Tidal Turbines a Success in Europe

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-18096372

A tidal turbine was set to test in the around the island of Eday in Scotland,  in December, and now with the results from its generation, we can see that it has performed very well. It even generated power for local residents and businesses. The test turbine was the HS1000 [Hammerfest Strom], it is 100ft high 1MW, and after the success of this they plan to build a 10MW turbine to be in the Sound of Islay. meow. The choice to test in Scotland was easy since it is home to the strongest tides in all of Europe. And since it was tested during terrible weather conditions, it worked well for the tidal power. They hope to install fully functioning tidal turbines by around 2013-2015. This production of electricity may be a good temporary solution to our problems with oil. Not to mention it's just more environmentally friendly in of itself.

Artificial Leaf May Help Solve Energy Problems

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120509123900.htm

So just recently, the first ever practical, artificial leaf was created. The purpose of this allows photosynthesis to occur creating energy from sunlight and water. The idea of an artificial leaf for energy, started with that of fuel cells. Since it isn't worth the energy wasted to split hydrogen atoms from oxygen [H2O], many people abandoned the fuel cell idea. But with the idea of an artificial leaf, they realized they could naturally split apart hydrogen and oxygen without wasting any energy. Meow. Many people also found this usage of hydrogen splitting impractical because it required very rare materials. However the new model is made of abundant resources so it is much cheaper and a bit more beneficial to the environment. They also hope to use this "leaf" in developing countries as a source of energy. Although this whole ordeal is a great leap, I feel that in order to help reduce oil usage, we don't just need a whole new technology, we could just make less stupid decisions.

Methane Gas Leak in the Arctic

http://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2012/04/25/methane-gas-leak-in-arctic-throws-scientists-a-climate-change-curveball

It was detected that in the Arctic Ocean, methane gas is leaking from the ocean. This is troubling considering that due to this phenomenon, we could have increases in greenhouse gases, even if we do everything in our power to slow it down. Not to say that we shouldn't do anything to prevent it, but there's always going to be an input of methane regardless. This is something that must be carefully approached by researchers, because with new findings such as these coming out, predictions about climate change must be changed, and this isn't going to be the only time in which this occurs. The leaking of the gas from the ocean was enough to surprise and confuse scientists, because no one expected the methane to actually leak. Although compared to other contributions, this isn't as major, but it is still a very large issue that we must monitor.

Studies Show More People Aware of Global Warming

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capital-weather-gang/post/americans-connect-dots-between-global-warming-and-extreme-weather/2012/04/18/gIQAyQBORT_blog.html

Recently due to a survey, most people have seen to accept the idea of global warming. Most of those surveyed realized the fact that recent extreme weather conditions are somewhat in due part to climate change. It actually correlated pretty well with the IPCC's thoughts on global warming. 70% & 72% of those surveyed said that the seasons summer and winter [respectfully] were more drastic due to global warming. And regarding specific issues, 59-69% of people said it was due to global warming [examples include record snowfall and the drought in Texas]. This shows that not everyone is as ignorant to the idea as it seems, but more that no one's speaking up. Who knows what a survey like this could show in the future and if more people will believe it.

9/11 Survivors May Get Cancer Coverage

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/22/september-11-cancer-care_n_1373568.html

When 9/11 happened the large loss of death was heartbreaking, but many never realized that many are still at a high risk of dying now due to being in the vicinity of the tragedy. In the air a large number of carcinogens were released into the air and in a synergistic effect they come together to cause much more danger for the survivors. They already produced the Zadroga Act which provided health care for certain illnesses and health problems due to being around the attack. But currently the Act is being proposed to be changed so that cancers are added to the list to help out those that suffered so much. These heroes require this coverage, even though it is very expensive, due to their great sacrifices and it doesn't take much to allow them to live longer, and they can't work when in such a condition. After all these people saved countless lives and now that they have to go through such a terrible situation, by themselves

Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis Makes a Comeback

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/46782295/ns/health-infectious_diseases/#.T3PFhWGPU_c

