A Stanford University study projects a significant increase in severe thunderstorms across the US, with an estimated 40% rise in eastern US storms by late 21st century. The research suggests global warming will drive more days with high convective available potential energy and sufficient wind shear to form severe thunderstorms.
A study by Stanford University researchers found that grid-scale batteries make sense for storing surplus solar energy, but not for wind. This is because the energetic cost of storing wind-generated electricity is lower than curtailment, making it more energetically efficient to shut down wind turbines.
A new study by Stanford scientists found that extreme weather events, such as record-breaking heat, are more likely to occur in the US due to global warming. The researchers analyzed historical weather data and climate models to quantify the increased risk of severe heat events.
Stanford biologists found that leaving patches of rainforest in coffee plantations increases bird biodiversity and reduces borer beetle infestation rates. The birds' activity can increase yield by $75 to $310 per hectare, providing a sustainable win-win opportunity for pest management.
A government-run clean water program in Beijing has improved water quality and quantity, benefiting millions. Farmers were paid to switch from rice to corn, reducing fertilizer runoff and increasing the amount of water available to city residents.
Researchers find that small, disordered crystals in plastic materials improve charge mobility, enabling faster electron movement and higher performance. This discovery could lead to the development of low-cost, commercially available plastic solar cells.
Climate scientists warn that the likely rate of change over the next century will be 10 times quicker than any climate shift in the past 65 million years. The rapid pace of modern climate change poses a challenge to species, ecosystems, and human societies.
New research shows that most big data centers could slash their greenhouse gas emissions by 88% by switching to efficient equipment and improving energy management. Improving computing efficiency is the key factor, with renewable power helping reduce emissions by 98% when combined with other strategies.
Researchers at Stanford University have developed the thinnest absorber of visible light, using gold nanodots to absorb almost 100% of reddish-orange light. The technology could lead to improved solar cell efficiency and reduced material costs.
A new study by Stanford researchers maps the entire US coastline, revealing where and how much protection communities get from natural habitats such as dunes, reefs, sea grasses, and mangroves. The study suggests that intact ecosystems near vulnerable coastal communities can reduce losses from sea level rise and storms.
A new study by Stanford University researchers concludes that the demand for oil will reach its peak and decline due to economic growth limitations and increasing use of alternative fuels. Historically, there is a connection between economic growth and oil consumption breaking down, leading to more efficient alternatives.
A Stanford University study reveals that sound waves from earthquakes can reach land tens of minutes before a massive tsunami, potentially providing an early warning. The research identifies a specific acoustic signature that could indicate the presence of a tsunami-generating earthquake, allowing for faster-acting warning systems.
Researchers developed a new technique for producing low-cost, high-capacity lithium-ion batteries using silicon-based electrodes. The unique nanoscale architecture of the silicon-composite electrode creates an electronically conducting pathway, allowing for exceptional electrochemical stability.
Researchers at Stanford University have developed a high-efficiency zinc-air battery with improved catalytic activity and durability, paving the way for a low-cost alternative to conventional lithium-ion batteries.
A Stanford-led study suggests that Hawaiian green sea turtles are still far from recovering to their historic levels, with 80% of major nesting sites having disappeared. The research analyzed historical and current data, revealing a significant decline in the population's geographic range and abundance.
Scientists have measured the strength of iron under extreme pressures, simulating conditions at the center of the Earth. The study found that iron in the inner core is weaker than previously thought, with implications for understanding Earth's evolution and geomagnetic field.
Ant colonies that restrain foraging except in prime conditions experience improved reproductive success. Natural selection favors regulating foraging to hold back when conditions are bad, shaping collective behavior exhibited by the entire colony.
A team of Stanford engineers has created a thin, flexible 'skin' that can monitor heart health, detecting stiff arteries and cardiovascular problems. The device is sensitive enough to track changes in the pulse wave, which could lead to more detailed diagnostics in the future.
The global solar photovoltaic (PV) industry is making positive strides in reducing its energy debt, with electricity generated by all installed PV panels likely surpassing energy used to manufacture new modules. Continued technological advances and efficient conversion of sunlight into electricity are key factors driving this progress.
Researchers discovered that purple sea urchins can rapidly evolve in acidic ocean water due to high levels of genetic variation, allowing them to thrive in conditions with high carbon dioxide. This capacity may help some marine species survive in future acidified seas.
A new study finds weak support for the dilution effect, which suggests that higher biodiversity reduces disease transmission from animals to humans. Instead, researchers found variable links between biodiversity and disease prevalence, influenced by disease systems, local ecology, and human social context.
A new study proposes converting New York's all-purpose energy infrastructure to renewable energy sources like wind, water, and sunlight. The plan aims to reduce pollution-related costs, create local jobs, and save the state billions of dollars annually.
GCEP is awarding $6.6 million to seven research teams at Stanford and Carnegie Mellon for innovative projects on clean energy and carbon capture. These projects aim to develop technologies that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and produce electricity or hydrogen fuel, with potential applications in the coming decades.
Researchers at Stanford University have found that the majority of grid-scale battery technologies have high embodied-energy costs compared to pumped hydroelectric storage. Improved cycle life can reduce long-term energetic costs for batteries, making them a more practical option.
A new study reveals that China's nitrogen emissions increased by 60% annually from the 1980s to 2000s, leading to decreased air quality, acidification of soil and water, and reduced biological diversity. The country's rapid industrialization and agricultural expansion are major contributors to this pollution problem.
