Archive for the 'Science' Category

Portable Solar Power: Get Moving And Stay Green

Tuesday, April 22nd, 2008
by Tony Goggin

Imagine being in a remote area without power lines or gas generators. You couldn’t run a laptop, use a hairdryer or watch television. Thanks to portable solar energy, you can do all of those things and more. Solar panels are now used both privately and by the corporate community across the globe to supply power for houses, buildings and even entire cities.

In this article, we’ll explain how portable solar energy works and how it can be used to make your life easier.

Most portable solar power devices use solar photovoltaic cells which produce electricity when they are exposed to light. They usually consist of panels containing two layers of different materials. When exposed to sunshine or another light source, one of the layers becomes positively charged and the other becomes negatively charged. This produces an electric current. You can then use this solar electric power in whatever way you choose. You can charge your MP3 player or make a pot of coffee!

The amount of electricity a solar cell produces depends on how strong the sun is and how long the solar power device is exposed. A solar power cell generates electricity faster when the sun is brighter and a device with larger solar panels will produce more electricity than one with smaller panels.

How much power can one of these devices generate?

Some solar cells produce only enough current to power small electronic devices. When you are shopping for portable solar power, you will find that different devices have different “watts” ratings. To select the correct solar device, determine what watt rating you need. To find out how many watts you need, look at the output rating of the adapter. It should tell you how many watts the adapter generates. If it doesn’t contain this information, then it should contain the ratings for amperes (amps) and volts. Remember that bigger solar panels usually supply more wattage and will power your devices more quickly.

But what happens when there isn’t enough sunlight available?

Some companies sell back-up batteries to go with your solar cell. These batteries can sometimes also be charged from a wall socket or from a car charge adapter. You may want to have a solar cell that you can use while you are hiking or traveling, such as a flexible panel that can be carried on your back. This way, you can charge your small equipment or a backup battery while you are busy enjoying yourself. Keep in mind that while a solar cell performs best in bright sunlight, your other equipment usually doesn’t. Some solar cells come with a long cord so you can put your camera or laptop in the shade while they are charging.

Portable solar power can make life safer when you want to get away from it all.

Electronic devices are a part of everyday living, so why not take them with you? Portable solar energy is becoming less bulky and more affordable so that consumers can have a reliable source of electricity at any time and in any place.

About the Author:

Basics of Solar Power

Thursday, April 17th, 2008
by Paul Woods

Solar power is an energy source which is renewable, totally free of charge, non-polluting and always available. Experts have been experimenting for a long time how to make the best and most efficient use of it. Here are some facts about how solar power is being used at the moment.

Solar power is very versatile. By using photo voltaic cells it can be converted into electricity. It can be used directly to heat water. When it is used this way it is known as ‘passive solar’ using it to convert to electricity is known as ‘active solar’. Solar energy is received in a weak form which does make it somewhat limiting. If we are to use it effectively then we have to discover a way of harnessing the power and concentrating it.

People have used solar power in passive systems for hundreds, even thousands, of years, for example in lighting fires, heating water, drying wood, and so on. Solar water heaters are now in use in many places where sunlight is available for most days in the year, and there are also solar power plants in existence, which concentrate the sun’s energy and generate large amounts of electricity. This kind of power plant is especially useful and economical in out of the way places where it is difficult to get conventional electricity. Solar power is even put to use in outer space, by satellites and space craft.

Recently, much interested has been generated in the idea of using solar power as a means to run power motor vehicles. This is still very much at an experimental stage. The huge amount of power required by a car’s engine would mean using very large solar panels. This is impractical due to the size and fragility of the panels. There is also the problem that when the sun is not shining, they wouldn’t run for very long. In this instance, we are along way from using solar power to run our cars.

Solar power is increasing in demand, however, it is not widely used. Although the technology is here, the cost of converting solar power into energy is prohibitive. However, with the continuing rising costs of fuel, it could become a viable alternative in the not too distant future. As more people become concerned on the environmental impact of using fuel, more will be looking for more greener and cleaner energy. As this demand increases manufacturers will find it more feasible to produce solar powered devices.

About the Author:

Alternative Fuel Vehicles: Gaining Popularity

Thursday, April 17th, 2008
by Bruce Campbell

When one considers the limited availability of resources that the world consumes at such a high rate, the importance of research on and design of vehicles that run on alternative fuel is even more apparent. Fuel prices continue to rise at rates previously unheard of. If the trend of fossil fuel consumption continues, there will soon be a day with no oil left on Earth.

Automobile manufacturers from around the world are seeing the potential of hybrid vehicles. These vehicles do not run on conventional fuels, such as diesel or petrol. Electric cars also have potential, and were introduced to the consumer market years ago. As consumers become increasingly aware of energy conservation and environment preservation, many countries have started to replace their petrol vehicles with hybrid vehicles.

Automobiles powered by alternate fuels are gaining popularity in every nook and corner of the world. They are in the ‘priority- list’ of almost everyone- film stars, businessmen etc. Bio- diesel, for example, is being used as a fuel for running cars and even large vehicles. Alternative fuels have many advantages over regular fuels like petrol and diesel.

