Staying Cool with Solar Power

Thought solar panels were only good for providing solar power? Researchers are finding that solar power is not the only benefit. Solar panels have been found to reduce rooftop temperatures by as much as 38%.   A recent study found that areas shaded by the panels were 5 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than parts of the roof exposed to the sun.

The solar panels absorb the suns heat and act as a shade for the roof. In situations where there are gaps between the panel and the roof, the roof is cooled more efficiently; the same goes for highly efficient solar panels.  This new discovery adds to the already known benefits of solar power by reducing the need for cooling buildings.  In an effort to encourage solar panel usage, companies such as SunPower are leasing panels.

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/greenhouse/post/2011/07/solar-panels-expand-help-cool-buildings/1

For more information on SOLAR POWER, check out SCIENCE SCREEN REPORT’s Volume 40 episode: SOLAR POWER – An Alternative Energy Source.

http://www.ssrvideo.com/vol40.html#5

Biofuels in the Heartland

Southwest Kansas is soon to join in the harvesting of biofuels.  The US Department of Agriculture announced it will help fund 75% of the conversion of 20,000 acres in Southwest Kansas and a small portion of Oklahoma to convert switchgrass to biofuels.

The Abengoa Biofuels plant will be operating in Hugoton, Kansas by 2013.  According to an Abengoa news release, the plant will convert 315,000 dry tons of switchgrass into 25 million gallons of ethanol.  This amount of ethanol can generate 25 megawatts of electricity. 

http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9OO2T880.htm

For more information on fuel technology, check out SCIENCE SCREEN REPORT’s Volume 40 episode: FUEL TECHNOLOGY – Transportation Innovations.

http://www.ssrvideo.com/vol40.html#4

The Unrecyclable's Second Chance

The recent news in recycling technology is that Kraft Foods and Nestlé have partnered with Enval to find a solution to recycling containers previously thought to be unrecyclable.  Enval’s specialty is recycling laminated packaging commonly found in food pouches, toothpaste tubes, and aseptic drinking cartons.

The goal is to build a commercial recycling plant for these materials to go to for recycling.  This patented technology separates the materials into individual components such as aluminum and plastic; bringing us all a step closer to complete recycling of post-consumer waste. 

http://www.packagingdigest.com/article/518951-Mega_food_companies_support_emerging_technology_for_recycling_laminated_packaging.php

http://www.enval.com/

For more information on recycling technologies, check out SCIENCE SCREEN REPORT’s Volume 40 episode: RECYCLING TECHNOLOGY – Waste Not, Want Not

http://www.ssrvideo.com/vol40.html#3

Increasing Girl's Interest in STEM

In an effort to increase girl’s interest in STEM careers, local organizations such as the Kaput Center in Massachusetts seek to increase girl’s interest in the US.  Kaput works to change the image of girls working in STEM fields as well as mentoring young girls to maintain a focus on STEM careers through high school.

This year, Kaput and Greenlight for Girls operated events at University of Massachusetts for 105girls 11 to 15 years of age.   The goal is to build up the confidence of girls in, or soon to be in, high school.  In these age levels, young men statistically dominate advanced placement classes in STEM studies. 

A non-profit group called Jr. Tech held a SciTech Girl Expo this past April after noticing its STEM programs had a 7:3 male to female ratio; which reflects national trends.  Jr. Tech brought in women who’ve succeeded in STEM career fields to speak to these female students. 

http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110722/NEBULLETIN/108010307/1036

Massive crystal cave discovered

 

The Cave of Crystals has gone undiscovered until today.  The cave system is thought to have begun developing crystals 600,000 years ago with the help of cooling magma.  Located 1,000 feet below the Chihuahua Desert in Chihuahua, Mexico, The Cave of Crystals contains 170 crystals that reach up to 37.4ft long. 

Though the crystals give an appearance of a chilly environment, scientists discovering the cave are forced to wear cooling suits to tolerate the cave’s steady temperature of 112F with 90-100% humidity.  To deter further looting of the cave’s crystals, scientists have fitted the cave entry with a heavy steel door.

Interested in learning more about caves?  Check out SSR’s volume 40 episode titled: Nature’s Chemical Wonder – Acid Caves Explored. http://www.ssrvideo.com/vol40.html#1

Source:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1081072/Pictured-The-Cave-Crystals-discovered-1-000ft-Mexican-desert.html