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New Plant-Based Material Could Revolutionize Eco-Friendly Plastics
Scientists led by Washington State University have achieved a significant breakthrough in sustainable materials, developing an innovative plant-based substitute for petroleum-derived chemicals in polyurethane foams. This advancement could lead to more eco-friendly versions of commonly used products, including kitchen sponges, foam cushions, coatings, adhesives, packaging and insulation. Polyurethane material is widely utilized, with a global…
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New Training Method for AI Energy Efficiency
Researchers at the University of Bonn have announced a new advancement in artificial intelligence that could significantly reduce the energy consumption of AI systems. Their new method for training spiking neural networks holds the promise of making AI applications like ChatGPT much more energy-efficient. The findings are published in the journal Physical Review Letters. Imitating…
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Study Reveals How to Cut Household Energy Costs
In a world where nearly 30% of U.S. households struggle to pay their energy bills and approximately 50 million people across the European Union face similar challenges, addressing energy poverty is a pressing issue. Researchers from MIT’s Senseable City Lab have unveiled a promising solution: empowering people with better data and personalized coaching to drive…
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New Study Proposes Sustainable Global Diet to Reduce Environmental Impact
Can humanity nourish itself sustainably while conserving land and water? A new study led by researchers from the Glob3science Lab at Politecnico di Milano has uncovered a promising path forward. Their research, published in the journal Nature Sustainability, reveals that adopting the EAT-Lancet diet globally could significantly optimize agricultural and water resources. The EAT-Lancet diet…
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Breakthrough in Tomato Research Could Revolutionize Pest Management
In a new study that could transform agricultural pest management, researchers from Northeast Agricultural University in China have unveiled the robust insect resistance mechanisms of Solanum habrochaites, a wild tomato species. By deciphering the genetic and metabolic intricacies of the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway, this research lays the foundation for breeding cultivated tomatoes with enhanced pest…
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New Study Unveils Promising Sustainable Nitrogen Solution for Corn Farmers
Corn farmers might soon have a sustainable alternative to synthetic nitrogen fertilizers, thanks to a new study conducted at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Researchers have discovered that gene-edited bacteria can supply up to 35 pounds of nitrogen per acre to corn plants during their early growth stages, which could reduce the crop’s dependency on…
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Why It Is Important to Integrate Human Rights in Economic Development
Economic development projects around the world often prioritize growth at the expense of local communities and indigenous peoples, argues a new study from the University of Portsmouth. Published in the Business and Human Rights Journal, the research by Leïla Choukroune and Lorenzo Cotula critically dissects how international investment deals and dispute settlements frequently overshadow voices…
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New Protein Discovery Could Pave the Way for More Sustainable Farming
In a breakthrough that could reshape agricultural practices and significantly reduce environmental impact, researchers at the University of Freiburg have discovered a protein that shields the key enzyme responsible for biological nitrogen fixation from oxidative damage. This discovery could pave the way for reduced reliance on synthetic fertilizers, which are both energy-intensive and environmentally harmful.…
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New Biochar Method Offers Hope for DDT-Contaminated Soils
DDT soil pollution continues to plague many regions worldwide, but a promising new method developed by researchers led by Chalmers University of Technology could revolutionize how we manage contaminated lands. By incorporating biochar into the soil, the team has significantly reduced the ecological risks posed by the persistent pesticide, opening the door for safer and…
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Bioinspired ‘Solar Gate’ to Revolutionize Climate Control in Architecture
A pioneering team of researchers at the universities of Stuttgart and Freiburg has developed a groundbreaking, energy-autonomous facade system that adapts to weather conditions passively, without relying on electricity. Drawing inspiration from the natural mechanisms found in pine cones, this innovative system, named the “Solar Gate,” could mark a significant advancement in sustainable architectural design.…