Cleantech – delivering tangible benefits
“Cleantech” is perhaps not a term that most people would recognise. It refers to the practice of using resources more efficiently and finding new, more sustainable sources of power for the future. It has been growing in prominence in recent times as the technologies behind it become cheaper and more cost-effective.
Solar energy and in particular wind energy are probably the most visible aspects of cleantech at the moment. Wind farms are being erected all over the country – and even off-shore – and solar power technology has become much more efficient and economically viable that it used to be, making it more useful than ever. Cleantech looks set to have a bright future in the UK as businesses and government become more aware of the environment.
Categories: Environment Tags: cleantech, solar power, wind power
The morning after pill – emergency contraception
The morning after pill allows you to prevent conception if you have sex without using contraception. Although called the “morning after” pill, it can be taken up to 72 hours after sex – however, it is most effective when taken 12 hours after the event.
In the UK, the medicine used is called Levonelle. It works by stopping the ovaries from releasing an egg, and also altering the lining of the womb so that an egg cannot be embedded in it. While it isn’t 100% effective, and should never be used as a main form of contraception, it is a very useful contraceptive tool in an emergency.
Categories: Health Tags: contraception, morning after pill
Rechargeable battery technology
Rechargeable battery technology has moved on in leaps and bounds in recent years. However, most rechargeable batteries still suffer from one significant drawback – if left uncharged for a period of time, even if they aren’t being used, their charge will slowly leak away, leading to decreased or even no performance when you eventually try to use them.
This is why rechargeable batteries are always uncharged when you first buy them. Battery manufacturers are working on this problem, with some manufacturers now able to produce batteries which can hold their charge for up to a year or more, which makes them a much more attractive option.
Categories: Energy Tags: battery manufacturers, battery technology, rechargeable battery
Government announces £8 million investment in wind energy
The UK government has announced that it will invest a further £8 million in offshore wind energy farms. Britain already has more offshore wind farms installed than any other country in the world, and this new announcement will build on the UK’s existing efforts in this sector.
The Prime Minister commented on the announcement, stating: “The UK is a global leader in offshore wind power, and the North East is at the forefront in providing the skills, expertise and enterprise to capitalise on this rapidly expanding market.”
Energy and Climate Change Secretary Ed Milliband said: “Government support can help make the difference between Britain leading in the new offshore wind industry or simply being a follower.”
Categories: Energy Tags: Energy, turbines, wind farms
Alternative energy sources growing in importance
While stocks of fossil fuels are not due to run out in the near future, it is certain that they are a limited resource and that at some point we will have to find alternative energy sources to power out technology.
Although still in the early stages of development, there are a number of possible energy sources which are currently being explored. Wind power looks promising, as does wave power, with a number of successful projects already underway. Solar power is also a real possibility as technology improves and makes solar cells more efficient. While not yet urgent, the search for alternative energy sources is increasingly important in the modern age.
Categories: Energy Tags: alternative energy, new fuels
Science A-levels increasingly popular
The number of students taking science A levels has risen dramatically in recent times. As competition for university places increases, more students are taking science and maths A-level courses to try to qualify for a place. Some leading universities have effectively blacklisted arts courses such as media studies, dance and sports studies, as they believe they lack academic rigour.
This is certainly good news for the future of science in the UK. However, it appears that the surge in popularity of science courses has been at the expense of languages, which could create a serious imbalance in vital skills in the future.
Categories: Science News Tags: a levels, science education
Science jobs threatened in recession
The current recession has had a significant impact on jobs in many sectors of science in the UK and in other countries throughout the world. Life sciences have been particularly hard hit, with research grants in short supply as many companies, learning institutions and research bodies seek to cut costs.
Although the recession is now officially over, the impact of these job cuts could be felt by scientists for some time. With less research being conducted, many scientists may find that they fall behind with new developments in their fields, and newly qualified scientists will find it harder to find work with so many more experienced colleagues looking for work at the same time.
Categories: Science News Tags:
GUM clinic – practical medical technology
The UK’s GUM clinic network is an excellent example of how sophisticated medical technology runs seamlessly in an everyday situation, providing immense benefits to those who use them.
In the UK, healthcare is provided free of charge through the National Health Service. GUM clinics are free, drop-in centres which anyone can use anonymously for detection and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases including chlamydia, syphilis and HIV/AIDS. Sophisticated tests are routinely carried out to establish the presence or otherwise of these and many other sexually transmitted diseases. Treatment of such diseases is often very straightforward, with little more than a course of penicillin or antibiotics required.
Categories: Medicine Tags:
Geothermal power – energy for the future?
Geothermal power could be making more headlines in coming years as its full potential is realised.
Harnessing geothermal energy has long been touted as a possible source of clean, green power. Tapping in to the immense energies – vast reservoirs of heat and pressure – that occur naturally inside the earth’s crust has always looked like an appealing way of gaining power, but, at least until now, technology that is capable of utilising this energy has proved elusive.
However, recent advances in geothermal technology looks set to make harnessing this form of energy a real possibility in the not-so-distant future. This is excellent news, as we must look to alternative power sources in the future as the earth’s supplies of fossil fuels begin to dwindle.
Categories: New Technology Tags:
