Search Results (53)

Climate change is the greatest health threat of the 21st century, with healthcare contributing approximately 4–5% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Decarbonising healthcare, the deliberate reduction of emissions across all healthcare activities, is essential to reduce the health sector’s environmental impact while maintaining equitable, high-quality care. Preparing future health professionals for sustainable, low-carbon practice is increasingly recognised as critical; however, education on healthcare decarbonisation remains inconsistent and weakly embedded in curricula. This scoping review mapped existing educational resources for pre-registration health profession students. Following the JBI methodology, six databases (Scopus, Web of Science, MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and GreenFILE) were searched in April 2025 (updated in October 2025). Data were thematically analysed. In total, 32 studies met inclusion criteria, comprising 17 mixed-methods, 11 quantitative, and 4 qualitative designs. Most interventions were multimodal, addressing sustainability or climate change through simulation, digital, formal, or didactic methods. Knowledge and attitudes were the most frequently evaluated outcomes. Thematic analysis identified knowledge and awareness, attitudes and emotional responses, behavioural intent and action, identity formation through collaborative learning, and barriers to decarbonisation. Findings suggest that blended, interactive, and technology-enhanced education improves knowledge, attitudes, and identity, but sustained impact requires longitudinal, skills-based, and policy-aligned interventions to drive meaningful healthcare decarbonisation action. Full article

There has been tremendous progress in the development and application of nanotechnology in the past ten years. There are a plethora of nanoparticles and nanomaterials that have been developed and used to improve the biosensors’ overall performance. Nanocomposites integrate several nanomaterials inside a matrix to improve their structural and functional characteristics, resulting in enhanced biosensor efficacy. This review covers the achievements in nanocomposites containing metal, polymer, inorganic, carbon-based, or gold nanoparticles as new biosensors for detecting a wide range of (bio)molecules with improved sensitivity, selectivity, and a low limit of detection. The purpose is to give an overview of current advances and applications in the field of nanocomposites utilized in biosensors’ design. Emphasis will be placed on the possible uses of these nanocomposites in biosensing across a range of industries, medication delivery, food safety, healthcare, and environmental monitoring. Full article

Climate change poses a major global health threat, with healthcare systems contributing substantially to global greenhouse gas emissions. Health professionals and students play an essential role in advancing sustainable practice, yet many lack the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to address the environmental impacts of healthcare. This study aims to co-design and evaluate a gamified e-resource that enhances pre-registration health profession students’ knowledge, self-efficacy, and attitudes towards healthcare decarbonisation, while encouraging sustainable behaviour change. A sequential explanatory design will be employed in three phases: (1) a scoping review of the literature; (2) four co-design workshops with students (n = 20) followed by post-workshop focus groups using focused ethnography to explore co-design experiences; and (3) pre- and post-test questionnaires (n = 200) assessing knowledge, attitudes, self-efficacy, behaviours, willingness to act, and usability, followed by focus groups (n = 30) exploring behavioural changes after using the e-resource. The study will generate evidence on how a co-designed, gamified e-resources influence student learning and engagement with healthcare decarbonisation. Findings will inform the integration of sustainability and decarbonisation principles within education and support efforts to equip future health professionals with the competencies required for a low-carbon healthcare system. Full article

Care homes are an energy-intensive component of the health and social care sector, with high demands on heating, lighting, laundry, catering and medical technologies. This constant energy use makes care homes a notable contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions. Decarbonising care homes presents an opportunity to reduce emissions, operational costs, and deliver health co-benefits by improving air quality and thermal comfort. This scoping review mapped the international evidence on decarbonisation in care homes to inform sustainable practice and policy development. Guided by Joanna Briggs Institute methodology, seven databases (CINAHL, EMBASE, IEEE, MEDLINE, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) were searched. Eligible studies included care home facilities, residents or staff with data managed in Covidence and extracted using the “The Greenhouse Gas Protocol Corporate Standard Inventory Accounting”. A total of 22 studies met the inclusion criteria. The evidence was concentrated around Scope 2 emissions, through efforts to monitor and reduce electricity use, while Scope 1 (facility emissions) and Scope 3 (supply chain emissions) remain comparatively underexplored. Evidence was fragmented and revealed risk aversion and care quality concerns related to adopting low-carbon technologies, as well as a growing interest in digital technologies and sustainable food procurement. Care homes should be prioritised within net zero healthcare frameworks, with targeted research, policy guidance, and investment to support decarbonisation. Full article

