Research and Technology


Nuclear Fuel Storage Research Gets More Funding

The Energy Department will be investing $15.8 million over the next five years on a new dry storage research and development project that should result in safe and secure storage of used nuclear fuel.

The Annual U.S. Greenhouse Gas Inventory Now Available

Earlier today, the EPA released the 18th annual report of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, which shows that emissions decreased by 1.6 percent in 2011 from 2010.

AgriLife Research Scientist Hopes Soapy Water Testing Lathers Up Statewide Interest

AgriLife Research Scientist Hopes Soapy Water Testing Lathers Up Statewide Interest

Research on gray water use for home irrigation has been getting positive initial results.

High Levels of Lead Found in Imported Rice

In a meeting at the American Chemical Society, it was revealed that high levels of lead have been found in rice that’s been imported to the U.S. from certain countries. According to their research, baby food contained some of the highest levels of lead.

CO2 Emissions Continue to Decrease

According to the Energy Information Administrations (EIA), CO2 emissions have managed to decrease each year since 2007, and 2012 had the lowest emissions since 1994.

Severe Precipitation Caused by Global Warming

As greenhouses gases in the atmosphere continue to rise, intense precipitation will become even more intense, according to a new NOAA-led study that has been published in Geophysical Research Letters.

High Temperature Superconducting Technology for Next-Generation Power Generation a Success

GE’s superconductive technology research offers advantages in efficiency, size, mass, and weight reductions when compared with conventional machines. The impact on energy production from alternative energy sources could be substantial.

New Environmentally Friendly Chemicals for Oil and Gas Production

By studying new classes of low-dosage hydrate inhibitors, a researcher from the University of Stavanger (UiS) developed new and more environmentally-friendly chemicals that can be used in oil and gas production.

NREL Economic Study Identifies Benefits Relative to Transmission and Generation Infrastructure across State Lines

The Wyoming Project shows how transmission and generation infrastructure originating in Wyoming could result in significant benefits for Colorado.

Tiny Sea Creatures Keeping Marine Ecosystems Healthy

In a new study from the Virginia Institute of Science and the USGS, small sea creatures that are about the size of a thumbtack help protect seagrasses and other sea life from an overpopulation of algae.

The Effects of Pharmaceutical Pollution on Water Quality

A new study suggests that more research is needed in order to find the complete impacts pharmaceutical pollution has on aquatic life and water quality.

How the Cropping Industry Can Reduce Emissions

The USDA’s Agriculture Research Service (ARS) are providing ways for farmers in the Dakotas and Montana to reduce their emissions by using agricultural practices such as tillage and cropping sequences.

An Update on Solar Impulse

A press conference was held today to unveil Solar Impulse, the first solar-powered airplane capable of flying during the night and day, in the United States for the first time today. The plane will begin its flight across America in California, stopping in various cities, and ending its journey in New York.

See the First Solar Powered Plane and Tweet Questions Live

On Thursday, March 28, the first U.S. solar-powered airplane will be revealed at a press conference, along with details on its cross-country flight. During the press conference, those who are watching are encouraged to tweet their questions and comments by using hashtag: #13SI.

Explore the Pursuit of the Power Grid

In the pursuit of the power grid’s evolution, industry researchers are hard at work developing and implementing new “smart grid” innovations to solve today’s greatest power challenges.

Manatees and Pelicans Dying in Indian River Lagoon

At the Indian River Lagoon in Florida, several manatees and pelicans have been found dead, most likely due to the algae blooms that are quickly invading the area. With the deaths of these animals, scientists fear this is the beginning of a devastating ecosystem collapse.

Switchgrass for Home Heating

USDA scientists have been studying the use of switchgrass pellets for heating purposes. According to their research, the pellets could potentially become a cheaper energy source to replace fuel oil used to heat homes and businesses in the Northeast.

New Water Testing Could Prevent Beach Closures

A new study by the USGS involves a rapid water-quality test that provides accurate same day results of bacteria levels, which could help prevent beaches from being closed.

A Significant Drop in Energy Use and Intensity for Manufacturing Sector

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the total energy consumption in the manufacturing industry has decreased by 17 percent since 2002. Energy output for manufacturing decreased by 3 percent in the same amount of time.

Aiming to Develop Environmentally Friendly Electronic Devices

Researchers at the UPNA (Public University of Navarre) are leading the ENEIDA project, which is trying to tackle the technological changes needed to create more energy-efficient and more environmentally-friendly electronic devices.