Novel design for dual-atom catalyst could reduce the environmental impact of ammonia production
Published 09 August, 2022
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Wildlife photography DOES impact birds’ breeding behaviour – but not in the way you might expect
Published 01 August, 2022
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Study identifies regions on the SARS-CoV-2 genome linked to virus replication and transmission
Published 28 July, 2022
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Upgrade for popular free software tool that builds evolutionary trees for vascular plants
Published 13 July, 2022
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Adolescent childbirth remains linked to poor outcomes for both mother and child in Cote d'Ivoire
Published 11 July, 2022
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Study shows that getting pesticide reduction policies right is crucial for food security
Published 28 June, 2022
Researchers explored the agri-food and environmental implications of an agrochemical (pesticide) use reduction policy introduced in metropolitan Shanghai, East China. The policy aimed to reduce agrochemical use by 20% by 2020, relative to 2015. Official statistics show that Shanghai achieved that goal with a decline of just over 40% in pesticide use (from 4,415 to 2,644 tonnes). However, the planted area shrank by nearly 25% over the same period.
Study highlights undiscovered potential of bacterial compounds and genes linked to colon cancer-related toxin
Published 23 June, 2022
The last two decades have seen the development of sophisticated computational tools that explore the DNA of bacteria. These tools look for interesting metabolites that illicit a strong biological reaction. Their impact might be toxic, or it might be life enhancing; for example, informing the development of new antibiotics, anti-cancer drugs or bio-based insecticides for use in agriculture. Scientists have developed a novel computational approach for analysing the DNA sequences of thousands of bacteria.
New, fully biodegradable cellulose membrane proves effective in oil-water separation
Published 22 June, 2022
A group of researchers at Shanxi Institute of Coal Chemistry (part of the Chinese Academy of Sciences - CAS) have developed a new and improved method using two different cellulose materials. Their process allows them to obtain membrane materials for oil-water separation that are ‘all cellulose’ (cellulose with two or more different crystal forms). Importantly, as they outline in their study results, published in the KeAi journal Green Energy & Environment, their membrane is friendly to the environment.
Cancer-causing pollutants in the global food chain exceed EU safety limits in 90% of the studied areas
Published 20 June, 2022
A study conducted by an international team of researchers has found that in nearly 90% of the areas studied, levels of cancer-causing dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in free-range eggs exceeded EU regulatory food limits. The team reviewed data from Asia, Africa, Europe, and North and South Africa.
New method offers a promising alternative for upgrading natural gas
Published 16 June, 2022
In a study published in the KeAi journal Green Chemical Engineering, researchers describe an innovative, copper-based metal organic framework (Cu-MOF) they have developed to separate propane and ethane from methane. The MOF exhibits a high adsorption capacity and selectivity for C2–C3 hydrocarbons. And the adsorption isotherms at ambient conditions show a remarkable uptake (C3H8 of 134.0 cm3 g-1) and excellent selectivity of 204 and nine for C3H8/CH4 and C2H6/CH4.