The Caribbean region is considered a coral disease hotspot, with over 20 documented diseases and syndromes affecting over 20 species of corals. One motile marine pathogen family, Vibrionaceae, which is responsible for 50% of coral diseases, is strongly thermodependent, thus warming sea-surface temperatures, driven by pollution and global climate change,...

Background Hydrogen (H2) offers a promising solution in the global energy transition toward net-zero-carbon, particularly for decarbonizing challenging sectors like long-distance transportation, heavy industries, and renewable energy storage. However, most hydrogen is now produced by large-scale natural gas reforming without carbon capture and storage. Water...

Background The field of carbon dioxide (CO2) capture is rapidly growing due to an increasing need to effectively remove CO2 from the atmosphere. New technologies are currently being developed to target CO2 in various types of sources. One particular method of CO2 capture that has gained traction in recent years is membrane-based separation, which is...

Background Food and water shortages are leading to the development of new technologies aimed at sourcing these resources from the air. Atmospheric water harvesting is an emerging field where atmospheric moisture, such as fog and clouds, is collected to obtain liquid water from the atmosphere (in addition to traditional rainwater harvesting). Recent...

As coastal or nearshore environments experience rising sea levels, warming and acidification in addition to pollution from upland watersheds, coastal cities, and industrial development, ecosystems are significantly impacted. While this is happening on a global scale, monitoring as well as solutions and mitigations need to be enacted at the local level....

Plants, algae and certain bacteria utilize photosynthesis to convert sunlight, water, and CO2 into oxygen and energy, which is the material basis for most biological activities on earth. However, their photosynthetic efficiency is low compared to theoretical values. Therefore, boosting this photosynthetic efficiency even a little above normal can translate...

Background Excess sulfur poses challenges in storage and management, contaminating soil and water, disrupting ecosystems, and hindering plant growth. Burning sulfur releases sulfur dioxide, a major air pollutant contributing to acid rain and respiratory issues. Therefore, managing excess sulfur involves finding sustainable uses to reduce its environmental...

Background Cement plays a vital role in the stabilization and enhancement of civil infrastructure performance, including foundations, pavement layers, bridges, pipelines, and dams. Its curing process, driven by water through cement hydration, is essential for developing concrete's strength and durability. However, in cold climates, the inherent...

Background Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastics are some of the most widely used, yet one of the largest plastic polluters globally. PET polymer is the primary component of disposable water bottles, and is a main component in the textile manufacturing industry. These products typically end up in waste dumps and landfills, and are seldom recycled. There...

Background In the wake of the climate crisis, the necessity of removing carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere is of utmost importance. Current methods for removing CO2 from the atmosphere include Direct Air Capture (DAC) which uses a chemical filter that selectively binds to CO2 molecules. Once captured, the concentrated CO2 stream is then stored...