Climate change threatens human health and healthcare systems while also contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. NHS England has addressed this with the Health and Care Act 2022, which mandates NHS trusts to develop green plans for emission reduction from 2022 to 2025. This initiative presents an opportunity to assess national scale efforts to decarbonize the healthcare sector. The paper identifies the interventions NHS trusts are adopting to decarbonize their estates and meet national net-zero targets while also highlighting opportunities for further progress. A thematic content analysis was conducted on green plans developed by NHS trusts in England to outline their strategies to decarbonize the estate. The main elements the NHS trusts have considered in terms of reaching net zero through built asset management; implementing heat decarbonization; and switching to renewable and low-carbon sources of energy. The analysis has recognized a strategic shift towards decarbonizing the healthcare estate by prioritizing the maintenance, refurbishment, and repurposing of existing buildings over new construction, coupled with a heat decarbonization strategy focusing on the transition to low-carbon technologies. Most long-term decarbonization strategies, particularly for achieving net zero through built asset management, are still in the early stages. There is a lack of comparable KPIs for monitoring progress and insufficient information on essential passive strategies. NHS in England should adopt a more integrated approach to decarbonization including both active and passive interventions, improve the standardization of performance metrics, and establish SMART objectives and standardized KPIs to effectively monitor trusts’ progress towards net-zero emissions in future green plans. Full article

Laser- and energy-based device (EBD) treatments in aesthetic medicine pose substantial environmental challenges, including high energy consumption, carbon emissions, and disposable medical waste. Although sustainable healthcare has gained global attention, no competency framework currently exists to guide physicians in integrating environmental sustainability into aesthetic medicine. This study applied McClelland’s (1973) Competency Model Theory (CMT) to develop a sustainability-oriented competency model for physicians specializing in laser and EBD treatments. Using a mixed-methods design, competency-based interviews were conducted to identify the key tasks and sustainability-related competencies, followed by expert panel validation using content validity and Kendall’s coefficient of concordance. The final model consists of 33 competencies across six domains: sustainable operations, regulatory and ethical knowledge, physician patient communication, dermatological science, EBD techniques, and maintenance care. Experts rated most competencies as highly or very highly important and frequently used, and Kendall’s W confirmed significant consensus across domains. The model provides standardized competency benchmarks that can support future curriculum development, professional training, and sustainable healthcare governance. This study extends CMT into the field of environmental sustainability in medicine and offers a structured framework to reduce ecological footprints and promote low-carbon, socially accountable practices. Full article

