Articles tagged with "industrial-processes"
China's next scientific milestone could hail from Tibetan animal poop
Chinese researchers have uncovered a vast array of previously unknown microbial species in the feces of native herbivores such as yaks, Tibetan sheep, and antelope on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. This discovery, part of a five-year project under the Second Tibetan Plateau Scientific Expedition and Research Program, revealed that 88% of the microbes identified were new to science. Many of these microbes produce enzymes capable of breaking down cellulose, a key component in paper, cardboard, and textiles, potentially enabling faster and cleaner industrial processes. Additionally, these microbes may help identify biological pathways to reduce methane emissions from livestock, addressing environmental concerns. The genomic data collected offers promising avenues for biotechnology, including the development of new gene-editing tools, antimicrobial peptides, and stable, precise enzymes. Researchers plan to explore whether these novel enzymes can improve gene-editing platforms and screen for small-molecule drug candidates that could influence biological pathways for therapeutic use. The findings underscore the strategic importance of discovering and patenting such biological resources,
materialsbiotechnologygene-editingenzymesmethane-reductionmicrobial-diversityindustrial-processesFlash Ironmaking Hits Combustion Wall Amid Steel’s Decarbonization Shift - CleanTechnica
The article examines the prospects and challenges of flash ironmaking as a pathway for steel decarbonization amid shifting global steel demand, particularly due to China’s declining infrastructure growth. Flash ironmaking, developed from early 2000s research led by Professor Hong Yong Sohn, aims to revolutionize iron production by directly reducing fine iron ore particles rapidly, bypassing energy-intensive steps like cokemaking and pelletizing. This technology has demonstrated potential for significant energy savings—up to 60%—and carbon dioxide emissions reductions exceeding 50% compared to conventional blast furnaces, making it an attractive alternative for reducing steel’s environmental footprint. However, despite these promising attributes, the article highlights intrinsic limitations tied to flash ironmaking’s dependence on combustion to achieve the ultra-high temperatures required for rapid reduction reactions. The process typically relies on burning natural gas, biomethane, or hydrogen with pure oxygen, which inherently produces emissions and constrains the extent of decarbonization achievable. While flash ironmaking reduces emissions intensity
energysteel-decarbonizationflash-ironmakingindustrial-processesemissions-reductionsustainable-manufacturingclean-energy-technologiesNuclear reactors, semiconductors to get smarter with next-gen US plasma tech
energyplasma-technologynuclear-reactorssemiconductor-manufacturingcomputational-physicsindustrial-processessimulation-toolsAVEVA PI System Giúp doanh nghiệp tăng khả năng cạnh tranh nhờ làm chủ dữ liệu
energyIoTdata-analyticsreal-time-monitoringautomationsustainabilityindustrial-processesPhase-Shifting Hot Bricks Pack More Energy Storage Punch Into Smaller Spaces
energyenergy-storagethermal-energyrenewable-energysolar-energywind-energyindustrial-processes