Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a quick-setting, environmentally friendly alternative to concrete for 3-D printing homes and infrastructure, aiming to address the global housing crisis and reduce carbon dioxide emissions from cement. This innovation could help speed up construction projects by eliminating the long curing time and structural supports required for traditional concrete, potentially making a significant impact on the 8% of global emissions attributed to cement production. Climate solutions experts should take note of this promising development in sustainable construction materials.
Author: Enn
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Environmental News Network – Scientists Develop Plastics That Can Break Down, Tackling Pollution
Rutgers chemist Yuwei Gu and his team are studying the longevity of synthetic polymers like plastics, which do not break down easily and contribute to long-term accumulation issues. Inspired by plastic pollution in Bear Mountain State Park, they are using gel permeation chromatography to measure the size of polymers and how they break down. This research is crucial for developing solutions to address the environmental impact of synthetic polymers and finding ways to mitigate their persistence in the environment.
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Environmental News Network – How Artificial Intelligence Can Help Achieve a Clean Energy Future
AI is playing a crucial role in supporting the clean energy transition by managing power grid operations, planning infrastructure investments, and guiding the development of novel materials. Despite concerns about increased energy demands, AI is also helping to reduce energy consumption and emissions in buildings, transportation, and industrial processes. Furthermore, AI is optimizing the design and siting of new wind and solar installations and energy storage facilities, further aiding the transition to clean energy.
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Environmental News Network – Unlocking Ammonia as a Fuel Source for Heavy Industry
Amogy, a startup founded by MIT alumni, has developed a catalyst that can split ammonia into hydrogen and nitrogen more efficiently, potentially transforming energy systems using existing infrastructure. The company plans to sell catalysts and modular systems to convert ammonia directly to power, bypassing health concerns related to nitrous oxides. Amogy has already created ammonia-powered drones, tractors, trucks, and tugboats, and has partnerships with industry leaders, raising over $300 million. This innovation could lead to a carbon-free and energy-dense fuel solution that could significantly impact the transition to cleaner energy sources.
https://www.enn.com/articles/77492-unlocking-ammonia-as-a-fuel-source-for-heavy-industry
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Environmental News Network – Breakthrough Could Lead to Plants That Use Water More Efficiently
Cornell researchers have found a new method plants use to regulate water under the leaf's surface, in addition to stomata on the leaf's surface. This discovery could potentially result in the breeding of more drought-tolerant crops. The study utilized AquaDust, a nanoscale sensor created by Cornell, to measure water levels inside leaves. This breakthrough in understanding plant water regulation could be crucial in developing climate-resilient agriculture practices and addressing water scarcity challenges in the face of climate change.
https://www.enn.com/articles/77469-breakthrough-could-lead-to-plants-that-use-water-more-efficiently
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Environmental News Network – This UW-Madison Spinoff is Making Environmentally-Friendly Cement. The Secret Ingredient is Pollution
Alithic, a spinoff from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, has developed a process that turns coal ash and excess carbon dioxide into a durable, environmentally friendly building material called supplementary cementitious material (SCM). This innovative material can replace traditional Portland cement, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By pulling carbon dioxide from the air and mixing it with industrial wastes, Alithic's process creates a carbon-negative product that has the potential to transform waste streams into profitable solutions for the construction industry.
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Environmental News Network – Creating an Extension-Driven Vision for Smarter Farming
Luan Oliveira, a researcher in agricultural engineering and precision agriculture, utilizes machines, drones, artificial intelligence, and robots to improve farming operations. His work, influenced by his family's farming background in Brazil, directly supports Georgia's agriculture industry. Oliveira's passion for machinery and agriculture led him to focus on utilizing robotic equipment in the field to enhance agricultural practices. His research at the University of Georgia highlights the potential for technological advancements to revolutionize farming methods and increase efficiency in the agricultural sector.
https://www.enn.com/articles/77455-creating-an-extension-driven-vision-for-smarter-farming
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Environmental News Network – Ultrasonic Device Dramatically Speeds Harvesting of Water From the Air
Scientists have developed sponge-like materials for atmospheric water harvesting to produce clean drinking water from humidity in desert conditions. Existing designs rely on heat from the sun to evaporate water from the materials, which can take hours or days. MIT engineers have created a system using ultrasonic waves to quickly recover water from the atmospheric water harvesting material, reducing the time needed to minutes. This innovation could improve access to clean drinking water in arid regions.
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Environmental News Network – A New Take on Carbon Capture
Cameron Halliday, a PhD student at MIT, found that lithium-sodium ortho-borate, a type of molten salt, can absorb over 95% of CO2 at high temperatures with minimal degradation over multiple cycles. This discovery offers a promising solution for more effective CO2 capture in industrial settings, potentially aiding in the fight against climate change.
https://www.enn.com/articles/77449-a-new-take-on-carbon-capture
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Environmental News Network – Concordia Researchers Model a Sustainable, Solar-Powered 15-Minute City
Researchers at Concordia have proposed a new model for urban development that integrates the 15-minute city concept, renewable energy generation, green transportation, and urban agriculture. By transporting urban agriculture with electric vehicles to local outlets, this model aims to revolutionize urban living, eating, and shopping while combatting rising greenhouse gas emissions and fuel prices. The goal is to reduce emissions, build urban agriculture infrastructure, and strengthen community bonds by bringing daily needs closer to residents and minimizing fossil-fuel-consuming trips.