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DOE official cites need for major breakthroughs to cope with climate change
August 27, 2008Meeting the world's growing energy needs while responding to global warming during the 21st Century will be one of the biggest challenges humanity has ever faced, Raymond L. Orbach, Ph.D., the U.S. Department of Energy's Under Secretary for Science, says in the latest podcast in the American Chemical Society's Global Challenges/Chemistry Solutions series.
In a two-part podcast entitled "Confronting Climate Change," Orbach notes that meeting this challenge will demand "transformational breakthroughs in basic science," meaning revolutionary discoveries rather than common step-by-step scientific advances. He cites as one example the development of artificial versions of photosynthesis, the natural process that plants use to produce energy from water and sunlight. Artificial photosynthesis - "photosynthesis without the plant," as Orbach put it - could theoretically open the door to fueling cars of the future with water rather than pricey gasoline. Artificial photosynthesis units would split water into hydrogen and oxygen, producing clean-burning hydrogen fuel, the podcast explains.
Other scientists featured in the climate-change podcasts include:
* Harry Gray, Ph.D., of the Caltech Center for Sustainable Energy Research, who discusses the vast potential of solar energy.
* William Morrow, Ph.D., of Carnegie Mellon University, who describes new technology that mixes switchgrass with coal to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
* Jerald L. Schnoor, Ph.D., editor of ACS' Environmental Science & Technology, and a professor at the University of Iowa, who predicts that nuclear energy may play a larger role in meeting future energy needs.
* Michaël Grätzel, Ph.D., of the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne in Switzerland, who describes achieving a record light-conversion efficiency of 8.2 percent with solar cells that in certain ways mimic plants.
American Chemical Society
* Harry Gray, Ph.D., of the Caltech Center for Sustainable Energy Research, who discusses the vast potential of solar energy.
* William Morrow, Ph.D., of Carnegie Mellon University, who describes new technology that mixes switchgrass with coal to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
* Jerald L. Schnoor, Ph.D., editor of ACS' Environmental Science & Technology, and a professor at the University of Iowa, who predicts that nuclear energy may play a larger role in meeting future energy needs.
* Michaël Grätzel, Ph.D., of the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne in Switzerland, who describes achieving a record light-conversion efficiency of 8.2 percent with solar cells that in certain ways mimic plants.
American Chemical Society
Photosynthesis Current Events and Photosynthesis News RSSBeyond sunlight: Explorers census 17,650 ocean species between edge of darkness and black abyss
Census of Marine Life scientists have inventoried an astonishing abundance, diversity and distribution of deep sea species that have never known sunlight - creatures that somehow manage a living in a frigid black world down to 5,000 meters (~3 miles) below the ocean waves.
Oceans' uptake of manmade carbon may be slowing
The oceans play a key role in regulating climate, absorbing more than a quarter of the carbon dioxide that humans put into the air.
UT Knoxville and ORNL researchers turn algae into high-temperature hydrogen source
In the quest to make hydrogen as a clean alternative fuel source, researchers have been stymied about how to create usable hydrogen that is clean and sustainable without relying on an intensive, high-energy process that outweighs the benefits of not using petroleum to power vehicles.
Antarctica glacier retreat creates new carbon dioxide store
Large blooms of tiny marine plants called phytoplankton are flourishing in areas of open water left exposed by the recent and rapid melting of ice shelves and glaciers around the Antarctic Peninsula.
Newly Discovered Fat Molecule: An Undersea Killer with an Upside
A chemical culprit responsible for the rapid, mysterious death of phytoplankton in the North Atlantic Ocean has been found by collaborating scientists at Rutgers University and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI). This same chemical may hold unexpected promise in cancer research.
Chemists describe solar energy progress and challenges, including the 'artificial leaf'
Scientists are making progress toward development of an "artificial leaf" that mimics a real leaf's chemical magic with photosynthesis - but instead converts sunlight and water into a liquid fuel such as methanol for cars and trucks.
Toward home-brewed electricity with 'personalized solar energy'
New scientific discoveries are moving society toward the era of "personalized solar energy," in which the focus of electricity production shifts from huge central generating stations to individuals in their own homes and communities.
Sun or shade: Pecan leaves' photosynthetic light response evaluated
Pecan, the most valuable nut tree native to North America, is native from northern Illinois and southeastern Iowa to the Gulf Coast of the United States, where it grows abundantly along the Mississippi River, the rivers of central and eastern Oklahoma, and Texas.
Reflective film can boost profits for apple growers
In a research report published in a recent issue of HortTechnology, scientists Ignasi Iglesias and Simó Alegre examined the effects of covering orchard floors with reflective films on fruit color, fruit quality, canopy light distribution, orchard temperature, and profitability.
