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New Study Reveals PFAS in Groundwater May Persist for Over 40 Years
A recent study led by researchers at North Carolina State University reveals that per- and polyfluoroalkyl chemicals (PFAS) could remain in the groundwater of Cumberland and Bladen counties in North Carolina for more than 40 years. The study shines a spotlight on the lingering effects of these persistent chemicals, which have been linked to serious…
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Innovative Solution for Tackling Toxic ‘Forever Chemicals’ in Water Supplies
In a significant breakthrough, researchers led by Iakovos Tzanakis from Oxford Brookes University have developed an innovative method to tackle one of the world’s most stubborn environmental threats — PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals.” These chemicals, prevalent in everyday items and a known health hazard, have long eluded effective and sustainable removal strategies. A…
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Breakthrough in Understanding Bacterial Photosynthesis
Scientists at the University of Liverpool, in collaboration with several international institutions, have made significant strides in understanding bacterial photosynthesis. By employing state-of-the-art cryogenic electron microscopy, they have captured detailed structural images of key photosynthetic protein complexes in purple bacteria, specifically Rhodobacter blasticus. These findings, published in the journal Science Advances, could propel advancements in…
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Wastewater Bacteria Break Down Plastic for Food, Pioneering Pollution Solution
After years of observing plastic consumption by environmental bacteria in urban waterways, a research team led by Northwestern University has unveiled how certain bacteria break down plastic waste for sustenance. This breakthrough could offer a revolutionary method to tackle the burgeoning plastic pollution problem. The study, recently published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology,…
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Leading Scientists Unveil New ‘Golden Rules’ for Sustainable Fishing to Protect Oceans and Feed a Warming Planet
In a decisive call to action, a team of leading ocean experts has introduced a revolutionary set of guidelines that aim to transform sustainable fishing practices. Published in Nature’s scientific journal npj Ocean Sustainability, their report proposes 11 “golden rules” designed to halt ongoing ocean destruction and regenerate fish populations to feed future generations. This…
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Solar-Powered Desalination System Brings Clean Water Without Batteries
MIT engineers have unveiled a pioneering desalination system that leverages the power of the sun to produce clean water without the need for batteries. This innovation could be a game changer for communities lacking reliable access to fresh water sources and grid power. The new system dynamically adjusts its desalting process to match fluctuations in…
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Rice University Engineers Pioneer Cost-Effective Method to Tackle PFAS Pollution
Engineers at Rice University have achieved a breakthrough that could significantly aid in the fight against environmental pollution. The team has developed a novel, cost-effective method to synthesize covalent organic frameworks (COFs), materials known for their exceptional ability to trap gases, filter water and accelerate chemical reactions. The innovation holds substantial promise for addressing persistent…
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New Economic Paradigm Integrates Cooperation and Sustainability, Researchers Say
An unprecedented collaboration between global experts has led to the development of a novel economic model that could reshape how businesses think about success. This paradigm, called the “prosocial market economy,” prioritizes cooperation, ethical behavior and sustainability, moving away from the traditional focus on self-interest and short-term profits. Led by Jan Pfister, an associate professor…
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UTEP and Stanford Researchers Discover Limitations of Zooplankton in Cleaning Fecal Contaminated Water
In an unexpected twist, scientists from The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) and Stanford University have discovered that zooplankton, minute aquatic creatures known for their bacterial grazing habits, fail to clean water contaminated with fecal microorganisms. Published in the journal mSphere, the study provides groundbreaking insights into the limitations of relying on natural…
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Researchers Break New Ground With High-Energy-Density Cubic Gauche Nitrogen Synthesis at Atmospheric Pressure
In a significant scientific breakthrough, researchers from the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science of the Chinese Academy of Sciences have successfully synthesized cubic gauche nitrogen (cg-N) at atmospheric pressure. The research, led by Wang Xianlong, utilized potassium azide (KN3) and the plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) technique to achieve this milestone. The results of the…
