By Nick Chambers •
December 9, 2008
Researchers reported Monday that they have re-engineered a common bacteria to produce complex and energy-dense alcohols similar to the hydrocarbon compounds found in fuels such as gasoline. This is the first time these types of alcohols have been synthesized by bacteria (man-made or otherwise) in the lab.
E. coli is normally found in the guts of most warm-blooded animals (yes, even yours) and if you’ve had an encounter with it that you remember, chances are you spent the weekend on the toilet wishing you were dead. Yet, while it’s true that some strains of e. coli can cause food poisoning in humans, most are actually quite harmless.
By Ariel Schwartz •
December 1, 2008
What if you could walk into your local hardware store and buy a cheap solar panel to hang on your wall? That may not be such a far-fetched idea according to scientists at the UCLA Henri Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. A team of researchers has designed a new polymer (plastic) with greater sunlight absorption and conversion capabilities than any polymer seen before.
By Cassie Walker •
November 13, 2008
California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger announced earlier this week that five additional US governors will co-host the upcoming Governor’s Climate Summit at UCLA. The summit brings together leaders from Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Indonesia, Mexico, and the European Union, and attendees from 36 states and Washington, D.C.
To be held November 18 – 19, people are encouraged to join in via webcast. The event will consist of high-level negotiations to lay the groundwork for the next global agreement on climate change. The United Nations will begin negotiating this agreement in earnest in December at a meeting in Poland.
“This international summit will bring together world leaders to develop creative, collaborative actions to advance the global climate agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that will be negotiated in Poland in December and in Copenhagen next year,” the governor said.
By Andrew Williams •
November 11, 2008
US Scientists have figured out a way to mass produce the nanomaterial graphene, opening the door to significant advances in the storage of hydrogen, as well as the electricity produced by solar and wind energy.
Graphene, produced by reducing graphite down to a sheet only one atom thick, is one of the strongest materials known to man. It has been shown to have huge potential for hydrogen and renewable energy storage, but up until now has been held back by a lack of supply. Now the team, based at the California NanoSystems Institute (CNSI) at UCLA, have discovered a method of producing graphene sheets in large quantities.
By Cassie Walker •
March 6, 2008
UCLA is quickly becoming the go-to spot for quality sustainability events and resources, and this month is no exception. Two events on the docket look to be productive for those interested in sustainable business.
First up on March 12th, the Sustainable Resource Center, in partnership with several UCLA clubs, is hosting a panel discussion dedicated specifically to sustainability consulting. Since this topic encompasses a variety of services, such as high-level strategy, facilities management, and environmental compliance, the panel will represent each of these different perspectives. Specifically, panelists wil discuss the evolution of sustainability consulting, emerging trends, and the possible business opportunities and career paths available.
By Cassie Walker •
November 8, 2007
After looking forward to it for several months, the Opportunity Green Conference is now just around the corner. To be held November 17 at UCLA, the conference’s organizers are asking a question that seems to be on everyone’s lips: “Is green the new gold?”
The conference will bring together those involved in all aspects of green business, from visionaries and entrepreneurs to executives and investors, all of whom are dedicated to building socially conscious, sustainable, and profitable [...]
By Cassie Walker •
September 20, 2007
I’ve heard of many things being "the new black" but now the question seems to be, "Is green the new gold?"
At least that’’ the question posed by the organizers of the upcoming Opportunity Green Conference. Developed through a partnership with UCLA’s Sustainable Resource Center, the conference is also sponsored by many well-known names, including Clif Bar and Treehugger.
The conference will bring
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