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Plant-Based Casein for “Real” Vegan Cheese

Posted on by dishanth
Plant-Based Casein for “Real” Vegan Cheese

Climax Foods is a California, USA-based company founded in 2019 to create plant-based foods that are indistinguishable from their animal-based counterparts. The company uses artificial intelligence to identify and isolate plant-based proteins that can be used to make new vegan food products. Their first, a plant-based casein, is made from a proprietary blend of plant proteins that are fermented to create a product that has the same structure, function, and taste as dairy casein.

Casein accounts for roughly 80% of the protein in milk, cheese, and yogurt and is sold as a protein dietary supplement used by athletes to promote exercise recovery and increase strength. Casein is also commonly found in baby formulas.

Climax Foods’ plant-based casein is free of hormones, antibiotics, or top food allergens. Their process allows them to produce this protein sustainably, at scale and a similar price to dairy casein. With industrial animal agriculture contributing to global warming and depleting the Earth’s resources, this scientific breakthrough represents a significant win for the planet and a milestone for adoption of dairy alternatives.

“As foodies and scientists, we have a profound appreciation for the complex flavors and textures of dairy products, but also recognize their vast inefficiencies—such as requiring 700 gallons of water to make one pound of cheese,” Climax CEO and Founder Oliver Zahn said in a statement “Our production process uses 500 times less water at our current pilot scale.”

Food experts have praised the company’s plant-based casein; in 2022, the company’s plant-based casein was awarded the “Most Innovative Ingredient” award at the Food Expo West trade show. The company has also partnered with the French dairy giant Bel Group to develop vegan versions of some of its most popular cheeses, such as the Laughing Cow and Boursin. These are expected to reach the consumer market by the end of 2024.

 

 

A Big Market

The global vegan cheese market is expected to grow at a rate of 10.6% from 2021 to 2028. The growth of the vegan cheese market is being driven by a number of factors, including increasing awareness of the environmental impact of dairy production, growing health concerns about dairy products, and the increasing popularity of plant-based diets.

But Climax Foods is just one of a few companies in the vegan cheese game. New Culture is a San Francisco-based company that was founded in 2018 with the mission to create sustainable, animal-free dairy products using precision fermentation. Precision fermentation is a process that uses microbes to produce proteins and other substances. New Culture says that its plant-based casein is “identical” to dairy casein in terms of its structure, function, and taste.

But Climax Foods is just one of a few companies in the vegan cheese game. New Culture is a San Francisco-based company that was founded in 2018 with the mission to create sustainable, animal-free dairy products using precision fermentation. Precision fermentation is a process that uses microbes to produce proteins and other substances. New Culture says that its plant-based casein is “identical” to dairy casein in terms of its structure, function, and taste.

New Culture’s plant-based casein is made using a proprietary strain of yeast that has been genetically engineered to produce casein. The yeast is grown in a fermentation tank, and the casein is then extracted and purified. The company says that its plant-based casein is lactose-free, gluten-free, and vegan.

New Culture’s plant-based casein is still in the early stages of development, but the company has plans to launch its first products in 2023. New Culture is currently in the process of scaling up its production capacity. The company has also been working on developing new products that use its precision fermentation technology.

Once New Culture vegan cheese is available for purchase, it is likely to be available through a variety of channels, including online retailers and specialty food stores. The company has also said that it is in talks with some major food manufacturers about using its precision fermentation technology in their products.

Here are some of the benefits of using plant-based casein to make vegan cheese:

It is vegan and cruelty-free. Plant-based casein is made from plants, so it is vegan and cruelty-free. This makes it a good option for people who are looking for vegan alternatives to dairy cheese.
It has a similar texture and flavor to dairy cheese. Plant-based casein has a similar texture and flavor to dairy cheese. This means that vegan cheeses made with plant-based casein can be indistinguishable from dairy cheeses.
It is lactose-free and gluten-free. Plant-based casein is lactose-free and gluten-free. This makes it a good option for people who are lactose intolerant or have celiac disease.
The development of plant-based casein is a major breakthrough for the vegan food industry. It means that cheese makers can now create vegan cheeses that are indistinguishable from dairy cheeses. This will undoubtedly make vegan cheese more mainstream and appeal to a wider range of consumers.

