Daily Digest for

Researchers from Xiamen University and Jimei University have developed a system to convert food waste digestate into high-value agricultural antibiotic streptothricin F through biological fermentation and simulated moving bed separation. The system achieves 82.50% COD conversion rate with low environmental impact, presenting a novel strategy for food waste utilization.

The article discusses advances in bioinspired and biomimetic nucleobase-containing polymers that can form various sustainable materials including bioplastics and hydrogels. The research presents guidelines for fabricating novel bioinspired polymers through rational design of multiple H-bonds nucleobase interactions, with applications in creating environmentally-friendly materials.

A study investigates how firms adapt their sourcing of clean and dirty inputs in response to EU’s Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) and Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). The research finds that firms increased dirty imports from non-EU countries in the 2010s, while simulations show that carbon taxes and tariffs can reduce emissions but lead to higher prices and decreased household welfare.

Researchers have developed a novel carbon nanotube-modified 3D hollow carbon sphere (N-HCS@NiFe) that serves as an efficient electrocatalyst for energy conversion applications. The material demonstrates excellent performance in oxygen evolution reaction (OER), urea oxidization reaction (UOR), and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) with strong stability at high current density.

House committee passed bills for critical minerals consolidation and accelerated geothermal energy production.

UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed briefs Member States on the Secretary-General’s Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals report, which highlights the need for equitable clean energy transition. The report outlines seven guiding principles and five actionable recommendations to ensure justice and equity in critical mineral value chains, with demand for minerals expected to triple by 2030.

UNCTAD’s Least Developed Countries Report 2024 reveals that the group of 45 least developed countries could enhance climate action through carbon market projects by improving emission offset rates and attracting more investment. The report highlights that while LDCs currently utilize only 2% of their land-based mitigation potential, stronger domestic frameworks and international partnerships could help unlock significant climate potential.

ETH Zurich engineers have developed RoBoa, a snake-like robot that can grow in length and navigate through narrow spaces for inspection and rescue operations. The robot, created in the Autonomous Systems Lab, features a soft pneumatic design making it safe for hazardous environments and is equipped with communication capabilities for emergency response.