A new combination of nano and solar technology has made it possible for solar electric generation to be cheaper than burning coal. Nanosolar, Inc. has developed a way to produce a type of ink that absorbs solar radiation and converts into electric current. Photovoltaic (PV) sheets are produced by a machine similar to a printing press, which rolls out the PV ink onto sheets approximately the width of aluminum foil. These PV sheets can be produced at a rate of hundreds of feet per minute. ‘It’s 100 times thinner than existing solar panels, and we can deposit the semiconductors 100 times faster,’ said Nanosolar’s cofounder and chief executive officer, R. Martin Roscheisen. ‘It’s a combination that drives down costs dramatically.’ Because of their light weight and flexibility, the PV sheets (dubbed PowerSheets) are much more versatile than current PV panels, which must be mounted on sturdy surfaces like roofs or the ground. In addition, because there is no silicon used in the production of the sheets, they cost only 30 cents per watt of power produced. Traditional PV cells cost approximately $3 per watt, while burning coal costs about $1 per watt. ‘This is the first […]
Thinking ahead: Bacteria anticipate coming changes in their environment A new study by Princeton University researchers shows for the first time that bacteria don’t just react to changes in their surroundings — they anticipate and prepare for them. The findings, reported in the June 6 issue of Science, challenge the prevailing notion that only organisms with complex nervous systems have this ability. ‘What we have found is the first evidence that bacteria can use sensed cues from their environment to infer future events,’ said Saeed Tavazoie, an associate professor of molecular biology, who conducted the study along with graduate student Ilias Tagkopoulos and postdoctoral researcher Yir-Chung Liu. The research team, which included biologists and engineers, used lab experiments to demonstrate this phenomenon in common bacteria. They also turned to computer simulations to explain how a microbe species’ internal network of genes and proteins could evolve over time to produce such complex behavior. ‘The two lines of investigation came together nicely to show how simple biochemical networks can perform sophisticated computational tasks,’ said Tavazoie. In addition to shedding light on deep questions in biology, the findings could have many practical implications. They could help scientists understand […]
There is more than twice as much oil in the ground as major producers say, according to a former industry adviser who claims there is widespread misunderstanding of the way proven reserves are calculated. Although it is widely assumed that the world has reached a point where oil production has peaked and proven reserves have sunk to roughly half of original amounts, this idea is based on flawed thinking, said Richard Pike, a former oil industry man who is now chief executive of the Royal Society of Chemistry. Current estimates suggest there are 1,200 billion barrels of proven global reserves, but the industry’s internal figures suggest this amounts to less than half of what actually exists. The misconception has helped boost oil prices to an all-time high, sending jitters through the market and prompting calls for oil-producing nations to increase supply to push down costs. Flying into Japan for a summit two days after prices reached a record $139 a barrel, energy ministers from the G8 countries yesterday discussed an action plan to ease the crisis. Explaining why the published estimates of proven global reserves are less than half the true amount, Dr Pike said […]
NEW YORK — A city Health Department study finds that more than a fourth of adult New Yorkers are infected with the virus that causes genital herpes. The study, released Monday, says about 26 percent of New York City adults have genital herpes, compared to about 19 percent nationwide. The department says genital herpes can double a person’s risk for contracting HIV. Herpes can cause painful sores, but most people have no recognizable symptoms. Among New Yorkers, the herpes rate is higher among women, black people and gay men. The health department urges consistent use of condoms, and says its STD clinics offer free, confidential herpes testing.
Fetch your tin helmets once again. The European Central Bank is opting for a monetary purge. So too is the US Federal Reserve, now ruled from Dallas. Ãœber-hawks and Cromwellians have gained the upper hand at the great fortress banks. Whether or not they admit it, both are embarked on policies that must lead to retrenchment across the Atlantic world. The City mood turned wicked as the full import of this policy switch sank in last week. On Wall Street, the Dow’s 396-point dive on high volume late Friday had an ugly feel. ‘There is now the distinct possibility of a simultaneous sell-off in global bonds, equities and commodities,’ said Jonathan Wilmot from Credit Suisse. ‘I would advise Mr Trichet to be more careful in his comments,’ said Spain’s premier Jose Luis Zapatero. The counter-attack has begun. Spain’s property crash is calamitous. House prices have tumbled 15pc since September, say the developers (APCE). Over 98pc of Spanish mortgages are on floating rates, priced off three-month Euribor. This rate leapt 32 basis points to 5.24pc after Mr Trichet opened his mouth. The ECB demarche is ominous for the rest of us as well. We may […]
Remote Viewing the Year 2060
