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A 3D bra and intimates printed just for you –– and they decompose after use!

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This bra is edible
This bra decomposes, but is it edible?

What happens when high-tech materials meet heartfelt design? Colombian designer Neyla Coronel has an answer—and it comes in the form of a bra. Made using Balena.Filaflex, a flexible, bio-based and fully compostable filament co-developed by Balena and Recreus, Neyla’s creation is challenging everything we thought we knew about intimate apparel, sustainability, and the power of design to liberate the body.

At Green Prophet, we’ve followed how Balena is reshaping the fashion industry—literally. The brand has already made headlines for its partnership with Stella McCartney, producing fashion-forward, circular solutions that don’t compromise on ethics or style. Their fully compostable slip-on shoes turned heads in Paris and New York, proving that sustainable fashion doesn’t have to look like a compromise.

At Balena, they believe materials shape the future of design. And sometimes, the most powerful proof of what a material can do comes from the creativity of those who use it. That’s exactly what they found in their recent collaboration with multidisciplinary designer Neyla Coronel, who explored the flexibility, adaptability, and comfort of Balena Filaflex, their bio-based, compostable 3D printing filament co-developed with Recreus—through one of the most personal and technically complex garments: the bra.
A 3D printed bra

But Neyla’s latest work adds something deeper: the personal. It’s a a bra designed by—and for—the body

Raised in a culture of rigid beauty standards, Neyla says her design process began with a reckoning. “I realized my body was never the problem,” she shares. “It was the fashion industry’s limited offerings.”

Working with 3D scanning, parametric modeling, and computational geometry, Neyla flipped the traditional fashion script. Instead of forcing bodies to conform to garments, she made garments that move, grow, and shift with the human form. At the heart of her design is an auxetic structure—an architectural pattern that flexes in sync with the body. “It’s not just about aesthetics,” she explains. “It’s about function, inclusivity, and emotional comfort.”

This Bra is Biodegradable: How One Designer is Using Compostable 3D Printing to Reshape Intimate Wear

To bring her vision to life, Neyla needed a material that could stretch, adapt, and biodegrade—without sacrificing comfort. Early prototypes in PLA and TPU lacked the elasticity and sustainability she craved. Then came Balena.Filaflex.

“Working with Balena.Filaflex was a breakthrough,” Neyla says. “It’s soft, it’s strong, and it supports movement close to the skin. But more than that—it’s compostable and biobased. It made the piece not just wearable, but meaningful.”

Balena.Filaflex has already been used in everything from fashion-forward sneakers to performance-ready slides. Designers across the globe—from high fashion to independent creators—are exploring its potential as a circular solution to fast fashion waste.

Co-Creation and Circularity

3d printed bra by Balena and Neyla
3D printed bra by Balena and Neyla

3D printed bra by Balena and Neyla

What sets Neyla’s project apart is the ethos of collaboration—not just between designer and material, but between designer and wearer.

Using open-source design principles, each piece can be tailored by the end user. Pattern density, strap length, and shape flexibility are all customizable. “I don’t want this to be just my design,” Neyla says. “It’s something to be shared—designed by one woman, for all women.”

Neyla is already experimenting with new applications for Balena.Filaflex—from personalized footwear to ergonomic furniture. “Each new project is a chance to learn,” she says. “Balena’s material gives me the freedom to imagine design that’s deeply human and deeply sustainable.”

At Green Prophet, we believe these are the collaborations that matter—where material science meets soul, and where design becomes a tool for regeneration.

 

China and Russia to build nuclear powered base for first Moonians

China Russia nuclear moon base
China Russia nuclear moon base

China and Russia have unveiled plans to construct a joint lunar base equipped with a nuclear power plant, marking a significant development in international space exploration. China wants to moonmine and we reported on that last year. They will include Pakistan as part of the plan to become the first Moonians. This initiative, known as the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), aims to establish a permanent presence on the Moon’s south pole by 2035.

Moon base by China and Russia
Moon base by China and Russia

The ILRS is a collaborative project between China and Russia, designed to support long-term scientific research and exploration on the Moon. According to Chinese space official Pei Zhaoyu, the base will utilize both solar arrays and a nuclear power plant to provide the necessary energy for sustained operations. The inclusion of nuclear power is intended to ensure a reliable energy source, especially during the lunar night when solar power is unavailable.

International Reactions and Legal Considerations

Moon base by China and Russia

The United States has expressed concerns regarding the safety and transparency of deploying nuclear technology on the Moon. A State Department spokesperson emphasized the need for a “rigorous, risk-informed safety analysis” for any space nuclear systems and highlighted the importance of transparency in such endeavors. What if it exploded? Would the moon be sent off course?

The deployment of a nuclear power plant on the Moon raises questions about the legal frameworks governing space activities. The 1967 Outer Space Treaty, signed by over 100 countries including China, Russia, and the United States, stipulates that celestial bodies are not subject to national appropriation and must be used exclusively for peaceful purposes.

While the treaty prohibits the placement of nuclear weapons in space, it does not explicitly ban the use of nuclear power for peaceful purposes, leaving room for interpretation regarding projects like the ILRS.

The Role of Nuclear Power in Sustainable Space Exploration

Nuclear power is considered a viable solution for providing consistent energy in space, particularly for missions in environments where solar power is insufficient. Companies like Rolls-Royce are developing micro nuclear reactors intended for use in space missions, highlighting the growing interest in nuclear technology for space exploration. Companies like Frequency Electronics uses nuclear energy for clocks used in space. 

The ILRS’s planned nuclear power plant represents a significant step in utilizing nuclear energy to support long-term human activities on the Moon. 

The China-Russia collaboration on the ILRS signifies a new chapter in lunar exploration, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation and the potential of nuclear power in sustaining long-term space missions. As nations continue to explore the possibilities of space, adherence to international treaties and transparent practices will be crucial in ensuring peaceful and sustainable development beyond Earth.

Flour Sacks to Ecological Fashion Statements in Times of Crisis

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Floor sack fashion, Design Museum Holon
Floor sack fashion, Design Museum Holon

In times of hardship, creativity often becomes a lifeline. The “Heroines” exhibition at the Design Museum Holon, running since March 31, 2025, delves into this theme by showcasing how women during World War II used fashion as a means of survival and expression.

During the Great Depression in the United States, families repurposed cotton flour and grain sacks into clothing. Recognizing this, companies began printing the sacks with colorful patterns, making them more appealing for reuse. Some even included dress patterns directly on the fabric, simplifying the sewing process. This initiative not only provided affordable clothing options but also empowered women to create and sell garments, supporting their families during challenging times.

Flour sack fashion in the US

Silk Maps Transformed

In Britain, women found innovative uses for silk escape maps issued to soldiers during World War II. These durable, lightweight maps were repurposed into dresses, combining practicality with a statement of resilience. The exhibition features such garments, highlighting the ingenuity and adaptability of women who turned tools of war into symbols of hope and normalcy.

