The US joins an international collaboration to build ITER, a project aiming to demonstrate the scientific and technological feasibility of clean fusion energy. Fusion energy could provide significant amounts of electricity and generate hydrogen for fuel cell vehicles.
Researchers using NASA's Hubble Space Telescope found dark energy was present and accelerating the universe's expansion at least 9 billion years ago. This discovery provides a crucial clue to understanding dark energy's strength and permanence.
Renewable sources currently provide about 6 percent of all the energy used in the United States. Meeting the 25 percent renewable energy target for electricity and motor fuels together could reduce carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel combustion by 15% and displace 2.5 million barrels of oil consumption.
Arizona State University has received a $1.1 million grant from the National Science Foundation to develop innovative nanotechnology solutions for solar energy. The team aims to create tiny devices that can harness light energy more efficiently and convert it into electricity.
Researchers develop innovative process to combine low-energy photons in sunlight into higher-energy shortwave photons, boosting solar cells' efficiency. This breakthrough could enable the use of previously lost light energy, leading to a significant increase in solar cell efficiency.
Researchers found that high blood pressure causes hearts to have lower fat metabolism, relying more on carbohydrates for energy. This shift can lead to impaired heart function and increased risk of heart failure.
The ESF task force identifies three research avenues to generate clean fuels from solar radiation: extending photovoltaic technology, constructing biomimetic devices, and tuning natural systems. These efforts aim to develop sustainable energy supply, reduce human ecological footprint, and mitigate climate change.
Experts estimate that cost-effective retrofits could reduce energy use in China, India, and Brazil by at least 25%, while advanced technologies could reduce projected CO2 emission growth by 16%. Unlocking today's potential savings requires simple, highly cost-effective renovation projects to identify and eliminate energy waste.
A recent meta-analysis by Mark Koetse investigated the effects of energy price uncertainty on company investments. The study found that persistent high energy prices stimulate the adoption of energy-saving technologies and lead to a shift towards more energy-extensive production processes.
High Energy Density Physics is a new journal launched by Elsevier to publish research on extreme conditions, including planetary interiors and astrophysical phenomena. The journal aims to provide a platform for scientists to study material properties and hydrodynamics under high-energy density regimes.
A recent poll suggests that over half of the British public would accept new nuclear power stations to combat climate change, but most prefer renewable energy sources and energy efficiency. The survey highlights a need for balance in energy policy, with 63% supporting a mix of nuclear and renewables.
The workshop aims to identify national and regional needs, issues, and gaps in technology, policy, and regulations related to the interdependency of energy and water. Participants will discuss region-specific concerns, fresh water impacts on energy production, and science and cost issues.
Energy ministers from Canada's federal, provincial, and territorial governments agreed to work together to enhance the security, reliability, and sustainability of the country's energy systems. They also emphasized the importance of collaborating with industry to develop real and sustainable solutions to meet Canada's energy needs.
The European food sector is facing increasing energy requirements due to growth in feed production, consumption per capita, and transport distances. Despite some sectors like the dairy industry showing improvements in energy efficiency, the net balance remains negative.
Researchers found that DNA dissipates ultraviolet energy through a wave-like process along its edge, rather than damaging base pairs. This new understanding sheds light on the DNA repair process and has implications for biology.
The report identifies key areas of focus for improving solar energy technologies, including artificial molecular machines, smart materials, and nanotechnology-based solar cells. It also highlights the importance of basic research in addressing the nation's energy security needs.
A new open loop control system enables efficient energy conversion in low wind speeds, providing a viable alternative for remote locations. The device, designed by Dr. Andy Knight, is built with cheap and easy-to-find components and can produce electric energy from winds as low as 10 km/h.
A study by Cornell University researchers found that producing ethanol and biodiesel from plant biomass requires more energy than the fuel produced, leading to significant fossil energy input. The use of these fuels contributes to air, water, and soil pollution, as well as global warming.
A University of Toronto study found that upgrading to R2000 homes can save up to $818 a year in energy costs. Homeowners can generate an annual cash flow of $423 by increasing mortgage payments, making energy-efficient homes a financially attractive option.
The new Center for Future Energy Systems will focus on renewable energy and energy conservation systems, prioritizing fuel cells, smart lighting, and emerging renewable energy systems. The research aims to make New York state a world leader in energy research and generate jobs.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed a four-phase catalytic reactor to convert biomass-derived carbohydrates into sulfur-free liquid alkanes. The process produces 90% of the energy found in the feedstock and creates twice the energy as ethanol production, with no additional heating or distillation required.
