Air quality data during COVID-19 may help improve models, guide interventions
| news.psu.edu
The measures instituted in April to help curb the spread of COVID-19 across the United States may hold clues for improving air quality. Researchers examining the effects of the pandemic on two key pollutants found that as individuals limited their travel, levels of nitrogen dioxide fell significantly while levels of fine particulate matter rose in certain parts of the country.
Virtual reality forests could help understanding of climate change
| news.psu.edu
The effects of climate change are sometimes difficult to grasp, but now a virtual reality forest, created by geographers, can let people walk through a simulated forest of today and see what various futures may hold for the trees.
University center advances energy, environmental knowledge via virtual reality
| news.psu.edu
The Center for Immersive Experiences provides energy and environment researchers virtual platforms to better communicate their science.
Researchers develop sensors that detect human biomarkers and toxic gas
| news.psu.edu
A new understanding of nanomaterials, sensor design and fabrication approaches could help advance stretchable, wearable gas sensors that monitor gaseous biomarkers in humans and toxic gas in an exposed environment, according to Penn State researchers.
EESI EarthTalks: A conversation about diversity in law, environmental science
| news.psu.edu
Danielle Conway, dean of Dickinson Law, and Lee Kump, dean of the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, will join EarthTalks for a conversation about initiatives to increase diversity among the faculty, staff and students in their respective colleges, on Nov. 9, via Zoom.
Virtual seminar examines legal environment surrounding greenhouse gas initiative
| psu.edu
Daniel Walters, assistant professor of law, will discuss the legal issues surrounding Pennsylvania's journey to joining the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, at noon on Friday, Nov. 6. The seminar, which is free and open to the public, will be held through Zoom. Registration is required.
New sulfur dioxide conversion method may transform current industrial techniques
| news.psu.edu
A single-step, plasma-enhanced catalytic process to convert sulfur dioxide to pure sulfur from tail gas streams may provide a promising, more environmentally-friendly alternative to current multistage thermal, catalytic and absorptive processes, according to scientists at Penn State.
Virtual seminar examines legal environment surrounding greenhouse gas initiative
| news.psu.edu
Daniel Walters, assistant professor of law, will discuss the legal issues surrounding Pennsylvania's journey to joining the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, at noon on Friday, Nov. 6. The seminar, which is free and open to the public, will be held through Zoom. Registration is required.
Researchers use minerals from ancient soils to reconstruct past climate
| news.psu.edu
When the geological epoch known as the Paleocene ended and the Eocene began nearly 56 million years ago, Earth’s atmospheric carbon dioxide levels ranged between 1,400 and 4,000 parts-per-million (ppm). An international team of scientists, including Penn State's Timothy White, measured the heat and humidity caused by these high CO2 levels using tiny minerals called siderites.
Landscape to atomic scales: Researchers apply new approach to pyrite oxidation
| news.psu.edu
A new, multi-scale approach shows that fractures and erosion at the Earth’s surface control the rate of pyrite oxidation deep underground, leaving behind iron oxide "fossils" that retain pyrite's shape.
Virtual EarthTalks seminar examines anti-racism reckoning in higher education
| news.psu.edu
Gary King, professor of biobehavioral health and African American studies at Penn State, will discuss the diversity, equity and inclusion paradigm and the anti-racism reckoning in higher education at 4 p.m. Monday, Nov. 2. The talk, which is free and open to the public, will be broadcast via Zoom.
Penn State, University of Freiburg to deepen ties at Virtual Materials Day
| news.psu.edu
Penn State and the University of Freiburg will showcase their close collaboration in the field of living materials during the upcoming Materials Day on Nov. 10-11, an annual event organized by the Materials Research Institute to highlight materials-related interdisciplinary science and engineering research at Penn State.
Flooding is the world's most devastating natural disaster, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. Millions of Americans live in high-risk flood zones, with the threat amplified by climate change and aging infrastructure. This episode explores how innovative computer modeling and visualizations can help communities plan for future flood risks and develop effective response strategies. Listen to the podcast.
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