‘It is a game changer’: Waging war on climate change from space
| politico.com
The explosion of Earth observation satellites may be the key to getting control of the crisis — if the data is shared and the capacity is built to utilize it.
Penn State research expenditures total $993 million
| psu.edu
Penn State's research expenditures reached a total of $993.1 million in fiscal year 2020-21, an overall 1.5% decrease from the previous year. “Despite this slight decrease, we were able to maintain a solid research portfolio during the pandemic," said Senior Vice President for Research Lora Weiss. “Our federal expenditures remained healthy and our industry partners continued investing in our research.”
In Pa., poll shows many people aren’t confident in knowledge of climate change or its effects
| stateimpact.npr.org
Less than a third of poll respondents said they feel “very well informed” about the consequences of global warming.
Where is RGGI now? Pennsylvania could join the emissions-reduction program soon, but obstacles remain
| stateimpact.npr.org
Pennsylvania could join the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI, pronounced “reggie”) early next year, in a move that supporters say is the most important thing the state can do to immediately address climate change. Get to know the cap-and-trade program that’s created controversy in Pennsylvania.
Penn State DuBois wildlife students lead 'Walk in Penn's Woods'
| psu.edu
Students in Penn State DuBois' Wildlife Technology program led the 2021 “Walk in Penn’s Woods” on a Sunday in October at the historic Camp Mountain Run Boy Scout camp near Penfield, Pennsylvania. Open to the public, the event was intended to inspire participants to take more time to enjoy the outdoors.
Nov. 2 data science talks to feature ice sheet, architectural textile research
| psu.edu
At an upcoming Data Science Community event on Nov. 2, two Penn State researchers will discuss two vastly different applications of data science: to model architectural knitting and global models of ice sheet changes.
Seed-grant recipients to put a human face on materials research
| psu.edu
The Materials Research Institute and the College of Engineering have announced the recipients of the Materials Matter at the Human Level seed grants. The grants were developed to continue the history of MRI and the College of Engineering partnering to fund materials projects that benefit humankind, including those aimed at improving the health and economic development of under-resourced populations.
Engineering professor recognized by UN for work in sustainable buildings
| psu.edu
James Freihaut, professor of architectural engineering, was recognized by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe Committee on Sustainable Energy during the committee’s 30th Jubilee Session on Sept. 22. Freihaut was honored for his contributions to the committee for the past 30 years.
The climate crisis should be pushing colleges and universities to do more to be sustainable, experts say. Student recruitment depends on it.
| businessinsider.com
Research labs, large endowments, new schools, and other resources in US higher education could help implement climate solutions on a wide scale.
More strategic COVID-19 testing could prevent distancing and shutdowns
| psu.edu
Strategically increasing testing capacity, either by making diagnostic tests faster or more available, can reduce reliance on costly preventative interventions, such as distancing and shutdowns, according to a team of researchers led by Penn State.
Energy engineer joins Greater Allegheny’s faculty
| psu.edu
Penn State Greater Allegheny welcomed Fernando Soto to its energy engineering program in the Fall of 2021. Soto joins program faculty with vast knowledge of energy storage systems.
World Digital Preservation Day event Nov. 3 highlights access, sustainability
| psu.edu
Penn State University Libraries will host a morning of virtual programming on Wednesday, Nov. 3, in advance of World Digital Preservation Day. The Libraries’ Digital Preservation Program experts will address ways their work supports the preservation of digital cultural heritage content, access to obsolete content through software emulation, sustainable practices and more.
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. Listen to the podcast.
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