Background: Exposure to indoor air pollution (IAP), including particulate matter of size 2.5 µm/m³ (PM_2.5) and carbon monoxide (CO) resulting from the combustion of biomass fuels in homes, is an important risk factor associated with growth and developmental delays in neonates. We investigated the association between exposure to HAP and adverse birth outcomes in a birth cohort study of 594 pregnant females in Sri Lanka. Methods: Pregnant females between the ages of 18 and 40 years were enrolled in their first trimester and followed until delivery. Baseline assessments of fuel used for cooking were used to categorize the females into high-exposure (wood and kerosene) or low-exposure (liquid petroleum gas and electricity) groups. Indoor air quality measurements of PM_2.5 (n = 303) and CO (n = 258) were conducted in a subgroup of households. The outcomes at birth included the neonates’ appearance, pulse, grimace, activity, respiration (APGAR) score, Brazelton Neonatal Behavioural Assessment Scale (BNBAS) score, and birth weight. Linear and logistic regressions were used to evaluate the association between household air pollution (HAP) and birth outcomes. Results: Of the 526 neonates assessed at delivery, 55.7% were born to mothers with high HAP exposure and 44.3% with low HAP exposure, respectively. The results of the linear regression found an inverse association between higher exposure to HAP and birthweight in the adjusted and unadjusted models; the birth weight of children in the high-exposure group was lower by 107 g compared to that of the low-exposure group after adjusting for other variables (β = −106.8; 95% confidence intervals: −197.6, −16.0). Exposure status was not associated with birth length, gestational age, or the APGAR score; however, the BNBAS motor score was significantly lower in the neonates of the high-exposure group (6.41 vs. 6.55, p = 0.04), though it was not significant when adjusted for other variables. No correlation was found between the measured indoor PM_2.5 levels and birth weight, birth length, gestational age, APGAR score, or BNBAS score. Conclusions: Exposure to IAP due to emissions from combustion products from biomass fuels adversely affects birth weight. These effects may be more pronounced in vulnerable populations in settings where primary healthcare for pregnant women is limited. Full article

Cancer clinical trials contribute significantly to healthcare-related greenhouse gas emissions, highlighting the need to address sustainability in this area as the climate crisis intensifies. This study provides the first national assessment of sustainability awareness, attitudes, and practices within the Irish cancer clinical trials community. A 21-item cross-sectional survey was distributed to 613 cancer research professionals affiliated with Cancer Trials Ireland, including clinicians, research nurses, trial coordinators, patient advocates and industry staff, yielding a 20.6% response rate. Survey items assessed awareness of sustainability tools, perceived carbon contributors, training received, confidence in implementing green practices, and perceived barriers and enablers to sustainability. Awareness of existing carbon footprint tools was low, with only 21% familiar with the Sustainable Clinical Trials Group guidelines and fewer than 6% aware of the National Institute for Health and Care Research calculator. Despite limited training and low confidence in implementing carbon-reductive measures, 86% of respondents expressed willingness to engage with sustainability initiatives. Trial-related travel, sample kit waste, and trial set-up were perceived as the highest contributors to emissions, though perceptions did not always align with published data. Key barriers included lack of education, institutional support, and regulatory clarity, while financial incentives and training were identified as enablers. Coordinated, system-wide interventions are needed to embed sustainability into cancer clinical trial design, governance, and funding processes. Full article

This study presents an approach based on machine learning (ML) techniques to analyze the relationship between emergency room (ER) admissions for cardiorespiratory diseases (CRDs) and environmental factors. The aim of this study is the development and verification of an interpretable machine learning framework applied to environmental and health data to assess the relationship between environmental factors and daily emergency room admissions for cardiorespiratory diseases. The model’s predictive accuracy was evaluated by comparing simulated values with observed historical data, thereby identifying the most influential environmental variables and critical exposure thresholds. This approach supports public health surveillance and healthcare resource management optimization. The health and environmental data, collected through meteorological sensors and air quality monitoring stations, cover eleven years (2013–2023), including meteorological conditions and atmospheric pollutants. Four ML models were compared, with XGBoost showing the best predictive performance (R² = 0.901; MAE = 0.047). A 10-fold cross-validation was applied to improve reliability. Global model interpretability was assessed using SHAP, which highlighted that high levels of carbon monoxide and relative humidity, low atmospheric pressure, and mild temperatures are associated with an increase in CRD cases. The local analysis was further refined using LIME, whose application—followed by experimental verification—allowed for the identification of the critical thresholds beyond which a significant increase in the risk of hospital admission (above the 95th percentile) was observed: CO > 0.84 mg/m³, P_atm ≤ 1006.81 hPa, Tavg ≤ 17.19 °C, and RH > 70.33%. The findings emphasize the potential of interpretable ML models as tools for both epidemiological analysis and prevention support, offering a valuable framework for integrating environmental surveillance with healthcare planning. Full article

