merkelbach, Laura M. Kmoch, Tobias Plieninger, Claudia Heindorf Degraded peatlands are significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, requiring innovative strategies for their restoration and sustainable use. Paludiculture, or wet agriculture, is an approach to align climate protection with productive land use. However, its adoption requires a deeper understanding of farmers’ a… PLOS Sustainability and Transformation · 13 Jan 2026 Research & science Social-ecological outcomes of agroecological transitions: A case study from natural farming systems in central India by Adarshana Thapa, Siva Muthuprakash, Om Damani, Marney E. Isaac In small-scale production systems, a transition to natural farming systems, characterized by minimal soil disturbance, reliance on bio-inputs, crop diversification, and elimination of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, may achieve higher social-ecological sustainability. While indicators of such positive outcomes have been sho… PLOS Sustainability and Transformation · 13 Jan 2026 Research & science Towards recycling of fiber composites - Empa Empa News · 13 Jan 2026 Research & science Cancer statistics, 2026 - Wiley & Sons Journal of Industrial Ecology (Wiley) · 13 Jan 2026 Research & science Researchers and Air Force partner to test AI copilots - Stanford Report Stanford Report · 13 Jan 2026 Research & science A shocking amount of plastic is floating in city air Plastic pollution is not just in oceans and soil. Scientists have now found enormous amounts of microscopic plastic floating through urban air, far exceeding earlier estimates. Road dust and rainfall play a major role in moving these particles through the atmosphere. The findings suggest the air may be one of the most important pathways for plastic pollution. ScienceDaily — Pollution · 13 Jan 2026 Research & science Kantonale Start-up-Förderung - Empa Empa News · 12 Jan 2026 Research & science General Copyright & Permissions - ACS Publications ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering (ACS) · 10 Jan 2026 Research & science Publishing Integrity & Ethics - ACS Publications ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering (ACS) · 10 Jan 2026 Research & science What 2026 could hold for the UK housing market An economist looks ahead at the property sector. Brunel University of London — The Conversation institution feed · 8 Jan 2026 Research & science Social life cycle assessment: a systematic review from the engineering perspective Volume 19, Issue 1, December 2026 . International Journal of Sustainable Engineering (Taylor & Francis) · 7 Jan 2026 Research & science Wildfires are polluting the air far more than thought Scientists have discovered that wildfires release far more air-polluting gases than previously estimated. Many of these hidden emissions can transform into fine particles that are dangerous to breathe. The study shows wildfire pollution rivals human-made emissions in some parts of the world. This helps explain why wildfire smoke can linger and worsen air quality long after the flames are gone. ScienceDaily — Sustainability · 7 Jan 2026 Research & science Remarks by President-Elect Ray Jayawardhana to the Caltech Community - Caltech Caltech News · 6 Jan 2026 Research & science Ray Jayawardhana Appointed Caltech's Tenth President - Caltech Caltech News · 6 Jan 2026 Research & science TFA: How a persistent chemical enters our waterways - Empa Empa News · 6 Jan 2026 Research & science Statement of Retraction: Solving a low-carbon routing problem for perishable distribution food Volume 19, Issue 1, December 2026 . International Journal of Sustainable Engineering (Taylor & Francis) · 6 Jan 2026 Research & science Optimizing sustainability in cement production: a combined LCA and TOPSIS approach for evaluating GGBS substitution and alternative energy strategies Volume 17, Issue 1, December 2026 . Carbon Management (Taylor & Francis) · 5 Jan 2026 Research & science Coral reefs could feed millions if we let them rebuild Overfished coral reefs are producing far less food than they could. Researchers found that letting reef fish populations recover could boost sustainable fish yields by nearly 50%, creating millions of extra meals each year. Countries with high hunger and nutrient deficiencies would benefit the most. Rebuilding reefs could turn ocean conservation into a powerful tool against global hunger. ScienceDaily — Sustainability · 4 Jan 2026 Research & science 2026 Sagan Summer Workshop Agenda - NExScI Caltech News · 3 Jan 2026 Research & science AI for accurate insect pest monitoring: A path toward resilient agriculture by Thomas Vinatier, Edel Pérez-López PLOS Sustainability and Transformation · 2 Jan 2026 Research & science New AI model predicts disease risk while you sleep - Stanford Report Stanford Report · 2 Jan 2026 Research & science Microplastics are leaking invisible chemical clouds into water Microplastics in rivers, lakes, and oceans aren’t just drifting debris—they’re constantly leaking invisible clouds of chemicals into the water. New research shows that sunlight drives this process, causing different plastics to release distinct and evolving mixtures of dissolved organic compounds as they weather. These chemical plumes are surprisingly complex, often richer and more biologically… ScienceDaily — Pollution · 31 Dec 2025 Research & science Addressing a National Challenge: How the Philippines is Strengthening Sustainable Plastic Waste Management with Support from the World Bank Group dc.title: Addressing a National Challenge: How the Philippines is Strengthening Sustainable Plastic Waste Management with Support from the World Bank Group dc.contributor.author: World Bank dc.description.abstract: This note synthesizes the World Bank’s approach to supporting the Philippines in addressing the plastic waste crisis. As one of the largest contributors to marine plastic pollution g… World Bank Open Knowledge Repository — 'circular economy' search · 31 Dec 2025 Research & science Scientists found a dangerous feedback loop accelerating Arctic warming The Arctic is changing rapidly, and scientists have uncovered a powerful mix of natural and human-driven processes fueling that change. Cracks in sea ice release heat and pollutants that form clouds and speed up melting, while emissions from nearby oil fields alter the chemistry of the air. These interactions trigger feedback loops that let in more sunlight, generate smog, and push warming even… ScienceDaily — Pollution · 29 Dec 2025 Research & science Reducing household waste poses serious challenges in residential high-rises Like much of the Western world, Canada is facing a crisis in waste disposal as landfills reach their capacity. In Ontario, a live countdown gives municipal landfills just eight more years before they are full. We urgently need to reduce our garbage. Phys.org — 'battery recycling' search feed · 25 Dec 2025 Research & science New technology eliminates “forever chemicals” with record-breaking speed and efficiency A new eco-friendly technology can capture and destroy PFAS, the dangerous “forever chemicals” found worldwide in water. The material works hundreds to thousands of times faster and more efficiently than current filters, even in river water, tap water, and wastewater. After trapping the chemicals, the system safely breaks them down and refreshes itself for reuse. It’s a rare one-two punch agains… ScienceDaily — Sustainability · 25 Dec 2025 Research & science Carbon footprint assessment and reduction strategies of a university campus in Turkey Volume 17, Issue 1, December 2026 . Carbon Management (Taylor & Francis) · 23 Dec 2025 Research & science This fish-inspired filter removes over 99% of microplastics Washing machines release massive amounts of microplastics into the environment, mostly from worn clothing fibers. Researchers at the University of Bonn have developed a new, fish-inspired filter that removes over 99% of these particles without clogging. The design mimics the funnel-shaped gill system used by filter-feeding fish, allowing fibers to roll away instead of blocking the filter. The l… ScienceDaily — Hazardous Waste · 23 Dec 2025