Environmental impacts

Systems Biology: Integrating Biological Processes into Complex Systems

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Systems biology is an interdisciplinary field that seeks to understand biological systems as integrated networks of components, processes, and interactions, rather than isolated parts. It combines principles from biology, mathematics, computer science, engineering, and other disciplines to analyze complex biological phenomena at multiple scales, from molecular and cellular levels to tissues, organs, organisms, populations, and … Read more

Plant Genetics: Breeding and Genetic Modification

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Plant genetics encompasses the study of genes, heredity, and genetic variation in plants, including their breeding, genetic modification, inheritance patterns, molecular mechanisms, and applications in agriculture, horticulture, forestry, and biotechnology. Understanding plant genetics is essential for improving crop traits, developing new crop varieties, enhancing agricultural productivity, ensuring food security, and addressing global challenges such as … Read more

Gene Editing Technologies: CRISPR and Beyond

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Gene editing technologies have revolutionized the field of molecular biology and genetics by providing powerful tools to precisely modify DNA sequences, study gene functions, correct genetic mutations, and engineer biological systems. Among the most widely used and transformative gene editing technologies is CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) and its associated protein, Cas (CRISPR-associated … Read more

Genetics: Inheritance and Molecular Basis of Life

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Genetics, the study of heredity and the molecular basis of life, represents a cornerstone of modern biology with profound implications for understanding biological diversity, human health, evolution, and biotechnological applications. At the core of genetics lies the exploration of genetic inheritance, the transmission of traits from parents to offspring, and the molecular mechanisms governing genetic … Read more

Study calls for more research on Fukushima water release and tritium’s environmental impact

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The meltdown of Japan’s Fukushima Daiichi power plant, caused by the devastating earthquake and tsunami of March 2011, represents the most severe nuclear power accident of the 21st century so far. However, a new study highlights how the decision by the Japanese government to begin releasing the radioactive water stored within it—a decision approved by … Read more

Researchers develop safer sodium battery with improved performance and sustainability

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A sodium battery developed by researchers at The University of Texas at Austin significantly reduces fire risks from the technology, while also relying on inexpensive, abundant materials to serve as its building blocks. Though battery fires are rare, increased battery usage means these incidents are on the rise. The secret ingredient to this sodium battery … Read more

Addition-fragmentation-transfer chemistry offers new approach to sustainable plastic recycling

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One doesn’t need to be reminded that plastic production, and plastic pollution, have steadily increased over the years—the evidence is all around us. What if we were able to recycle plastic in a way that is truly sustainable? That very question is being raised by Reika Katsumata, assistant professor, and Ph.D. student Autumn Mineo of … Read more

Green Chemistry

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Green chemistry, also known as sustainable chemistry, is a rapidly growing field that focuses on designing chemical products and processes that minimize the use and generation of hazardous substances. It aims to reduce the environmental impact of chemical manufacturing and promote the efficient use of resources, ultimately leading to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly … Read more

What is the chemical symbol for gold?

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The chemical symbol for gold is Au, derived from the Latin word “aurum.” Gold has captivated human fascination for millennia, admired for its lustrous beauty, malleability, and rarity. Its chemical symbol, Au, is a representation of its name in the periodic table, and understanding its significance involves exploring the properties, history, and cultural significance of … Read more

Biology

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Biology is the scientific study of life and living organisms. It explores a vast range of topics, including the structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, and distribution of living organisms. This discipline delves into various levels of biological organization, from molecules and cells to organisms and ecosystems. Through methods like observation, experimentation, and analysis, biologists seek … Read more

What is climate change?

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Climate change is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that has garnered significant attention in recent decades due to its far-reaching implications for the planet and its inhabitants. At its core, climate change refers to long-term alterations in temperature and weather patterns on Earth. These changes are largely attributed to human activities that have increased the … Read more

New evidence shows our European ancestors ate seaweed for thousands of years

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Seaweed has gained fame as a superfood with health benefits and sustainability, but European ancestors were already consuming it for thousands of years. Researchers have found clear archaeological evidence that seaweeds and freshwater plants were part of the diet from the Mesolithic era to the Early Middle Ages, challenging the belief that these resources only … Read more

Mycelium composites: A sustainable building material for Africa

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Researchers at the University of Bristol has proposed mycelium composites as a sustainable alternative to traditional building materials, with the potential to tackle socio-economic and environmental challenges in Africa. In a recent publication in the journal Advanced Sustainable Systems, Lead Author Stefania Akromah, a Ph.D. student in the Centre for Doctoral Training in Composites Science, … Read more

Study finds vegan pet diets could have significant environmental benefits

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Andrew Knight, a researcher from Griffith University in Australia, has presented an analysis in the open-access journal PLOS ONE that explores the potential environmental benefits of switching pet dogs and cats in the US or worldwide to nutritionally sound vegan diets. While previous studies have focused on the environmental impacts of the livestock industry in … Read more

Researchers develop disruptive technology to decarbonize long-haul trucks

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Today’s global supply chains heavily rely on the transportation of goods, with long-haul trucking playing a pivotal role in this intricate network. Achieving worldwide climate goals necessitates the development of eco-friendly alternatives to diesel powertrains. However, given the indispensability and extensive usage of trucks, these solutions must be both economically feasible and logistically practical. While … Read more

Experts warn of looming extinction crisis in Australia

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Experts are sounding the alarm about the pressing need for a profound transformation in our relationship with the environment and our intervention in the ongoing extinction crisis. A comprehensive review, spearheaded by Charles Darwin University (CDU), sheds light on concerning trends in Australian biodiversity loss. This loss is attributed to a variety of factors, including … Read more

Unlocking the commercial potential of electrochemical CO2 reduction to C1 products: Evaluating economic benefits and environmental impacts with ionic liquid electrolytes

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The primary cause of numerous environmental issues, such as increasing CO2 emissions, can potentially be addressed through electrochemical CO2 reduction (CO2R) to produce valuable carbon-based chemicals. Ionic liquids (ILs) have garnered significant attention as electrolytes and co-catalysts in promoting CO2R due to their unique advantages. Among the potential products of CO2R, the so-called C1 products, … Read more