 

 

 

 

Source   Happy Eco News

Sustainable Mushroom Coffins – Human Compost

Posted on by dishanth
Sustainable Mushroom Coffins – Human Compost

Sustainable Mushroom Coffins

Mushroom coffins are made from mycelium, the vegetative part of fungi. The mycelium is grown around a mold of the desired shape and then dried, forming a sturdy, biodegradable material that can be used as an alternative to traditional coffins. These coffins are available in various shapes and sizes and can even be customized to suit individual preferences.

The coffin is designed to decompose quickly and enrich the soil. When buried, the mycelium in the coffin will break down organic matter, including human remains, into nutrients and minerals that nourish plants. It can also improve soil quality by breaking down toxic chemicals and pollutants in the soil, making it healthier for future growth.

 

Benefits Compared to Traditional Coffins

Reduced Carbon Emissions: Traditional coffins made of wood and metal are known to produce large amounts of carbon emissions during production and transportation. On the other hand, sustainable mushroom coffins are made of natural materials and require less energy to manufacture, resulting in lower carbon emissions.

Cost-effectiveness: Sustainable mushroom coffins are also more cost-effective than traditional coffins. While traditional coffins can be expensive due to the use of expensive materials and the cost of labour, mushroom coffins are much cheaper to produce, making them more affordable for families looking for sustainable alternatives.

Sustainable Use of Natural Resources: Sustainable mushroom coffins are also better for the environment because they utilize renewable natural resources and do not require harmful chemicals or pesticides to grow. Additionally, they help reduce the waste generated from traditional burial practices.

 

Composting Human Remains

Human compost is converting human remains, such as bones and tissue, into nutrient-rich soil using the same principles of composting used to fertilize gardens. It involves placing the body in a container filled with organic material like wood chips, straw, or sawdust. Oxygen and moisture encourage decomposition, resulting in nutrient-rich soil that nourishes plants.

Human compost is a more sustainable option than traditional burial and cremation practices. Traditional burial practices involve embalming fluids containing harmful chemicals that can seep into the soil and water supply. Conversely, cremation requires large amounts of energy to burn the body, which contributes to carbon emissions.

Human compost produces significantly less carbon emissions than traditional burial and cremation practices. Unlike cremation, human composting does not require high levels of energy use. Instead, the decomposition process occurs naturally, requiring only minimal energy input.

Human compost produces nutrient-rich soil that can be used to grow plants, trees, and other vegetation. This helps to replenish the soil and promote healthy plant growth.

The use of compost from human remains also helps prevent soil erosion. This is because compost has properties that help to retain moisture and reduce runoff, which can help prevent soil erosion.

If you are interested in using sustainable death practices like sustainable mushroom coffins and human compost, it is important to research and find a provider that offers these options in your jurisdiction. Discussing these options with your loved ones is also important so that your wishes can be honoured when the time comes.

While death is a reality for all of us, we can still make choices that positively impact the environment even after we are gone. By choosing sustainable death practices, we can make a more meaningful contribution to the planet, leaving behind a legacy of environmental consciousness and stewardship.

 

 

 

 

Source   Happy Eco News

Solar-Powered Honey: How Agrivoltaics Can Help Restore Pollinators

Posted on by dishanth
Solar-Powered Honey: How Agrivoltaics Can Help Restore Pollinators

The plight of pollinators.

Climate change and human development have greatly impacted large varieties of plants and animals. From big to small, no species has been entirely safe from the consequences of our actions.

Pollinators, in particular, have seen a large decline over the past twenty years. As habitat loss has accelerated, climate change has affected historical ranges, and pesticides have become more common.

While most pollinators are quite small, they greatly impact all of us as they help disperse pollen, allowing plants to reproduce.

As land use has contributed to habitat loss for these pollinators, there has been considerable opposition to introducing solar panels and arrays to areas with considerable numbers of these small creatures.

