Tag: global
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Potty Trained Cows and a Whiter White
Two stories about small, unexpected ways scientists are trying to combat global climate change. First, can greenhouse gases be reduced by training cows to pee in a toilet? Can cows be trained to pee in a toilet? Researchers from Germany are trying to find out, and Jeff and Anthony have opinions! Then, what if you could dramatically reduce the amount of energy needed to cool your home by simply painting the roof? Scientists at Purdue believe their new world record holding white paint could do just that. Anthony and Jeff take a look. [more]
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Block the Sun and a Battery of Waste
The crisis of global climate change is causing some researchers to consider drastic measures, including the idea of sending nanoparticles into the atmosphere to reflect the sun's rays away from Earth. But the government of Sweden isn't having it. Anthony and Jeff debate the science of blotting out the sun. Then, what if you could have a battery that lasts 28,000 years? A new startup aims to have a working prototype available in 2 years. The catch? It's made out of nuclear waste. Jeff and Anthony have some concerns. [more]
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Useful Commutes and Masked Cows
Studies show the morning commute is the least favorite part of the day, and the commute home the third-least favorite, but it’s also possible to miss aspects of that enforced time between work and home. For all its downsides, the daily commute does have some positives. Anthony and Jeff discuss the science behind commuting, and how we can adapt in a new world. Then, there are 1.6 billion cattle on Earth, and their burps and farts are becoming a big problem. Cows expel methane, which is approximately 84 times more potent than carbon dioxide when it comes to warming the planet. Jeff and Anthony look at a company proposing an unusual solution to a very big problem. [more]
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Artificial Photosynthesis, an Old Dog, and New Picks
Researchers have developed a standalone device that converts sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water into a carbon-neutral fuel, without requiring any additional components or electricity. Anthony and Jeff discuss how this might be an encouraging new way to combat climate change. Then, Jeff tries 2 stories to see which Anthony enjoys more. The first is perfectly preserved evidence of a 14,000 year old canine that had eaten a much larger animal. The second is a new way to clone a key from just the sound of it entering a lock. Which story will Anthony respond to more? [more]
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Alien vs Temperature
Did climate change already kill all the aliens we've been searching for? According to astrophysicist Adam Frank, it's certainly a possibility — and whether humans are doomed to the same fate may already be out of our hands. Jeff and Anthony once again consider the repercussions of running the air conditioner during a recording session. [more]
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Sun Blot (Live From PAX East 2018)
Scientists in developing nations plan to step up research into dimming sunshine to curb climate change, hoping to judge if a man-made chemical sunshade would be less risky than a harmful rise in global temperatures. Twelve scholars, from countries including Bangladesh, Brazil, China, Ethiopia, India, Jamaica and Thailand, wrote in the journal Nature on Wednesday that the poor were most vulnerable to global warming and should be more involved. These countries are starting to research “solar geo-engineering”, which would mimic big volcanic eruptions that can cool the Earth by masking the sun with a veil of ash. Jeff and Anthony fondly remember this golden era Simpsons episode. Recorded live in Boston at PAX East 2018. [more]
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Satellite Rodeo
When Rocket Lab’s Electron reached orbit for the first time on Jan. 21, space-pointed radar noticed a mysterious object in space alongside the three satellites it launched. Rocket Lab has launched the world’s first global strobe light. Called the Humanity Star, it’s a one-meter-tall carbon-fiber geodesic sphere made up of 65 highly-reflective panels. In space, it will spin, reflecting sun’s light back to earth and creating a flashing effect in the sky. The company claims it will be “the brightest object in the night sky,” Jeff and Anthony brainstorm other items enterprising minds might launch into space for all to see. [more]
Do NOT join our secret society. You’ll just wind up with a bunch of cool stuff. It’s gross.