A new soap molecule has been invented that is both made from renewable sources and cleans better than conventional soaps. Researchers at the University of Minnesota used products such as soybeans, coconut, and corn to create the soap, an alternative to comparable products made from fossil fuels and other harmful chemicals. One professor from the University of Minnesota explains the breakthrough and how it may have a lasting impact on the billion dollar cleaning industry. The process includes combining fatty acids of soybeans or coconut with sugar- derived rings to form a molecule shortened to OFS. It works with cold water, unlike regular soaps as well water in hard conditions. In addition to this, studies have been conducted and the new biodegradable soap can be used in current dish washers, washing machines and dishes.
This invention shows hope in the future of eco-friendly and biodegradable products. Soap has a rippling effect in the oceans' ecosystem one it has entered water systems but this new soap shines light on the issue. Products like these will change way products are made in the near future. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/10/161026091856.htm
0 Comments
Amazon fishery management provides rare 'win-win' chance for conservation and poverty alleviation10/20/2016 A study was conducted to determine the best management solutions for the depletion of fish stocks in the Amazon River. The goal was to analyze the recovery of the Arapaima gigs, the world's largest scaled freshwater wish. Data compiled for eight years was used to measure how population sizes varied between managed, protected oxbow lakes and open- access lakes. The study showed a substantial rebound in fish populations under community- based management. This was a "win- win" because it showed a conservation solution as well as being a sustainable development opportunity for the socioeconomic standing in the Amazonian countries. Community- based management stimulates influences health, economic income and local involvement. Professor Carlos Perez from the University of East Anglia explains how even in the world's most underfunded protected areas, local security can be a powerful instrument in biodiversity conservation both in forest and freshwater ecosystems. This "win- win" event is important because it shows that even one oh the poorest areas in the world can reverse an overfished area of water to one that provides increased health, stimulates economy, and of course brings back the once abundant fish population. The errors made by man are able to be reversed through new techniques and approaches in conservation efforts. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/10/161020092257.htm Bees are the number one pollinator, responsible for the growth of crops like almonds and strawberries, as well as the hay to feed cows. 71 of every 100 crops are pollinated by bees and provide 90% of most of the world's food. Bees are dying by the millions because of global warming, habitat loss, parasites, and an insecticide called "Neonics". This chemical is 6,000 times more toxic to bees that DDT and for one farmer, killed 37 million of his bees. Most would think that everyone is against this chemical because of its deadliness towards the world's pollinators, but instead, agrochemical companies are fighting against bans. A few governments are not with these companies, banning the chemical and raising awareness. The US Fish and Wildlife Service has committed to take action against it and businesses like Home Depot limit plants they sell treated with the chemical, and label plants that have been treated. The EPA needs to join forces against the agrochemical companies and stop the killing of these bees. Without the world's largest pollinators, crops will not be available to feed our society. Rutgers geography professor, David A. Robinson voices that as sea levels rise in connection to a warming climate, storms more destructive and deadly than Sandy are likely to happen. For every 1 degree rise in Fahrenheit, the atmosphere will hold 4% more moisture. This rise will lead to warmer sea surface temperatures. Even with the threat of coastal storms, it is still desirable to build beach front homes, adding to the devastation after a storm. These upcoming storms may not be as powerful as Sandy but will cause more extensive floods and reach farther inland. Anthony J. Broccoli, a meteorologist and professor at Rutgers also explains that warmer inland climates can allow the storms to maintain its force further in, unlike past storms. They will continue to do so as global temperatures increase.
This topic is crucial to the environment because as our world continues to allow the oceans to rise and atmospheric temperatures grow hooter, stronger and more durable coastal storms will occur. There is no way that a hurricane can be stopped and they will devastate entire areas and towns. If temperatures lower, it is more likely that they will cause less damage. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. Archives
April 2017
Categories |