This brings agriculture proponents into an uneasy alliance with ecological activists, as agriculture proponents also don’t want their profits to decline as land is used for a different purpose.

However, a solution to both of these issues can be found in agrivoltaics, which is a promising alternative to single-use solar arrays.

Minnesota is showing an alternative.

Pollinators living alongside solar systems have found significant promise in Minnesota, USA. A 2016 law set up the Habitat Friendly Solar program, which incentives property developers and solar companies to build arrays with benefits for songbirds and pollinators.

This is in stark contrast to solar development in the 2000s. As a result of the high price at the time of solar panels, solar companies sought to cut costs anywhere they could. As a result, in their solar installations, they put in gravel instead of flowers or field grass due to the price being lower.

However, due to new research, solar developers have found that vegetation creates a cooling microclimate that benefits energy efficiency. They have since been putting in clover and other field grasses under and alongside their panels, but even now, they are putting in higher-rising flowers.

Connexus is a solar cooperative that has been operating in Minnesota, and have said that “It started with our headquarters solar array — initially designed to utilize class 5 gravel under and around the panels, we worked with Connexus member Prairie Restorations to design a low-growing, flowering meadow under and around the panels.”

These changes also have other ecological benefits, as some environmental advocates are promoting the planting of the native northern tallgrass prairie, which has declined to represent 1% of the land in the US since European settlement.

This could change the solar industry as a whole.

These changes to how solar arrays are installed represent a significant alliance between solar developers, natural conservation groups, and agriculture advocates.

These changes are a branch of agrivoltaics that advocates combining solar arrays and agriculture. These developments show that agriculture, pollinator habitat restoration, and solar energy are not mutually exclusive.

It is possible to have the best of these worlds combined, and it is, in fact, beneficial to all parties involved. The solar panels provide shade for specific species of plants and animals that are better suited to being out of the sun for part of the time, and the plants enhance solar panel efficiency.

In the transition to solar energy, it’s incredibly important that the development isn’t harmful to existing food production and ecology goals.

 

 

 

 

Source  Happy Eco News

10 Low Maintenance Houseplants for Air Purification

Posted on by dishanth
10 Low Maintenance Houseplants for Air Purification

The Top Low Maintenance Houseplants for Air Purification

  1. Snake Plant
  2. Aloe Vera
  3. English Ivy
  4. Spider Plant
  5. Peace Lily
  6. Boston Fern
  7. Rubber Plant
  8. Golden Pothos
  9. Bamboo Palm
  10. Chinese Evergreen

Snake Plant

The snake plant, also known as mother-in-law’s tongue, is one of the most popular low maintenance houseplants for air purification. This plant is great for beginners as it can survive in almost any lighting condition and doesn’t require frequent watering. It also removes toxins such as benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene from the air.

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is not only a great houseplant for air purification, but it also has several other health benefits. This low maintenance plant can survive in low light conditions and doesn’t require frequent watering. Aloe vera is known to remove formaldehyde from the air and can be used to treat minor burns and skin irritations.

English Ivy

English ivy is another low maintenance houseplant that can purify the air in your home. It can survive in low light conditions and doesn’t require frequent watering. English ivy is known to remove toxins such as benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene from the air.

Spider Plant

The spider plant is a great choice for those looking for low maintenance houseplants for air purification. This plant can remove formaldehyde and xylene from the air and survive in low light conditions. It doesn’t require frequent watering and is safe for pets.

Peace Lily

The peace lily is a beautiful low maintenance houseplant that can also purify the air in your home. It can survive in low light conditions and doesn’t require frequent watering. The peace lily is known to remove toxins such as benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene from the air.

Boston Fern

The Boston fern is a popular choice for those looking for low maintenance houseplants for air purification. This plant can survive in low light conditions and doesn’t require frequent watering. The Boston fern is known to remove toxins such as formaldehyde and xylene from the air.

Rubber Plant

The rubber plant is a low maintenance houseplant that can purify the air in your home. It can survive in low light conditions and doesn’t require frequent watering. The rubber plant is known to remove toxins such as formaldehyde from the air.

