Researchers unveil innovative technology that outperforms conventional solar panels using both sun and 'cold universe' energy: 'A key renewable energy technology'
| thecooldown.com
Researchers at Penn State developed a method of using both solar energy and the incredibly cold temperatures of outer space to create both renewable energy and cooling capacity. This article quotes Linxiao Zhu, assistant professor of mechanical engineering.
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Seed Grant Projects
American diets got briefly healthier, more diverse during COVID-19 pandemic
| psu.edu
American diets may have gotten healthier and more diverse in the months following the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new study led by Penn State researchers. They published their findings in PLOS ONE.
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Build clean energy on dirty land, these researchers say
| heatmap.news
How can we make better use of the areas environmental destruction has left behind? This article cites the research of Hannah Wiseman, professor of law and Wilson Faculty Fellow in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences.
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Making rechargeable batteries more sustainable with fully recyclable components
| psu.edu
A team of Penn State chemical engineering researchers has reconfigured the design of solid-state lithium batteries so that all their components can be easily recycled. They published their approach in ACS Energy Letters.
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Enrique Gomez
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Clive Randall
Evan Pugh University Professor of Materials Science and Engineering Director, Materials Science and Engineering -
Bryan Vogt
'Growing Impact' examines light source efficiency, accuracy
| psu.edu
The latest episode of the Growing Impact podcast discusses lighting system design and evaluation and if the current approach to quantifying light source efficiency is accurate.
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How heat kills
| learningenglish.voanews.com
Researchers say the danger point outdoors for illness and death from ongoing heat is lower than experts once thought. This discovery comes from new information, including putting people in “hot boxes” to see what happens to them. We will talk about this process in the story. This article quotes Larry Kenney, Marie Underhill Noll Chair in Human Performance and professor of physiology and kinesiology.
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Growing Impact: Evaluating lighting efficiency
Lacking a standard unit for light measurement, scientists devised a spectral sensitivity curve in the early 20th century. This graph, representing an "average human observer," mathematically quantifies light. Though imperfect, it remains the standard today, but an update could significantly improve the energy efficiency of lighting.
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WPSU to feature film detailing Earth system approach to Penn State research
| psu.edu
The documentary film, “ESSC made EESI,” will premiere on WPSU Thursday, July 4, at 5:30 p.m. in place of “Weather World.” The documentary details the history of Penn State’s Earth and Environmental Systems Institute (EESI), which began in 1986 as the Earth System Science Center (ESSC).
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Eric Barron
Eric BarronFormer President, Penn State -
Susan Brantley
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Alan Taylor
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Erica Smithwick
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Jennifer Baka
Associate Professor and John T. Ryan, Jr. Faculty Fellow, College of Earth & Mineral Sciences -
Richard Alley
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Seth Blumsack
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Robert Crane
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Kenneth Davis
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William Easterling III
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Bernd J. Haupt
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Christopher House
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Sarah Ivory
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James Kasting
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Lee Kump
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Douglas A. Miller
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David Pollard
‘Not prepared’: Why the Midwest floods are a warning for the nation
| washingtonpost.com
The torrent of water pushing the Rapidan Dam to the brink of failure this week came from one of southern Minnesota’s wettest stretches on record. This article quotes Christine Kirchhoff, associate professor of civil and environmental engineering.
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Erica Smithwick: Climate change in context
| statecollege.com
Changing how society views global warming can be more about conversations with friends and neighbors than warnings from experts. This article features an interview with Erica Smithwick, distinguished professor of geography.
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Researchers compile Cacao Gene Atlas to help plant breeders boost chocolate tree
| psu.edu
Cacao, the chocolate tree, is one of the world’s most important economic crops, generating hundreds of billions of dollars annually. However, cocoa is affected by a range of pests and diseases, with some estimates putting losses as high as 30% to 40% of global production.
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Bath engineers bet on dirt for micropower
| spectrum.ieee.org
Bacteria-run batteries could make a world of difference for remote applications. This article quotes Bruce Logan, Evan Pugh Professor and Kappe Professor of Environmental Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, and director of the Institute of Energy and the Environment.
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