Leveraging Artificial Intelligence and Innovative Technologies for Sustainable Ecosystem Management

As a leader in sustainability research, the University of New South Wales (UNSW) is bringing forth breakthroughs that have the potential to drastically alter our planet. A range of innovative projects demonstrate UNSW's dedication to sustainability, ranging from advanced regenerative medicine to ecosystem frameworks. Here, we examine five of these projects that are not only breaking new ground in their respective industries but also essential to a sustainable future for our planet.

Understanding Ecosystems: A Milestone Achievement

In a ground-breaking study, scientists at UNSW Sydney's Earth and Sustainability Science Research Centre have classified every ecosystem on Earth for the first time, marking a major accomplishment. Offering essential insights for conservation efforts and ecosystem management, this extensive framework offers a methodical understanding of Earth's different ecosystems (Henwood, 2022).

This paradigm is essential to human well-being and makes it possible to apply global conservation and management policies more successfully.

Global Ecosystem Typology        

AI for Sustainable Development

In addressing the SDGs, artificial intelligence (AI) is proving to be revolutionary. Researchers are improving decision-making processes for sustainable development, forecasting environmental trends, and allocating resources more efficiently by utilising AI algorithms. UNSW BusinessThink's and other initiatives' efforts demonstrate six essential ways artificial intelligence (AI) may be used to promote sustainable development, from improving disaster response to streamlining energy systems (UNSW BusinessThink, 2023).

Innovations in Reducing Food Waste with Patented Colour-Changing Sensors

Food waste is a serious worldwide issue with severe effects on the environment and the economy. By offering real-time signs of food freshness, researchers team led by Associate Professor Rona Chandrawati at UNSW Sydney have created patented colour-changing sensors that can enable smarter food consumption. These patented sensors have the potential to completely change how we consume and preserve food because they can be affixed as stickers on food packaging and provide a real-time signal of food quality (Weston et al., 2022).

 

                           Sensors                                                                    Food sensor

Advances in Regenerative Medicine through 3D Printing Bone with Living Cells

A ground-breaking technology developed by Dr. Roohani and Associate Professor Kristopher Kilian enables the 3D printing of bone using living cells. With the use of a new ink, this innovation represents a substantial advancement in medical research (Gilbert, 2021). A significant improvement over current technology is indicated by the printed structure's ability to contain living cells and its portability(Scudellari, 2022). Offering novel approaches to treating bone injuries and illnesses, this innovation has enormous potential for regenerative medicine and personalised healthcare (Shaikhnag et al., 2021).

                       

3D Bone Printing

REFERENCES

Empowering smarter food consumption with sensors: Engineering - UNSW Sydney (no date b) UNSW Sites. Available at: https://www.unsw.edu.au/engineering/research-technology/impact-stories/empowering-smarter-food-consumption-with-sensors (Accessed: 18 March 2024).

Gilbert, L. (2021) Scientists use novel ink to 3D-print ‘bone’ with living cells, UNSW Sites. Available at: https://www.unsw.edu.au/newsroom/news/2021/01/scientists-use-novel-ink-to-3d-print--bone--with-living-cells (Accessed: 14 March 2024).

Henwood, B. (2022) The entire planet’s ecosystems classified for the first time: Study, UNSW Sites. Available at: https://www.unsw.edu.au/newsroom/news/2022/10/the-entire-planet-s-ecosystems-classified-for-the-first-time--st (Accessed: 17 March 2024).

Shaikhnag, A. et al. (2021) UNSW scientists 3D print bone-like structures containing living cells, 3D Printing Industry. Available at: https://3dprintingindustry.com/news/unsw-scientists-3d-print-bone-like-structures-containing-living-cells-183243/ (Accessed: 14 March 2024).

Scudellari, M. (2022) 3D printing bone directly into the body, IEEE Spectrum. Available at: https://spectrum.ieee.org/3d-printing-bone-directly-into-the-body (Accessed: 15 March 2024).

UNSW BusinessThink. (2023). Six ways to leverage AI for sustainable development. [Online] Available at: https://www.businessthink.unsw.edu.au/articles/leverage-ai-sustainable-development [Accessed 17 March 2024].

Weston, M. et al. (2022) Polydiacetylene-based sensors for Food Applications, Materials Advances. Available at: https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2022/ma/d1ma01180d (Accessed: 18 March 2024).