Tag: Sustainability

The future of salmon could lie in cell cultures. Meanwhile, a California-based startup is betting on a similar process for cacao in a bid to avoid further deforestation. A reduction in rainforests not only causes drought, but increases the likelihood of flooding - both harming cacao yields. In a bioreactor, cell cultures from the cacao plant are naturally fermented...

A robot banishes harmful algae slicks to the ocean floor. And, according to an Australian research team, oil spills could soon be hoovered up by mini-robots. Key here: a new filter with small, air-filled pouches, coated with a water-resistant nanolayer of graphene oxide. It separates oil with 95% purity and can be extensively reused. The 3D-printed, electrically-operated mini-robot complete...

Onions protect solar modules, securing their long-term output. Hemispherical solar cells could deliver even more electricity. Now a Norwegian startup’s system is enabling homeowners to harness their solar energy more efficiently and make provisions for the winter months. First, a fuel cell converts the solar energy into hydrogen. Then, using the firm’s patented technology, it is processed into a...

In the Netherlands, corn is a source of sustainable tiles. In California, however, a startup is using corn waste to create a super-absorbent and biodegradable material to replace the petrochemical liners in products like nappies and hygiene pads. The team developed special microorganisms to convert the corn’s sugar into a polymer, which can absorb as much liquid as materials...

Crustaceans make conductive gel in zinc-ion batteries more environmentally-friendly. And now a Toronto-based university research team has likewise found inspiration in nature while developing sustainable electrodes. During batteries’ charge and discharge cycles, ions move from a conductive layer (conglutinated with the energy-saving base material of the electrodes - zinc) back and forth between cathode and anode. Instead of forever...

Crispy cutlery and edible cups make a good snack for those on the go. But there are healthier options out there. A startup in the metropolitan area of Munich has taken a well-known high-protein, high-fibre meal and turned it into a drink. Its patent-pending process will see organic porridge turned into a liquid dish. Enzymes break down the starch...

Spirit production provides furniture in Scotland. And as another Scottish startup discovered, whisky by-products can also help reduce overfishing. The team uses distillery waste water to manufacture Omega-3s. Wild fish are known to be a rich source of the fatty acids, but they actually acquire them by eating algae. The team used the waste from whisky distillation (including barley)...

Cardamom provides protection against pathogens. And, as an Australia-based research team recently discovered, pathogens can also be held at bay using peppermint essential oil. This could be particularly important in the context of medical devices. In an initial test, plasma was used to apply an extremely thin film of peppermint oil to a urinary catheter. Enabling the oil molecules...