Follow the map to her heart
Follow the map to her heart
upcycled silk
upcycled silk

Curated by fashion historian Ya’ara Keydar, “Heroines” presents over 100 ensembles, accessories, and artifacts that narrate stories of courage and creativity. The exhibition spans various geographies, from pre-war Prague to the American and British home fronts, culminating in Israel. It emphasizes fashion’s role not just in aesthetics but as a medium of resistance, identity, and survival.

Yaara Keydar
Yaara Keydar

“Heroines” invites visitors to reflect on the power of fashion beyond its visual appeal, showcasing how, in the darkest times, clothing became a canvas for resilience and hope. Included are fashion items made during the Holocaust, some by pre-eminant fashion designers who ended up in the camps.

::Design Museum Holon

Earth Day in the Emirates: 1,200 Mangroves Planted to Tackle Climate Crisis and Reconnect with Nature

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Volunteers planting mangrove trees on Earth Day 2025 at Mangrove Beach, Umm Al Quwain
Volunteers planting mangrove trees on Earth Day 2025 at Mangrove Beach, Umm Al Quwain

In a meaningful gesture of environmental solidarity, the Emirates Environmental Group (EEG), in collaboration with Umm Al Quwain Municipality, marked Earth Day 2025 by planting over 1,200 mangrove saplings along the ecologically vital Mangrove Beach in Umm Al Quwain.

The initiative was part of EEG’s longstanding national campaign, “For Our Emirates We Plant”, a grassroots movement that has helped seed millions of trees across the UAE’s arid landscape.

More than a ceremonial planting event, the gathering served as a stirring reminder of the UAE’s growing momentum in greening the desert and amplifying climate action in a region historically synonymous with drought and sand. Earth Day 2025 brought together government officials, academics, youth groups, and families, all united by a common goal: regenerating ecosystems and building coastal resilience in a time of escalating climate emergencies.

Volunteers planting mangrove trees on Earth Day 2025 at Mangrove Beach, Umm Al Quwain

“Each mangrove planted today is a living pledge for the future,” said EEG Co-Founder and Chairperson Habiba Al Mar’ashi, addressing attendees. “We are not only restoring coastal forests but cultivating a culture of care and responsibility toward our planet.”

Over the past two decades, EEG has facilitated the planting of more than 2.1 million indigenous trees across the Emirates. Their efforts, particularly since 2007, have resulted in the sequestration of over 186,000 metric tonnes of CO2 — a measurable contribution to the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 ambitions.

Mangroves: Coastal Guardians and Carbon Powerhouses Mangroves — often overlooked in favor of more iconic forests — are emerging as climate champions. Able to absorb up to four times more carbon dioxide than terrestrial forests, these trees serve as a natural bulwark against rising seas and intensifying storms. They filter water pollutants, prevent coastal erosion, and create rich nurseries for marine life — all while thriving in salty, oxygen-poor soils that would kill most other trees. In hyper-arid nations like the UAE, mangroves have proven their mettle as ecosystem engineers. And interest is surging across the Middle East.

Saudi Arabia recently launched its own coastal reforestation program under the Saudi Green Initiative, with plans to plant 100 million mangroves by 2030. These efforts are vital not only for biodiversity and carbon drawdown, but also for cooling coastlines that are rapidly heating under the climate crisis. Historical Roots of a Green Revolution The UAE’s mangrove legacy is rooted in conservation efforts dating back to the 1970s, when late ruler Sheikh Zayed first introduced reforestation programs in Abu Dhabi.

Since then, the country has slowly cultivated a green spine along its coasts — a powerful symbol of what’s possible when environmental vision meets community action. Green Prophet has previously reported on efforts to protect mangrove ecosystems in the face of destructive development. In 2019, we highlighted the push to use drones to plant mangroves in hard-to-reach tidal zones — a testament to how tech and tradition can coalesce for Earth’s benefit.

Saudi Arabia mangroves
Saudi Arabian mangroves

A Desert Forest for Future Generations In the Gulf, where freshwater is precious and fertile land is rare, initiatives like “For Our Emirates We Plant” serve as a clarion call for climate resilience.

Mangroves, often viewed as muddy or marginal, are now at the forefront of regional regeneration. They are not merely trees but living infrastructure — cooling cities, sustaining marine life, and holding back the tides. Earth Day 2025 in Umm Al Quwain wasn’t just about greening the beach. It was a reminder that hope can grow even in the harshest conditions — and that in the Middle East, the future might just be forested.

Sustainable Health and Fitness: The Role of Hormonal Therapy in Athlete Performance

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Hormones and health
How to balance hormones and your health

Whether you are eager to maintain your fitness or an athlete determined to enhance your sports performance, you should opt for the best techniques that work wonders. In this regard, various factors play a crucial role, specifically, nutritious food, proper workouts, and hormonal therapy through supplements. You should take a balanced diet, get training from experts, and choose the best supplements. You can get Test E 250 for sale without any inconvenience. In this way, you can not only maintain your muscle mass growth but also boost your overall performance.

In this article, we will investigate the relationship between sustainable health practices and hormonal therapy as an approach for increasing athlete performance.

Hormonal Therapy in Fitness

Hormone replacement therapy has long been utilised within athletic circles. The purpose of testosterone replacement therapy specifically is to restore or increase hormone levels within the body that are essential to muscle development, strength gain, and recovery. Therapy may help restore balance among low testosterone levels to restore energy, improving performance while speeding recovery time after intense physical activity.

As society becomes more eco-conscious, many are questioning the role that health practices such as hormone therapy play in its overall sustainability. Thankfully, fitness and wellness practices can still take advantage of hormone therapy without harming the planet.

Related: eat these 7 foods for happy hormones

Integrating Sustainable Practices Into Fitness

olive marinade

Integrating sustainable fitness practices doesn’t just involve cutting your carbon emissions during workouts; rather, it involves creating habits that contribute to long-term well-being, for instance, using eco-friendly gym equipment, prioritising plant-based diets, or including natural therapies into your regimen.

Athletes need to use natural, ethically produced supplements as part of a sustainable fitness journey. Production has environmental ramifications; therefore, it is crucial for them to consider where these supplements come from and their carbon footprint before selecting products that enhance fitness journeys. Furthermore, sustainable packaging methods should also be taken into consideration when choosing suitable supplements.

The Role of Testosterone in Athlete Performance

Testosterone is one of the vital anabolic hormones in your body that is crucial to enhancing your athletic performance. Do you know how it works? Simply, it boosts protein synthesis that automatically adds to your muscle growth during workouts and training. As long as you continue with your training, including extended sessions of high-intensity exercises, or take part in competitive sports, you will gradually gain muscle mass and body strength. On the other hand, it helps you to recover quickly and mend your injuries, prevent muscle fatigue, and hasten the recovery process. 

During exercise, oxygen delivery to muscles is the basic factor that improves cardiovascular function and regulates red blood cell formation. On the contrary, if we consider psychological health, testosterone also provides benefits such as boosting motivation, building up confidence, and reducing aggression. All these attributes provide you with an edge in competitive circumstances. Testosterone level is highly influenced by genetics, but you can also control it through healthy nutrients, stress relief, proper sleep, and resistance training.

