The marvels of science are nowhere more apparent than in agriculture, particularly in the newest realm of biological crop protection products. Among the more exciting technologies are the signaling molecules Lipo-chitooligosaccharides, or LCO.
Here are five YouTube channels that provide science and environmental education:
These YouTube channels are great resources for anyone looking to learn more about science and the environment. They provide information in an accessible and are a great choice for families who want to provide educational and informative content.
The movement to allow year-round E15 sales appears to be gaining momentum. A survey of 1,978 registered voters conducted by Morning Consult on behalf the Renewable Food Association found that 70% of those polled supported increased E15 availability as a way to lower fuel prices and promote energy independence. Only 13% of respondents opposed the change.
CBI is a multidisciplinary center. We have broad and challenging scientific goals. We strongly believe that the only way to achieve these goals is by the inclusion of multiple viewpoints – scientific as well as personal. This is accomplished by creating an environment that values all staff for the uniqueness they bring. This center-wide commitment to the value of diversity and inclusion is in addition to each of our partner institutions’ explicit non-discrimination policies.
The most sustainable and energy positive biofuel that is on the horizon is algae biofuel. Algae is considered to be one of the most promising biofuels because it has a high yield per unit of land, can grow in a variety of environments, and can be harvested year-round. Algae also produces a high-quality oil that can be used as a biofuel, and the leftover biomass can be used as a fertilizer or animal feed.
One of the biggest advantages of algae biofuel is that it can be produced with a much lower carbon footprint than traditional biofuels like corn ethanol or soy biodiesel. Algae also do not compete with food crops for land, water, and other resources, which is a major concern with other biofuels.
Additionally, algae have the ability to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, making them not only a sustainable source of fuel but also a tool for mitigating climate change. When grown in large-scale ponds, algae can absorb significant amounts of carbon dioxide, helping to reduce the overall carbon footprint of the biofuel production process.
Overall, algae biofuel has the potential to be a game-changer in the world of renewable energy, providing a sustainable and energy positive alternative to fossil fuels. While there is still work to be done to scale up production and bring down costs, algae biofuel is a promising technology that has the potential to play a major role in our transition to a more sustainable energy future.
Chattanooga, Tennessee is known for its innovative approach to energy efficiency and sustainability. Here are a few ways that the city is pushing the boundaries in this area:
Overall, Chattanooga’s innovative approach to energy efficiency is helping to create a more sustainable and livable community for residents, businesses, and visitors alike. The city’s commitment to clean energy and energy efficiency is helping to reduce carbon emissions, lower energy costs, and create a more vibrant, resilient, and livable community for all.
The Center for Bioenergy Innovation has been renewed by the Department of Energy as one of four bioenergy research centers across the nation to advance robust, economical production of plant-based fuels and chemicals. CBI, led by Oak Ridge National Laboratory, is focused on the development of nonfood biomass crops and specialty processes for the production of sustainable jet fuel to help decarbonize the aviation sector.
When scientists want to improve a variety of vegetable, it can take a year or less to see changes—just the length of a reproductive cycle. But breeding improvements into trees can take years—sometimes decades—before changes can be seen.
Now, a process developed by researchers at the University of Georgia may cut that time to a fraction.
We are always encouraged to hear ways that individuals or groups are putting their creative energy towards helping the environment. Here are 5 cools ways humans are using directing their energy to cleaning up one of our greatest gifts: The Oceans:
We hope this encourages you. It doesn’t take much to make a big difference. Find a group of friends, or just start imagining how you can help clean up a river, plant some trees, or even help engineer new ways of creating energy!
Biodegradable plastics are a hot topic in the world of sustainability. Traditional petroleum-based plastics take hundreds of years to break down in the environment, causing a major pollution problem. New innovations in the production of biodegradable plastics are helping to solve this issue by creating plastics that can break down in a relatively short period of time.
One new innovation in biodegradable plastics is the development of bioplastics. Bioplastics are made from renewable materials such as corn starch, sugarcane, or potato starch, and they can break down in the environment much faster than traditional petroleum-based plastics. Bioplastics are also compostable, which means that they can be decomposed by microorganisms into water, carbon dioxide, and other natural compounds. These materials are considered to be more environmentally friendly than traditional plastics and can help to reduce plastic waste in the long term.
Another innovation in biodegradable plastics is the use of new additives that can accelerate the degradation of plastic products. These additives can be added to traditional plastics, and they work by breaking down the chemical bonds in the plastic over time. As a result, the plastic becomes brittle and can be easily crushed into small pieces, which can then be decomposed by microorganisms. The use of these additives has the potential to significantly reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in the environment, as well as reduce the time it takes for plastic waste to break down.
In addition to bioplastics and additives, researchers and companies are also working on developing new technologies that can help to recycle traditional plastics more efficiently. One example is the use of chemical recycling, which uses heat, pressure, and chemical catalysts to break down plastic into its constituent monomers. These monomers can then be used to produce new plastic products, effectively closing the loop on plastic waste. Another example is the use of mechanical recycling, which involves melting down used plastic products and molding them into new products. Both chemical and mechanical recycling can help to reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in the environment, as well as help to conserve resources by using waste plastic as a feedstock for new plastic products.
Plant-based materials are also being utilized as a replacement for petroleum-based materials. Companies are experimenting with materials such as corn starch, potato starch, and cellulose to create biodegradable plastics that are both sustainable and environmentally friendly. These materials are not only biodegradable, but they are also renewable, as they can be regrown every year, making them a more sustainable option than traditional petroleum-based plastics.
Lastly, the use of new materials that can mimic the properties of plastic, but are biodegradable and compostable. Examples of these materials include cellulose-based films and biodegradable composites. These materials have the potential to replace traditional plastics in many applications, such as food packaging, and can help to reduce plastic waste in the environment.
In conclusion, researchers and companies are working on many different innovations to help create biodegradable plastics and reduce plastic waste in the environment. From bioplastics and additives that can speed up the degradation of plastic products, to new technologies for recycling and new materials that can mimic the properties of plastic, these innovations have the potential to make a significant impact on the environment. By continuing to develop and implement these innovations, we can help to ensure a more sustainable future for our planet.
