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 according to the researchers which included co-authors from Iowa State University, the Woods Hole Research Center and the Agricultural Conservation Economics. It seems unfortunate that this is being reported after a push in the U.S. to increase the use of biofuels in the next decade or so; and it obviously warrants some future study into the questions raised.
The biggest concern is not that ethanol is bad but whether the road taken to get the corn-based ethanol we want as a source of renewable fuel is justifiable. Tearing down forests or replacing current grass- and croplands to produce biofuels is causing more environmental concerns worldwide than solutions. Read the rest of this entry »
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. 
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.
Even before the Inaugural Networking Forum of the 
As carmakers look to the future and rethink diesel a 
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. 
