Thursday, 2 September, 2010
This Week: Old-new glue for plywood, composites
In the News: Stem cells + 10 years: Where are the cures?
Old-new glue for plywood, composites
Healthy alternative for composite wood?
Plywood used to be bonded with soybean glue; then along came synthetic adhesives. They were strong and cheap, but they did release toxic formaldehyde. Now, industry is switching to a new, improved soy adhesive. Tough, water-resistant soy glue does not release formaldehyde, and is already being used for interior plywood. More »
Future grid, smart grid
What is it, and what is it good for?
We need more electricity. More alternative energy. Less greenhouse warming, and better ways to manage our power supply. Can the electric grid meet multiple challenges and help us survive prosperity? What good are smart meters? And what is this going to cost? More »
Studying survival on a sinking ship
How does the pace of sinking affect passenger behavior?
The Titanic sank in 1912, the Lusitania sank in 1915. In each case, about 32 percent of passengers survived. But women and children did much better on Titanic, which took 160 minutes to slide underwater, than on Lusitania, which went down in 18 minutes. Ditto for rich people. Why? More »
Apnea treatment = Golfer’s glory?
Disturbed breathing wrecks sleep.
Golfer-doctor finds that treating apnea cuts golf scores; sees new motivator for wearing nighttime masks. More »
In The News
Federal judge nixes embryonic stem cells!
Decision reinstates logjam in federal funding. The discovery of human embryonic stem cells seemed to offer cures for horrific diseases. After 10 years of research, was that hype? Where are the cures?
More »
China to devote $15b to plug-in hybrids and electric cars!
Hybrid cars and plug-in hybrids boost auto efficiency and reduce pollution, but it's a long struggle from the idea to the reality.
More »
Hurricane Earl in the Atlantic!
How do hurricanes form? How do we predict their paths? How can we improve predictions?
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Study: Charcoal could bury 1.8 B tons of carbon per year!
Buried charcoal stimulates microbes and plant growth, helping farmers on poor soil. Studies show that charcoal is stable for hundreds of years.
More »