Balance of Performance and Sustainability

One key consideration when purchasing supplements or hormone therapies such as testosterone is being conscious of their environmental footprint. Opting for products produced with sustainable practices, packaged in recyclable materials, and made using ethically sourced ingredients will ensure you meet your performance goals without harming our planet.

Conclusion

online fitness training, woman in lotus position

Sustainability in health and fitness practices involves more than simply selecting eco-friendly gym gear or supplements; it encompasses an approach that seeks to balance physical wellness with environmental responsibility. By making responsible choices when it comes to our fitness regimes and products we use, we can improve our health without leaving an adverse impact on the planet. Hormonal therapy like testosterone replacement therapy may play a part in this journey; however, its sustainability must always be considered when making this choice, as its long-term effects may affect both you and the world at large.

So when selecting supplements and other performance-enhancing products, take time to choose wisely. By doing so, you can achieve both your fitness goals while safeguarding the planet.

 

How to Start Your Own Radio Station: A Comprehensive Guide

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Mr. Crow Radio Station by BDDW
Mr. Crow Radio Station by BDDW

The process of opening a radio station can be exciting yet intimidating. Many people dream of creating a message that can be broadcast to the world, free to share voices and ideas. But knowing what steps you need to take can make it easier. Here is a step-by-step guide to starting your radio station with principles of success and connecting communities through engaging content.

Understanding the Basics

The fundamentals are essential before moving on to the technical part of the radio station software. Radio stations can be terrestrial, internet, or satellite. All have their advantages and disadvantages. Unlike terrestrial stations, Internet radio isn’t bound to geography, and you don’t need a transmitter license. Satellite radio is fine, but it requires a more significant investment. Finding the best-suited format is dependent on the goals and assets.

Research and Planning

Thorough research establishes the foundation: research current stations, market interest, and target audiences. Knowing what the competitors are doing would help differentiate your niche. Planning is where the station’s vision takes shape in the form of a mission statement, what content it covers, and what demographic it targets. A business plan sets out your goals, planned efforts to reach them, and money forecasts to help you navigate finances. 

Securing Licenses and Permits

Compliance with the letter of the law is crucial in broadcasting. Getting the proper licenses will ensure that you can operate without hassles. Depending on the region, local authorities and legal specialists should be consulted. Demonstrating technical proficiency and financial stability to the licensing authorities is frequently beneficial when submitting permit applications. The fulfillment of these prerequisites shows a level of commitment and readiness.

Creating a Technological Infrastructure

Any radio station has technology as the core part of it. Ensuring you have good-quality equipment ensures you are transmitting clearly and professionally. The required equipment includes microphones, mixers, transmitters , audio editing, and broadcast software. Beyond that, the streaming services behind the Internet radio scene must be reliable. Tech experts provide valuable assistance in installing and maintaining equipment to ensure seamless operation.

Creating Engaging Content

Radio is still all about content. With a diversified program schedule, listeners remain tuned in, hosts and guest speakers add flavor, and guest speakers for hot-topic interviews stack up. Adding music, news, and interviews breaks up constant talk show ranting and allows different types of listeners to enjoy the content. Continuous input from listeners helps improve the content and allows for a steady flow of loyal listeners.

Building a Brand

Branding is what sets a station apart from others. A catchy name, logo, and slogan are ways to build an identity. Applying a strong and unique brand across relevant platforms such as social media, websites, and promotional materials can accentuate recognition. Working with local businesses and personalities builds awareness and community engagement.

Marketing and Promotion

Great marketing brings in listeners as well as advertisers. Using social media platforms can help connect with more people. Events such as hosting or contesting create buzz and community connections. Working with an influencer or a local celebrity helps gain credibility and followers. Fundamentally, a successful ad strategy increases revenues and sets a foundation for sustainability.

Monetizing the Station

Earning money enables you to cover your expenses and grow. Advertising remains one of the most significant sources of revenue. Competitive rates and attractive packages draw in various clientele. You can earn extra money from sponsorship contracts with local businesses. Diversification of income via merchandise or memberships creates alternative revenue streams, which add financial resilience.

Engaging with the Community

Participation from the community is what makes the station shine. Organizing local events or charity drives generates goodwill and boosts listener loyalty. Increasing the call-in audience, engaging in social media conversations, and keeping track of your listeners’ poll can help. The station becomes known as a local community hub, earns trust, and builds a loyal listener base that helps guarantee longevity.

Ability to Learn and Adapt 

Radio requires constant attention and agility. Staying abreast of industry trends and technological innovations also keeps one relevant. Attending workshops and seminars to improve skills and knowledge. Frequent examination of performance indicators and audience feedback helps uncover areas of improvement, which in turn fuels growth and innovation.

Conclusion

Starting a radio station takes planning, legal planning, and strategizing. Once you know the basics, obtain the necessary licenses, and purchase starting apps, you can succeed more. A loyal audience is born with captivating content, a powerful brand, and community engagement. If you plan well, are committed, and adjust to listenership that will no doubt see the world as a new “broadcast era frontier,” you can establish a full-blown radio station whose outbound media reaches every corner of the globe.

 

Embrace these fugly e-bikes

The ZUV Tricycle Is Quite Ugly, but It Still Puts Your e-Bike to Shame
The ZUV Tricycle Is Quite Ugly, but It Still Puts Your e-Bike to Shame

In a world where sleek, aerodynamic e-bikes dominate the streets, a few bold designs dare to defy conventional aesthetics. These “fugly” e-bikes might not win beauty contests, but they offer unique advantages: they stand out, deliver exceptional performance, and are less likely to attract thieves (read our guide on how to make your bike ugly on purpose). Here’s a look at some of the most unconventional e-bikes that are redefining cool.​

1. The ZUV Tricycle: Sustainable and Striking triking

Zuv ebike
Zuv ebike

The ZUV (Zero-emissions Utility Vehicle) Tricycle is a 3D-printed cargo e-trike made from recycled plastic. Its angular design and robust frame prioritize functionality and sustainability over traditional aesthetics. With ample cargo space and a focus on eco-friendliness, it’s perfect for urban deliveries or errands. Its unique appearance also makes it less appealing to potential thieves.​

Michael Blast Springer: Retro Vibes with Modern Tech

Michael Blast Springer
Michael Blast Springer

The Michael Blast Springer channels the spirit of vintage boardtrack racers with its elongated frame and retro styling. Beneath its nostalgic exterior lies a 500W motor capable of reaching 22 mph, complemented by a 7-speed Shimano drivetrain. Its unique design is both eye-catching and less likely to be targeted by thieves unfamiliar with its value. ​

Moustache Bikes: French Flair with a Twist

Moustache Bikes

Moustache Bikes, named after the distinctive handlebar style, offer a range of e-bikes that blend functionality with unique design elements. Their sturdy frames and Bosch motors ensure reliability, while their unconventional aesthetics set them apart. The brand’s commitment to quality and distinctive appearance make these bikes both practical and less prone to theft.​

Why Embrace the “Fugly”?

Unique Identity: These e-bikes stand out in a sea of uniform designs, allowing riders to express individuality.

Function Over Form: Prioritizing practicality, these bikes often offer superior cargo capacity, range, or performance.

