Clean Water Harvested From Fog by Beetle-Inspired Device
Inspired by Stenocara gracilipes, a beetle found in the Namib Desert, MIT engineer Shreerang Chhatre developed a simple and efficient device that can harvest fog. Being actually an inexpensive way to provide clean drinking water, this fog harvesting device could be perfect for poorer countries, where water scarcity is still an unsolved problem.
Chicken Feathers Turned Into Reliable & Green Bioplastics
Chicken feathers could one day constitute a perfect bioplastic resource, with biodegradable properties and zero carbon emissions. Feathers had been used for hydrogen storage before, but only experimentally. They had also been used for bioplastics, but with limited success - so far.
China Continues to Pursue Its Nuclear Dream
When China announced recently that it plans to change its 2020 target for nuclear power the world dared to hope. But don't hold your breath: it hasn't announced how much they will change and whether it's for the long run!
Pineapples and Bananas Could Be Building Blocks for Future Cars
Various scientists have been arguing over bioplastics and their cleanliness to the environment lately. A new invention from Brazil creates bioplastics having the strength similar to Kevlar from bananas and pineapples. Alcides Leão, a researcher at Sao Paulo State University, and the project leader, says his bioplastics are "30% lighter and three to four times stronger."
Colder Winters Bring Higher Pollution Levels, Swedish Researchers Say
A strong link between the coldness of the winter and air pollution has just been established by a group of researchers from the University of Gothenburg. Nitrogen oxides levels have been much higher than usual in the Swedish city during the last two harsh winters.
Nano-Coating Could Increase Aircraft Fuel Efficiency by Reducing Drag 39%
EasyJet Airline Company plans to apply a revolutionary nano-technology coating on all of their aircraft in order to reduce carbon emissions by up to two per cent and also the fuel consumption.
Passengers Passing by Stockholm Central Station Reduce 25% of Used Heating Energy
Stockholm's Central Station, the largest and the most crowded railway station in Sweden, has opened on July 18, 1871. This railway station offers many high quality services and is one of the most modern in Northern Europe. In the last period, though, it confronted with an issue: large amounts of money spent on energy.
Captured Carbon Dioxide Could Be Used as Solvent for Plastic Materials, Scientists Prove
The carbon dioxide that's to be captured from the atmosphere by various innovative means has proved itself of having multiple uses, from producing fertilizers to aspirin. Now, German from the Fraunhofer Institute researchers found that it also can be used as a non-toxic solvent for dyes.
Top 10 Most Read Posts on The Green Optimistic in 2010
Hello, dear reader. It's me, Ovidiu, your news man from the Green Optimistic. 2010 is quickly approaching its end, and we've had lots of good, interesting and fun with writing news for you this year. It's been the year of launch for Nissan Leaf the first mass-produced electric car, and the year of many breakthroughs in solar, wind and tidal power.
Ethiopia Can Generate a Surprisingly 60,000 MW of Clean Energy
According to a study cited by Corporate Communication Chief Officer with Ethiopian Electric Power Corporation (EEPCo), Misikir Negash, Ethiopia has proven to be a novel source of renewable energy with great potential.
