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09/25/2018 / By Edsel Cook

Scientists use algorithms to calculate ways to reduce the ecosystem impact of large dams

Large dams are one of the pillars that support modern-day civilization. However, they’re also one of the biggest threats to freshwater ecosystems. In an article from Scientific American, researchers sought to calculate a balance that lessens the impact of dams while also ensuring enough water and power for human needs. The University of Washington (UW) […]

09/07/2018 / By Rhonda Johansson

Scientists explore using sugarcane as alternative bio-jet fuel

Planes may soon be running on sugarcane oil, if plans made by researchers from the University of Illinois come to fruition. Their proposal, extensively detailed in a paper published in Bioenergy, suggests that replacing fossil fuel with genetically-engineered sugarcane oil is an economically viable green alternative for the aviation industry. It has been acknowledged that […]

08/18/2018 / By Edsel Cook

“The potential is huge!” say researchers who were able to develop advanced biofuels using only existing power plants

A decade’s worth of studies on biomass gasification has finally delivered “huge” results for Swedish researchers. In a Science Daily article, they announced breakthroughs in conversion technology that would let countries like Sweden produce large amounts of renewable fuels without the need to build expensive new power plants. Chalmers University of Technology (Chalmers) energy expert […]

08/08/2018 / By David Williams

Researchers create first rechargeable proton battery in effort to find more environmentally-friendly energy storage

As the world becomes more reliant on batteries to power all sorts of gadgets and machinery, there will come a time when existing solutions just won’t be enough anymore. Someday, the need for alternative energy storage solutions will become a major problem. And when that day arrives, it will be good to have a properly […]

06/20/2018 / By David Williams

Electric planes make debut at Fresno’s Chandler Airport

It wasn’t that long ago when the world saw the first working airplane take to the skies, relatively speaking. Since then, aviation technology has improved by leaps and bounds. Now a brand new one-of-a-kind electric plane has debuted in the U.S. through the Fresno Chandler Executive Airport, and they show that great things lie ahead […]

06/02/2018 / By David Williams

Light pollution is a growing problem: What you can do

If you are a casual stargazer, then you’ve probably already spent at least a few hours one random night trying to make out certainly celestial bodies with nothing more than just your naked eye. After all, you can’t get more casual than using no stargazing equipment at all. And for many people, this kind of […]

05/31/2018 / By Edsel Cook

Duke suspends its plans for a new gas power plant and will focus on generating energy from pig waste

Duke University has indefinitely suspended its plan for a natural gas power plant on its campus. According to an article in the Energy News Network, the school will be getting its energy needs from methane biogas made from hog waste. The decision is the culmination of a two-year struggle between the similarly-named but unrelated Duke Energy and an alliance […]

05/25/2018 / By Zoey Sky

Managing your personal carbon footprint is like managing your health or weight; commitment and consistency lead to slow and steady improvements

According to an activist, while individual efforts to minimize greenhouse gases is essential, it must be paired with “political engagement and system change.” Cara Augustenborg, a Dublin-based climate scientist and activist, explained that the integrity of climate scientists is at stake because of their own efforts to minimize emissions. Augustenborg, who is also chair of Friends […]

05/25/2018 / By Jessica Dolores

Enzyme discovery enables production of renewable biofuel; could replace petroleum-based gasoline additive

At a time when population growth is making sources of energy more limited, looking for alternate sources of renewable energy is as important as ever. The discovery of a new enzyme that enables the microbial production of a renewable option to petroleum-based toluene, a popular octane booster in gasoline, is, therefore, welcome news. This also […]

05/23/2018 / By Edsel Cook

Solar power, rain or shine: Hybrid solar cells can generate power from raindrops

Solar power has finally come across a way to overcome one of its greatest weaknesses: Rain. In a Science Daily article, Chinese researchers presented a hybrid solar cell that can produce electricity even when it is raining cats and dogs. In addition to gathering power from sunlight, the new cell can also harvest electrical power from rainwater […]

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