A significant issue in healthcare is the growing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant strains. Therefore, it is necessary to develop strategies for discovering new antibacterial compounds, either by identifying natural products or by designing semisynthetic or synthetic compounds with this property. In this context, a great deal of research has recently been carried out on antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which are natural, amphipathic, low-molecular-weight molecules that act by altering the cell surface and/or interfering with cellular activities essential for life. Progress is also being made in developing strategies to enhance the activity of these compounds through their association with other molecules. In addition to identifying AMPs, it is essential to ensure that they maintain their integrity after passing through the digestive tract and exhibit adequate activity against their targets. Significant advances are being made in relation to analyzing various types of conjugates and carrier systems, such as nanoparticles, vesicles, hydrogels, and carbon nanotubes, among others. In this work, we review the current knowledge of different types of AMPs, their mechanisms of action, and strategies to improve performance. Full article

Lignin, the most abundant renewable aromatic biopolymer on Earth, is rapidly emerging as a powerful enabler of next-generation sustainable technologies. This review shifts the focus to the latest industrial breakthroughs that exploit lignin’s multifunctional properties across energy, agriculture, healthcare, and environmental sectors. Lignin-derived carbon materials are offering scalable, low-cost alternatives to critical raw materials in batteries and supercapacitors. In agriculture, lignin-based biostimulants and controlled-release fertilizers support resilient, low-impact food systems. Cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries are leveraging lignin’s antioxidant, UV-protective, and antimicrobial properties to create bio-based, clean-label products. In water purification, lignin-based adsorbents are enabling efficient and biodegradable solutions for persistent pollutants. These technological leaps are not merely incremental, they represent a paradigm shift toward a materials economy powered by renewable carbon. Backed by global sustainability roadmaps like the European Green Deal and China’s 14th Five-Year Plan, lignin is moving from industrial residue to strategic asset, driven by unprecedented investment and cross-sector collaboration. Breakthroughs in lignin upgrading, smart formulation, and application-driven design are dismantling long-standing barriers to scale, performance, and standardization. As showcased in this review, lignin is no longer just a promising biopolymer, it is a catalytic force accelerating the global transition toward circularity, climate resilience, and green industrial transformation. The future of sustainable innovation is lignin-enabled. Full article

Brass is a proportionate copper and zinc alloy that may be mixed to achieve a variety of mechanical, electrical, and chemical characteristics. Compared to bronze, it is more pliable. Brass has a comparatively low melting point (900–940 °C; 1650–1720 °F), depending on its composition. This review explores the most recent advancements in brass alloy technology, including the addition of silicon, tin, and aluminium to improve its strength, machinability, and resistance to corrosion. Furthermore, the development of lead-free, recyclable, and low-carbon brass alloys has been fuelled by the growing demand for environmentally friendly materials. With a renewed emphasis on antibacterial qualities and wear-resistant formulations, brass alloys are also seeing increasing use in sectors like electronics, architecture, and healthcare. Additionally, new opportunities for producing custom-designed brass components have been made possible by the development of additive manufacturing. This paper provides an overview of the current and future potential of brass alloys, highlighting their originality in addressing the changing demands of modern industry and technology. Full article

