Category Environment/Geology

This is a conceptual image showing how the size and distribution of raindrops varies within a storm. Blues and greens represent small raindrops that are 0.5-3mm in size. Yellows, oranges, and reds represent larger raindrops that are 4-6mm in size. A storm with a higher ratio of yellows, oranges, and reds will contain more water than a storm with a higher ratio of blues and greens. Credit: Credits: NASA/Goddard

For the 1st time, scientists have 3D snapshots of raindrops and snowflakes around the world from space, thanks to the joint NASA and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission...

Penn State researchers found a better way to use satellite data in hurricane prediction models, which could revolutionize future hurricane predictions. Pictured is satellite imagery of Hurricane Karl, which was the focus of the researchers’ proof-of-concept study. Credit: NOAA

The launch of the GOES-R geostationary satellite in October 2016 could herald a new era for predicting hurricanes. The wealth of information from this new satellite, at time and space scales not previously possible, combined with advanced statistical hurricane prediction models, could enable more accurate predictions in the future.

“For decades, geostationary satellites such as the GOES series have been the primary tool to monitor severe weather like storms and hurricanes in real time,” said Fuqing Zhang, professor o...

By simply shining the right color of light on the graphene, contaminants and light-sensitive soap mixture, the graphene clusters together and sinks; shining a different color of light re-disperses it for re-use. Credit: Monash University

A simple effective way of capturing graphenes and the toxins, contaminants they attract from water by using light has been found. The findings could have significant implications for large-scale water purification. A small amount of a special light-sensitive soap was added to the water containing the graphenes and contaminants. The soap changes its molecular structure when light of a particular colour is shone onto it...

Adding eggshell nanoparticles to a bioplastic (shown above) increases the strength and flexibility of the material, potentially making it more attractive for use in the packaging industry. Credit: Vijaya Rangari/Tuskegee University

“We’re breaking eggshells down into their most minute components and then infusing them into a special blend of bioplastics that we have developed,” says Vijaya K. Rangari, Ph.D. “These nano-sized eggshell particles add strength to the material and make them far more flexible than other bioplastics on the market. We believe that these traits – along with its biodegradability in the soil – could make this eggshell bioplastic a very attractive alternative packaging material.”

Worldwide, manufacturers produce about 300 million tons of plastic annually...