Theft Deterrence: Unconventional designs can be less attractive to thieves unfamiliar with their value or functionality.​

Embracing these distinctive e-bikes means valuing innovation, sustainability, and individuality over traditional aesthetics. While they might not conform to conventional beauty standards, their unique features and practical advantages make them a compelling choice for the modern rider.​

 

Swimmer Missing After Shark Attack Off Israeli Coast

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Carcharhinus obscurus. Dusky sharks are wide-ranging coastal and pelagic species that prefer temperate to tropical waters. Via Wikipedia

A swimmer has gone missing following a rare shark attack off the coast of Hadera, Israel, Israeli police and emergency responders reported on Monday. The incident occurred near the mouth of the Hadera Stream, in a section of beach where swimming was officially prohibited. Israel is on the Mediterranean Sea.

Shark attacks are more common in the Red Sea in Sinai, and the beaches of Egypt. There was a shark attack there in the winter, killing one.

“There has never been a fatal shark attack in Israel on the Mediterranean coast,” says local J. Neufield. “Near Hadera there are certain warmer sections of water due to some of the nearby plants (as in electric and desalination) and sharks are attracted to those waters.

“The types of sharks are usually docile and for decades people have swim/snorkeled and dived there to see them. There have been sightings of them coming very close to shore in last few days. This is a very tragic and unusual event and we will have to wait to see official report for circumstances.”

Magen David Adom emergency services said a search operation was underway, involving rescue divers and maritime patrols. Authorities have since closed the beach to the public as a precaution.

Locals caught the attack on film and posted it on X.

Israel’s Channel 12 News reported that during the rescue operation, a diver was also bitten by the shark, escalating concerns about public safety in the area.

An annual gathering of sharks near a coastal power plant in the North of Israel attracts beachgoers, divers and sailors alike. Via Zavit.

Though shark sightings near Hadera and Israel are not uncommon—particularly between November and May—attacks on humans are extremely rare. The region is known to attract dusky sharks (Carcharhinus obscurus) and sandbar sharks (Carcharhinus plumbeus), both of which are large, coastal species. These sharks are typically not aggressive toward humans and are drawn to the warm outflows from the Hadera power station, seen in the background of the X video, and the abundance of food sources near the streams.

Alexander River
Alexander River

In recent days, large fish die-offs in the Hadera and nearby Alexander Streams have likely lured more sharks close to the shoreline. These predators play a crucial ecological role by consuming dead and dying fish, helping to keep coastal waters clean and in balance.

While the Mediterranean Sea is home to over 40 species of sharks, sightings along Israeli shores are relatively infrequent, and serious incidents like this one are exceedingly rare. Authorities are urging the public to avoid swimming in prohibited areas and to report any unusual marine activity. About 15 years ago we reported that shark attacks were up 25% worldwide.

A couple of years ago a seal washed up on shore in Jaffa.

Tropical forests are chemical factories

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Keemalah Phuket Thailand
A resort in the jungle, on Phuket Island, Thailand

A new study led by researchers at Washington University in St. Louis and the Missouri Botanical Garden has uncovered a surprising layer of diversity in tropical forests. Not only are the forests populated by a dizzying number of tree species, but each of those species takes a different approach to chemistry, increasing the array of natural compounds that provide important functions for the plants — and potentially for humans.

Related: these rainforest trees attract lightning to stay alive

The research helped clarify the ecological and evolutionary forces that make tropical forests such hotbeds of biodiversity. While the team wasn’t specifically looking for compounds that could be useful for humans, their findings underscore the value of tropical forests as natural factories of plant chemicals that could have important uses in medicine and other fields, said Jonathan Myers, a professor of biology in Arts & Sciences at WashU. “Tropical plants produce a huge diversity of chemicals that have practical implications for human health.”

The work was supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Living Earth Collaborative, a biodiversity initiative involving WashU, the Missouri Botanical Garden and the Saint Louis Zoo. The study was published in the prestigious journal Ecology and led by former ecology and evolution biology graduate student David Henderson, PhD ’23. Missouri Botanical Garden researchers Sebastian Tello, Leslie Cayola and Alfredo Fuentes; chemical ecologist Brian Sedio, at the University of Texas at Austin; and ecologists Belen Alvestegui and Nathan Muchhala, at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, were also collaborators.

Brazil rainforest and waterfalls
Brazil rainforest

The researchers examined tree leaves collected as part of the Madidi Project, a large-scale survey of flora in the Madidi region of the Andes mountains in Bolivia. The team was especially interested in chemical compounds that plants use to help protect themselves from insect herbivores, pathogens and other enemies — a top priority for anything growing in the warm, wet and buggy tropics. They set out to better understand how these compounds differ among species that grow together in tree communities at low and high elevations with contrasting climates.

Using mass spectrometry, a technology that makes it possible to identify and count individual molecules in a sample, researchers uncovered a bounty of chemical compounds. “We identified more than 20,000 unique metabolites in leaf samples from 470 tree species,” Myers said. “It’s an amazing level of chemical diversity.”

More than a third of those compounds were terpenoids, a class of natural chemicals that plants use to fend off insects and diseases. As ingredients in pharmaceuticals, terpenoids have also shown promise in fighting cancer, relieving inflammation and killing harmful viruses and bacteria. About one-quarter of the compounds were alkaloids, a class of plant chemicals that form the basis of many medicines, including pain relievers, anti-malarial drugs and cancer treatments.

The remarkable chemical diversity of tropical forests highlights the need to study and protect these biological hot spots, Myers said. He and his collaborators have contributed data from this project to help create a global database of chemical compounds identified from plants. “With such a database, researchers could look for unique chemicals that could have real value for society,” he said.

In the latest study, Myers and his team analyzed the diversity of tree species and leaf metabolites in wet and seasonally dry forest plots sampled at various altitudes ranging from approximately 2,000 to 11,000 feet above sea level. The higher they climbed, the fewer species they encountered. They identified nearly 140 different tree species in a single 1-hectare (2.5-acre) plot at an elevation of 4,000 feet but fewer than 20 species in a plot at nearly 11,000 feet.

As species diversity dwindled, so did chemical differences among tree species. High in the mountains, even trees from different species tend to use similar sorts of chemicals to protect themselves and cope with abiotic stress. The natural chemical factories only reach their full potential at lower elevations, Myers said.

In the super-diverse, hyper-competitive lowland tropical forests, it makes sense that a tree would employ chemical defenses that are completely different from its neighbors. “If a tree has the same chemistry as a neighbor, it could be vulnerable to the same herbivores and pathogens,” Myers said. Those enemies will do less damage overall if they have to search for different weaknesses for each tree, he explained.

These desalination membranes mean less waste

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Desalination and power plant powered by the sun
Desalination and power plant powered by the sun in Shebara, Saudi Arabia

Desalination plants, a major and growing source of freshwater in dry regions, could produce less harmful waste using electricity and new membranes made at the University of Michigan.The membranes could help desalination plants minimize or eliminate brine waste produced as a byproduct of turning seawater into drinking water. Today, liquid brine waste is stored in ponds until the water evaporates, leaving behind solid salt or a concentrated brine that can be further processed. But brine needs time to evaporate, providing ample opportunities to contaminate groundwater.

