innovatsioon

Mahendra Kothottil Mohan, a junior researcher at the TalTech Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, believes that although research into lignin-based products is progressing, it may take another 5 to 10 years before major breakthroughs are achieved that make lignin innovation competitive with fossil-based alternatives. Photo: Aivo Kallas
Science
26.03.2025
Unlocking the potential of lignin
In the global push toward sustainability, one of the most promising yet underutilized natural resources is lignin. Traditionally regarded as a low-value byproduct of the pulp and paper industry, lignin is now at the forefront of innovative research aimed at transforming it into high-value products.
Beneath cities lies a complex infrastructure that includes water supply systems, electrical grids, sewage networks, gas pipelines, and even historical and geological layers. Additionally, there are tree root systems, which are crucial for maintaining urban greenery. However, in practice, current urban planning often fails to consider the importance of these roots—and even mycorrhiza—resulting in declining tree vitality and, ultimately, the removal of trees. Photo: Pexels
Society
27.02.2025
Back to the roots: TreeCity saves urban trees
Imagine a city where the invisible world hidden beneath streets and buildings is mapped and integrated with innovative urban planning. TreeCity, one of the finalists of FinEst Centre for Smart Cities's Smart City Challenge 2024, offers exactly this.