Carbon capture sorbent charges like a battery
A new type of material can absorb carbon dioxide from the air using a charged sorbent. This relies on battery-like charging to accumulate ions in the pores of low-cost charcoal.
Carbon capture and storage: Opportunities and challenges ahead
The UN Panel on Climate Change has said technologies for the capture and storage of CO2 will be a crucial player in keeping climate change tolerable. But how much can CCS really contribute – and at what cost? Anthony King reports
Exploration vs exploitation
Deep-sea mining promises to provide vast resources needed for electronic devices and electrified vehicles. On the other hand, it also threatens to destroy unique ecosystems that science hasn’t yet had chance to explore. Similar dilemmas are abundant in the oceans and becoming more acute as technology advances.
Automating evolution
The author of this book, Ted Anton, is an emeritus professor of English at DePaul University in Chicago, US, who has written articles and monographs on a range of scientific topics with a focus on the engaging applications of agriculture, biology and medicine.
Bacteria could reduce N2O emissions from soil
Researchers have added nitrogen-hungry bacteria to farm soils, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Patent matters: generic Rivaroxaban green-lit
The Court of Appeal has confirmed the Patent Court’s ruling that a Bayer patent relating to the dosage of its anticoagulant medicine rivaroxaban is invalid.
Zinc's nitrogen fixing function uncovered
A genetic “off switch” that stops legume plants converting atmospheric nitrogen into nutrients has been identified and controlled for the first time by a team of international scientists, who have found that zinc plays a crucial role in the fixation process.
Bio-inspired membranes: the future of filtration
Membranes are great for performing separations. But they’re also messy and require cleaning. It’s foul work, but Nature appears to be remarkably good at it. XiaoZhi Lim reports
Trash to treasure: innovative uses for food waste
Throwing viable, edible food away is a moral and ethical problem that needs urgent attention. Now researchers are turning this food ‘waste’ into valuable food additives, bioplastics – and even energy. Lou Reade reports