Researchers at Stanford University have developed a technique to observe hundreds of neurons firing in the brain of a live mouse in real-time. The tool uses fluorescent protein and calcium ions to decipher patterns in brain activity, offering insights into long-term information storage and spatial memory.
Using ocean WiFi hotspots, Stanford professor Barbara Block is tracking animal movements in real-time, enabling new insights into marine ecosystems and fisheries management. Her 'Wired Ocean' project aims to establish a global network of instruments to study the biosphere under unprecedented human impact.
Researchers propose bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) and biochar as solutions to achieve net-negative emissions. BECCS captures CO2 emissions from power plants, while biochar uses pyrolysis to produce a fertilizer that absorbs atmospheric CO2.
Climate change is projected to increase the risk of heat waves, heavy rains, and droughts. Preparing resilient communities with disaster preparations, early warning systems, and well-built infrastructure can help mitigate these impacts.
To feed the world, Paul Ehrlich advocates for a bottom-up movement focusing on agricultural and demographic planning to address overpopulation and overconsumption. Giving women equal rights is a crucial first step in this effort.
A new open-source model, InVEST, provides spatially explicit information on offshore wind energy, helping decision makers quantify tradeoffs between energy, transportation, and fishing. The tool is significant for integrated marine spatial planning, enabling informed decisions on wind turbine placement.
A Stanford ecologist is using social media data to estimate the number of user-days for locations around the world, illuminating where people go and how visitation rates change. This approach can predict changes in recreational value after environmental changes, providing a novel solution to expensive empirical data requirements.
Researchers have identified specific parent ants and their children in wild colonies, allowing them to study reproduction trends. The study found that only about 25% of colonies reproduce annually, with most relying on just a few successful queens.
Researchers at Stanford University found that playing Superman-like flight in a virtual reality simulation increased altruistic behavior in individuals. In contrast, helicopter-riding participants took longer to offer help. The study suggests designing games that promote empathy and altruism could have real-world benefits.
A study on heat-resistant corals reveals how they withstand extreme temperatures, potentially holding key to species survival for organisms worldwide. The research identified a genetic process allowing some corals to resist climate change, with 'frontloaded' genes already turned on before stress begins.
Researchers highlight the need for fundamental research in geothermal and shale gas development to overcome challenges and maximize energy recovery. Enhanced geothermal systems and shale gas extraction face roadblocks, including induced seismicity and environmental impact.
Scientists at Stanford University have identified segments of the Main Himalayan Thrust fault that could lead to massive earthquakes in the Himalayas. Meanwhile, researchers are studying small tremors in the Cascadia subduction zone to improve earthquake prediction and mitigation strategies for the Pacific Northwest.
A new analysis of Titan's topography and gravity data reveals the moon's icy outer crust is significantly thicker than previously estimated. This finding has significant implications for understanding Titan's ocean and internal structure.
Geoscientists highlight the importance of fundamental research in unlocking the full potential of emerging energy sources, including geothermal and shale gas. The development of these resources is hindered by geological and environmental challenges that must be addressed through basic scientific inquiry.
Researchers developed an all-carbon solar cell that absorbs near-infrared wavelengths, offering a low-cost alternative to traditional photovoltaic devices. The device uses carbon nanomaterials and has the potential to improve efficiency through better materials and processing techniques.
A new Stanford analysis integrates genetic and anthropological data to provide a comprehensive understanding of human expansion out of Africa. The study reveals that this event had a significant impact on human genetic diversity, which persists in present-day populations.
The Stanford team installed a solar-powered research camp at Mushara waterhole in Etosha National Park, Namibia, allowing for 20 years of elephant communication study. The camp powered cameras, speaker systems, and equipment to analyze seismic signals generated by low-frequency calls.
Stanford researchers used brain scans to scan the brain anatomy of 39 children once a year for three years. The scans revealed that children with above-average reading skills had specific nerve bundle FA values, while those with lower reading skills had high FA values that declined over time.
Researchers at Stanford and Yale universities found that oil palm plantation expansion in Indonesian Borneo is a significant source of carbon dioxide emissions, projected to contribute over 558 million metric tons in 2020. The study highlights the urgent need for sustainable production methods to mitigate deforestation.
A new study finds that climate change could lead to significant changes in Pacific ecosystem distribution, affecting thousands of marine animals and coastal communities. Some species, like loggerhead turtles and sharks, may face harsh impacts, while others, such as seabirds and tunas, may benefit from shifting habitats.
Nine Stanford researchers received seed grants to explore promising new technologies in clean energy and energy efficiency. These projects include the development of high-performance batteries, ultrathin solar cells, and methods for capturing atmospheric carbon dioxide. The research has the potential to impact energy production and use...
Ants use an algorithm to determine how many foragers to send out based on food availability, similar to internet protocols discovering available bandwidth. The discovery could inform the design of networked systems with ant-inspired algorithms.
Climate scientist Chris Field testifies before the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, highlighting the link between climate change and extreme weather events. He urges policymakers to take action to reduce risk, citing evidence from IPCC reports and scientific research.
A study by Stanford University and the World Bank found that Tanzania has the potential to increase its maize exports due to predicted dry and hot weather affecting major consumer countries. The country's diverse trading partners could help hedge against severe dry weather, allowing it to profit from exports in good years.
Researchers are raising colonies of microorganisms that can turn electrical energy into pure methane, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The goal is to create large microbial factories to produce renewable methane fuel and valuable chemical compounds.