EurekAlert! News by Subject: Tech & Engineering - News by Subject: Tech & Engineering

Tech & Engineering

Updates every hour. Last Updated: 6-Apr-2026 02:15 ET (6-Apr-2026 06:15 GMT/UTC)

Native halophytes turn toxic red mud into nascent soil through root-driven mineral weathering

Maximum Academic Press
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A research team reveals that native halophytic plants—species adapted to saline and alkaline environments—can biologically initiate the transformation of toxic bauxite residue (BR), also known as red mud, into early-stage soil.

Nutritional supplements boost baby coral survival

University of Technology Sydney
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Feeding coral larvae a coral “baby food” can dramatically increase their chances of survival, a new study finds.

Journal: Communications Biology
Funder: This research was carried out with the support of Pure Ocean (Awarded to JLM, DJS) and a University of Technology Sydney Chancellors Fellowship (awarded to JLM).

Sustainable use of woody biochar boosts soil carbon and crop yields in pepper fields

Biochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Applying woody biochar to farmland could help farmers grow healthier crops while locking more carbon into the soil, according to a new study published in Biochar. Researchers from Suncheon National University found that carefully managed applications of biochar significantly improved soil quality, crop yield, and carbon balance in red pepper fields over two growing seasons.

Journal: Biochar

From sewage to super soil: Dual breakthrough in phosphorus recycling unveiled by Chinese research teams

Biochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Published on September 17, 2025, in the open-access journal Carbon Research, this innovative study reveals how modified hydrochar, a carbon-rich material made from treated sewage sludge, can be fine-tuned to deliver phosphorus (P) to crops in a smarter, more sustainable way. And the secret lies in a simple choice: calcium or magnesium.

Journal: Carbon Research

Lack of childcare access limits Michigan’s labor force

Michigan State University

A lack of childcare access in Michigan has been found to dramatically inhibit labor participation, especially for women, single parents and young families. Researchers found that when families live further from a licensed childcare provider in Michigan, they are significantly less likely to participate in the workforce.

Journal: Social Sciences

New ketone-based phase change absorbents for efficient CO₂ capture and low-energy regeneration

Higher Education Press

Discover a game-changing approach to carbon capture! Researchers have developed a new solid–liquid phase change absorbent system that efficiently captures CO₂ from air and industrial emissions, with low-energy regeneration. Learn how this innovative technology could revolutionize efforts to combat climate change and achieve carbon neutrality.

Journal: Engineering

New ‘molecular dam’ stops energy leaks in nanocrystals

University of Colorado at Boulder
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A molecular engineering breakthrough could make key light-driven reactions over 40 times more efficient.

Journal: Chem