A new Berkeley Lab study forecasts China's energy use will level off, even as its population edges past 1.4 billion, due to saturation in energy demand for appliances and housing. The report also predicts significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions through increased adoption of electric cars, nuclear power, and improved energy e...
A Clemson University researcher is developing a new approach to designing more energy-efficient buildings by applying psychology concepts such as choice architecture and cognitive bias. His research aims to improve the decision-making process of engineers in building design, which could lead to widespread adoption of net-zero buildings.
A laboratory study found that energy drinks combined with alcohol enhance feelings of stimulation but do not alter the level of behavioral impairment, particularly for impulsive behavior. This combination may make energy drink-alcohol consumption riskier than drinking alcohol alone.
A US Department of Agriculture study suggests that dietary yeast extract has good potential as a non-antibiotic alternative for decreasing pathogens in organic turkey production. The researchers are looking for a balance between enhancing immune response and maintaining growth.
Researchers found that ice makers in four different refrigerators increased rated energy consumption by 12 to 20 percent, with three-fourths of the extra energy used for heaters. This study aims to improve efficiency and inform federal minimum efficiency standards for refrigerators.
The book highlights the crucial role of policy mechanisms, such as the feed-in tariff, in promoting widespread solar energy deployment. In California, a new law aims to make solar affordable at the municipal level.
NIST has broken ground on three new facilities: a net-zero energy residential test facility, an expanded National Fire Research Laboratory, and over 2,500 solar energy modules. The Net-Zero Energy Residential Test Facility will serve as a testbed for new home-scale energy technologies, while the National Fire Research Laboratory expans...
Experts warn that doubling energy demand by 2050 poses significant challenges to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in California. Berkeley scientists stress the need for efficient energy use, low-carbon electricity options, and strategic behavioral changes to meet state's ambitious goal.
Researchers from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory created a durable and efficient photocatalyst that can collect solar energy to extract hydrogen from water. The disorder-engineered nanocrystal absorbs infrared light, making it attractive for use in clean-energy technologies.
Researchers at University of Michigan and University of California, Irvine discover DNA's building blocks 'rock and roll,' forming alternative structures with Hoogsteen base pairs. These fleeting states contain new layers of information stored in the genetic code, shedding light on critical interactions between DNA and proteins.
A study published in BioScience finds strong correlations between energy consumption per person and gross domestic product per person across countries and over time. Researchers conclude that increasing energy supply is necessary to meet projected world population growth without compromising living standards.
Scientists report that household sewage has nearly 20% more energy potential than previously estimated, offering a new avenue for extracting methane, hydrogen, and other fuels from wastewater. The discovery could transform treatment facilities into energy sources, reducing their energy drain.
Researchers at Eindhoven University of Technology have developed an affordable alternative to the expensive X-FEL, which can perform similar molecular process research on a tabletop. The 'poor man's X-FEL' uses electrons instead of X-rays and requires less energy, making it a more feasible option for researchers.
A study published in Neurology found that nearly 40% of brain tumor patients use alternative therapies, including homeopathic remedies and vitamin supplements. Younger people, women, and those with more education were more likely to use these treatments, which they often sought to add benefits to conventional care.
Nine dark energy models have been tested and compared using the latest observational data, including type Ia supernovae, baryon acoustic oscillation, and cosmic microwave background. The cosmological constant (CC) model is found to be the best fit, with five other models providing a good fit to the current data.
A recent study from Université de Montréal found that using alternative therapies for asthma can result in a two-fold higher rate of poor asthma control in children. The study assessed over 2000 families with children and found that use of alternative therapy was associated with reduced effectiveness of conventional asthma treatment.
A decade-long decline in the nation's energy supply quality may be the root cause of the current economic recession. The Energy Intensity Ratio (EIR) measures how much profit consumers get from their energy, and its decline is correlated with economic downturns.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a new metal complex that can convert methane into ethane, a crucial step towards building longer-chain hydrocarbons as alternative energy sources. This breakthrough could pave the way for a cleaner and more sustainable method of producing fuels from greenhouse gases.
A new study found that energy drink consumption is strongly associated with increased risks for heavy drinking and alcohol dependence among young adults. High-frequency energy drink users were more likely to get drunk at an earlier age, drink more per session, and develop alcohol dependence compared to non-users or low-frequency users.
A Stanford University School of Medicine study suggests an alternative to standard nasal sprays that use preservatives, which can cause side effects. The new method maintains sterility in the applicator bottle without chemical preservatives.
