Providing a blueprint for molecular basis of global warming

11/18/2009 | News

A new study indicates that major chemicals most often cited as leading causes of climate change, such as carbon dioxide and methane, are outclassed in their warming potential by compounds receiving less attention. Purdue Univ. and NASA examined more than a dozen chemicals, most of which are generated by humans, and have developed a blueprint for the underlying molecular machinery of global warming.

Mobile lab allows researchers to study air quality

10/8/2009 | News

A new mobile air research laboratory will help a team of researchers led by a Michigan State Univ. professor better understand the damaging health effects of air pollution and why certain airborne particles—emitted from plants and vehicles—induce disease and illness.

Concentrating emissions

9/21/2009 | News

Researchers at MIT have shown the benefits of a new approach toward eliminating carbon-dioxide (CO2) emissions at coal-burning power plants. Their system, called pressurized oxy-fuel combustion, provides a way of separating all of the carbon-dioxide emissions produced by the burning of coal, in the form of a concentrated, pressurized liquid stream. This allows for carbon dioxide sequestration: the liquid CO2 stream can be injected into geological formations deep enough to prevent their escape into the atmosphere.  

Measured: The impact of trees on air quality

8/10/2009 | News

It’s hard to believe, but for all the studies that have taken place to gauge the effects of man-made emissions, we have yet to understand how organic compounds from plants interact with the atmosphere. Caltech researchers have been looking at these biogenic emissions and say they have a first-ever glimpse into this dynamic.  

New best practices tool controls both pollution and spending

6/16/2009 | News

Under the current pollution control funding structure, one big cleanup can break the bank while smaller projects that could provide greater benefits go unfunded. To better allocate limited resources, a biological engineer has built a genetic algorithm that works with best management practices tool to identify the best ways to address non-point source pollution in watersheds.

Drinking water pulled from thin air

6/5/2009 | News

Even above the driest deserts, water molecules exist in the air. A new system captures it without drawing outside power. The system uses a combination of saline solution to absorb moisture, a solar cell or concrentrator to boil the moisture, and a vacuum tank which collects condensed water because of its lower boiling point.

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Much ado about next to nothing

3 hours ago

The recent review of the past 10 years of the National Nanotechnology Initiative--as presented by the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology--suggested the rise of nanomanufacturing as the near future of nanotechnology. But the actual proposed funding reflects a cautious approach, even about nanotech in general.

Lunar tires, space MRSA, and resonating microfluidics

Mar 5

I typically attend the annual Pittsburgh Conference on Analytical Chemistry and Applied Spectroscopy each year in pursuit of specific coverage. This year, I sought out candidates for coverage in a vacuum technology article, and pulled together some instruments for a spectroscopy guide. But as busy as that kept me, it wasn’t all mass spectrometers and vacuum pumps on the show floor.  

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NuGard Coating Ashburn Hill

Jan 7

NuGard First Response Protective Clothing are lightweight coveralls, jackets, and pants that provide protection from heat and flame while keeping the wearers body temperature constant.

Multi-Touch Music Maker

Jan 7

Professor David Wessel shows his multi-touch interface that uses computer technologies that allow him to experiment with fine controls to "caress" the instrument.