US Receives "C" for Green Efforts

Ever wonder how the US is progressing in the “green” industry?  How environmentally friendly are we, considering all the efforts the US has made to lower carbon footprints?  According to John Doerr, head of Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byer’s’ alternative energy practice, the US has earned a “C” for its current efforts.  If it weren’t for recent clean-energy stimulus funding, the US would have earned a “D” or “F” according to Mr. Doerr. 

Last week, GM, Ford, and Toyota agreed to double the fuel economy of vehicles sold in the US.  This will create a fleet of vehicles with an average of 54.5MPG by 2025.  Doerr also rated the US’s biotech development a “B.” 

What do you think needs to be done to increase the US’s ratings in these science fields? 

Source:

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-08-03/john-doerr-gives-u-s-a-c-for-alternative-energy-development.html

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 Science of Beer

Interested in learning about the properties and history of beer?  How about the latest news in yeast genetics?  Stop by the Seattle Science of Beer on Wednesday, August 10, grab a beer and appetizer and prepare for a fascinating evening. 

As a part of the USA Science & Engineering Initiative, this free event is for attendees 21 years and older.  There will also be a discussion on the latest educational programs available to educators, sponsored by the Pacific North West Science & Engineering Initiative. 

Source:

http://www.pnwsciencefestival.org/ssob2011

E-Cycling

We’ve all heard of recycling paper, plastic, and metals, but what about the electronic waste that adds to the surmounting landfills every day?  E-recycling programs, such as the Oregon E-Cycles Program are looking to address the growing issue of cell phones, computers, and televisions in landfills.  In the first six months of 2011, Oregon E-Cycles collected 12.2 million pounds of e-waste for recycling. 

This free service has met its recycling goals every year since 2009.  E-cycles is well on its way to meeting its 22.95 million pound goal for 2011.  This increase is due to Oregon’s ban of computer and monitor disposal that went into effect in 2010.  Many consumers are unaware of e-waste’s highly toxic effect in landfills; thus the disposal ban and E-Cycling program.

Source:

http://www.oregonlive.com/argus/index.ssf/2011/08/state_e-recycling_shows_gains.html

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

Oxygen in Space: "How's the Air Up There?"

The European Space Agency’s Herschel telescope has confirmed the presence of oxygen within a star nursery in the Orion constellation.  Since the discovery of oxygen, in 1770, scientists have not been able to confirm the presence of this molecule in space. 

The oxygen found in the nursery is contained within ice covering granules of dust.  When the ice is heated, it melts and releases oxygen into space.  Scientists still do not know why the oxygen is specific to these areas. 

Source:

http://www.dawn.com/2011/08/03/european-telescope-detects-oxygen-in-space.html

For more information on telescopes, check out SCIENCE SCREEN REPORT’s Volume 40 episode: TELESCOPE – New Eyes on the Cosmos & X-Ray – Invisible Astronomy.

http://www.ssrvideo.com/vol40.html#8

Pocket-Sized Diagnostics

For years medical professionals have been testing people in remote areas of third world countries for communicable diseases such as HIV/AIDS and syphilis.  This testing has always involved traveling with lots of expensive equipment, until now. 

Sanford bioengineers have developed a credit card sized cassette that can detect infectious disease.  The cassette is designed with an entry port where a small blood sample is deposited, and a series of vertical bars the blood is looped through.  The bars are lined with material designed to detect the antibodies of these infectious diseases.  After a 15 minute wait, the patient learns his or her diagnosis. 

Devises such as this can increase the amount of people tested, diagnosed, and treated for communicable diseases in these remote regions. 

Source:

http://scopeblog.stanford.edu/2011/08/a-credit-card-sized-device-that-can-spot-infectious-diseases/

For more information on bioengineering, check out SCIENCE SCREEN REPORT’s Volume 40 episode: BIOENGINEERING – Science by Design.

http://www.ssrvideo.com/vol40.html#6

Going Green with Ultra-Violet

Ultra-violet (UV) light has been found to be an effective method for algae control in water.  Though crucial to pond life, an overabundance of algae can quickly become a nuisance.  Filters fitted with UV lights kill algae spores when water is passed through the filter. 

Why kill algae?  An overabundance of algae in a pond serves as a grave threat to fish in the pond.  Algae deplete oxygen in the water which eventually will kill the pond.  The UV light was found to have an adverse effect on the algae.  This treatment can reduce the amount of chemicals used to treat a dying pond, aquariums, and pools. 

Source:

http://myorganicflowers.com/wp/ultraviolet-light-vs-algae-water-garden-facts-2/

For more information on UV light, check out SCIENCE SCREEN REPORT’s Volume 40 episode: LIGHT-WAVE TECHNOLOGY – New Advances.

http://www.ssrvideo.com/vol40.html#6  

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