The scarcity of new energy minerals will lead to a significant increase in trade tensions between nations. China's growing reliance on wind power to meet its renewable energy targets is exacerbating the issue, as the country needs rare earth elements like neodymium and selenium for high-strength magnets.
The University of Houston is developing new technologies for the alternative energy industry with a $1.2 million grant from the Office of Naval Research. Researchers will focus on improving thin-film solar cell efficiency and developing nanosensors for wind turbine blades to monitor structural health.
A new assessment warns that current imbalances in energy technology R&D portfolios will hinder climate change mitigation unless investments in energy efficiency are increased. Energy efficiency accounts for up to 50% of potential GHG emissions reductions, yet receives less than 10% of overall public sector investment.
USDA researchers are developing new fish feeds with lower levels of fishmeal and fish oil, replacing traditional sources with concentrated plant proteins. The alternative diets show promise in supporting the growing demand for fish as a lean protein source, while promoting sustainability in aquaculture production.
The UK aims to reduce carbon emissions by 80% by 2050 with a focus on community-based initiatives. Seven projects have received funding to address energy demand and promote sustainable practices in communities across the country.
The U.S.-China Clean Energy Research Center will develop low-energy technologies for residential and commercial buildings, with a focus on commercialization and human behavior's impact on energy use. The consortium aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through dramatic energy savings of 40-70% in existing and new buildings.
The Magnetic Energy Recovery Switch (MERS) harnesses and recycles residual magnetic power to control electrical flow, significantly reducing lighting energy consumption by 39 percent. The technology has the potential to reduce the Navy's total energy consumption from alternative sources by 40% by 2020.
A research team from Rochester Institute of Technology conducted a life-cycle assessment of organic solar cells, revealing lower embodied energy compared to conventional inorganic devices. The study also found potential benefits for manufacturing, including low-cost solution processing.
The US Department of Energy has awarded a $1.05 million grant to the University of California - San Diego and San Diego State University to develop and execute commercialization plans for promising renewable energy technologies. The program aims to enhance university-based innovation ecosystems in the region.
The CUNY Energy Institute has been awarded two grants totaling $4.6 million to develop low-cost, long-lasting energy storage systems and new capacitors for solid-state lighting. The projects aim to improve energy efficiency and reduce the need for excess generating capacity, enabling grid-scale energy storage.
The University of Houston has partnered with ABB and SuperPower to develop a superconducting magnet energy storage system that could revolutionize the US electrical grid. The project aims to create an affordable, large-scale energy storage system using magnetic fields in superconducting coils.
Researchers have discovered a new method to harness electricity from the air, using a process called hygroelectricity. This technology could provide an alternative energy source for homes and businesses, similar to solar cells, and prevent lightning strikes by draining electricity out of the air.
A recent scientific study found that men and women exhibit different responses to liquid calories, with women showing a trend towards greater energy intake after consuming caloric drinks. The research suggests that the body compensates for short-term energy intake, but women may be more susceptible to energy compensation dysregulation.
Walter Kohn predicts a new era in human history where solar and wind power dominate global energy, driven by growing alternative energy production and declining oil and gas reserves. International cooperation is crucial to addressing the challenges of a rapidly changing energy landscape.
Researchers estimate that harnessing 10% of Australia's near-shore wave energy could generate enough electricity to meet half of the country's present-day consumption. This could contribute significantly to Australia's goal of producing 45,000 gigawatt-hours/year of additional renewable energy by 2020.
Researchers at Georgia Tech Research Institute developed a system to measure high-energy laser beam power and spatial energy distribution. The reusable target board and beam diagnostic system enables simultaneous measurement of power and energy distribution, optimizing lasers for national security.
A multidisciplinary team of scientists, led by Caltech's Nathan S. Lewis, will partner with institutions like Berkeley Lab to develop a method to produce fuels directly from sunlight. The goal is to simulate nature's photosynthetic apparatus for practical energy production.
A multidisciplinary team of scientists led by California Institute of Technology will receive funding to develop an integrated solar energy-to-chemical fuel conversion system. The goal is to produce fuels directly from sunlight, reducing dependence on oil and enhancing energy security.
The new partnership aims to address the need for smart alternative energy sources and prepare students for the emerging industry. The Smart Grid Research Center will focus on developing reliable, affordable, secure, clean, and efficient energy systems.
The program aims to educate future tribal leaders on energy resource development and environmental evaluations, focusing on wind and solar energy. Students work on research projects analyzing potential impacts and economic opportunities, creating jobs and revenue for tribal communities.
