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Topic Page: Science
Not a rocket scientist? Not a problem: we’ve got scientists right here in the Planet Forward community offering an inside view of some of the astounding innovations underway in labs and schools around the world. Have an idea in Science? Tell us
Related Categories : | Biofuels | BP Oil Spill | Business | Clean Tech | Efficiency | Electric Cars | Engineering | Military |
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News
UN Climate Conference Proves Succesful
Long days and many stakeholders didn’t hold a UN climate conference from getting work done.
California Tackles Climate Change
California has adopted some of the strongest climate-change legislation in the United States.
Which countries will get hit hardest by climate change?
The countries that will be hit the hardest by climate change, such as Bangladesh and Mali, aren’t the ones that are making things worse.
DOI: Florida Everglades Deserve More Protection
Florida’s Everglades are set to receive new protections under a new initiative proposed by the U.S. Department of the Interior.
Japanese Company Develops World’s Smallest And Lightest Chargers For Electric Vehicles
Japanese Company Develops World’s Smallest And Lightest Chargers For Electric Vehicles
Major U.S. cities are already adapting
Interesting ways in which major cities are adapting to climate change by changing how they handle storm-water, their waterfronts, and others.
Wyo. carbon storage site nears goal
The first of ten carbon capture and storage projects funded by the DOE in 2009 to begin drilling has completed nearly 90 percent of its 2.5-mile-deep hole in the Wyoming desert.
Study reveals massive ecological effects of animal population declines
The loss of large predators and herbivores has led to a staggering ecological shift and, in some cases, even contributed to climate change.
Are “heat waves” just the new normal?
Welcome to the new ‘normal.’ As Heidi Cullen of Climate Central explains, we should get used to sizzling temps.
Energy dept. invests billions in hydrokinetics
The U.S. Department of Energy awarded over $1.4 billion in grants to the Boston-based Free Flow Power to develop hydrokinetic generation technology on the Mississippi River.
Solar expert lays out bold vision for the future of solar energy
Speaking at a major global event for the solar industry, this expert says the worldwide energy market needs a “radical transformation.”
Combating climate change through evolution
Estivation and other survival techniques have allowed humans and animals to flourish despite sweltering temperatures.
Webisodes
A Solar Conversation with Secretary Chu
THIS WEEK: In this week’s webisode, Planet Forward’s Frank Sesno interviews Secretary of Energy, Dr. Steven Chu at the 2011 Solar Decathlon! Chu talks about the coolest innovations, and even wonks out a bit on r-values and building materials.
Solar Decathlon – Tennessee’s on Top
Viewers voted and TENNESSEE is on top in the race for the Solar Decathlon! Check out the Tennessee team’s use of solar energy, insulated windows and a remote control iPad. Ask expert Bill Worthen what HIS thoughts are on the Tennessee team’s Living Light House.
WATCH!
Rising Seas Bring Salty Risks
A rising tide may lift all boats, but what does it do to marshlands? In this week’s WEBISODE we showcase NSF funded scientist’s work on how marshes are affected by sea level rise. We also take you on a trip halfway around!
Bringing Experts to the Innovators
Innovators need feedback to make their great ideas even better. So, we try to connect experts with our PF innovators every chance we get. In our WEBISODE this week, a top architect gives feedback to 3 ideas — green urban rooftops, hemp-based building materials and large-scale passive solar. Bill Worthen, the National Director and Resource …Read More…
Could Palm Oil Biofuels Work?
This WEBISODE focuses on Dom Bosco Catholic University’s biochemistry laboratory in Campo Grande, Brazil. Dom Bosco is experimenting with a plant called bocaiúva, a native palm which could yield a new source of renewable energy.
Is Your City HOT? The Benefits of Storm Water Management
This week, our WEBISODE focuses on “GreenStreets,” a project from Drexel University Professor and NSF funded scientist, Franco Montalto. Got storm water? He’s working on a solution!
Energy Secretary Bill Nye?
Planet Forward met up with Bill Nye at the Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision Awards last week. See the first item on his #EnergyToDo list. Tell us yours on twitter. (@Planet_Forward)
Students Reflect on their Planet Forward Experience
We caught up with students who’ve experienced the Planet Forward promise! Watch as they reflect on having their ideas and innovations featured on national television!
Top Online Vote Getters – Who Did YOU Choose?
Your viability ratings helped up select 22 nominees, then your votes determined the top three online vote getters. These three pieces made the cut and will be on our April PBS prime time special. Check them out…
Can Bacteria be our Energy Solution?
Students at Arizona State University are researching how to harness the power of the sun to create energy. Their solution goes back to the basics. Do you think it will shape our energy future?
The Phantom of the Outlet
Students at the University of Nebraska are developing technology to combat vampire energy and we want to know if you think it’s a good idea. What are your thoughts on these smart houses?
Ditch the Peanuts, Pack with Shrooms
In this week’s webisode, Planet Forward host Frank Sesno skypes with Eben Bayer, CEO and Co-Founder of Ecovative Design about the company’s sustainable product that is replacing styrofoam packaging material and home insulation. Watch>>
NBR
Solar Decathlon: The Race to Build the Most Efficient Solar Home
Peek into the solar powered house designs from Middlebury College in Vermont and University of Maryland. It’s all for the Solar Decathlon competition sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy.
Algae as Alternative Energy Source
Sapphire Energy is a company with quite a dream: to make algae-based fuel ready for commercial production by next year. There’s a lot of advantages to algae-based fuels. It’s carbon neutral, it uses salt water to grow, it doesn’t compete with food commodities and, with a possibility of gas hitting $5 per gallon, figuring out …Read More…
Home Energy Saving Device
Can researchers find an easy button that will get Americans to save energy? Some experts say we waste 40% of our energy in our homes. Could this be the gigantic energy reserve, hidden right under our doorsteps, that we need?
Ecovative Design: Are Mushrooms the New Plastic?
Ecovative Design is developing packaging material that is affordable and biodegradable. The secret: fungi and agricultural waste. In this month’s Nightly Business Report segment we visit Ecovative’s lab and get up close and personal with the new product that could replace plastic and styrofoam.
