Scientists have developed a new solar cell that is much more cost effective than anything ever previously developed. This development uses two different layers of sunlight absorbing materials to capitalize on a wider range of the sun's energy. Eugene Fitzgerald, one of the leaders of the research, thinks the new cell will be ready for the market within the next two years. Traditional silicon solar cells, while cheap, are not the best at converting the sun's energy into electricity. The new manufacturing process is not only cheaper, but the overall process has been consolidated and is now much more efficient.
This new finding is especially exciting considering the push for cleaner energies in recent years. With the cheaper production and market cost, we may start seeing more and more solar panels on houses, whereas right now it may be too expensive for the average American. Hopefully this means a move away from fossil fuels and a quicker ascent to the energies of the future. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/08/160829163522.htm
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A new study from the University of Michigan shows that the widely believed assumption that biofuels are carbon neutral when used. But, the heat containing the carbon dioxide is not a fully even trade off of carbon dioxide. The study preformed showed that the CO2 uptake by the crops could only offset the CO2 emissions by less than 40%. I feel like that by knowing that the carbon emissions are only offset by less than 40%, makes it seem like bio fuels are as viable as we think they are. However they are still better for the environment than fossil fuels. But maybe there is a more cleaner fuels source than biofuels. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/08/160825084633.htm
Led by geologist from the University of Arizona, we are able to predict the future temperatures. They knew that surface temperatures and sea (Pacific) leveled had varied through the years but never made the connection. This connection was made when scientists saw that in certain years that the sea level rose, temperatures dropped. To determine if the connection was true, models were made which eventually proved that the sea levels could determine future surface temperatures. I feel like by scientists making this connection, this can better inform us about rain patterns like el Nino. So for people like us living in California this can help us determine if and when rain would fall. Also to determine when to conserve more water or not to. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/08/160818212759.htm
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December 2016
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