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Pharmaceuticals in Wastewater: How Woodchips and Biochar Could Offer a Solution
In a new study published in the journal of Hazardous Materials, researchers from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have discovered that combining woodchip bioreactors with a specialized form of biochar can significantly reduce both nutrient pollutants and common pharmaceuticals like ibuprofen in wastewater. “Even at low concentrations, pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) can degrade water…
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Tropical Mammal Behaviors Change With Lunar Phases, Study Finds
The full moon has often been mythologized as a catalyst for strange behavior, but new research suggests such lunar influences may have a basis in reality — at least among tropical mammals. A groundbreaking study published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B reveals that half of the mammal species in tropical forests adjust…
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Innovative Tree Cloning Techniques by Georgia Tech Scientist Revolutionize Forestry Industry
Georgia’s forestry industry, a colossal contributor to the state’s economy generating $40 billion annually and providing 140,000 jobs, is renowned for its timber, fiber, paper pulp and other wood-derived products, which are exported worldwide. At the heart of advancements in this industry stands Ulrika Egertsdotter, a principal research scientist at Georgia Tech’s Renewable Bioproducts Institute.…
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Researchers Discover Hundreds of New Species Using Pioneering DNA Barcoding
A team of researchers led by Emily Hartop from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) University Museum has made a significant breakthrough in the field of biodiversity. Using an innovative method known as DNA barcoding, they identified hundreds of previously unknown insect species, shining a light on what is often referred to as…
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Breakthrough Discovery in Solanaceous Plants’ Defense Mechanism Offers Medical and Agricultural Promise
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology have made a landmark discovery, identifying the GAME15 protein as a key player in the biosynthesis of steroidal compounds in solanaceous plants like potatoes, tomatoes, and eggplants. This breakthrough not only provides insights into plant defense mechanisms but also opens up new avenues for medical and…
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Study Reveals Deep-Diving Whales Mistake Plastic Pollution for Food
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…
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Innovative Pollination Contracts Enhance Beekeeping Sustainability in California Almond Orchards
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…
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Scientific Breakthrough in Watering Techniques Promises Healthier Tomato Plants
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…
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Study Identifies Key Owners of Reefers, Enhancing Global Seafood Transparency
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…
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CityUHK Researchers Unveil Cost-Effective, Stable Perovskite Solar Cells
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…