Space is also an issue. For every liter of drinking water produced at the typical desalination plant, 1.5 liters of brine are produced. Over 37 billion gallons of brine waste is produced globally every dayaccording to a UN study. When space for evaporation ponds is lacking, desalination plants inject the brine underground or dump it into the ocean. Rising salt levels near desalination plants can harm marine ecosystems.

“There’s a big push in the desalination industry for a better solution,” said Jovan Kamcev, U-M assistant professor of chemical engineering and the corresponding author of the study published today in Nature Chemical Engineering. “Our technology could help desalination plants be more sustainable by reducing waste while using less energy.”

To eliminate brine waste, desalination engineers would like to concentrate the salt such that it can be easily crystallized in industrial vats rather than ponds that can occupy over a hundred acres. The separated water could be used for drinking or agriculture, while the solid salt could then be harvested for useful products. Seawater not only contains sodium chloride—or table salt—but valuable metals such as lithium for batteries, magnesium for lightweight alloys and potassium for fertilizer.

Desalination plants can concentrate brines by heating and evaporating the water, which is very energy intensive, or with reverse osmosis, which only works at relatively low salinity. Electrodialysis is a promising alternative because it works at high salt concentrations and requires relatively little energy. The process uses electricity to concentrate salt, which exists in water as charged atoms and molecules called ions.

Here’s how the process works. Water flows into many channels separated by membranes, and each membrane has the opposite electrical charge of its neighbors. The entire stream is flanked by a pair of electrodes. The positive salt ions move toward the negatively charged electrode, and are stopped by a positively charged membrane. Negative ions move toward the positive electrode, stopped by a negative membrane. This creates two types of channels—one that both positive and negative ions leave and another that the ions enter, resulting in streams of purified water and concentrated brine.

But, electrodialysis has its own salinity limits. As the salt concentrations rise, ions start to leak through electrodialysis membranes. While leak-resistant membranes exist on the market, they tend to transport ions too slowly, making the power requirements impractical for brines more than six times saltier than average seawater.

The researchers overcome this limit by packing a record number of charged molecules into the membrane, increasing their ion-repelling power and their conductivity—meaning they can move more salt with less power. With their chemistry, the researchers can produce membranes that are ten times more conductive than relatively leak-proof membranes on the market today.

The dense charge ordinarily attracts a lot of water molecules, which limits how much charge can fit in conventional electrodialysis membranes. The membranes swell as they absorb water, and the charge is diluted. In the new membranes, connectors made of carbon prevent swelling by locking the charged molecules together.

The level of restriction can be changed to control the leakiness and the conductivity of the membranesAllowing some level of leakiness can push the conductivity beyond today’s commercially available membranes. The researchers hope the membrane’s customizability will help it take off.”Each membrane isn’t fit for every purpose, but our study demonstrates a broad range of choices,” said David Kitto, a postdoctoral fellow in chemical engineering and the study’s first author. “Water is such an important resource, so it would be amazing to help to make desalination a sustainable solution to our global water crisis.”

These fancy gorillas in the Congo hunt truffles, not ants

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truffle gorilla

A scientific paper recently published reveals that soil scratching by gorillas in Congo’s Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park is a foraging strategy to access a species of deer truffle, identified as Elaphomyces labyrinthinus, and not insects, as long assumed.

These findings were developed by Gaston Abea, who became the first Indigenous Person in Ndoki to become the lead author of a peer-reviewed scientific paper.

This truffle gorilla foraging behavior seems to have social implications: While not all gorilla groups engage in it, some individuals may give it up or resume it when they migrate from one group to another, allowing for more insights into their social structure.

Abea Gaston
Gaston Abea

Abea drew on his traditional knowledge and tracking skills to document this behavior in detail. After a decade of observations, Abea and research teams at Mondika and Goualougo field stations were able to eventually collect specimens of the food item foraged by the gorillas scratching the ground for taxonomic identification. Ultimately, this research led to the recent publication in Primates.

“My people’s traditional knowledge of these forests is endangered by modern lifestyles but is proving invaluable in continuing to study and preserve these ecosystems,” said Abea.

Abea is one of a 100+ Congolese Research Assistants trained at Ndoki since 2005, a growing number of whom come from neighboring villages, and from Indigenous Ba’Aka communities.

Related: have you tried a desert truffle?

“Our ancestors used to hunt gorillas, now we protect them, and I hope to inspire other Ba’Akas to do the same,” said Abea.

Born in Bomassa, the closest village to the park, Abea is of the semi-nomadic Bangombe people. He has been working for the park since 2000 in various capacities. His dedication and eagerness to learn led him to progress steadily and become co-author of seven peer-reviewed scientific papers.

“This is Gaston’s first article as lead author, a milestone for his career, and for our capacity-building efforts: he is the first research assistant of Indigenous People’s origin to become first author, in the Ndoki landscape,” said WCS partnering conservationist David Morgan of the Lincoln Park Zoo, researcher at both research sites involved in the findings.

The article was part of a Special Issue of the journal Primates, dedicated to “Twenty-five years of primate research in the Ndoki forest.” Abea’s efforts identifying key areas for gorilla truffle feeding at Mondika prompted to shift the potential locations of tourism-related infrastructure to safeguard this behavior.

Most significantly, his findings were included in an ecological impact assessment of the Djéké Triangle, where the Mondika Research Station is located, which provided the evidence for the land management decision-making process that resulted in the inclusion of the Djéké Triangle in the Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park in 2023.

Said Morgan: “This is an exciting finding for our understanding of gorilla foraging behavior, and we found indications of social implications of soil scratching within groups. For example, an adult female emigrated from one gorilla group where this behavior was rare to one where it was nearly a daily occurrence, and modified her habits.”

 

Grassland: what happens when you go to jail for growing cannabis and it’s now legal?

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Grassland movie trailer, still
Grassland movie trailer, still

Legalized, medical cannabis has changed lives in Canada, America and Israel where it is easy to access and research is developed. It is prescribed by doctors and used by children to treat extreme cases of epilepsy, and it also helps adults with PTSD, pain from cancer, and it’s byproducts like CBD is used as a neutraceutical.

Now that’s it’s legal in more than half of all US states, what should be done with the people incarcerated when it was outlawed?

Grassland, a timely social justice narrative film highlighting the perils of cannabis incarceration, is now available for streaming on Apple TV, Amazon, Roku, and more.

The story follows Leo (Cabot-Conyers), a curious and sensitive young boy whose world is turned upside down when he befriends his new neighbors—an inquisitive young white boy and his police officer grandfather (Kober). Unknowingly, Leo’s friendship places his single mother (Maestro), who is secretly running an illegal cannabis business, at risk.

Grammy, Emmy, and Oscar-winning artist Common serves as an Executive Producer. The film stars Mía Maestro (The Motorcycle Diaries), Quincy Isaiah (Winning Time), Jeff Kober (Sons of Anarchy), Ravi Cabot-Conyers (Star Wars: Skeleton Crew), and Sean Convery. Rounding out the cast are Rachel Ticotin, Armando Riesco, Claudia Robinson, and newcomer Elizabeth Cuzzupoli. Set in 2008, amidst the economic recession, Grassland explores the stark realities of racial inequality in the criminal justice system.