Iron controls patterns of nitrogen fixation in the Atlantic
Scientists including researchers from the National Oceanography Centre, Southampton and the University of Essex have discovered that interactions between iron supply, transported through the atmosphere from deserts, and large-scale oceanic circulation control the availability of a crucial nutrient, nitrogen, in the Atlantic.
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Photosynthesis (Science Concepts, Second Series) by Alvin Silverstein (Author), Virginia B. Silverstein (Author), Laura Silverstein Nunn (Author) Explains photosynthesis, the process responsible for providing the material and energy for all living things, and discusses such related issues as respiration, the carbon cycle, acid rain, and the greenhouse effect. |
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What Is Photosynthesis? DVD Starring: Artist Not Provided Photosynthesis is a biological process that benefits all living things. The chemical reactions that occur during the process of photosynthesis are described with the help of graphics and easy-to-follow explanations. This video makes learning about plants and how they function both fun and interesting. |
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Molecular Mechanisms of Photosynthesis by Robert E Blankenship (Author) Molecular Mechanisms of Photosynthesis stands as an ideal introduction to this subject. Robert Blankenship, a leading authority in photosynthesis research, offers a modern approach to photosynthesis in this accessible and well-illustrated text. The book provides a concise overview of the basic principles of energy storage and the history of the field, then progresses into more advanced topics such as electron transfer pathways, kinetics, genetic manipulations, and evolution. Throughout, Blankenship includes an interdisciplinary emphasis that makes this book appealing across fields. Leading authority in Photosynthesis and the the President of the International Society of Photosynthesis Research. First authoritative text to enter the market in 10 years. Stresses an... |
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Photosynthesis: Changing Sunlight into Food (Nature's Changes) by Bobbie Kalman (Author) This title contains a book & CD. Photosynthesis is the basis for all life on Earth! This exciting and sensitive book looks at how plants use a gas that is poisonous to people and animals to create food and oxygen for all creatures with the help of the Sun. The CD's approximate running time is 30 minutes. |
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Phonosynthesis by DJ Irene |
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Photosynthesis Rhyme, Results Rhythm (Primary Contributor) |
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Eating the Sun: How Plants Power the Planet by Oliver Morton (Author) Wherever there is greenery, photosynthesis is working to make oxygen, release energy, and create living matter from the raw material of sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide. Without photosynthesis, there would be an empty world, an empty sky, and a sun that does nothing more than warm the rocks and reflect off the sea. Eating the Sun is the story of a world in crisis; an appreciation of the importance of plants; a history of the earth and the feuds and fantasies of warring scientists; a celebration of how the smallest things, enzymes and pigments, influence the largest things, the oceans, the rainforests, and the fossil fuel economy. Oliver Morton offers a fascinating, lively, profound look at nature's greatest miracle and sounds a much-needed call to arms—illuminating a... |
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Photosynthesis Also With: Josh Kalis (Primary Contributor), Rob Dyrdek (Primary Contributor), Jason Dill (Primary Contributor), Danny Way (Primary Contributor), Anthony van Engelen (Primary Contributor), Anthony Pappalardo (Primary Contributor), Pat Corcoran (Primary Contributor), Kerry Getz (Primary Contributor), Fred Gall (Primary Contributor), Tim O'Connor (Primary Contributor) Skater list Anthony Pappalardo Anthony Van Engelen Danny Garcia Fred Gall Jason Dill Josh Kalis Kerry Getz Mark Appleyard Pat Corcoran Rob Dyrdek Tim O'Connor |
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Photosynthesis Subject Art Poster Print, 24x18 by AllPosters.com AllPosters.com is the world's #1 seller of posters, prints, photographs, specialty products and framed art. We're dedicated to bringing our customers the best selection of high quality wall décor that is perfect for their home or office. Browse our catalog of over 300,000 items that include entertainment and specialty posters, decorative prints, and art reproductions. Whether you're looking for your favorite movie or music poster, a framed Monet reproduction, or a print of the Eiffel Tower you will find it at AllPosters.com. Visit our Amazon store today at www.amazon.com/allposters to find Special Offers and search by subject category or artist. AllPosters.com provides unmatched service with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. We ship internationally to over 80 countries. Decorate your... |
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Vintage Photosynthesis Biochemistry Science Film DVD: Classic Water, Oxygen Cycle, Plant Life, Sunlight & Carbon Video Photosynthesis is pretty much the most important biological process that takes place on this planet, because almost everything living depends on photosynthesis to survive. Gift of Green is a vintage science film dealing with the process of photosynthesis. Now, this digitized film is available on DVD for the first time ever! Table Of Contents: (1) Gift of Green (1946) - This is a vintage science class film featuring animation that shows the process of photosynthesis. Highly recommended and well-made for its era! - 16 Minutes |
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