The Office of Naval Research has selected nine researchers to receive funding for their innovative energy projects, aiming to help the Navy decrease its reliance on fossil fuels. The winners will use up to $100,000 to develop technologies such as solar power and microbial energy generation.
The new superconducting cable can transport up to 110 MVA of electricity, a fivefold increase over conventional copper cables, reducing energy loss by 50-70% and saving significant amounts of CO2 emissions. The technology has the potential to reduce primary energy consumption by 10-15%.
A U-M study reveals that socio-economic factors, particularly race and age, significantly influence the use of alternative therapies like acupuncture and biofeedback in chronic pain patients. As people age, they are more likely to seek alternative therapies to manage chronic pain.
The inaugural issue of OSA's Energy Express highlights research on solar concentrators, which aim to increase the efficiency of solar energy generation. New devices and technologies are being developed to concentrate sunlight, making solar power more economical and efficient.
Coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) is a cost-effective alternative to invasive cardiac catheterization, reducing costs by $789 per patient and radiation exposure by minimal amounts. The study suggests that CCTA can effectively triage patients with low CAD risk, potentially eliminating the need for cardiac catheterization.
A study at Thomas Jefferson University found that non-invasive coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) is a cost-effective alternative to invasive cardiac catheterization. Performing CTA before catheterization results in significant cost savings, with an average of $789 per patient.
Researchers identified four alternative turfgrass species—bentgrasses and fescues—as promising for use on low-input fairways. These cool-season grasses can survive under conditions of little or no supplemental irrigation, high traffic, and reduced fertility.
A new study from Duke University and Georgia Institute of Technology finds that energy-efficient measures in the south could save consumers $41 billion on their energy bills by 2020. Investing $200 billion in energy efficiency programs by 2030 could return $448 billion in savings.
A new report by CSIRO outlines the potential of distributed energy to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Australia. Distributed energy systems can provide local generation, efficiency, and demand management, offering an immediate and cost-effective response to climate change.
Michigan State University professor Bruce Dale says that while EROI (energy return on energy invested) is a useful method of measurement, it alone is not enough. He argues that we need to consider differences in energy quality and critical materials required for various energy alternatives, such as lithium for electric vehicles.
Solid-state lighting has the potential to reduce energy consumption for lighting by a factor of three to six times, with current forms of light-production producing up to 95% wasted energy. Phillips will discuss ways to harness existing energy sources and identify areas of needed nanotechnology research
Researchers at the University of Michigan developed an artificial foot that recycles energy wasted in between steps, reducing energy spent per step by 14% compared to conventional prosthetic feet. This innovation could significantly improve walking efficiency for individuals with lower limb amputations.
A Michigan State University researcher is creating a support intervention to help women in treatment for breast cancer identify effective alternative therapies. The study found that 57% of women use complementary and alternative medicines, and those who are sicker are more likely to use multiple therapies.
Early life likely arose from gases and geochemical gradients at deep-sea hydrothermal vents, rather than a primordial soup, according to new research. This alternative theory proposes that the first cells harnessed these energy sources to generate ATP through chemiosmosis.
The US Department of Energy has awarded 1.6 billion supercomputing hours to 69 cutting-edge research projects through the INCITE program. These projects focus on accelerating discoveries in areas like climate change, alternative energy, life sciences, and materials science.
A joint UC study found that three-quarters of medical students believe conventional Western medicine would benefit from integrating more complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies. The survey revealed that CAM can enhance patient care, improve treatment outcomes, and increase the effectiveness of healthcare systems.
A team of scientists from the University of Sheffield has created an air-lift loop bioreactor that consumes less than 18% more energy, making it a significant breakthrough in the production of alternative renewable fuels. The device is now being tested with various organizations to reduce energy consumption and costs.
A new, inexpensive method for solar energy storage has been developed, enabling personalized solar energy at the individual or home level. This innovation uses a practical catalyst to split water molecules into hydrogen, producing clean electricity in a fuel cell.
A consortium of five universities, including Carnegie Mellon and the University of Pittsburgh, has been awarded a collective $465 million contract to provide research services to the National Energy Technology Laboratory. The team will work on a range of projects, including fossil energy research and energy sector planning.
The facility will contain testbeds for building systems integration, allowing researchers to develop and validate technologies for N-ZEB. Berkeley Lab will work with industry partners to address key technical challenges and achieve aggressive energy savings.