Researchers used high-power X-ray imaging to study a working lithium-sulfur battery, finding that sulfur particles largely remained intact during discharge. This challenges previous experiments that found sulfur was chemically transformed into Li2S-polysulfide sheets, which prevented the battery from operating.
Researchers at Stanford University have created a collection of compounds called bryologs that can activate latent HIV reservoirs with equal or greater potency than the original substance. The discovery holds promise as a practical way to flush out dormant viruses, offering hope for a cure for AIDS patients.
Stanford researchers estimate that radiation from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster may cause 15-1,300 deaths and 24-2,500 cancer cases, mainly in Japan. The study uses a 3-D global atmospheric model to predict radioactive material transport and human exposure.
A Scientific Consensus Statement on Climate Change and Coral Reefs supports 2,400 scientists calling for action to safeguard valuable reef ecosystems. The statement highlights the impacts of rising sea levels, intense storms, and ocean pollution on coral reefs.
Brazil faces threats to its environmental leadership from recent developments on deforestation, indigenous lands, and the Forest Code. The declaration urges the government to utilize scientific input and invest in science and education to maintain progress.
Researchers have created an ultrafast nickel-iron battery that can be fully charged in about 2 minutes and discharged in less than 30 seconds. The new battery uses graphene and multi-walled carbon nanotubes to improve performance, making it suitable for applications such as electric vehicles and emergency situations.
The Inclusive Wealth Report 2012 proposes a new approach to sustainability by measuring natural, manufactured, human, and social forms of capital. This comprehensive index provides a more accurate picture of a country's development and well-being than traditional indicators like GDP.
Barbara Block's research on large predators in the California Current has led to groundbreaking discoveries about marine hotspots and migratory highways. Her award-winning project aims to protect these areas by building 'predator cafés' and increasing public awareness through real-time tracking data.
Researchers found that males vocalize during courtship, with receptive females preferring males associated with playbacks of low-frequency sounds. Females' sensitivity to these sounds varies depending on their sexual receptiveness and hormone levels.
Depleting groundwater can reduce surface-water flows, harming fisheries and wetland habitats. Creative groundwater management solutions are being adopted by western states and Australia to minimize economic disruption during droughts.
A recent study found that people prioritize features like fuel efficiency and time-saving over reduced smoke emissions when considering new cookstoves. The researchers suggest that health education and social marketing approaches may not be effective in changing user behavior.
The authors recommend establishing a system of independent regulation and peer review for countries involved in nuclear energy and weapons development. They also urge adoption of U.S.-style independent peer review and improved dialogue between the military and nuclear energy communities to reduce risks and promote international trust.
Researchers created a mini-lab in Australia's Great Barrier Reef to simulate predicted future ocean conditions and test the reaction of corals. The study, published in Scientific Reports, provides new insights into how reefs respond to ocean acidification and can inform conservation efforts.
A new mathematical model created by Stanford psychologists can predict pragmatic reasoning and may lead to more human-like computer systems. The model helps computers better understand inference, context, and social rules, potentially improving customer service interactions.
A majority of California's coastal planners acknowledge the need to prepare for climate change impacts like rising sea levels and increased floods. Despite challenges such as limited funding and staff resources, many professionals are actively planning and trying to understand their climate change risks.
Researchers at Stanford University have discovered a new type of carbon nanotube that can enhance catalytic activity without compromising electrical conductivity. This breakthrough could lead to the development of more efficient fuel cells and metal-air batteries, reducing reliance on expensive platinum catalysts.
A new study by Stanford psychologists reveals that race affects juvenile sentencing, with participants who imagined a black offender more likely to support life sentences without parole. The study's findings highlight the fragility of protections for juveniles when race is in play.
A recent study published in Scientific Reports documents the long-term ecological interactions between land and sea ecosystems. Researchers found that replacing native trees with non-native palms led to a cascade of effects, including fewer seabirds, reduced nutrients in waters, and decreased manta ray populations.
The Bay Area Photovoltaic Consortium has announced a $7.5 million research grant program to develop new technologies that significantly reduce the cost of photovoltaic modules and make large-scale solar technology cheaper for electric utilities. The goal is to achieve a module cost below 50¢ per watt by 2020.
A recent Stanford poll found that support for government action on global warming dropped by an average of 5 percentage points per year between 2010 and 2012, from 72% to 62%. This shift was influenced by political rhetoric and cooler-than-average weather, but not economics.
The US approach to clean energy needs a reality check, according to Stanford researchers. Drs. Jeffrey Ball and Kassia Yanosek recommend driving down costs of key technologies and speeding up deployment to make renewable power economically viable. This will require targeted government policy and private sector investment.
A study published in Nature Climate Change finds that climate change's impact on corn price volatility could far outweigh other influences. Even moderate global warming could lead to damaging heat waves and more price fluctuations.
The study found that a small amount of money can be an effective motivator, encouraging drivers to arrive earlier or leave later during peak hours. By leveraging social responsibility and game theory, the Capri program aims to reduce rush hour traffic by a few hundred cars.
Seven Stanford research teams will receive funding from the Global Climate and Energy Project to develop new energy technologies that can significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions. The projects include all-carbon solar cells, soot-free diesel combustion, hydrogen production from glucose, and more.
A study reconstructing fisheries yields over seven centuries in Hawaii and Florida Keys reveals that Native Hawaiian societies managed fisheries sustainably through local regulations and community involvement. The authors argue that incorporating ancient techniques into modern policy may be key to sustaining coral reef fisheries.
