Use of Ethanol as Biofuel Under Fire

It appears that consideration to land-use changes were not studied in great detail in determining the effectiveness of corn-based biofuel as a viable solution for environmental concerns. The journal Science will soon be publishing accounts from two studies conducted by independent research teams from Princeton University and from the Nature Conservancy that looked at these issues in more detail. The growing concern is that the solution to use corn-based ethanol in the future will further increase greenhouse gas emissions. Producing ethanol = global warming? That could be the case ...

What is Your Hybrid Car Tax Credit?

Some of you may have done your 2007 taxes already and more may perform well under pressure and prefer to wait till the April 15 deadline. Whatever your preference, one thing is for certain, if you’re considering claiming a tax deduction on the purchase of a hybrid car it is no simple task. It is easier to figure out what makes up your credit score then what your possible tax credit will be for purchasing a hybrid car. Some things to consider when applying for your tax credit: 1. The purchase date of your vehicle 2. When you actually acquire the vehicle 3. ...

E. Coli Advances Fuel-Cell Technology

E. coli is being manipulated to produce hydrogen. Professor Thomas Wood and his research team at Texas A&M University’s Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering are managing to create 140 times more hydrogen with less energy than the amount it would take to process it naturally. You can’t talk about fuel-cell technology without talking about hydrogen; and maybe someday we won’t be talking fuel-cell technology without mentioning E. coli. The use of E. coli goes beyond the association with food poisoning. In the late nineties studies of the genome sequence of E. coli identified over ...

Simple Algae, Simple Solution?

Even before the Inaugural Networking Forum of the National Algae Association kicks off in Texas on April 10th, algae is being recognized for its potential as the next biofuel. Research on the benefits of algae began in the late 1980’s. It is versatile and can grow anywhere, and fast. It grows up to 40 times faster than most other plants. Its adaptability allows it to grow in locales other than farmlands and forests. It has an abundant presence on this planet from ponds, marshes, lakes and rivers to terrestrial plants and even snow. ...

Doubting Diesel?

As carmakers look to the future and rethink diesel a Kelley Blue Book marketing study suggests they might need to think again even in the advent of the 2008 car showings. The study shows that about 6% of Americans think diesel cars could be in our future as opposed to the 40% supporting the growth of the hybrid. The minority may visit the 2008 car shows in support of the new diesel offerings from Jeep, Mercedes-Benz and VW. It is hard to say however, if their support will carry ...

On The Road Again

With time now on their side, Tesla will be able to begin production of its all-electric Roadster this March. After facing fears of going out of business due to operating losses amounting to $43 million between 2002 and 2006 it seems Tesla will be able to start delivering their electric sports car early this year after the decision was announced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to waive current airbag requirements. The NHTSA is hoping to encourage “development of fuel-efficient and alternative-fueled vehicles” through its offering of the exemption. In doing so they’ve ...