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…
With electric and hydrogen powered vehicles not yet making a substantial impact in logistics and travel, airlines, ship owners and road freight companies have lately been pulling back from commitments to net zero emissions. The big energy companies are also rethinking their sustainable fuels strategies. But with the cost of installing solar energy dropping and…
For over 250 years, a trade route has existed spanning Europe, The Middle East, South Asia and Australasia. Explorers, navigators, scientists and entrepreneurs first set out in earnest from Europe in the latter part of the 18th Century, informed only by sketchy maps drawn up by their predecessors over one hundred years beforehand. Now as…
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…
With more than half the world population living with water scarcity and many water sources impacted by industry, agriculture and civic waste, the regeneration of water supplies has become an increasingly urgent need globally. So as part of the drive towards meeting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, Uplink presents the Tackling Water Pollution Challenge….
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…