The Grassland team launched a robust impact and advocacy campaign aimed to target relevant federal, state-level criminal justice reform and the estimated 40,000+ Americans still in prison on low-level cannabis possession charges, despite the legal cannabis industry reaching over $30 Billion in 2024 in the U.S.

The film partnered with Common’s organization, Free to Dream, as well as lifestyle brand Shinola and Last Prisoner Project in its impact campaign. As part of their partnership with Shinola, the film’s team launched a multi-city screening tour featuring panels with activists in the cannabis equity space.

Executive Produced by Common and Directed by William Bermudez and Sam Friedman, Grassland offers an intimate portrayal of race, justice, and family, telling a story of friendship, courage, and sacrifice. As Leo’s desire to protect his family unknowingly jeopardizes their safety, the film powerfully illustrates the devastating cost of systemic injustice.

The Passing of Pope Francis: A Legacy of Ecological Stewardship and Humility

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Pope Francis, the beloved pontiff who served as the head of the Catholic Church since 2013, passed away on Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. His death, following a long battle with respiratory illnesses, kidney failure, and declining health, marks the end of an era for the Church and the world. As Cardinal Kevin Farrell solemnly announced on Vatican TV, “Dear brothers and sisters, it is with profound sadness I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.”

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Francis was the first pope from the Americas. His humble roots shaped his commitment to simplicity and a life dedicated to the service of others. Born to Italian immigrant parents, Francis often referred to his people as “poor” and considered himself one of them. In his biography, the Vatican noted, “My people are poor and I am one of them,” encapsulating his deep connection to the marginalized and his refusal to live lavishly despite his status.

Before becoming pope, Francis had a remarkable career in the Jesuit order, beginning his vocation as a chemical technician and later studying philosophy and theology. His tenure as Archbishop of Buenos Aires and as a cardinal further solidified his reputation as a man of deep spirituality and action.

Pope Francis’ legacy is also defined by his profound commitment to environmental justice and the protection of our planet. He was undoubtedly the most ecological pope in history, consistently advocating for sustainable development and the urgent need to address climate change. His landmark 2015 encyclical, Laudato Si’, urged global leaders to act decisively in safeguarding the environment and to recognize the interconnectedness of all creation. In this pivotal document, Francis called for a “revolution of tenderness” and stressed the importance of protecting the Earth for future generations.

As highlighted by Green Prophet, Pope Francis was ahead of his time in recognizing the ecological crisis as a moral and spiritual issue. His teachings challenged the status quo, urging individuals and institutions to live in harmony with nature, and he called for a global response to environmental destruction that went beyond politics and borders. The Vatican’s own sustainability practices, from solar panels on St. Peter’s Square to more eco-friendly operations within the Holy See, reflected his personal commitment to the cause.

Pope Francis fights for the climate
Pope Francis fights for the climate

Francis was also a vocal advocate for addressing environmental racism, emphasizing the disproportionate impact of climate change on poorer communities around the world. His messages of hope and activism were powerful calls to action, inspiring a generation of young people to take up the mantle of environmental stewardship.

Pope Francis’ health had been in decline for several months, with his final hospitalization occurring in February 2025 for treatment of double pneumonia. Despite his ongoing health battles, he remained active in his mission until his passing. On Easter Sunday, just days before his death, Francis greeted the faithful from the open-air popemobile in St. Peter’s Square and offered a special blessing for the first time since Christmas. The sight of the pope in his final days, appearing frail yet steadfast, was a testament to his dedication to his role as a spiritual leader.

The Vatican confirmed that Pope Francis suffered a “breathing crisis” along with “an episode of vomiting with inhalation,” which led to the sudden worsening of his respiratory condition. Despite the efforts of medical professionals at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, Pope Francis passed away early on Monday, leaving behind a legacy of peace, compassion, and ecological awareness.

Pope Francis’ leadership transcended religious boundaries. Paraguay’s ambassador to the Vatican, Romina Taboada Tonina, reflected on the pope’s significance during services for his well-being last month, saying, “Not only for Catholics, but he is a great political leader as well.” Francis was unwavering in his commitment to justice, whether through his stance on immigration, his condemnation of abortion, or his calls for peace in regions torn by conflict.

Francis will be remembered not only for his theological and spiritual contributions but for his deep moral convictions, especially in his tireless efforts to protect the Earth and fight against the injustices that affect vulnerable populations worldwide.

In his final words, which resonated with his lifelong commitment to peace and justice, Pope Francis reminded the world that the spiritual and ecological paths are inextricably linked, urging humanity to care for both our fellow humans and the planet we share.

As the Church and the world mourn the loss of Pope Francis, his message of love, environmental stewardship, and humility will continue to inspire those who seek to build a more just and sustainable world.

Further Reading on Pope Francis and His Ecological Legacy:

  1. Pope Francis Climate Change

  2. The Pope Says Yes to AI in your food

  3. The UN and the Pope fight for water

Tonka Bean Trees Attract Lightning to Win the Rainforest Arms Race—And Science Thinks That’s Electrifying

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Tonka bean and lightning

In the dense, storm-soaked rainforests of Panama, a new ecological mystery has been cracked open by lightning—and it’s pointing straight to the tonka bean tree (Dipteryx oleifera). A recent study reveals that these tall, unassuming trees might be using lightning as a secret weapon to wipe out nearby competition.

Evan Gora
Evan Gora

“Seeing that there are trees that get struck by lightning and they’re fine was just mind blowing,” Evan Gora recalled. Over time, the team encountered other D. oleifera trees thriving after getting hit, so they decided to take a closer look.

Published in New Phytologist, the research led by forest ecologist Gora of the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies shows that tonka trees can survive lightning strikes that kill surrounding trees and vines, giving them a competitive boost in the long game of forest survival. “There’s a quantifiable, detectable hazard of living next to Dipteryx oleifera,” said Gora in an interview with Science News.

How Does a Tree Survive Lightning?

Dipteryx odorata also called "cumaru" the pea family, Fabaceae. The tree is native to Central America and northern South America. Its seed is known mostly for its fragrance, which is reminiscent of vanilla, almonds, cinnamon, and cloves. It is also sometimes used in perfume and was commonly used in tobacco before being banned.
Dipteryx odorata also called “cumaru” the pea family, Fabaceae. The tree is native to Central America and northern South America. Its seed is known mostly for its fragrance, which is reminiscent of vanilla, almonds, cinnamon, and cloves. It is also sometimes used in perfume and was commonly used in tobacco before being banned. Via Wikipedia.

Lightning is one of the leading natural causes of tree death in tropical forests. The raw voltage and heat from a strike can instantly boil sap, splinter wood, and reduce a once-living organism to charcoal. But not tonka trees.

Using a custom-built system of sensors and cameras, Gora and his team recorded 18 confirmed lightning strikes over a three-year period. Not only did D. oleifera often take the brunt of the strikes, it consistently survived, while neighboring trees and parasitic vines wrapped around its trunk perished.

