Researchers at Israel’s Technicion have developed an energy tower they say could produce 15 to 20 times the total electricity the world uses today, be used as a desalination device and even reverse some of the adverse effects of global warming.
Technology From Sticky Mussels, Biomedical Engineer Inspired Again
Northwestern University scientist Philip Messersmith and his team – inspired by mussels – have developed a unique coating application method that mimicks the mollusks’ uncanny ability to stick to virtually anything. Potential uses include medical devices, biosensors, as well as culture and expansion of stem cells.
Whale "Missing Link" Discovered
Scientists say the remains of an extinct fox-sized animal found in India is probably the land-based relative of whales, dolphins and porpoises.
New Solar Technology Sets World Record
US based solar technology firm, Plextronics, Inc., has set the world record for solar light to power efficiency with a result of 5.4 percent using their single layer organic solar cells less than two years in the making.
Carbon Electrodes Could Slash Cost of Solar Panels
Researchers in Germany have found how to use transparent electrodes made from atom-thick carbon sheets in the manufacture of solar panels and LCDs, a breakthrough that will ease the depletion of natural resources currently used.
Canberra to Monitor Japan Whalers
Australia’s new government will send a patrol ship and aircraft to monitor controversial Japanese whaling off the coast of Antarctica. The surveillance will be used to assess whether the slaughter of whales is grounds for legal action in international courts.
Greenpeace Takes On Gaming Giants
A campaign by Greenpeace is calling on video game console makers Sony, Microsft and Nintendo to decrease the amount of toxic materials used in their products, saying they are lagging behind others in the tech industry in doing so.
EPA Says 17 States Can't Set Emission Rules
The EPA has told 17 states they are not allowed to set their own standards concerning carbon dioxide emissions from automobiles, saying the proposed rules are pre-empted by federal authority. CA Governor Schwarzenegger says the state will sue to overturn the decision.
Reservoirs Closed After Carcinogen Is Found
Two Los Angeles reservoirs – the Elysian and the Silver Lake – have been closed after it was found they were contaminated with carcinogenic bromate caused by a rare reaction between sunlight and chlorine. The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power plans to drain 600 million gallons from the reservoirs – equal to one day of LA’s water consumption … Read More
As They Recognize 50 Years of Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide Records, Experts Say Potential Solutions Are Within Reach
As humanity passes the 50 year anniversary of accurate global carbon dioxide measurements and with the scientific community concluding that climate change is “very likely” to be caused by anthropogenic greenhouse-gas emissions, experts in science, busines and politics are confident that humanity can succesfully combat climate change. Although it must lead the charge, Clint Talbott argues that the US government … Read More