Category: Sustainability

  • 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…

  • New AI Tool Can Predict Avocado Ripeness

    Researchers from Oregon State University and Florida State University have developed an artificial intelligence system that uses smartphone images to accurately predict the ripeness and internal quality of avocados. This innovative tool, details of which are published in the journal Current Research in Food Science, could significantly reduce food waste and help consumers and retailers…

  • AI Shortens Time It Takes to Measure a Product’s Sustainability Impact

    Researchers from Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) have developed a new AI-driven model to shorten the time taken to measure the impact of a product on the environment. The findings, published in the journal Proceedings of the Design Society, mark a significant step toward making environmental impact assessments an integral part of product…

  • New Carbon Capture Technology Uses Coffee Grounds and Plastic Waste

    Researchers at the University of Sharjah have patented a groundbreaking technology that captures carbon dioxide emissions from industrial processes, potentially providing a significant advancement in the fight against climate change. The patent, filed in March 2025 and published in August, details a unique method that repurposes spent coffee grounds (SCG) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a…

  • Switching to Electric Heating Systems Could Slash US Residential Energy Consumption

    A revolutionary study by researchers at Penn State suggests that American homeowners who switch to electric space heating systems and appliances could significantly cut down on their energy consumption, and perhaps even reduce their utility bills. The team’s findings, published in the journal Energy Policy, highlight the potential nationwide impact of transitioning to electricity for…

  • Breakthrough Catalyst Turns Plastic Waste Into Fuel

    A team of researchers led by the University of Delaware have made a significant breakthrough in the fight against plastic pollution. The team has developed a novel catalyst that converts plastic waste into liquid fuels more quickly and with fewer unwanted byproducts compared to current methods. Plastics, while valued for their durability, pose a major…

  • Cornell Researchers Transform Apple Waste Into Nutritious Meatballs

    Cornell University researchers have uncovered an innovative way to repurpose apple byproducts, transforming them into a nutritious ingredient for meatballs that could potentially revolutionize food manufacturing while reducing waste. Every year, over 4 million tons of apple waste, including skins, seeds, cores and pulp, are typically discarded as animal feed, compost or landfill material. A…