All over the world automobile companies are now going into the production of green cars. Green cars are those which run on alternate fuels such as electricity, solar cells, or biodiesel. In a world where people everywhere worry about worsening pollution, smog, and global warming, green cars are likely the cars of the future. Studies have been conducted on energy alternative fuel vehicles which have proved that they use less fuel and have a higher miles-per-gallon ratio than traditional cars which run on gas or diesel.

It is true that energy alternative fuel vehicles are a little expensive at present, but as more and more people start purchasing such vehicles, their prices will definitely come down. There are many respiratory diseases which are the direct result of air-pollution. Automobile exhausts contain harmful gases which can cause allergies, respiratory infections as well as many other diseases.

Alternative fuel vehicles are totally free of pollution, though. After all, there is no harm done to the environment by vehicles that do not burn petrol or diesel. Citizens of many countries are embracing automobiles that run on solar power, and car companies are looking into the production of an increasing number of vehicles that can run on the renewable energy sources that are discussed here.

About the Author:

Does a Law on Human Attraction Exist?

Saturday, April 12th, 2008
by Kim and Charles Petty

“Opposites attract” is a law of attraction, at least where electromagnetism is concerned. But are there laws about attraction between two people? “In a world that is full of strangers” as a line in a famous song of the 1980’s goes, is there a clear set of rules that allows two people to fall for each other?

Is attraction a matter of chemistry?

Maybe. According to scientists, the attraction between animals of the opposite sex is all about chemicals called pheromones. The effect of pheromones in behavior of insects is the most studied to date. It has been observed, at least in some experiments, that pheromones are responsible for communication among same species and colony of ants. The horrible odor released by skunks to ward off enemies is said to be a kind of pheromone. Some species of apes rub pheromone-containing urine on the feet of potential mates to attract them. Some scientists believe that animals (usually the females) such as insects and mammals send out these chemical signals to tell the male of their species that their genes are different from theirs. This gene diversity is important in producing offspring with better chances of survival. The perfume industry has capitalized on pheromones as a means to increase one’s sexual attractiveness to the opposite sex. Animals such as the whale and the musk deer were hunted down for these chemicals.

Lately, scientists are looking into the existence of human pheromones and its role in mate selection. There are many conflicting views in the realm of biology, chemistry, genetics, and psychology. Most scientists would assert that these do not exist, or if they do, do not play a role in sexual attraction between a man and a woman. But new researches such as that conducted by Swiss researchers from the University of Bern led by Klaus Wedekind are slowly making these scientists rethink their stand. Their experiment involved women sniffing the cotton shirts of different men during their ovulation period. It was found out that women prefer the smell of men’s shirts that were genetically different, but also shared similarities with the women’s genes. This, like in the case of insects and other mammals, was to ensure better and healthier characteristics for their future children. But researchers also cautioned that preference for a male odor is affected by the women’s ovulation period, the food that men eat, perfumes and other scented body products, and the use of contraceptive pills.

Does personality figure in sexual attraction?

Yes, but so does your perception of a potential mate’s personality. According to a research conducted by Klohnen, E.C., & S. Luo in 2003 on interpersonal attraction and personality, a person’s sense of self-security and at least the person’s perception of his/her partner were found to be strong determinants of attraction in hypothetical situations. What does this tell us? We prefer a certain personality type, which attracts you to a person. But aside from the actual personality of the person, which can only be verified through close interaction through time, it is your perception of your potential partner that attracts you to him/her, whether the person of your affection truly has that kind of personality or not. This could probably account for a statement commonly heard from men and women on their failed relationships: “I thought he/she was this kind of person.”

So how does attraction figure in relationships?

You have probably heard that attraction is a prelude, or a factor towards a relationship. Most probably, at least in the beginning; but attraction alone cannot make a relationship work. It is that attraction that makes you notice a person from the opposite sex, but once you get to know the person more, attraction is just one consideration. Shared values, dreams, and passions become more significant in long-term relationships.

So should I stop trying to become attractive?

More than trying to become physically attractive, work on all aspects of your health: physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. Physical attraction is still a precursor. Remember, biology predisposes us to choose the partner with the healthiest genes. Where your emotions are concerned, just ask this to yourself: would you want to spend time with a person who feels insecure about him/herself? Probably not! There is wisdom in knowing yourself: who you are, your beliefs, values, and dreams. And do not pretend to be someone you are not. Fooling another person by making him/her think that you share the same values and beliefs is only going to cause you both disappointments. When you are healthy in all aspects, attractiveness becomes a consequence and not an end. As mentioned in the Klohnen and Luo’s research, a person’s sense of self-security matters, perhaps even beyond attraction. But remember: do these things for yourself and not for other people. Only then can you truly harness your attractiveness as a person.

