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.
Author: Enn
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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.
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Environmental News Network – 6 Things to Know From NASA About New US, European Sea Satellite
The upcoming launch of Sentinel-6B will continue NASA's long-standing record of sea surface height data, aiding in coastal planning, infrastructure protection, and weather forecasting. This satellite, part of a series used since 1992, will cross-calibrate data with its predecessor to provide crucial information about Earth's oceans. The data collected will be essential for managing coastal flooding, supporting hurricane intensity forecasts, and assisting in astronaut return missions. This continued effort will contribute to improved climate solutions and help experts better understand and address the impacts of climate change on our planet's oceans.
https://www.enn.com/articles/77427-6-things-to-know-from-nasa-about-new-us-european-sea-satellite
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Environmental News Network – In a Death Valley Shrub, Scientists See a Blueprint for Heat-Proof Crops
A study on the desert shrub Tidestromia oblongifolia in Death Valley, California, reveals its ability to thrive in extreme heat, offering insights for engineering heat-resistant crops. Scientists recreated Death Valley conditions in the lab and observed T. oblongifolia growing faster compared to other desert plants. This research has the potential to aid in the development of crops that can withstand more extreme heat conditions, providing valuable solutions for climate change adaptation.
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Environmental News Network – Giving Buildings an “MRI” to Make Them More Energy-efficient and Resilient
Lamarr.AI, founded by a team from MIT, utilizes drones, thermal imaging, and AI to help property owners identify energy inefficiencies in their buildings. The technology provides detailed 3D models, identifies problems, and recommends retrofits to improve energy efficiency, offering deeper analytics on the cost of each retrofit and the return on investment. This solution is being used by leading organizations in facilities management, architecture, engineering, and construction firms, with CEO Tarek Rakha describing the technology as giving a building an "MRI" using drones, infrared imaging, visible light imaging, and proprietary AI.
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Environmental News Network – Heatwave Predictions Months in Advance With Machine Learning: A New Study Delivers Improved Accuracy and Efficiency
A team of scientists led by CMCC has developed a prediction system for European heatwaves that can provide valuable information 4 to 7 weeks before summer, improving preparedness. The machine learning system, trained on centuries of climate data, has increased forecast efficiency and reduced computational resources needed. This study, published in Nature Communications Earth & Environment, showcases CMCC's leadership in integrating AI with climate science to address heatwaves. Machine learning and AI techniques are revolutionizing climate science by enabling more accurate predictions, offering an alternative to traditional dynamical forecasting systems, particularly in northern European regions.
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Environmental News Network – New ‘Liquid Metal’ Composite Material Enables Recyclable, Flexible and Reconfigurable Electronics
Electronic waste is a growing global issue, with challenges in recycling leading to environmental and health risks from toxic chemicals. Without intervention, electronic waste could reach 90 million tons annually by 2030. However, a team at the University of Washington has developed a recyclable material to replace traditional circuit boards, offering flexibility, self-healing, and conductivity. This innovation has the potential to create more sustainable wearable electronics and soft robotics, providing a promising solution to the electronic waste problem.