Golden Pothos

The golden pothos is a low maintenance houseplant that can also purify the air in your home. This plant can survive in low light conditions and doesn’t require frequent watering. The golden pothos is known to remove toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide from the air.

Bamboo Palm

The bamboo palm is a low maintenance houseplant that can remove toxins such as benzene and formaldehyde from the air. This plant can survive in low light conditions and doesn’t require frequent watering. The bamboo palm is also pet-friendly, making it a great choice for those with furry friends at home.

Chinese Evergreen

The Chinese evergreen is a low maintenance houseplant that can purify the air in your home. It can survive in low light conditions and doesn’t require frequent watering. The Chinese evergreen is known to remove toxins such as benzene and formaldehyde from the air, making it a great choice for those looking for a low maintenance plant that can improve air quality.

How to Care for Low Maintenance Houseplants

Low maintenance houseplants are great for those who don’t have much time to devote to caring for plants. Here are some tips on how to care for them:

  • Water: Most low maintenance houseplants for air purification don’t require frequent watering. Overwatering can harm your plant, so letting the soil dry out between watering sessions is important. You can check if your plant needs water by sticking your finger in the soil. If it’s dry, it’s time to water your plant.
  • Light: Most low maintenance houseplants can survive in low to medium light conditions. However, it’s important to make sure your plant is getting enough light to thrive. If your plant starts to look droopy or its leaves start to turn yellow, it may be a sign that it’s not getting enough light.
  • Soil: Use well-draining soil for your low maintenance houseplants. This will help prevent overwatering and root rot.
  • Fertilizer: Low maintenance houseplants don’t require frequent fertilizing. You can fertilize your plant once every few months with a general-purpose houseplant fertilizer.

FAQs

Can low maintenance houseplants really purify the air?

  1. Yes, certain houseplants are known for their ability to purify the air and remove toxins.

How often should I water my low maintenance houseplants?

  1. Most low maintenance houseplants don’t require frequent watering. It’s important to let the soil dry out between watering sessions.

Are low maintenance houseplants safe for pets?

  1. Most of the low maintenance houseplants listed in this article are safe for pets. However, it’s always a good idea to check if a plant is pet-friendly before bringing it into your home.

Can low maintenance houseplants survive in low light conditions?

  1. Yes, most low maintenance houseplants can survive in low to medium light conditions.

Do low maintenance houseplants require frequent fertilizing?

  1. No, low maintenance houseplants don’t require frequent fertilizing. You can fertilize your plant once every few months with a general-purpose houseplant fertilizer.

 

 

 

 

Source  Happy Eco News

 

4D-Printed Seeds That Can Study the Soil

Posted on by dishanth
4D-Printed Seeds That Can Study the Soil

Soil plays an important role in keeping our planet healthy. Soil filters our water, provides plants with nutrients, and provides a home for billions of organisms. Moreover, the soil is an important ingredient for growing food, and it protects us against flooding and combats drought. Because soil is made in part of broken down plant matter, they contain a lot of carbon that the plants took in from the atmosphere. The capacity of carbon that soil can hold depends on climate, temperature, rainfall, soil type and depth.

Soil is under threat due to rising temperatures and biodiversity loss due to climate change. Half of the topsoil in the world has been lost in the last 150 years due to erosion. These impacts include compaction, loss of soil structure, nutrient degradation and soil salinity. Soil nutrient loss is recognized as among the most critical problems at a global level for food security and sustainability.

Because many of the effects of climate change on soil happen underground, it can be difficult to study the impacts. Scientists from the Bioinspired Soft Robotics Lab in Genoa, Italy, have developed a solution to this problem. They have designed the first 4D-printed seed-inspired soft robot. The robotic seed mimics the movement and performance of a natural seed. The seed is said to help act as a sensor for monitoring pollutants, CO2 levels, temperature and humidity in the soil.