Although most people think that tuberculosis is over and done with, just a thing of the past, it has started to make a comeback and hitting home, closer than you may think. Just recently a woman in London was found to have this so-called "White Plague" even though she lives in a modern, and fairly wealthy area of the world. The most troubling aspect of this story is that this tuberculosis is resistant to what is now reviewed as 12 different drugs due to misdiagnosis among doctors giving to small of dosages. These small doses weren't enough to kill the tuberculosis, but instead became resistant to that medicine. This is very commonly seen in India, and makes sense as to why they have the most cases of this drug-resistant tuberculosis. The fact that a drug-resistant disease is making its way into developed countries as well sparks some fears that it can easily affect anyone. If spread it would cause a large outbreak due to the fact that it is airborne, and since it is drug-resistant it would take a lot of work to cure it, and the medicine would most likely be expensive. Just because tuberculosis isn't something that you see everyday doesn't mean that it doesn't deserve attention because you never know when it just might strike.

Aspirin May be a Cure for Cancer

http://vitals.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/03/21/10791979-daily-aspirin-might-reduce-cancer-risk

Although aspirin is mainly just thought of as an anticoagulant [blood thinner] that is a handy-dandy pill for headaches. But recently it's been found that it may be more than just that simplistic thought. Research seems to be pointing that it is even more important, because it was seen to both treat cancer patients and prevent cancer from occurring. This was done with hundreds of people who took an aspirin daily. It is believed that this occurs because it helps to stop the cancer from spreading throughout the body and thus makes the body healthier. After the three years of research it was found that it helps to prevent cancer by 25% and helps to reduce the risk of death from cancer by nearly 40%, and also it helps have a 36% chance of preventing organ-spreading cancers. However this research showed that it was necessary to have taken the aspirin for about three years for ideal effect. Also the study was not based on this principle and requires a new study that is focused upon this subject to have true results. Hopefully this could be a breakthrough that can provide cheap medicine to those who need it or wish to stay healthy.

Utah Air Force Base Faces Repercussions for Mercury Spill

http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/energy-environment/hill-air-force-base-in-utah-facing-fines-for-vacuuming-mercury-spill-storing-waste-for-years/2012/03/14/gIQAxISOCS_story.html

At the Hill Air Force Base in Utah large amounts of mercury began to leak in 2007. This leak was kept secret from most and was cleaned up. However the clean-up was done by unlicensed workers and cleaned up with everyday vacuum cleaners. To top the whole thing off, the waste was stored in plastic containers and distributed throughout the facility with at least one buried underground. Luckily the spill didn't cause harm and even though the clean-up was improperly treated, no one has shown severe symptoms. It was reported that 60 pounds of mercury leaked out and due to such the Air Force Base may have to pay a maximum of over $18 million [$13,000 a day]. The low-level exposure could easily cause muscle tremors and personality changes, or even damage the central nervous system, kidneys, and brain. Even though a large fine may be necessary, at least in the end the problem had no severe effects on anyone.

Seaweed - A New Fuel?

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120305132534.htm

To find a new bio-fuel requires a large amount of researching, considering it involves science, politics, economics, and other aspects. The amount of bio-fuel that is created from corn and other agricultural cannot be produced in large enough quantities without taking up too much room, and then it becomes costly. But recently it has been found that the next possible fuel may be seaweed. It doesn't require cropland, for large quantities naturally grow in the oceans. Also as many bio-fuels it is a clean fuel. This process would not harm ecosystems much and it grows faster than most organisms. In some areas, it is actually more beneficial to the environment to clean it of seaweed for it gets rid of excess algae. The process to make seaweed into a bio-fuel is the CAMUS process [Combined Aquaculture Multi-Use Systems]. And then to make the bio-fuel even more efficient all that needs to be done is make the seaweed contain more sugar. If this could all come together there could be a bright future for environmentally-friendly fuels.

