Wind and solar energy have long been leading sources of renewable power, transforming the landscape of sustainable energy with their significant advancements and relatively widespread adoption. If passed, a $1 billion marine energy bill currently under consideration in the House of Representatives could elevate marine energy to a similar level of prominence and effectiveness (and beyond). This legislation has the potential to provide a substantial boost to marine energy technologies, enabling them to compete on equal footing with established and important renewable sources like wind and solar power. Proposing the Act Source: Canva / sketchify According to CleanTechnica, the Marine…
Author: Nicole McFadden
Over two-thirds of the Earth’s surface is covered by water—but most of it is saltwater, which humans can’t drink. Therefore, the quest for clean freshwater in many areas of the world is a critical challenge. One innovative solution is solar desalination, which transforms saltwater into drinkable freshwater using the sun’s heat… but it doesn’t always work so well. Luckily, a group of researchers have now developed a groundbreaking device that could potentially offer a new (and inexpensive) approach to providing clean water to those in need. Saltwater vs. Freshwater Source: Pexels / Jess Loiterton Although water covers over two-thirds of…
The dangers of climate change extend far beyond hotter summers and erratic weather patterns. One of its most pressing and immediate threats is the rise in sea levels, which poses a significant risk to coastal cities around the globe. This phenomenon is largely attributed to two factors: the melting of polar ice caps and the expansion of seawater as it warms. As these ice caps continue to melt and warmer water rises, many cities situated along coastlines face increasingly urgent threats of flooding and erosion. By 2030, several of these coastal cities could find themselves submerged due to the escalating…
The cast of Season 33 of Dancing with the Stars has just recently been announced. In this celebrity competition show, a number of notable “stars” (13 this season) are paired with professional ballroom dancers; they perform at least one new dance each week and compete against each other to win the coveted Mirrorball Trophy. Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough are returning as co-hosts. Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough are returning as judges. Here are all of the celebrities that we will soon see grace our screens. Eric Roberts Source: Instagram / @brittbenae and @ericrobertsactor Eric Roberts is…
Global warming is changing our planet in a multitude of bizarre and terrifying ways. One place where we can see stark and dramatic effects of climate change is the arctic. A massive fissure in Siberia is dramatically expanding, changing the arctic landscape forever. Satellite images from space have revealed its rapid growth. How might this growing hole affect our Earth? A Rapidly Expanding Hole Source: Corona Satellite / USGS One could describe the same of this Siberian chasm as resembling a stingray, a horseshoe crab, or a giant tadpole. Based on images taken by a satellite in the 1960s, this…
Crystals, jewels, gemstones—whatever you tend to call them, you almost certainly think that they are stunning. Whether your favorites are diamonds, emeralds, quartz, or something else, it is easy appreciate this gorgeous natural phenomenon. In the region of Eifel, Germany—which is often renowned for its volcanic activity—an extraordinary, glittery discovery awaits. Hidden within the sediment of the Kyll River are tiny, breathtaking blue gemstones: sapphires measuring just 0.9 mm in diameter. However, these gems offer more than just visual appeal; their significance extends beyond their beauty. An Introduction to Sapphires Source: Freepik (freepik.com) Sapphires are prized gemstones primarily made up…
As students from a certain red state begin their school year, they might just experience a controversial new religious reality that many are upset by. Florida governor Ron DeSantis has recently signed a new bill into law that could intertwine Florida’s public school system with Christianity. One of the law’s biggest opponents is the Satanic Temple, who has vowed to “raise hell” for the state of Florida. Misconceptions About the Satanic Temple Source: Wikimedia Commons / Crisco 1492 First of all, an organization with the name “the Satanic Temple” may concern you. Don’t worry, they do not actually worship Satan…
A promising new marine discovery may change how scientists view the ocean. By using advanced satellite mapping, scientists at the University of Queensland (UQ) in Australia have discovered that Earth’s global expanse of coral reefs is significantly larger than previously thought. This new research represents a significant advancement in the conservation of these essential coral reef ecosystems. The Importance of Coral Reefs Source: Freepik (www.freepik.com) Coral reefs could be considered the ocean’s equivalent to rain forests, given their immense ecological importance. These vibrant underwater ecosystems are essential for the overall health of the planet. They support an astonishing variety of…
Located in the Indian Ocean there is a particularly interesting country made of tons of tiny islands. This country is the Maldives, and it is home to many who live on these interesting atoll islands. For many years, it has been thought that these tiny islands—about a 1,000 of them—would soon vanish under the rising ocean waters due to climate change. A new study, however, combats this worry. It’s the conservation success story of the century, showcasing nature’s incredible resilience. Where are the Maldives? Source: Wikimedia Commons / Frédéric Ducarme The Maldives is a popular vacation destination. It is a…
Cats: stars of a plethora of animated media, a multitude of memes, and one aptly named musical. Although some of these adorable companions can be a bit outwardly aloof, most are absolute sweethearts when you get familiar with one another. However, even if you own a cat, you may not know why they do some of the strange behaviors they exhibit. Also, if you are thinking about getting a cat, you will want to be familiar with their body language; if you’re cosmically inclined, you will have to make sure that your zodiac sign is compatible with cats, too. In…