Sustainability

Traditional Farming Systems Protect Food, Nature and Culture

A new study reveals that centuries-old farming practices around the world offer real-world models for sustainable land use. Researchers say food production and nature conservation can coexist — but only with locally tailored strategies.

June 17, 2026

University of Rochester’s Zero-Waste Solar Desalination Breakthrough

A University of Rochester research team has developed a solar-thermal desalination process that converts seawater to drinking water with zero brine waste — and can even recover lithium and other valuable minerals in the process.

May 27, 2026

New Index Tracks Rural Tourism Sustainability

Researchers at Penn State and West Virginia University have built a first-of-its-kind tool to measure whether rural tourism is actually sustainable — tracking housing, crime, poverty, and air quality across counties over a decade.

May 27, 2026

New Model Could Accelerate Perovskite Solar Cell Design

A research team in Japan has created the first universal model explaining how energy levels align inside perovskite solar cells — a breakthrough that could speed up development of cheaper, more efficient clean energy technology.

April 30, 2026

Virginia Tech Team Pioneers Scalable Compostable Packaging Films

Virginia Tech scientists have developed a water-based method to make strong, compostable bioplastic films at industrial speeds. The approach could help replace single-use petroleum plastics with safer, scalable packaging.

April 20, 2026

New Study Shows Plastic Recycling in US Depends on Access, Not Waste

A new University at Buffalo study finds Americans generate similar amounts of plastic packaging waste, but wealthier, more educated communities have far better access to recycling. The research maps nationwide “plastic justice” gaps and points to policy and infrastructure fixes.

April 8, 2026

Robot Maps Soil Moisture Tree by Tree to Save Scarce Water

UC Riverside researchers have created a robot-powered mapping system that shows exactly how much water each tree in an orchard needs. The technology could help farmers survive drought, cut costs and reduce pollution by watering smarter, not more.

April 2, 2026

New AI System Can Reveal How Much Plastic Is Truly Recycled

A new AI-driven testing system from University at Buffalo engineers can tell how much of a plastic product is truly recycled, offering a powerful tool for regulators and companies as global rules on plastic waste tighten.

March 24, 2026

Paving the Way With Seashells: UCO Unveils 100% Recycled Block

Researchers at the University of Córdoba have designed a paving block made from 100% recycled materials, turning seashell and mining waste into a durable, low-carbon alternative to traditional concrete. The innovation aims to reduce construction’s environmental footprint while advancing the circular economy.

March 3, 2026

Rice Gene Breakthrough Boosts Yields While Cutting Fertilizer

Scientists have pinpointed a master gene in rice that keeps plants growing strongly even when fertilizer is scarce. The discovery could help farmers cut costs and pollution while protecting harvests in a warming world.

February 27, 2026

Category: Sustainability