Last week, photos of two-headed brown trout in southern Idaho were taken. These fish were mutated due to phosphate mines in the area producing selenium into the environment. Selenium contamination in this area has killed livestock, horses, and other wildlife. This is a reminder that we are constantly polluting our water with harmful substances than can not only destroy the environment but harm humans as well. In humans, selenium is known to cause hair loss, walking problems, reduced reflexes, circulation problems, and an increased risk of cancer. Humans can be affected by this by drinking contaminated water or eating animals that it has bioaccumulated in. Although the selenium in this area came from mining, it can also come from agriculture and coal mining. This is why new water regulations need to be created and properly enforced.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Clean Wind Energy Tower, Inc. Files Application for Transportation and Utility Systems and Facilities on Federal Lands
Clean Wind Energy Tower, Inc. has applied to lease a large piece of land in southwestern United States to build a draft tower. This area is the most beneficial because it provides proper weather conditions for the draft tower and is in proximity to the power grid. Each downdraft tower is able to generate 1,100 megawatts per hour which can power about 1,600,000 homes. Downdraft towers use natural, harmless elements to generate electricity as well as clean water. The towers create energy in two ways. One way is by using wind vanes to capture wind and turn turbines. The other way is by allowing a mist of water to evaporate. When it condenses over it, it becomes heavier and falls into the tower at speeds of 50 mph causing turbines to turn.. The main goal of Clean Wind Energy Tower, Inc. is to become one of the world's leading providers in efficient, clean energy without the harmful effects of fossil fuels.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Fission power back on NASA’s agenda
Nuclear-research manager at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center Michael Houts believes that a small amount of uranium-235 can be used to efficiently power rockets in space. This invention would revolutionize space exploration. If small enough fission reactors could be created, they could power long-lasting space missions to the surface of other planets. Nuclear propulsion is twice as efficient as chemical rockets and can travel faster which would help decrease the amount of space radiation given to astronauts. However, in 2005 the project was cancelled so NASA could focus on another mission to the moon. But a recent generator was created that is lighter and more efficient than any other created so far. The Advanced Stirling Radioisotope Generator used the natural heat from the decay of plutonium instead of fission for power. With this new generator, two space missions are being proposed. One the Saturn's moon Titan and the other to hop from comet to comet.
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