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Environmental

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AUTOMOTIVE

Car share program launched with new Maya 300 electric vehicle

By Michael Mulcahy

20:15 June 30, 2009 PDT

The Maya 300 electric car can travel up to 120 miles per charge and reach a top speed of 3...

Baltimore has taken the environmental benefits of car-sharing programs a step further by launching one that features the all-electric, zero local emissions Maya 300. Powered by a lithium-ion battery, the Maya 300 seats five, can travel up to 120 miles on a single charge, has a top speed of 35mph and can be charged via a standard 110V household electrical outlet. Read More

AERO GIZMO

Spaceport America breaks ground, flights departing soon

By Michael Mulcahy

21:30 June 25, 2009 PDT

Terminal Hanger Concept, Spaceport America

Virgin Galactic may be spending over USD$300 million on a commercial space vehicle, but only now has it actually got a place to land. Spaceport America, the world’s first purpose-built commercial spaceport, broke ground in New Mexico on June 19th. The 110,000 square foot facility, designed by Foster and Partners, will cost around $200m and is expected to host the first commercial space flight by 2011. Read More

PERSONAL COMPUTING

Wetsuit not supplied: Stealth WPC-500F waterproof PC

By Paul Ridden

01:16 June 25, 2009 PDT

In for a good soaking - new Stealth WPC-500F waterproof PC

It's absolutely vital for all life on the planet yet it can kill a computer with relative ease. Water, moisture, fluid, liquid - whichever way you look at it computers and wet stuff are not on friendly terms. Stealth Computers begs to differ however, and has recently announced the release of a completely waterproof PC. Incorporating a whole host of tough tech, the rugged new unit promises reliability and performance whatever you throw at it and whatever conditions you might find yourself in. Read More

AUTOMOTIVE

Riversimple hydrogen-powered urban car provides fuel for thought

By Michael Mulcahy

00:16 June 19, 2009 PDT

The hydrogen-powered Riversimple prototype makes its debut

The Riversimple Urban Car, a hydrogen-powered two-seater capable of speeds up to 50mph and of traveling more than 200 miles without refueling, was unveiled in London this week. While the prototype car is itself a welcome development in sustainable travel, the aim of the company behind it is even more ambitious: to completely eliminate the environmental impact of personal transport. Read More

ECOGIZMO

Further doubts atmospheric umbrella will save marine environments

By Darren Quick

15:55 June 18, 2009 PDT

A part of Moofushi coral reef hit by coral bleaching
 Pic credit: Bruno de Giusti

We recently looked at problems with a last resort solution to counteract global warming by artificially shading the Earth from sunlight by injecting sulphur or small, reflective particles into the upper atmosphere. Now a new study from the Carnegie Institution has thrown further doubt on the effectiveness of such a proposal. Although it may lower the planet’s temperature by a couple of degrees, it would do little to stop the acidification of the world’s oceans that threatens coral reefs and other marine life. Read More

AUTOMOTIVE

Mazda now painting cars greener

By Michael Mulcahy

17:57 June 17, 2009 PDT

Mazda Aqua-tech Paint System

The Mazda Motor Corporation continues to find ways to be a better global citizen with a car painting system that it says has the lowest environmental impact in the world. The new “Aqua-Tech Paint System” reduces the emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOC) by 57% and, happily, improves the paint job. Read More

ECOGIZMO

Sony announces eco-friendly mercury-free batteries

By Mick Webb

05:49 June 16, 2009 PDT

An environmentally friendly step in the right direction - Sony's mercury-free batteries.

It’s no secret that mercury is a dirty word in environmental circles, and more of the big guns of electronics are starting to take note. Apple's MacBook Pro now features a mercury-free backlight display, and Fuji has released its eco-friendly EnviroMax batteries. This week Sony has strengthened its enviro-credibility by announcing a line of mercury-free alkaline button batteries. Read More

RESEARCH WATCH

Study exposes transport's hidden impact on the environment

By Darren Quick

02:29 June 15, 2009 PDT

The new study by researchers at the University of California looks beyond the exhaust pipe...