This self-sacrificial behavior isn’t just a fluke—it appears to be a strategic evolutionary edge. Over a tonka tree’s lifetime, researchers estimate that its ability to outlive competitors via lightning could lead to a 14-fold increase in seed production. Read the full study in New Phytologist

Why This Is So Cool (And So Important to Science)

Also known as the eboe, choibá, tonka bean or almendro, Dipteryx oleifera is native to Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, and Ecuador. Its hard wood is used in construction, and it produces almond-flavored seeds that are edible and sold in local markets. A keystone species of Panamanian forests, D. oleifera fruits and seeds are a crucial food source for rainforest mammals such as agouti during the dry season.
Also known as the eboe, choibá, tonka bean or almendro, Dipteryx oleifera is native to Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, and Ecuador. Its hard wood is used in construction, and it produces almond-flavored seeds that are edible and sold in local markets. A keystone species of Panamanian forests, D. oleifera fruits and seeds are a crucial food source for rainforest mammals such as agouti during the dry season. Via Evan Gora.

Evolutionary Ingenuity: This could be one of the first documented cases of an organism using a natural destructive force to its advantage, like an ecological superpower. It’s akin to a fire-adapted species, but with lightning as the fire.

New View on Forest Dynamics: Lightning is often overlooked in forest ecology. Gora’s work adds a new dimension to understanding tree mortality and regeneration in tropical ecosystems, where every inch of canopy matters.

Potential Applications in Climate Modeling: As lightning strikes are expected to increase with global warming (NASA study), understanding how trees respond could help model how rainforests may change—especially regarding species composition and carbon storage. Colin Price does this with lightning as well, using cell phones.

Smart Tree Strategy: While other trees avoid becoming conductors, the tonka might actually attract lightning by growing taller or modifying their structure to be more conductive—though more research is needed to confirm this behavior.

“This is a reminder that survival in the rainforest is about more than just growing fast or tall. It’s about playing the long game—even if that game includes dancing with lightning,” said Gora.

Tonka Beans: Vanilla Alternative with a Toxic Twist

Tonka beans, the seeds of the Dipteryx odorata tree native to South America, have long fascinated chefs and perfumers for their sweet, complex aroma. Rich in coumarin, a natural compound that smells like vanilla with hints of almond, cinnamon, and clove, tonka beans have often been used as a cost-effective substitute for vanilla, especially when vanilla prices soar. In culinary settings, just a small amount of grated tonka bean can flavor desserts, chocolates, and cocktails with an intoxicating scent.

However, the story of tonka beans carries a darker note. Coumarin, while naturally occurring, is toxic in high doses. Consuming large amounts can lead to liver damage and, in extreme cases, death. As a result, the United States banned the use of tonka beans in food back in 1954.

Despite this, tonka beans remain legal for use in perfumery and are still prized in gourmet circles elsewhere in the world, particularly in European fine dining, where Michelin star chefs use them carefully in small, regulated quantities.

Interestingly, the amount of coumarin one would need to consume to risk serious harm is far greater than what is typically found in a single dish. Still, because coumarin toxicity is cumulative and unpredictable among individuals, the FDA has maintained its strict stance.

Today, tonka beans occupy a curious niche: a forbidden ingredient that has gained a cult following among adventurous cooks, symbolizing both the allure and danger of natural flavors.

If the idea of trees using lightning to kill the competition blew your mind, check out these other wild, science-backed nature stories from Green Prophet:

Why Wombats Have Cube-Shaped Poop: Scientists finally figured out how wombats shape their poop into perfect cubes — it’s all in their intestines. Read it on Green Prophet

Plants Can Scream When They’re Stressed: researchers found that tomato and tobacco plants emit ultrasonic sounds when under stress. Read it on Green Prophet

Carbon Capture in 2025: Technologies, Markets, and Investment Trends

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Carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) has entered a phase of rapid scale-up in 2025. Driven by national emissions targets, investor pressure, and the emergence of structured carbon markets, this sector is moving from pilot projects into industrial deployment. Global CO2 capture capacity now exceeds 50 million tonnes annually, and it’s expected to triple by 2030. Investment is accelerating in membrane separation, modular capture units, direct air capture (DAC), and nature-integrated CO2 recovery systems. This article presents a detailed snapshot of the 2025 carbon capture landscape, key companies and technologies, and where the carbon credit market is heading. Global Technology Leaders and Market Movers Evonik is scaling its SEPURAN® polymer membranes for CO2 separation in biogas upgrading and industrial emissions. Their focus on decentralized, energy-efficient modules makes them well-suited to sectors like chemicals and food processing. Air Liquide continues deploying Cryocap™ cryogenic carbon capture at hydrogen and ammonia facilities. In 2025, the company expanded CCUS clusters in Europe and the Middle East to support industrial decarbonization at scale. Air Products is delivering some of the world’s largest hydrogen production projects with integrated CO2 capture. Its blue hydrogen project in Louisiana captures more than 5 million tonnes of CO2 annually, using proprietary reforming and capture technologies. UBE Corporation is developing polyimide-based membrane systems for post-combustion capture, with pilot projects in Japanese utilities and Southeast Asian petrochemical plants. Linde Engineering licenses its RECTISOL® and amine-based technologies for syngas and natural gas CO2 removal. In 2025, Linde delivered several modular capture units to decarbonize refineries and hydrogen valleys across Europe. Grasys specializes in membrane and pressure swing adsorption (PSA) systems used widely in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. The company’s gas purification units are increasingly being adapted for landfill gas and industrial CO2 separation. Airrane, a Korean membrane manufacturer, is expanding hollow fiber technologies for nitrogen and CO2 separation. Their systems are being adopted across Korea’s chemicals and energy sectors. Generon IGS offers skid-mounted, plug-and-play CO2 capture units suited to oil & gas and industrial clients in North America. Their membrane and PSA systems are increasingly used for enhanced oil recovery and low-volume emitters. DMT International delivers turnkey biogas upgrading systems with integrated CO2 recovery. They are now expanding operations into Southeast Asia, targeting landfill and wastewater treatment opportunities. Membrane Technology & Research (MTR) is piloting “CaptureX” membrane systems on gas-fired and coal plants with support from the U.S. Department of Energy. MTR’s polymer technologies offer reduced energy penalties and simpler installation. Fujifilm is innovating in membrane and sorbent materials for CO2 separation under high-temperature and corrosive environments. Their collaboration with academic labs is helping to refine long-life membranes for industrial settings. Toray is commercializing advanced hollow fiber modules for carbon and nitrogen separation. Their CO2 capture products are being piloted in water treatment and desalination plants to lower embedded emissions. BORSIG is bringing high-efficiency amine systems to market with integrated energy recovery. Their focus is on upgrading legacy power plants and industrial boilers across Germany and Central Europe. SLB (formerly Schlumberger) is repositioning itself as a carbon management leader. Its CENOS™ line of capture technologies now includes solvent, membrane, and storage integration. SLB has over a dozen active CCUS projects across oil, steel, and cement in 2025. Sumitomo Chemical is commercializing advanced hybrid sorbents for municipal solid waste and waste-to-energy facilities. Their systems blend chemical absorption with physical separation for higher capture efficiency. Honeywell continues to expand its UOP Separex™ membrane and Ecofining™ capture systems. In 2025, it launched a carbon capture-as-a-service platform targeting mid-sized industrial firms with bundled hardware, monitoring, and credit integration. Carbon Markets and Access to Carbon Credits The voluntary carbon market is consolidating around more rigorous methodologies. Projects using CCUS are now eligible for carbon credits under frameworks from Verra, Gold Standard, and the Puro.earth platform. Credits from bioenergy with CCS (BECCS) and DAC are in increasing demand, especially by corporations pursuing science-based targets. Marketplaces like Patch and Nori allow businesses and individuals to purchase verified CO2 removals, with real-time tracking and blockchain-based auditing. Direct air capture projects from firms like Climeworks and Carbon Engineering remain high-cost (above $600/tonne), but prices are expected to fall by more than half as modularity and renewable integration improve. Outlook: Innovation Needs and Investment Trends Significant gaps remain in capture cost reduction, especially for low-concentration flue gases and DAC. Key areas of innovation include: Low-energy solid sorbents and hybrid systems Waste heat integration and process intensification Durable membranes resistant to contaminants Long-term, verifiable CO2 storage options Governments are supporting deployment with instruments such as the U.S. 45Q tax credit, the EU Innovation Fund, and the UK’s CCUS cluster support. The IEA, Global CCS Institute, and ARPA-E continue to back R&D in electrochemical capture, DAC, and value-chain integration. By 2028, the global CCUS market is projected to surpass $14 billion. Companies able to deliver scalable technology and tie it directly to revenue from high-integrity carbon credits are best positioned to benefit from the next wave of climate finance and regulation.
PHLAIR project Dawn Commercial Direct Air Capture facility Providing >20,000 tCO2/year Alberta, Canada

Carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) has entered a phase of rapid scale-up in 2025. Driven by national emissions targets, investor pressure, and the emergence of structured carbon markets, this sector is moving from pilot projects into industrial deployment. Global CO2 capture capacity now exceeds 50 million tonnes annually, and it’s expected to triple by 2030. Investment is accelerating in membrane separation, modular capture units, direct air capture (DAC), and nature-integrated CO2 recovery systems.

This article presents a detailed snapshot of the 2025 carbon capture landscape, key companies and technologies, and where the carbon credit market is heading.

Global Technology Leaders and Market Movers

Evonik is scaling its SEPURAN® polymer membranes for CO2 separation in biogas upgrading and industrial emissions. Their focus on decentralized, energy-efficient modules makes them well-suited to sectors like chemicals and food processing.

Air Liquide continues deploying Cryocap™ cryogenic carbon capture at hydrogen and ammonia facilities. In 2025, the company expanded CCUS clusters in Europe and the Middle East to support industrial decarbonization at scale.

Air Products is delivering some of the world’s largest hydrogen production projects with integrated CO2 capture. Its blue hydrogen project in Louisiana captures more than 5 million tonnes of CO2 annually, using proprietary reforming and capture technologies.

UBE Corporation is developing polyimide-based membrane systems for post-combustion capture, with pilot projects in Japanese utilities and Southeast Asian petrochemical plants.

Linde Engineering licenses its RECTISOL® and amine-based technologies for syngas and natural gas CO2 removal. In 2025, Linde delivered several modular capture units to decarbonize refineries and hydrogen valleys across Europe.

Grasys specializes in membrane and pressure swing adsorption (PSA) systems used widely in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. The company’s gas purification units are increasingly being adapted for landfill gas and industrial CO2 separation.

Airrane, a Korean membrane manufacturer, is expanding hollow fiber technologies for nitrogen and CO2 separation. Their systems are being adopted across Korea’s chemicals and energy sectors.

Generon IGS offers skid-mounted, plug-and-play CO2 capture units suited to oil & gas and industrial clients in North America. Their membrane and PSA systems are increasingly used for enhanced oil recovery and low-volume emitters.

DMT International delivers turnkey biogas upgrading systems with integrated CO2 recovery. They are now expanding operations into Southeast Asia, targeting landfill and wastewater treatment opportunities.

Membrane Technology & Research (MTR) is piloting “CaptureX” membrane systems on gas-fired and coal plants with support from the U.S. Department of Energy. MTR’s polymer technologies offer reduced energy penalties and simpler installation.

Fujifilm is innovating in membrane and sorbent materials for CO2 separation under high-temperature and corrosive environments. Their collaboration with academic labs is helping to refine long-life membranes for industrial settings.

Toray is commercializing advanced hollow fiber modules for carbon and nitrogen separation. Their CO2 capture products are being piloted in water treatment and desalination plants to lower embedded emissions.

BORSIG is bringing high-efficiency amine systems to market with integrated energy recovery. Their focus is on upgrading legacy power plants and industrial boilers across Germany and Central Europe.

SLB (formerly Schlumberger) is repositioning itself as a carbon management leader. Its CENOS™ line of capture technologies now includes solvent, membrane, and storage integration. SLB has over a dozen active CCUS projects across oil, steel, and cement in 2025.

Sumitomo Chemical is commercializing advanced hybrid sorbents for municipal solid waste and waste-to-energy facilities. Their systems blend chemical absorption with physical separation for higher capture efficiency.

Honeywell continues to expand its UOP Separex™ membrane and Ecofining™ capture systems. In 2025, it launched a carbon capture-as-a-service platform targeting mid-sized industrial firms with bundled hardware, monitoring, and credit integration.

Carbon Markets and Access to Carbon Credits

Carbon capture poland

The voluntary carbon market is consolidating around more rigorous methodologies. Projects using CCUS are now eligible for carbon credits under frameworks from Verra, Gold Standard, and the Puro.earth platform.

Credits from bioenergy with CCS (BECCS) and DAC are in increasing demand, especially by corporations pursuing science-based targets. Marketplaces like Patch and Nori allow businesses and individuals to purchase verified CO2 removals, with real-time tracking and blockchain-based auditing.

Direct air capture projects from firms like Climeworks and Carbon Engineering remain high-cost (above $600/tonne), but prices are expected to fall by more than half as modularity and renewable integration improve.

Outlook: Innovation Needs and Investment Trends

Significant gaps remain in capture cost reduction, especially for low-concentration flue gases and DAC. Key areas of innovation include:

  • Low-energy solid sorbents and hybrid systems

  • Waste heat integration and process intensification

  • Durable membranes resistant to contaminants

  • Long-term, verifiable CO2 storage options

Governments are supporting deployment with instruments such as the U.S. 45Q tax credit, the EU Innovation Fund, and the UK’s CCUS cluster support. The IEA, Global CCS Institute, and ARPA-E continue to back R&D in electrochemical capture, DAC, and value-chain integration.

By 2028, the global CCUS market is projected to surpass $14 billion. Companies able to deliver scalable technology and tie it directly to revenue from high-integrity carbon credits are best positioned to benefit from the next wave of climate finance and regulation.

Carbon capture technologies are accelerating in 2025, reshaping how industries and investors tackle emissions across the globe.

Read more on Green Prophet: