-
New AI Model Flags Hidden Risks in Disinfected Drinking Water
Disinfecting drinking water saves lives, but it can also create hundreds of little-known chemical byproducts. A new AI model from Stevens Institute of Technology is helping scientists quickly flag which ones may be most toxic — and guide future regulations.
-
2025 Sustainability & Climate Research: Scalable Solutions, Real-World Impact
In 2025, university researchers advanced sustainability and climate solutions across materials, energy, ecosystems and environmental health, laying the groundwork for a more sustainable future. Scalable solutions Research in 2025 moved decisively beyond theory to deliver practical, scalable innovations. Across materials science, energy systems, food production and environmental monitoring, researchers developed technologies that cut emissions, convert…
-
Purple Grain Crops as Living Biosensors Could Transform Farming
A research team has engineered grasses to turn purple when they detect specific chemicals, creating living biosensors that could help farmers spot problems early and protect global grain supplies.
-
PFAS ‘Forever Chemicals’ Tied to Billions in Infant Health Costs
A new University of Arizona-led study finds that PFAS contamination in drinking water harms infant health and carries at least $8 billion a year in U.S. economic costs. The work strengthens the case for stricter regulation and cleanup of these “forever chemicals.”
-
Researchers Sound Alarm on Escalating Plastic Pollution Fueled by Climate Change
Researchers from Imperial College London have issued a clarion call to combat the escalating threats posed by intertwined plastic pollution and climate change. In a comprehensive review published in the journal Frontiers in Science, these scientists underscore the need for immediate international efforts to curtail the deluge of microplastics contaminating the environment. “Plastic pollution and…
-
AI’s Energy Consumption Lower Than Expected, New Study Finds
New research from the University of Waterloo and the Georgia Institute of Technology challenges common perceptions regarding the energy consumption of artificial intelligence (AI). The study, published in the journal Environmental Research Letters, reveals that AI’s contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions is minimal and could potentially offer benefits for environmental sustainability and economic efficiency…
-
Using Fermentation Waste to Make Sustainable Fabric
Researchers led by Penn State have discovered an innovative way to transform leftover yeast from brewing beer, wine, and pharmaceutical production into high-performance fibers. This breakthrough could address major global challenges such as world hunger and the environmental impacts of the fast fashion industry. By repurposing yeast biomass, which is typically considered waste, the researchers…
-
Can Bamboo Replace Plastic? Scientists Investigate Its Potential and Challenges
A groundbreaking study published in the journal New Contaminants has illuminated the potential of bamboo as a promising, sustainable alternative to traditional plastics. This development offers renewed hope in addressing one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time — the global plastic pollution crisis. In recent years, plastic waste, including microplastics and their…
-
Converting Food Waste Into Sustainable Jet Fuel: New Study
Airplane travel continues to grow in popularity, becoming a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions due to the reliance on jet fuel. However, researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have unveiled a groundbreaking solution: converting food waste into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). A study published in Nature Communications presents an innovative process that can…
-
UBC Researchers Uncover New Bacterium Transforming Food Waste Into Energy
In a new study, researchers at the University of British Columbia (UBC) have identified a previously unknown bacterium that plays a pivotal role in transforming food waste into renewable natural gas (RNG). This discovery, published in Nature Microbiology, underscores the potential for more efficient waste-to-energy processes and bolsters the promise of sustainable energy solutions. Each…
