Power For The Cold Spot

Antarctica is the scene of the world's first zero-emission polar research station. Scientists recognize that this confirms that alternative energy works under extreme weather conditions. The station uses chemicals to re-use shower and toilet water up to five times before discarding. Wind turbines on a nearby mountain ridge and solar panels on the building ensure power and hot water. Scientists predict higher temperatures due to global warming could increase melting at Antarctica, which could raise sea levels and alter shorelines, affecting some 146 million people living in low-lying coastal areas. Global warming has spurred governments globally to investigate alternative energy sources.

AIDS Research

The University of Buffalo announced the award of a $7.6 million grant to help fight the global AIDS epidemic. The grant will create a quality control program and laboratory at the university to help oversee AIDS research in developing countries, which conduct clinical trials. New treatment clinical trials are most effective when conducted where the infection rate is highest. Most of those regions have few facilities and trained specialists. The university will now be able to train high-quality staff to conduct studies in these areas, and establish a web site that will allow global access to research information.

Guts of Earthquakes

Did you know that earthquakes in 1811-1812 at New Madrid, Mo., actually made the Mississippi River flow backward for a brief time? Nowadays, researchers dig deep to discover the source of earthquakes, under the ground but also beneath the oceans. Deep sea earthquakes have the potential to be particularly dangerous if they cause a tsunami, such as in 2004 around the Indian Ocean. Plates on the earth's surface have natural movements, and quakes usually occur at their boundaries. Scientists now can know when a plate is highly stressed, but still don't know conclusively where factures will happen to start a quake.

'Smart Grid' is Plenty Smart

The new economic stimulus package will also provide billions of dollars for 'smart grid' projects. Smart grids use digital technology for creating more efficient ways to move electricity with less cost. Many governments promote smart grid technologies to increase energy independence or address global warming issues. Some experts think that if smart grid technologies made the U.S. even 5 percent more efficient, it would be as if the fuel and greenhouse gas emissions were eliminated from 53 million cars. One study by the U.S. Department of Energy estimates that smart grids could save the nation between 46 and 117 billion dollars over the next 20 years.

Palin versus Judd

Actress Ashley Judd recently criticized Alaska Governor Sarah Palin over a wolf-hunting program sponsored by that state. The program allows Alaska residents in aircraft to fire on wolves to reduce their numbers. Judd, representing the Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund, claimed that the governor is "championing the slaughter of wildlife," while the director of the Alaska Outdoor Council stated that the program's purpose is to help protect the moose and caribou, which are fewer in number. The large population of wolves also concern owners of farm animals, which wolves sometimes attack. Who do you think is right on this one?

Comments? Questions? Email Here

© HowtoAdvice.com

How to Advice .com