Nanoconcrete could cut emissions

Nanoconcrete could cut CO2 emissions
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (UPI) -- U.S. engineers say the answer to reducing emissions of carbon dioxide might rest in nanotechnology. Massachusetts Institute of Technology engineers decided to focus on the nanostructure of concrete -- the world's most widely used material. The production of cement, the primary component of concrete, accounts for up to 10 percent of the world's total carbon dioxide emissions, making the process a major contributor to global warming.

The MIT team found the source of concrete's strength and durability lies in the organization of its nanoparticles. "If everything depends on the organizational structure of the nanoparticles that make up concrete, rather than on the material itself, we can conceivably replace it with a material that has concrete's other characteristics -- strength, durability, mass availability and low cost -- but does not release so much CO2 into the atmosphere during manufacture," said engineering Professor Franz-Josef Ulm. Ulm said the research also shows the study of very common materials at the nano scale has great potential for improving materials in ways not yet conceived. The study appears in the January issue of the Journal of the Mechanics and Physics of Solids.

RED HERRING | Ethanol Bubble About to Burst?

RED HERRING Ethanol Bubble About to Burst?: "Ethanol Bubble About to Burst?

Survey finds supply could soon outstrip demand if the industry doesn’t fill distribution gaps.
January 22, 2007
By Jennifer Kho

Ethanol could be headed for a bubble if the industry doesn’t make some big changes, according to a report released Monday by Pavilion Technologies.

The software company, which among other things sells ethanol-manufacturing software, commissioned the Internet-based survey from Harris Interactive. It found that only 5 percent of U.S. consumers use biofuels, and 45 percent of drivers don’t understand the difference between biofuels and conventional fuels.

Of the 95 percent who don’t use biofuels today, 57 percent don’t know where to buy them, and 57 percent say they don’t think their car can run on biofuels even though all cars in the United States can use 10 percent blends of ethanol.

These results, along with the fact that less than 1 percent of gas stations carry E85, an 85 percent blend of ethanol, led Pavilion to conclude that supply could soon outstrip demand. That conclusion could serve as a warning for the growing number of investors financing ethanol companies. Ethanol Bubble About to Burst?

Survey finds supply could soon outstrip demand if the industry doesn’t fill distribution gaps.
January 22, 2007
By Jennifer Kho

Ethanol could be headed for a bubble if the industry doesn’t make some big changes, according to a report released Monday by Pavilion Technologies.

The software company, which among other things sells ethanol-manufacturing software, commissioned the Internet-based survey from Harris Interactive. It found that only 5 p"

Human Slingshot

Human Slingshot

This looks like fun and seems to be safe . As a thrill ride it is worth pursuing out there

U.S. Energy Biogas Settles Principal Chapter 11 Issue

U.S. Energy Biogas Settles Principal Chapter 11 Issue

U.S. Energy Biogas Settles Principal Chapter 11 Issue
- Agreement Removes Primary Obstacle to USEB’s Reorganization and Enables USEB to Refinance and Exit Chapter 11 -
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--U.S. Energy Biogas Corp. (“USEB” or “the Subsidiary”), a U.S.-based renewable energy business, announced today that it has reached an agreement in principle with Countryside Power Income Fund (“Countryside” or “the Fund”) concerning the principal issue in USEB’s Chapter 11 filing in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York. The agreement will enable USEB and its parent, U.S. Energy Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq: USEY), to establish new financing for USEB that should enable it to pay all of its creditors in full, exit bankruptcy quickly, and support the growth of the business for the benefit of USEY’s shareholders. Upon approval of the agreement by the United States Bankruptcy Court in the Southern District of New York overseeing USEB's Chapter 11 reorganization case, as well as each party's respective boards, USEB expects to be able to move immediately toward an expedited confirmation of a Chapter 11 plan of reorganization.