Research and Technology


February Oil Market Report Released

According to the report by the International Energy Agency (IEA), the estimate of 2013 global oil demand has been slightly lowered, following the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) forecast.

2013 Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award Nominations

The EPA has announced the nominations for the 2013 Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Awards for companies and institutions that can design chemicals or a new product that help protect public health and the environment.

Toxic Algae Growth Created by Ocean Nitrogen

According to a new study in the Journal of Phycology, ocean nitrogen caused by pollution and natural sources sparks the growth of toxic phytoplankton species, which is very harmful to marine life and human health.

A solar farm

Fueling Jobs in Renewable Energy

U.S. Energy Secretary Dr. Steven Chu cited progress on solar, wind, and EV battery initiatives in a Feb. 1 letter saying he’ll soon return to California and to academia.

Quantum Dots Can Assemble Themselves

NREL scientists and other researchers demonstrated a process where quantum dots can self-assemble at optimal locations in nanowires, a breakthrough that could vastly improve solar cells, lighting devices, and quantum computing.

Nonfuel Mineral Production Increases Again

The USGS has announced that nonfuel mineral production values in the U.S. have increased for the third consecutive year, noting a $1.7 billion raise since 2011.

Ice Core Recovered from West Antarctica

Scientists from the South Dakota University made history this year by retrieving additional ice from the main borehole as part of the West Antarctica Ice Sheet Divide Ice Core project.

Study of Soil Microbes Could Minimize the Effects of Erosion

The ARS is conducting a new study to discover how microbes in the soil that are carried off by strong winds could lead to finding ways to minimize soil damage that is caused by wind erosion.

Veolia Energy Joins University of Pennsylvania’s Climate Action Plan

Veolia Energy recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to commission the two new, natural gas-fired rapid-response boilers, which is part of the company’s multi-million dollar investment in its Philadelphia district energy network to convert it to 100 percent ‘Green Steam’.

IEA Wins Low-Carbon Publication Award

The Roadway and Policy Pathway reports about improving the fuel economy of road vehicles by the International Energy Agency (IEA) have won the Outstanding Low-Carbon Publication Award.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions Data Updated

The EPA has posted the second year of greenhouse gas (GHGs) emissions data on its website.

Algae Shows Signs of Past and Present Climate Change

Coccolithophores, microscopic ocean algae, provides clues about the effects of climate change that’s happening now and that already happened millions of years ago.

How Corals Thrive in High Temperatures

A growing number or coral species have been found to survive in the hottest temperatures, sparking new research to find out just how these corals are beating the global warming odds.

The Vulnerability of Amazon’s Freshwater Ecosystems

A study published in Conservation Letters this week found that freshwater ecosystems in the Amazon are highly vulnerable to environmental degradation.

Study Determines Environmental Stressors of Mediterranean and Black Seas

More than 200 scientists from over 20 countries around the Mediterranean and Black Seas gathered in Barcelona last week to share the results of their joint work, which summarized on a regional and basin scale the environmental "stressors" on which the scientific research of PERSEUS will focus intensively over the next three years.

LiteEarth Capping System Launched at International Conference

The new capping system unites synthetic grass and EPDM geo-membrane for impermeable, long-lasting cover of landfills and land reclamation projects.

Citation Technologies Enhances EH&S Compliance Software

Citation Technologies has created new software that helps speed up user review of content and streamline regulatory data for customized corporate and site-level compliance

Colorado Fire Rivaled Worst Air Pollution Days

According to Colorado State University researchers, the summer’s High Park Fire has higher particulate matter that some of the worst air pollution days in Los Angeles or Mexico City in the past decade.

Report Highlights U-M's Sustainability Achievements

The University of Michigan shows immense growth and engagement in sustainability education, research and operations, according to a new report designed to track and measure progress.

Easier Public Access to State Energy Data

By updating their online services, EIA has expanding their API on order to make public access easier to accomplish for state energy data.