Water Pollution Scares in China

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-16940407

In China there has already been two major water pollution scares, both within the course of about a month. Most recently in Shanghai, a chemical leak from a ship filled with phenol [acid compound used to make detergents]. The cargo ship was said to be near the Jiangsu province when it spilled, and contaminated the Yangtze River which is Shanghai's main source of drinking water. The other scare was in Guangxi, back in January. The region's water became polluted due to cadmium from a mining area. Some believe that the leak came from a South Korean ship docked at Zenjiang city. From both people were warned of the dangers of consuming the drinking water, and even when not told, the smell from tap water easily put consumers off. Since these scares the problem has "gone away," but China is well known for its terrible water pollution, and if two scares can happen in one month, who knows what came happen in the years to come as the situation only seems to just be getting worse and worse.

Possibility of a New Nuclear Reactor in the U.S. Increases

http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/nrc-expected-to-give-georgia-nuclear-reactors-the-green-light/2012/02/08/gIQAqmC7zQ_story.html

In Georgia, a new nuclear reactor plan has been proposed, but unlike many failed attempts by other businesses, this one appears to be taking shape. There is now a very large chance that a nuclear reactor could be in place in Georgia around 2016 or 2017. There hasn't been a new reactor added in the U.S. since 1996,and one hasn't been licensed since 1978.With the NRC, taking a liking towards this plant, most believe that it will be passed. The production of this plant would cost about $13.3 billion. Much of the project would be paid by the customers, even though it would cost three times as much to produce than other alternatives. If this project is allowed than many more reactors would be produced throughout the country, since it now shows that they can be produced yet again, like they used to.

Northern Ireland Torn Between Energy and Environment

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-16823664

In Fermanagh, shale gas deposits were found, and in quite an abundance as well. The natural gas has so much that if taken out correctly could provide Northern Ireland with natural gas for over 50 years. Not only could they gain much energy, but they would become a major exporter of natural gas. Overall the country could have an increase of 600-2,400 jobs by 2025. And on top of all that, there would be a tax revenue of nearly $110 billion dollars. Although these perks seem like reasons as to one should obviously do anything in order to get to the gas, one thing stands in the way, the decision on whether or not to frack. Northern Ireland has done some fracking, but on this subject, environmentalists have asked to put a stop to the fracking and to find a better method of extraction. If they are successful then Northern Ireland may have to suffer some of the gas, if performing a riskier method, or the time on coming up with another, or the money on more costly methods. If not successful then the country must deal with earthquakes and possible contamination of water.

New "Nano-Wire" Bacteria Used to Clean Uranium

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-14796579

A new bacteria, named Geobacter found that could have dramatic effects on the amounts of Uranium in our Earth, but for a good reason. Uranium is well known to be found naturally in the Earth, but often is not harmful due to its location lower in the ground. Due to excessive mining, Uranium is becoming more and more present in everyday lives. Since it is incredibly radioactive and can easily be strong enough to be lethal. The Geobacter, however, was found to reduce the amount of Uranium in the Earth. Using filaments that are all four nano-meters across each, producing a very large total surface area, the dissolved Uranium is precipitated outside of the bacteria. This process allows the now less soluble bacteria to be removed by sediments much easier than previously. These bacteria can be placed in places such as Chernobyl and can help to make its Uranium concentration decrease drastically. Now that three times as much Uranium can be collected, the Earth can start to recover from some of our human-induced harms, which very rarely occurs for us.

Lack of Water in India Causes Conflict

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/jul/12/india-water-supply-bhopal

The article speaks much about the lack of water in India. People were killed for retrieving water out of greed from other people. Because of the lack of rain over the past years, many people have been in even more of a need for water than previous years. Draining of lakes had occurred in order to supply water, but many lakes have lost drastic amounts of water, which is terrible for the ecosystem. In one city, Bhopal, about 100,000 people rely on water tankers alone to supply their water, and they ravage through crowds in order to retrieve their water as soon as possible. Some climb onto the tanks in order to get to it themselves. With a rapidly increasing population in India, and a severe lack of water, things don't appear too bright in the future. In order to reach water, some people had to travel about 2 kilometers to reach their nearest water supply. Some experts believe this issue to be an indicator of what is to possible for a global scale. If we continue to abuse our few freshwater sources, we are sure to create our own ruin and destroy our chances at having sustainable water resources in our future.