Many disposable diapers and sanitary pads contain plastic and need centuries to decompose. Now, researchers are replacing the plastic with parts made from food waste. That could lead to biodegradable diapers and pads that could be used as fertilizer. They’ll present their results at ACS Spring 2024.
Tag: Sustainability
The many flavors of edible ants
Ants are commonly eaten in some parts of the world, roasted and eaten whole or ground and used to add flavor and texture to dishes. Each species has its own unique flavor, and researchers now report the aroma profiles of four species of edible ants. They will present their results at ACS Spring 2024.
China’s Urban Jungles: How City Parks are Winning the Battle Against Concrete
Recent studies highlight a significant transformation in China’s urban landscape, where the greening of city cores is compensating for vegetation loss in expanding urban areas.
Calling All Entrepreneurs: SCG Bangkok Business Challenge 2024 at Sasin Chula – Unleash Your Startup Potential!
The Sasin School of Management at Chulalongkorn University, in collaboration with SCG Chemicals Public Company Limited, is inviting undergraduate and graduate students from all disciplines worldwide to participate in the “22nd Bangkok Business Challenge 2024”, Global Student Startup Competition, themed “Growing Impactful Ventures”
When Planning Sustainable Energy Systems, Don’t Forget About People
New research published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) shows that models commonly used to shape climate mitigation need to include human behaviors and rules—and shows models can be adapted to do so
The 3rd World Marketing Forum “The New Marketingverse: Meta Mitri Meetang.”
Marketing Association of Thailand, in partnership with Asia Marketing Federation, is delighted to present the prestigious “3rd World Marketing Forum.”
Chula Art Education Professor Wins Gold Medal at International Invention Contest in Singapore
Chulalongkorn University congratulates Assoc. Prof. Pornthep Lerttevasiri from the Division of Art Education, Faculty of Education, for receiving the Gold Medal in the Industrial Design category at the WorldInvent TM 22+23 Singapore International Invention Show (WoSG), held in Singapore from September 4 to 6, 2023.
Chula Professors and Students Shine at Indonesia Inventors Day 2023 with ‘Lantern Craft: Folk Art Innovation for Sustainable Decoration’
A big round of applause to Chula professors and students for their achievement at the Indonesia Inventors Day 2023 (IID 2023) held from September 16-19.
Hybrid nanomaterials promise a sustainability boost across multiple industries
Polyoxometalate (POM)-based nanohybrids potentially offer a step-change in sustainability across a wide variety of industries, but research into the substances is in its infancy. A group of researchers has produced a comprehensive review of the sector’s progress and challenges yet to be overcome.
More animal welfare or more environmental protection?
Which sustainability goals do people in Germany find more important: Animal welfare? Or environmental protection? Human health is another one of these competing sustainability goals.
Study finds mindfulness training may not be enough to increase eco-friendliness
Could general well-being practices like meditation encourage eco-friendly behaviors and attitudes? As the climate crisis accelerates ecological disasters around the world, scientists’ investigations into this longstanding question have taken on greater urgency. A new study from the Center for Healthy Minds at the University of Wisconsin–Madison explores the connection between meditation and environmental consciousness and suggests the relationship might not be that simple.
Female board members help improve firms’ corporate sustainability reporting
New research has revealed that firms with female directors on the board, regardless of how many, improves the quality of corporate sustainability disclosures than those with no board representation.
UC Irvine teams ranked high in Orange County Sustainability Decathlon results
Irvine, Calif., Oct. 17, 2023 — TeamMADE, a sustainable home design and construction crew with student members from the University of California, Irvine and Orange Coast College, placed second overall in the Orange County Sustainability Decathlon, which was held Oct.
Illinois researchers prove that new method can be used to measure ozone stress in soybeans
Ateam from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the USDA Agricultural Research Service has used SIF to measure the effects of elevated ozone (O3) on soybean plants.
Fair and sustainable futures beyond mining
Mining brings huge social and environmental change to communities: landscapes, livelihoods and the social fabric evolve alongside the industry. But what happens when the mines close? What problems face communities that lose their main employer and the very core of their identity and social networks?
PPPL awarded $5 million to lead an Energy Earthshot Research Center focused on clean hydrogen
PPPL was selected to lead a DOE Energy Earthshot Research Center (EERC) as part of the Hydrogen Shot™, which aims to reduce the cost of hydrogen by 80%.
Growing Something Greater
On October 9th, at Inside Park at Saint Bart’s, Green Bronx Machine will host its first ever Growing Something Greater Gala.
Cornell University to lead carbon-cutting effort in aluminum recycling
A new Cornell University-led project aims to use carbon dioxide emissions and residue from aluminum recycling – a carbon-heavy process – to produce high value products.
‘Garbatrage’ spins e-waste into prototyping gold
Building on work in human-computer interaction that aims to incorporate sustainability and reuse into the field, Cornell University researchers introduces “garbatrage,” a framework for prototype builders centered around repurposing underused devices.
