New diseases are likely to emerge as the climate warms. As organisms move in response to rising temperatures, it increases the likelihood that a previously unknown pathogen jumps from one species to another.
Under a magnifying glass
Solar cells with multiple junctions are more efficient than conventional photovoltaics, but they are way more expensive. One solution is to use tiny multi-junction cells and use lenses to focus light on them. This lets you get to higher power conversion efficiencies, but requires expensive trackers to follow the sun. A new set of designs obviates the need for trackers by sandwiching the cells between tiny lenses and mirrors.
A cutaway view of a concentrating photovoltaic system using tiny lenses
Save it for later
Storing energy is a crucial component of renewable energy as it gains market share on the grid, allowing the power to flow when the wind stops or the sun sets. At the Advanced Research Projects Agency - Energy (ARPA-E) summit, research teams presented all sorts of new technologies that could fulfill this need.
An aluminum air battery prototype
New American Muscle
On the floor of the Detroit auto show, engineers from Oak Ridge National Laboratory presented a 3D printed Shelby Cobra. Automakers are now looking to printing to speed up development time and shrink the carbon footprint of their production cycles.
The Strati, a 3D printed car from Local Motors
State of the Union
The President came out swinging on climate change during the State of the Union address, calling it the greatest threat to future generations. Other lawmakers begged to differ.
Yours Truly - © Kevin Lamarque / Reuters
Grounded Dreams
The National Transportation Safety Board released its report on lithium ion battery fires in the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The entire fleet of this new airliner was grounded after flames and smoke erupted in several aircraft. The investigation showed engineering problems with the batteries, as well as deficiencies in testing and safety systems.
PESTS OF PESTS
Trees act as organic air conditioners, especially in cities. However, a warming climate threatens their cooling capabilities as deadly pests, like scale insects, spread. This warming also alters growth patterns in wasps, which lay eggs inside scale insects, acting as a natural pesticide. The mismatch between host and parasite means more trees will suffer.