A complex plant alkaloid extracted from the humble daffodil has been demonstrating some extraordinary curative properties in humans. Now with the help of a $4 million investment and a collaborative research project with Lincoln University in New Zealand, the same compound is being investigated as a feed additive to reduce methane emissions from livestock. The…
Human impacts such as over-fishing, climate change and pollution are causing sea urchins to thrive, leading to the destruction of kelp and desertification of the sea floor in places. The dramatic worldwide loss of kelp forests means fewer safe birthing grounds for many species of fish. But marine eco-farmers Urchinomics are working to turn around…
The notion of metal-organic frameworks conjures up visions of cybernetic organisms self-described as “living tissue over a metal endoskeleton” from a certain well known science fiction franchise. But there’s nothing fictitious about this astounding field of materials science. For Professor Ed Lester from the University of Nottingham, the carbon transition has delivered renewed interest in…
The concept of sequestering carbon dioxide underground is not a new one but it may play a much bigger role in the future. According to the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), carbon capture will almost certainly be needed as part of a swathe of strategies aimed at reducing environmental CO2 and hence limiting…
The Renaissance period of the 15th and 16th Centuries saw great social upheaval and a proliferation of art, literature, science and culture across Europe. It was also a time when the foundational principles for banking and finance were first articulated within business and trade. Now the EU is having a renaissance moment as deeptech and…
Seattle plays host to the Bloomberg Green Festival this week. The festival invites activists and innovators to collaborate on climate solutions with a focus on sustainability, design, culture, food, tech, data, science, policy and entertainment. The festival offers solutions-driven experiences alongside expert commentary as well as a series of public-facing and engaging events across the…
Chemical engineers agree that methane is one of the most potent greenhouse gases. Atmospheric methane is estimated to have over 80 times the impact of CO2 over a 20 year period, despite a lower longevity in the atmosphere. From the biogenic methane of farm animals and plant waste through to losses from landfill decay, humans…
Conflicts, climate change, constrained investment and the requirement to reduce agricultural emissions are all factors impacting our global food production system at present. Novel approaches will be needed in the future if we are to feed an estimated population of 10 Billion by 2050. Foodtech and agritech are likely to play an increasing role in…