Ponds release more greenhouse gas than they store
Though human-made ponds both sequester and release greenhouse gases, when added up, they may be net emitters, according to two related studies by Cornell University researchers.
How a ‘just’ EV transition hinges on a looming labor strike
The United Auto Workers is threatening to strike against General Motors, Ford and Stellantis, if contract agreements aren’t reached with the automakers by 11:59 p.m. on Thursday. Among the union’s demands is that it represents workers at 10 electric vehicle…
UC Irvine launches climate action innovation hub with $1 million state grant
Irvine, Calif., Sept. 14, 2023 — The State of California, through the University of California Office of Research and Innovation, has granted $1 million to the University of California, Irvine for the establishment of a broad, collaborative initiative to accelerate the growth of companies focused on climate goals.
UNFPA and Chulalongkorn Hold a Special Talk on “World Population Day” and Launch “inCUsive” Platform for Sustainable Development
Together with Chulalongkorn University, the UNFPA celebrated World Population Day by holding a panel discussion titled “Bridging Integration Gaps and Promoting Gender Equality for Young People Towards Aged Society,” as well as launching the inCUsive platform to promote sustainable development.
Applications Open for Graduate Programs in Chemistry and Green Chemistry & Sustainability (Semester 2/2023)
The Master and Doctoral Degrees Programs in Chemistry and Green Chemistry & Sustainability, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University are now accepting applications for the second semester of academic year 2023.
Chula College of Population Studies Co-hosts a Workshop on Strengthening Older Persons’ Labor Force Participation and Improving Thai Elderly Skills
The Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific – ESCAP and the College of Population Studies, through the Collaborating Center for Labor Research at Chulalongkorn University, together with government agencies, civil society and the private sector co-organized a workshop on “Strengthening older persons’ labor force participation and benefitting from the Fourth Industrial Revolution in Asia and the Pacific” on 10 – 11 May 2023 at the Mandarin Conference Room C, Mandarin Hotel.
Transforming flies into degradable plastics
Flies are being used as a source of chemicals to make bioplastics. Eventually, that same type of bug might one day biodegrade those plastics once their useful life is over. The researchers will present their results at ACS Fall 2023.
Unlocking the power of citizen science to monitor health and wellbeing targets
IIASA researchers and experts at the World Health Organization (WHO) have conducted a systematic review of health and wellbeing-related indicators, as well as citizen science initiatives, to explore the potential of citizen science for mobilizing action toward the achievement of health and wellbeing related targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the WHO’s Triple Billion Targets.
Imaging shows how solar-powered microbes turn CO2 into bioplastic
Cornell University researchers have developed a multimodal platform to image biohybrids —microorganisms that use solar energy to convert carbon dioxide into value-added chemical products — to better understand how they function and how they can be optimized for more efficient energy conversion.
Solving the climate crisis requires collaboration between natural and social scientists
Now that the world has experienced its hottest day in history, it is more urgent than ever for natural and social scientists to work together to address the climate crisis and keep global temperature increases below 2°C. To this end, an international group of esteemed researchers recently published an innovative research paper that highlights the importance of integrating knowledge from natural and social sciences to inform about effective climate change policies and practice.
Making Renewable, Infinitely Recyclable Plastics Using Bacteria
In a study published today, researchers successfully engineered microbes to make biological alternatives for the starting ingredients in an infinitely recyclable plastic known as poly(diketoenamine), or PDK.
Curbing waste improves global food security but has limited environmental benefits
Reducing waste is one way to help combat hunger around the world, but stricter control over food loss and waste does not lead to better environmental outcomes, according to researchers at the University of California, Irvine and the University of Colorado Boulder. In a paper published recently in Nature Food, the scientists stress that curbing food spoilage increases the amount of produce in markets, which leads to lower costs.
These Foods Can Help You Live Longer and Protect the Planet
Eating more planet-friendly foods could help you live a longer, healthier life, according to new research.
NUTRITION 2023 Press Materials Available Now
Press materials are now available for NUTRITION 2023, the annual flagship meeting of the American Society for Nutrition (ASN).
Chula President Shared “Sustainovation”, the University’s Commitment to Sustainability, at APRU 27th Annual Presidents’ Meeting
Professor Dr. Bundhit Eua-arporn, President of Chulalongkorn University, attended The 27th Annual Presidents’ Meeting of the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) with the theme “From Invention to Implementation – Solutions for a Sustainable Future” in Hong Kong from June 25 to 27, 2023.
Chula Makes World’s Top 50 Universities for Employment Outcomes and Ranks No.1 in Thailand for the 15th Consecutive Year by QS World University Rankings 2024
Chulalongkorn University has made the world’s top 50 university list for employment outcomes, which reflects both the high employment rate and work ability of Chula graduates. The university is also listed as the best in Thailand for the 15th Consecutive Year (since 2009), according to the newly released QS World University Rankings 2024, putting Chula at 221th in the world, up from 244 last year.
