Earlier this week Joule Unlimited secured $70 million in funding. The company happens to have algae facilities that turn carbon dioxide and sunlight into biodiesel and ethanol. Meanwhile Bio Architecture Lab was able to get seaweed to create chemicals and biofuels. Both processes use patented organisms to create the biofuel.
Technology for a greener future
Archive for the ‘water’ Category
If your drinking water isn’t safe the EPA can’t help you
When you think of agencies that were created to protect our water sources from pollution, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has to top that list. While states are supposed to be responsible for making sure that the water we drink is safe, the EPA is the agency that used to oversee the states and oversaw the waterways used as a source for the water we drink, bath in, wash our dogs and children in, and use to cook our food. Well, the House GOP has taken those responsibilities away from the EPA.
Is it hot on this planet or is it just me
Parts of the United States are suffering through a terrible heat wave. Other parts of the United States are also suffering from a severe drought. Last year was one of the hottest summers on record, but this summer isn’t over. It is just a continuation of severe weather that has encompassed record numbers of tornados and floods, and now heat and drought.
New batteries made from graphene and water recharge fast
Take pencil lead (graphite) separate it into one atom thick layers (graphene) add water and presto you have an amazing method for storing energy and recharging fast. Of course there is a bit more to it but that is the gist of the research.
Hydrogen buses prove unsustainable in Charlottetown
Charlottetown on Prince Edward Island (P.E.I.) in Canada has expertise and experience with hydrogen buses. They just can’t use them anymore. Unfortunately, the buses proved too expensive to run and so the buses are being shipped back to Ford.
Dickson Despommier advocates vertical farming
Dickson D. Despommier, Professor of Public Health in Environmental Health Sciences at Columbia University is an avid proponent of vertical farming, using urban buildings to grow food. For him vertical farming represents the best way for future cities to feed their populations.
China invests in water conservation projects
China is investing in numerous water infrastructure projects to ensure future grain production. The country is hoping to prevent future shortages and to replace agricultural acreage that has been lost to urban encroachment.
Streams and rivers release more nitrous oxide than thought
Scientists have found that globally, rivers and streams produce three times the amount of the greenhouse gas (GHG) nitrous oxide (N2O) than estimated by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Nitrous Oxide has 300 times the “global warming potential” of carbon dioxide (CO2).
Horizon’s fuel cells power UAVs three times longer than batteries
Horizon’s hydrogen fuel cell pack system for mini unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) could mean saved lives. Because the AEROPAK as the system is called, is capable of increasing the time and distance of UAV flights, they will be able to do more reconnaissance without returning to base. In military situations, that could mean saved lives.
Microclimates can cool hot city parks
Using “computer-aided manufacturing techniques” or structural patterning, London Design firm PostlerFerguson has created free standing lattice work sculptures called Microclimates that cool the air around them.