By looking at the environmental impact of passenger transport – whether it be trains, planes or automobiles – beyond the exhaust fumes spewing from its collective tail pipe, researchers in the United States have discovered a significant spike in energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. By taking into account transport support systems – which includes sourcing raw materials, manufacturing, as well as the construction and maintenance of infrastructure – researchers at the University of California hope to provide a more detailed view for transport planners and policy makers. And produce a better outcome for the environment. Read More

GOOD THINKING

360 Paper water bottle offers renewable alternative to plastic

By Jude Garvey

05:20 June 10, 2009 PDT

360 Paper water bottle offers renewable alternative to plastic

Most people realize that plastic water bottles are bad for the environment, not only because research suggests it takes 2000 times more energy to produce bottled water than tap water but also because so many of them are not recycled. You may choose to filter your own water or just go without, but a new environmentally friendly solution may mean you can continue to drink bottled water and keep a clear conscience - the 360 Paper Water bottle. Read More

AUTOMOTIVE

Hankook's enfren low rolling-resistance tires deliver 5 percent fuel saving

By Karen Sprey

01:52 June 9, 2009 PDT

Hankook's enfren low rolling-resistance tire delivers 5% fuel saving

Hankook says its new range of low rolling-resistance tires could delivering significant fuel savings and environmental benefits without consumers having to upgrade their car. The silica compound enfren tire achieved a 5.1% saving over conventional steel belt radials in a recent Fuel Economy Challenge using two identical Hyundai i30 SLX CRDi hatches. Read More

ECOGIZMO

Ancient building technique may help future designs to be more eco-friendly

By Darren Quick

23:24 June 4, 2009 PDT

Walls made from rammed earth may hold the key to more eco-friendly housing design in the f...

Every child learns early on that moist sand is the key to building a sturdy sandcastle. Now researchers at Durham University have studied this principle so it can be better applied to an ancient eco-friendly building technique of using rammed earth. Read More

ECOGIZMO

Glowmark puts the green in glow-in-the-dark safety lighting

By Karen Sprey

15:56 June 1, 2009 PDT

 Glowmark is a new product that uses long-lasting, photo-luminescent crystal technology as...

It is a challenge to provide affordable safety lighting in dark and low-light areas. Glowmark is a new product that uses long-lasting, photo-luminescent crystal technology as an alternative to electric lighting. Not only does it not need electricity, it costs nothing to run, is environmentally safe, biodegradable and easy to install. Read More

ECOGIZMO

Plastic and fuel that grows on trees

By Darren Quick

18:19 May 20, 2009 PDT

The simplified process converting biomass to HMF

Biofuels continue to steal the spotlight when it comes to the search for a renewable, environmentally friendly replacement for crude oil. While that’s understandable when considering the transport industry, but crude oil is also used in the production of conventional plastics and chemical products such as fertilizers and solvents. Now chemists have learned how to convert plant biomass directly into a chemical building block that can not only be used to produce fuel, but also plastics, polyester and industrial chemicals cheaply and efficiently. Read More

AUTOMOTIVE

Audi revs up and down with new stop-start technology

By Darren Quick

01:10 May 11, 2009 PDT

Audi's new start-stop system

It may sound obvious, but the most effective way to cut a car's fuel consumption is to turn the car off. Of course that isn’t very useful if you're trying to get from A to B. But for many trips, particularly for city driving, a car can be idle for a significant amount of time. Such stop-start driving is far from being fuel-efficient, but Audi has turned that around with a new system that shuts down the engine when the car comes to a stop. The start-stop system joins a new on-board computer, as part of Audi’s modular efficiency platform, which is designed to reduce fuel consumption and cut carbon emissions. Read More

AUTOMOTIVE

Formula 3 racing car powered by chocolate and steered by carrots - seriously

By Darren Quick

22:41 May 6, 2009 PDT

The WorldFirst Formula 3 racing car after a trip to the farmer's market for some spare par...

Environmentally friendly vehicles conjure up thoughts of a Toyota Prius hybrid or maybe a vehicle powered by hydrogen fuel cells, but a Formula 3 racing car generally wouldn’t be the first thing to come to mind. This "WorldFirst Formula 3 car" unveiled by researchers at the University of Warwick might just change that impression - and it's eco-friendliness goes way beyond the bio diesel engine that drives it. The racer is powered by chocolate, steered by carrots, has bodywork made from potatoes and can still do 125mph around corners. Read More

URBAN TRANSPORT

Gruber Assist electrifies just about any bicycle

By Darren Quick

01:41 May 5, 2009 PDT

A bike retrofitted with the Gruber Assist - you wouldn't know it was there would you?

There’s a few reasons why cycling has remained a popular form of transport for over a century. It’s cheap, keeps you fit, is environmentally friendly and it’s fun - usually. Unfortunately it can get a little less fun when you hit a steep hill or have neglected your fitness for a while. This is where electric assist devices such as the Gruber Assist can come in handy. It still lets you do most of the work, but helps to make the job that little bit easier. Whereas electric bikes such as the E+, the eneloop and the Gocycle require the purchase of a complete bike to get some electric assistance, the Gruber Assist can be retrofitted to practically any bicycle provided it has a seat tube with an inner diameter of 31.6mm. Read More

ECOGIZMO

Berkeley Solar Mapping Portal completed

By Jude Garvey

23:32 April 29, 2009 PDT

Berkeley solar map helps residents to calculate the size and cost of installing a rooftop ...