The structure of the South African geranium inspires the artificial seed. The seeds can change shape in response to how humid their environment is. The seed can autonomously move around a terrain surface and penetrate the soil. Here, the seed can explore the soil and penetrate inside fractures, extracting energy from the environmental humidity changes. The seeds can find a home for themselves by expanding and shrinking due to changes in the water content of the air.

The seed was created using 4D printed structures as they can create dynamic morphological changes under environmental stimuli. Additionally, these structures can be programmed to reshape and perform work for any type of scenario. The seed is also strong enough to lift about 100 times its own weight. The seeds are made out of biodegradable polymers, which are activated using oxygen plasma to increase water-attracting abilities. The scientists chose these materials because they absorb and expand when exposed to humidity.

This invention could be a battery-free wireless tool for environmental topsoil monitoring. It could be a low-cost system to collect soil data across remote areas without monitoring data. It is also a relatively non-invasive way to study and monitor the soil. And the role of biodegradable materials and eco-friendly processing is fundamental for sustainable and green robotics to avoid the dispersal of new waste in natural environments. This study could be an inspiration for other researchers looking to study hard-to-reach areas that are at risk due to climate change.

 

 

 

 

Source Eco Hero News

Could this colourful plant-based film replace the need for air conditioning?

Posted on by dishanth
Could this colourful plant-based film replace the need for air conditioning?

Scientists at Cambridge University in the UK are working on an eco-friendly alternative. Their invention consists of a plant-based film that stays cool when exposed to sunlight.

The material could someday be used to keep buildings and cars cool without the need for external power. Coming in a range of textures and bright iridescent colours, it’s aesthetically pleasing too.

How does the eco-friendly cooling film work?

For a material to stay cooler than the air around it during the daytime, there are two critical requirements. It must have high solar reflectance to reflect the warmth of the sun and not heat the air around it. It must also have a high emissivity in infrared bands to emit heat into outer space efficiently.

Only a few materials have these properties and scientists are already developing them into paints and films capable of what is known as ‘passive daytime radiative cooling’ (PDRC).

When applied to the surface of a car or building, it means that these materials create a cooling effect without consuming electricity or creating pollution.

How can PDRC materials be made more attractive?

Since they need to be solar reflective, PDRC materials are usually white or silver.

Adding colour would decrease their cooling performance. This is because coloured pigments selectively absorb specific wavelengths of light, only reflecting the colours we see. This extra light absorption creates a warming effect.

“These limited colours hinder the applications where visual appearance is a key consideration, such as for architecture, cars and clothes,” says project member, Dr Qingchen Shen.

To increase the desirability of these materials, colour is an important factor.

Along with the project’s lead investigator, Dr Silvia Vignolini, Dr Shen set out to research ways of achieving colour without the use of pigments.

They looked to structural colouration as a solution. This is where shapes and patterns reflect specific colours of light without the presence of pigmentation, as seen on soap bubbles and oil slicks.

Seeking a natural source of this phenomenon, the research team used cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) – derived from the cellulose found in plants – to create iridescent, colourful films without any added pigment.

“We specifically use cellulose-based materials for our films because cellulose is the most abundant polymer in nature,” says Dr Shen.

It is also one of the few natural materials capable of promoting PDRC.

After experimenting with basic colours, the researchers are now working on glittery CNC-ethyl cellulose films. They are also developing different textures that could blend in with various wood finishes.

How effective is the colourful cooling film?

The researchers created layered cellulose films in vibrant blue, green and red colours and put them to the test.

When placed under sunlight, they were an average of nearly 4°C cooler than the surrounding air.

One square metre of the film generated over 120 watts of cooling power, rivalling many types of residential air conditioners.

As a general guideline, bedrooms require around 80 watts per square metre and living spaces 125 watts of air conditioning capacity.

The researchers hope to find new ways to leverage CNC-ethyl cellulose films. These include adding sensors to detect environmental pollutants or weather changes.

Ultimately, they hope the film coating could serve several purposes at once. It could be used to both cool buildings and to alert to changing levels of pollutants in congested areas, for example.

 

 

 

 

Source Euronews Green