Resistive gas sensors have attracted significant attention due to their simple architecture, low cost, and ease of integration, with widespread applications in environmental monitoring, industrial safety, and healthcare diagnostics. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in resistive gas sensors, focusing on their fundamental working mechanisms, sensing material design, device architecture optimization, and intelligent system integration. These sensors primarily operate based on changes in electrical resistance induced by interactions between gas molecules and sensing materials, including physical adsorption, charge transfer, and surface redox reactions. In terms of materials, metal oxide semiconductors, conductive polymers, carbon-based nanomaterials, and their composites have demonstrated enhanced sensitivity and selectivity through strategies such as doping, surface functionalization, and heterojunction engineering, while also enabling reduced operating temperatures. Device-level innovations—such as microheater integration, self-heated nanowires, and multi-sensor arrays—have further improved response speed and energy efficiency. Moreover, the incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies has significantly advanced signal processing, pattern recognition, and long-term operational stability. Machine learning (ML) algorithms have enabled intelligent design of novel sensing materials, optimized multi-gas identification, and enhanced data reliability in complex environments. These synergistic developments are driving resistive gas sensors toward low-power, highly integrated, and multifunctional platforms, particularly in emerging applications such as wearable electronics, breath diagnostics, and smart city infrastructure. This review concludes with a perspective on future research directions, emphasizing the importance of improving material stability, interference resistance, standardized fabrication, and intelligent system integration for large-scale practical deployment. Full article

Promethazine hydrochloride (PMH) is a first-generation antipsychotic drug created from phenothiazine derivatives that is widely employed to treat psychiatric disorders in human healthcare systems. However, an overdose or long-term intake of PMH can lead to severe health issues in humans. Hence, establishing a sensitive, accurate, and efficient detection approach to detect PMH in human samples is imperative. In this study, we designed orthorhombic copper molybdate microspheres decorated on reduced graphene oxide (Cu₃Mo₂O₉/RGO) composite via the effective one-pot hydrothermal method. The structural and morphological features of the designed hybrid were studied using various spectroscopic methods. Subsequently, the electrochemical activity of the composite-modified screen-printed carbon electrode (Cu₃Mo₂O₉/RGO/SPCE) was assessed by employing voltammetric methods for PMH sensing. Owing to the uniform composition and structural benefits, the combination of Cu₃Mo₂O₉ and RGO has not only improved electrochemical properties but also enhanced the electron transport between PMH and Cu₃Mo₂O₉/RGO. As a result, the Cu₃Mo₂O₉/RGO/SPCE exhibited a broad linear range of 0.4–420.8 µM with a low limit of detection (LoD) of 0.015 µM, highlighting excellent electrocatalytic performance to PMH. It also demonstrated good cyclic stability, reproducibility, and selectivity in the presence of chlorpromazine and biological and metal compounds. Furthermore, the Cu₃Mo₂O₉/RGO/SPCE sensor displayed satisfactory recoveries for real-time monitoring of PMH in human urine and serum samples. This study delivers a promising electrochemical sensor for the efficient analysis of antipsychotic drug molecules. Full article

Air pollution imposes a substantial economic burden globally, with estimated annual losses exceeding $8.1 trillion due to healthcare costs, lost productivity, infrastructure degradation, and agricultural damage. This review assesses the economic effectiveness of advanced air pollution control technologies within the broader context of sustainable energy transitions. Through comparative life-cycle cost-benefit analyses, we evaluate the financial viability, energy efficiency, and policy relevance of innovations such as carbon capture and storage (CCS), AI-driven emissions monitoring, and nanotechnology-enhanced filtration. Among the technologies assessed, CCS presents the most significant capital expenditure (up to $500 million per facility) but offers long-term returns through carbon credits and enhanced oil recovery, yielding up to $30–40 in economic benefits for every $1 invested. AI-based monitoring systems demonstrate strong economic efficiency by reducing energy consumption in industrial operations by up to 15% and improving regulatory compliance at a larger scale. Nanotechnology-enabled filters provide high pollutant capture efficiency and reduce operational resistance, yet face scalability and end-of-life challenges. Additionally, emerging technologies such as bioengineered filters offer promise for low-resource settings but require further economic validation. The integration of these technologies with renewable energy systems, such as hydrogen-powered pollution control units and solar-driven filtration, further amplifies their environmental and economic benefits. By aligning air pollution mitigation with climate and energy goals, this review highlights a pathway for policymakers and industries to achieve both economic resilience and environmental sustainability. The findings underscore that, while upfront costs may be high, strategic investments in advanced pollution control deliver substantial long-term returns across sectors. Full article