Green Bronx Machine celebrates 5 years of partnership with Con Edison at ribbon-cutting ceremony at Con Edison Claremont Village Community Garden at Community School 55
Green Bronx Machine will welcome Con Edison, community members, local officials, students, parents, and guests from Google to tour the newly-reopened Con Edison Claremont Village Community Garden at CS55.
Chula Zero Waste Joins the Launch of “Act Beautiful to Make a Sustainable Difference” Project
As Chula Zero Waste targets behavioral change, the program works to encourage all to reduce the consumption of single-use plastic daily to reduce waste that pollutes the environment.
UC Irvine scientists create long-lasting, cobalt-free, lithium-ion batteries
Irvine, Calif., June 14, 2023 – In a discovery that could reduce or even eliminate the use of cobalt – which is often mined using child labor – in the batteries that power electric cars and other products, scientists at the University of California, Irvine have developed a long-lasting alternative made with nickel. “Nickel doesn’t have child labor issues,” said Huolin Xin, the UCI professor of physics & astronomy whose team devised the method, which could usher in a new, less controversial generation of lithium-ion batteries.
American University’s Kogod School of Business Students Launch New Publication to Highlight Issues in Sustainability
American University’s Kogod School of Business announced the launch of the Kogod Sustainability Review, a student-led publication that will highlight cutting-edge research from industry leaders, identify and discuss new trends, and further advance progress in the field of sustainability.
Catch of the day: A fresh look at ‘underfishing’
A new study led by the University of Delaware found that while a piece of legislation designed to foster the sustainability of marine fisheries is sometimes blamed for being too stringent, other factors are far more responsible for the “underfishing” of certain fish species.
American University’s Kogod School of Business Awarded Top Prize for Sustainability Curriculum
The Kogod School of Business at American University announced today it has received the Page Grand Prize, which recognizes excellence in sustainable business education.
GW Expert Available: UN Committee Meets This Week on Treaty to End Global Plastic Pollution
Talks are underway this week to create a global treaty that would bring an end to plastic pollution. According to The Associated Press, a United Nations committee is meeting in Paris to work on what would be a landmark agreement that…
Chula’s Pledge to Be Net Zero – Chula Unveiled 5 Key Strategies to Become the “University with Net Zero Carbon Emissions” by 2050
Chula President pledged to move ahead with greenhouse gas reduction on the Chulalongkorn University campus targeting Net Zero Greenhouse Gas Emission by 2050 and unveiled 5 pilot strategies for minimizing carbon dioxide emissions and also achieving campus sustainability.
Researchers want to use ‘biochar’ to combat climate change
A new review of research suggests that the nature-based technology biochar – a carbon-rich material – could be an important tool to use in agriculture to help mitigate climate change.
Novel tin-based metal–organic frameworks for reducing carbon dioxide to formate
The never-ending demand for carbon-rich fuels to drive the economy keeps adding more and more carbon dioxide (CO2) to the atmosphere.
Conservationists Propose “Global Conservation Basic Income” to Safeguard Biodiversity
A team of conservationists led by the Wildlife Conservation Society say that providing a “Conservation Basic Income” (CBI) – of $5.50 per day to all residents of protected areas in low- and middle-income countries would cost less than annual subsidies given to fossil fuels.
‘Making things that matter…but making them smarter and greener;”
A regional collaboration led by Case Western Reserve University has won a $1 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) –the only award in Ohio–to plan economic, environmental and manufacturing growth across the 18-county Northeast Ohio region.
RPI Researchers To Develop New Market for Farm Waste
There are more than 80,000 sheep and lambs living on over 2,000 farms in New York State. Their wool has many uses including clothing, carpets, furniture, bedding, insulators, fertilizers, and more. However, about 10-15% of wool is wasted during the sorting and cleaning processes. Researchers from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute are aiming to turn that waste into a new profit source for farmers, and produce an eco-conscious, high-performance yarn in the process.
FAU Lands $2 Million for ‘Center for Equitable Transit-Oriented Communities’
The center will focus on “Preserving the Environment,” to support the U.S. DOT’s climate solution and sustainability goals. The center will promote transit access, multimodal infrastructure, compact and efficient land use patterns, as well as resilience and climate mitigation and adaptation.
Researchers capture elusive missing step in the final act of photosynthesis
Photosynthesis plays a crucial role in shaping and sustaining life on Earth, yet many aspects of the process remain a mystery. One such mystery is how Photosystem II, a protein complex in plants, algae and cyanobacteria, harvests energy from sunlight and uses it to split water, producing the oxygen we breathe. Now researchers from the Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, together with collaborators from Uppsala University and Humboldt University and other institutions have succeeded in cracking a key secret of Photosystem II.