The ARC solar thermal building product significantly reduces energy consumption, saving Canadian homeowners up to 48% on their heating bills. By combining SIPS technology with solar panels, the product achieves impressive energy savings and contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Scientists have discovered that zeaxanthin, a carotenoid pigment, plays a crucial role in protecting plants from excessive solar energy. The study used ultrafast spectroscopic techniques to follow the movement of absorbed excitation energy and found that zeaxanthin interacts with chlorophyll molecules to dissipate excess energy.
Researchers studied vibrational energy flow through a water-surfactant-organic solvent system, finding that the shape of molecules plays a crucial role in heat transfer. The study reveals that different excitations travel along different paths and rates, leading to significantly longer energy transfer times.
A new study by UC Berkeley finds that renewable energy generates more jobs per megawatt installed than the fossil fuel-based sector, with potential benefits for all states. Investing in renewables could create up to 240,000 new jobs by 2020, while reducing trade deficits and reestablishing US leadership in energy technology.
Researchers at Northeastern University have demonstrated that swinging limbs during running requires significant energy, contrary to previous research. They estimated energy use by measuring blood flow to hind leg muscles of guinea fowl and found swing-phase muscles consume 26% of energy.
According to L. Hunter Lovins, companies investing in renewable energy will gain a marketing edge as consumers notice environmental benefits. The California Public Employees' Retirement System is screening investments, leading to expected changes in US energy policy.
Researchers conclude dark energy is the dominant form of energy in the universe, contradicting observations of distant supernovae. The accelerating expansion of the universe can be explained by the presence of negative pressure in a vacuum, supporting the existence of dark energy.
Dlott and colleagues used mid-infrared lasers to excite hydroxyl stretching vibrations in alcohols, then probed with visible light to monitor energy flow. The study found that energy transfer occurs through bond interactions, increasing speed by about 400 femtoseconds for each methylene group.
A new optical laser sensor will reduce energy consumption by up to 30% and greenhouse gas emissions in the steel industry. The sensor, developed at the University of Toronto, measures thermal and chemical energy losses and adjusts parameters to lower energy consumption.
Researchers are exploring government policies to ensure a stable energy supply, including alternative sources like hydrogen, fuel cells, and alkaline fuel cells. Energy R&D spending is linked to energy-related patents, highlighting the need for increased investment in emerging energy problems.
A more thorough evaluation of energy costs can increase the value of an energy conservation project, allowing companies to carry out plans that might otherwise appear too expensive. By considering overlooked savings such as reduced maintenance and internal costs, energy managers can recoup costs faster.
Researchers at INEEL develop systems model to accurately assess greenhouse gas emissions from energy use. The model considers various factors, including energy efficiency and facility operations.
William Chandler, a research scientist at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, has received the World Climate Technology Leadership Award for founding a global network of energy efficiency centers. His work promotes energy efficiency and reduces greenhouse gas emissions on a global basis, setting a standard for others to follow.
The Home Energy Saver Internet site computes residential energy savings possibilities for consumers by analyzing a home's energy use and identifying tailored improvements. The site provides personalized recommendations, linking users to hundreds of practical resources for energy-efficient products, service providers, and online materials.
To stabilize atmospheric CO2 content at twice pre-industrial levels, non-fossil energy generation must increase from 15% to 50% of global power generation by 2050. This requires a massive transition in the global energy system, equivalent to a 150% increase in current total energy production.
A study found that leptin decreases in response to energy deficit in women, leading to increased hunger and desire to eat. Leptin's role in regulating food intake is supported by the association between leptin levels and self-reported hunger.
The installation of the final Main Injector magnet marks a major milestone for Fermilab, which will greatly increase high-energy particle collisions and reveal new physics insights. The new accelerator triples the scientific capability of the world's most powerful particle accelerator.
A recent study commissioned by President Clinton emphasizes the importance of nuclear power in meeting ambitious environmental goals. The report suggests that nuclear energy will be necessary to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and meet growing energy demands.
A team of astrophysicists discovered fewer low-energy photons in the universe than previously thought, suggesting that high-energy gamma rays may not be interacting with as many low-energy photons as expected. This observation could alter current theories of the history of the universe and galaxy formation.