Environmentalists claim U.S.-Europe trade deal threatens climate policy
New report documents U.S. move to weaken EU climate legislation in transatlantic trade talks.
Jul 20th, 2014
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Pumping efficiency into electrical motors
Researchers are using new magnetic materials to develop revolutionary electrical motors and generators which promise significant energy savings. They have used the new motors to develop patented highly efficient water pump systems with potential widespread application.
Jul 18th, 2014
Read moreMicroplastics worse for crabs and other marine life than previously thought, study shows
The tiny plastic particles polluting our seas are not only orally ingested by marine creatures, but also enter their systems through their gills, according to a new study.
Jul 18th, 2014
Read moreMore energy from a liter of biofuel
Oil produced from biomass - such as wood chips or plant residues - seldom has the same quality and energy content as 'classical' crude oil. A new, simple catalyst improves the quality of this oil before it is even transported to the refinery.
Jul 18th, 2014
Read moreMap reveals worldwide impacts of climate change
Scientists from the University of Southampton have helped to create a new map, which shows the impact climate change could have on the whole planet by the end of the century, if carbon emissions continue to increase.
Jul 17th, 2014
Read moreAre ants the answer to carbon dioxide sequestration?
A 25-year-long study provides the first quantitative measurement of in situ calcium-magnesium silicate mineral dissolution by ants, termites, tree roots, and bare ground. This study reveals that ants are one of the most powerful biological agents of mineral decay yet observed. It may be that an understanding of the geobiology of ant-mineral interactions might offer a line of research on how to 'geoengineer' accelerated carbon dioxide consumption by calcium-magnesium silicates.
Jul 17th, 2014
Read moreImproving the cost and efficiency of renewable energy storage
Scientists have developed a method for improving the catalysis of water-splitting reactions used for storing wind and solar energy. The method chemically peels off the outermost surface of a catalyst, thereby maximizing its active surface for the reaction.
Jul 17th, 2014
Read moreNew study assesses energy balance of large-scale photoelectrochemical hydrogen production
A new study created a life-cycle assessment (LCA) model to provide some estimates that might help guide research directions to faster marketplace success. The scientists constructed a model simulation of a large-scale PEC-based hydrogen production facility, using what is known currently about the technology as well as projections of future performance.
Jul 16th, 2014
Read moreWhat do Google searches tell us about our climate change fears?
Political ideology, education levels affect when people search for climate information.
Jul 16th, 2014
Read moreDispersant from Deepwater Horizon spill found to persist in the environment
A new study has found that the dispersant compound DOSS, which decreases the size of oil droplets and hampers the formation of large oil slicks, remains associated with oil and can persist in the environment for up to four years.
Jul 16th, 2014
Read moreEfficient structures help build a sustainable future
Researchers find find that using steel cable structural systems is better for the environment than using structural steel truss systems for long-span structures.
Jul 16th, 2014
Read moreGetting a charge out of water droplets
Water condensing and jumping from a superhydrophobic surface can be harnessed to produce electricity.
Jul 11th, 2014
Read moreLargest German solar power storage park
Solar cells, batteries, and inverters are operated together with the purpose of storing solar electricity and making it available at any time.
Jul 11th, 2014
Read moreEU aims for zero-waste economy with higher recycling targets
The EU has proposed higher recycling targets in a bid to transform Europe's economy into one where nothing is wasted, supporting sustainable growth.
Jul 11th, 2014
Read morePostcards from the photosynthetic edge
Using the world's most powerful x-ray laser, an international collaboration led by Berkeley Lab researchers took femtosecond 'snapshots' of water oxidation in photosystem II, the only known biological system able to harness sunlight for splitting the water molecule. The results should help advance the development of artificial photosynthesis for clean, green and renewable energy.
Jul 9th, 2014
Read moreNew engineering program designed to broaden solar energy expertise
Engineers who will help lead renewable energy development in Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, are getting the specialized training they'll need through a new solar energy education program at Arizona State University.
Jul 8th, 2014
Read more'Singlet fission' can increase solar cell efficiency by as much as 30 percent
This 1->2 conversion process, as it is known, has the potential to boost solar cell efficiency by as much as 30 percent.
Jul 8th, 2014
Read moreA livable city solution: The powerful potential of microgrids
As urban growth increases stress on global systems, researchers are working to develop solutions that contribute to the livability of future cities. When it comes to urban energy - and its ever-increasing consumption - they believe resiliency, reliability and accessibility will be critical factors in ensuring a sustainable supply.
Jul 8th, 2014
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