A new online solar mapping portal has been completed in Berkeley. By combining aerial mapping data with 3-D modeling software, the system allows residents to determine the potential size and cost for solar electric and hot water systems on their own rooftop, as well as view other solar installations all over the city. Read More

ECOGIZMO

Sony Electronics launches retail e-recycling initiative

By David Greig

19:02 April 27, 2009 PDT

Sony GreenFill recycling service

Sony Electronics has launched the GreenFill recycling service, an extension of its Take Back program using in-store drop-boxes for the collection of unwanted portable electronics good - around 80% of which currently end up in landfill. Read More

MILITARY

SFC Portable Fuel Cell lightens the soldier's load

By Mick Webb

17:58 April 21, 2009 PDT

To the left is the JENNY portable fuel cell.

Soldiers operating in remote locations face a considerable heavy equipment burden, a significant proportion of which can be attributed to the need for a portable power supply. Fuel cells are seen as a key solution to this problem and the JENNY system, which has just been commercially released for defense applications by German mobile power application company SFC Smart Fuel Cell, promises to reduce weight by around 80% compared with lithium-ion batteries. Read More

ECOGIZMO

Homeowners getting the energy conservation message

By Darren Quick

04:00 April 17, 2009 PDT

When it comes to buying consumer electronics, we are increasingly thinking about energy ef...

When it comes to buying consumer electronics, we are factoring energy efficiency into our choices in a bid to cut our household energy consumption, a new study from the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) has found. Read More

RESEARCH WATCH

New climate model predicts almost ice-free Arctic Ocean in just 30 years

By Anne Hanrahan

02:15 April 8, 2009 PDT

Ice thickness, estimated by combining six climate models selected for this study, is shown...

According to new research the Arctic Ocean may be ice free in the summer months much faster than previously estimated. Research based on earlier climatic models suggested that this would not occur until the end of the century, but new models suggest that the Arctic might lose most of its ice cover in as little as 30 years - three times more rapid than previous studies have indicated. If this was to occur, the amount of the arctic covered by ice at the end of the summer could be down to around 1 million square kilometers (390 000 square miles) compared with the currently coverage of 4.6 million square kilometers (1.8 million square miles). Read More

ECOGIZMO

Abu Dhabi’s five-star hotel to feature GROW wind and solar technology

By Jude Garvey

06:18 April 6, 2009 PDT

The Helix Hotel

The winning design from Leeser Architects for this visually stunning five star hotel in Abu Dhabi maximizes the use of natural resources in a spiraling design that makes use of natural light and coastal air along with an exterior clad with polyethylene GROW panels to harness solar and wind power. Poised on the edge of the Persian Gulf, the (aptly named) Helix Hotel will feature a helical floor space which wraps unevenly around a central void. Guests will be able to look up at, and down on, various public areas, including the rooftop deck with a glass-bottomed swimming pool. Read More

SCIENCE AND EDUCATION

Did salt lakes kill the dinosaurs? And will they kill us?

By Darren Quick

22:54 April 2, 2009 PDT

A present-day salt lake in the south of Russia
 Pic Credit: Dr. Ludwig Weißflog/UFZ

A new report by an international team of scientists has suggested that the largest mass extinction in the history of the earth may not have been caused by volcanic eruptions, methane hydrate or the impact of an asteroid as previously surmised. It may actually have been triggered by giant salt lakes, whose emissions of halogenated gases changed the atmospheric composition to such an extent that vegetation was irretrievably damaged. While this is a lot less dramatic than a volcanic eruption or an asteroid, the effect would be no less devastating and may have implications for us today with forecasts predicting an increase in the surface areas of deserts and salt lakes due to climate change that researchers expect will also lead to an increase in the effects of these halogenated gases. Read More

AROUND THE HOME

Walking House: moving home takes on a whole new meaning

By Darren Quick

03:18 April 2, 2009 PDT

Quick! Out of the way, it's the Walking House!

For anyone who has wanted to get away from it all without leaving the comforts of home Dutch design group N55 has just the thing – a walking house. Consisting of a basic module measuring 3.5m high by 3.5m wide and 3.72m long the walking house can cover a decidedly leisurely 60m an hour on its six insect like legs. Read More

ECOGIZMO

Is your sunscreen damaging the environment?

By Darren Quick

21:08 March 31, 2009 PDT

A magnification of E. coli exposed to a low concentration (10 mg/L) of titanium dioxide na...

Your sunscreen might be preventing damage to your skin, but it may also be causing untold damage to the environment. A study carried out by scientists in Ohio has reported that nanoparticles now being added to cosmetics, sunscreens, and hundreds of other personal care products may be harmful to the environment by negatively affecting beneficial bacteria. Read More

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