DuPont has joined the Global Climate and Energy Project (GCEP) at Stanford University, investing in research on solar and bio-energy technologies. The project's corporate sponsors have invested $113 million in 93 research programs since 2002, focusing on reducing costs and improving efficiencies of batteries and solar cells.
Climate experts at Stanford University discuss the compound effects of climate change and climate variability on global food markets. The symposium highlights two key challenges: extreme temperatures and El Niñ-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon.
Carbon capture and storage technology could prevent billions of tons of CO2 emissions each year, but high costs and concerns over safety and permanence hinder its adoption. Stanford scientist Sally Benson emphasizes the need for global scale and monitoring to ensure secure storage.
A Stanford University geophysicist recommends stronger regulations for hydraulic fracturing to address concerns over water disposal and toxic additives. The expert argues that better regulation could lead to cheap, clean energy alternatives to coal.
A Stanford University research team has designed a high-efficiency charging system that uses magnetic fields to wirelessly transmit large electric currents between metal coils. The technology could increase the driving range of electric vehicles and transform highway travel, overcoming limitations such as limited battery life.
Scientists at Stanford University subject rocks to hellish conditions to combat global warming by studying the storage of carbon dioxide in geologic formations. They have obtained critical data about the large-scale underground storage of carbon dioxide, including reduced leakage risk and increased permeability.
Researchers have created a new electrode that uses crystalline nanoparticles of copper to store excess energy generated by wind and solar power. The electrode can survive up to 40,000 cycles before losing its charge capacity, making it a viable solution for large-scale power storage.
The new sensor uses a transparent film of single-walled carbon nanotubes that can stretch up to twice its original length in any direction without permanent deformation. It can detect pressure ranging from a firm pinch to elephant-like pressure, making it suitable for medical applications and prosthetic limbs.
Researchers quantify urban 'heat island' effect for the first time, showing its modest contribution to global warming. The study reveals that white roofs do not reduce the urban heat island effect and may even cause a net global warming due to increased cloudiness.
Scientists at Stanford University have created a new, super-hard form of carbon called amorphous diamond, which has the same strength in all directions as traditional diamond. This breakthrough material could lead to innovative applications such as cutting tools and wear-resistant parts for transportation.
A Stanford University study demonstrates that indigenous peoples can collect reliable environmental data through training and collaboration with scientists. The researchers trained over 340 villagers in methods of collecting field data, and found that the accuracy of their data was comparable to that of trained scientists.
Recent presidential and congressional elections reveal a correlation between climate change policy stances and electoral success. Voters favor candidates taking 'green' positions on climate change, while those expressing skepticism lose support.
Researchers at Stanford University used remote wildlife cameras to confirm mountain lion activity in the preserve, with seasonal patterns and human-lion encounters explored. The study suggests that mountain lions are present about 24% of the time, posing a low risk to humans.
Researchers used a computer simulation to compare demographic stability and migration rates for egalitarian and unequal societies. They found that class structures contributed to destabilizing effects, driving migration and the expansion of stratified societies.
The Precourt Institute and TomKat Center are funding eight faculty seed grants for innovative renewable energy technologies, including lithium-air batteries and solar thermal energy systems. Researchers will explore ways to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and make large-scale solar power more competitive.
Researchers found that teaching Israelis and Palestinians that groups of people are generally capable of change can have a positive effect on their willingness to compromise. This approach led to more favorable attitudes towards Palestinians and increased support for major compromises.
The Global Climate and Energy Project (GCEP) is awarding $3.5 million to researchers at five universities to develop new technologies for advanced grid energy storage. The initiatives focus on high-efficiency electrochemical storage systems, solid oxide flow batteries, and low-cost flywheels.
A recent study by Stanford University researchers found that preserving just 9 key sites could protect habitat for 84% of all marine mammal species on Earth. The study identified critical conservation locations off the coasts of Mexico, Canada, Peru, and other countries as areas with high species richness.
Researchers at Stanford University have developed a new method to detect sunspots forming deep inside the sun, allowing for up to two days' warning before solar storms. The method uses acoustic waves generated by turbulent plasma and gases, and has been successfully tested four times.
Researchers at Stanford University discovered that Toxoplasma-infected male rats exhibit altered brain activity in response to cat urine, suggesting a manipulation of fear and attraction pathways. The parasite benefits from this alteration, as infected rats become less fearful and more drawn to cats.
Researchers at Stanford University have developed a new method to speed up the development of organic semiconductors for flexible displays. By using predictive analysis, they were able to identify the most promising candidate and perfect its synthesis in just over a year, compared to years previously required.
The Urban Water ERC aims to develop new, sustainable ways to manage urban water. Researchers will work in close partnership with industry to address the critical importance of this issue.
Despite a decentralized system, some California water agencies are taking on groundwater protection without state leadership. Innovations include conservation strategies and increased transparency through partnerships with environmental organizations. However, critical overdraft issues remain due to over-pumping and subsidence concerns.
A Stanford University study found that Democratic and Independent voters support candidates who take a 'green' position on climate change, while Republican voters remain unaffected. The results suggest that taking a 'green' stance can be a cost-free strategy for candidates of either party.
A new Stanford University study projects that global warming could reduce the suitable land for premium wine grape cultivation in high-value areas of northern California by 50% by 2040. Meanwhile, some cooler parts of Oregon and Washington State may see an increase in premium grape-growing acreage due to warming.