Penn State Energy and Environment News

Quantum control breakthrough a game changer for next-gen electronics and computers

| scitechdaily.com

For the first time, researchers demonstrated how to electronically alter the direction of electron flow in promising materials for quantum computing. A new electrical method to conveniently change the direction of electron flow in some quantum materials could have implications for the development of next-generation electronic devices and quantum computers. This article mentions Penn State research.

A network of life-supporting rivers for Mars?

| earthsky.org

We know that Mars once had rivers and streams running across its surface. Both orbiting spacecraft and rovers on the ground have provided that evidence. This article quotes, Benjamin Cardenas, assistant professor of geosciences

Better Business Podcast: The circular economy

| magazine.smeal.psu.edu

As we attempt to eliminate waste and slow climate change, we’re seeing a shift to a circular economy, where products and materials are repurposed in new cycles. But the model is still far from the norm. Only 8.6% of the global economy is circular, according to the 2020 Circularity Gap Report.

Pa. court rules climate program is an illegal tax, says state cannot join RGGI

| stateimpact.npr.org

Commonwealth Court said the Department of Environmental Protection did not have the constitutional authority to collect revenue from the program.

Giraffes could go extinct – the 5 biggest threats they face

| theconversation.com

Giraffes are vulnerable to extinction, mainly due to habitat loss and killing for bushmeat markets. The good news is human actions can alleviate that danger. This article was written for The Conversation by Derek E. Lee, associate research professor of biology.

Children’s book written by extension educator teaches kids about stream health

| psu.edu

“Brooke Meets a Stream Doctor: Featuring Dr. Watt R. Shedd” introduces readers aged 8-10 to the world of stream health and environmental stewardship. The author is real-life stream doctor, Jennifer Fetter, who leads the Penn State Extension water resources team and serves as interim director of the Center for Agricultural Conservation Assistance Training.

Adomako to explore gender and health in Ghana's gold mining at coffee hour

| psu.edu

Janet Adomako, assistant professor of geography, and environmental studies and sciences at Bucknell University, will discuss "Complex ontologies and gendered health vulnerabilities in Ghana’s small-scale gold mining industry" at the next Department of Geography's Coffee Hour lecture. Her talk will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Nov. 10 in 112 Walker Building on the University Park campus and via Zoom.

Advancing AI and machine learning beyond predictive capabilities

| eos.org

A new cross-journal special collection invites contributions that unlock the next frontier in hydrology and Earth sciences through artificial intelligence and machine learning.

Growing Impact: Restoring Malawi's forests

| Featuring Ida Djenontin, Tong Qiu, Judith Kamoto

Malawi is facing environmental challenges including deforestation, soil erosion, and unsustainable farming practices. While Malawi has pledged to restore degraded lands, it is not clear if any efforts are accomplishing what they intended. A research group is using Malawi as a case study to better inform policies and practices in forest landscape restoration.

Could Paris bed bugs come to Philly? Sure, but that's assuming we don't already have them.

| inquirer.com

Paris bed bugs may not be coming to Philadelphia, but the city's already got them. Here's what you need to know about bed bugs. This article quotes Michael Skvarla, assistant research professor of arthropod identification.

Sustainability Showcase events to feature Diné Chef Freddie J. Bitsoie Nov. 2-9

| psu.edu

Penn State Sustainability, in collaboration with the Centre Film Festival, will host Diné (Navajo) chef, Freddie J. Bitsoie, at University Park Nov. 2-9 as a part of the ongoing Sustainability Showcase series.

Penn State Wilkes-Barre hosts regional sustainability group meeting

| psu.edu

Penn State Wilkes-Barre recently hosted a regional sustainability meeting for Penn State’s Commonwealth campuses, which brought participants from throughout northeastern Pennsylvania together to share sustainability goals, best practices, ideas and successes.