About the Author:

Silver Nitrate: A Versatile Chemical

Friday, April 4th, 2008
by Fabian Toulouse

Silver nitrate is among the most flexible of all chemicals, and it has found uses in fields as varied as veterinary medicine and photography. It has an impressive history of uses. In all its forms, silver nitrate is still in high demand.

This popular chemical has many industrial uses. It is employed in manufacturing mirrors, indelible inks and dyes, among other things. It is used in the pleasing art of etching silver. In combination with electricity, it is used to purify silver. Most famously, its properties have been used as a cornerstone of photography from its inception.

In laboratories, silver nitrate is used as a reagent. Heated to 140 degrees with equimolar NaOH solution, it is a precursor to making Ag2O. Biologists use it to identify proteins and nucleic acids. In fact, all areas of the sciences have uses for silver nitrate, including medicine.

Throughout time, the helpful antibacterial properties of silver nitrate have been recognized, even if not fully grasped. It has been used to cauterize wounds, treat skin and eye diseases-it is used as an eye drop for infants in cases where disease might have been passed from mother to baby in childbirth-and heal burns. While maybe not the most technically advanced drug, silver nitrate does have incredible natural antibacterial properties. In 1965 it was shown that a 0.5% solution of silver nitrate was effective in protecting against such potential killers as Staphylococcus aureus, haemolytic streptococci, Pseudomonas aerugin, and E. coli. That takes some chemicalmuscle!

While many of the medical uses of silver nitrate have been abandoned in favor of wonder drugs, eye drops are still used sometimes, and the chemical is still useful in treating burns. Veterinarians use silver nitrate, too. Interestingly, it is employed to treat cows which are sore from fissures in the tender skin of their teats.

Silver nitrate is a fascinating chemical to learn about. In fact, it is impossible to list every use humans have found-and are continuing to find-for this amazing chemical.

About the Author:

The Different Uses Of Commercial Vehicle Tracking

Friday, April 4th, 2008
by Hispanic

When talking about ‘vehicle tracking,’ we immediately think of car chases, carjackers, cops and robbers. What we don’t know in fact is that this method is used in other industries such as in business and security industries.

The shipping industry is the pioneer industry when it comes to utilizing a commercial vehicle tracking system. Simply put, commercial vehicle tracking is the act or process of tracking down the location of a certain vehicle for commercial or business purposes, and the shipping industry was the first to exploit this technology when they needed a way to monitor the location of large fleets of vehicles. Through the implementation of such a system, shipping corporations were able to pinpoint the exact locations of shipment drop-offs and among other things.

This industry has now expanded through the years. There are now smaller-scale industries related to commercial vehicle tracking devices. Today, various corporations use this system as this is both time and cost-efficient.

An example of this modern-day commercial vehicle tracking application is the dispatching of freight vans and other delivery vehicles. This is done by installing a transmitter on a particular freight van. Through this, an operator can accurately check the activity of the freight van as it makes its delivery within the area. All stops, detours, drop-offs are displayed on the computer monitor or in another remote hardware device.

Some companies that provide commercial vehicle tracking services to other firms include a variety of other features packaged within their tracking systems. Examples of such services are printable reports (Speed reports, Idling reports, Journey Reports, etc), detailed location mapping, route finding and etc.

Commercial vehicle tracking is also used in field sales and trailer tracking. In field sales, vehicle tracking is used to get driving directions and organizing last-minute itineraries. Commercial vehicle driving can greatly help in improving trade and business ventures and in a way save money and more importantly irreplaceable time.

About the Author:

Will Free Alternative Energy Save Us?

Tuesday, April 1st, 2008
by Jeff Grundy

Many scientist claim Free Energy is just a worthless theory and a waste of time.

Free energy has a nice ring to it. Yet is it even worth considering. While many say no a large following suggest it is not only real but very abundant, efficient and cost effective.

Although the idea of Free Energy may bring up an image of the perpetual motion machine in your mind, this is quite different. For some researches it has to do with the collection device needed to capture the energy. While for others it refers to the means of transmitting the energy source.

Although none believe this is a perpetual energy machine, its implications are the next best thing. Unlimited energy that is clean and safe.

Capturing the energy floating in outer space may seem impossible today, yet what about tomorrow. It was not long ago airplanes and atomic energy were thought crazy unattainable ideas.

The largest group of proponents claim this free energy can be attained in large amounts from the Zero Point Field. In simple terms this is a quantum mechanical state of matter (if that is simple) that is at it’s lowest possible energy state.

As far back as 1913 two scientist, Otto Stern and Albert Einstein discovered this energy and called it residual energy. Even at that time they felt it would be usable as an alternative energy.

Another name for this energy is vacuum energy in the study of quantum mechanics. This is said to represent the energy of totally empty space. It has been described as the froth at the base of a waterfall by one of the principal researchers.

The concept is certainly interesting. Although I think I will keep paying my electric bill for now. Whether it is real or not, I believe the research is a necessity in todays world situation. Anything we can do to reduce the environmental pollution is a plus.

Go to discoveralternativeenergy.info. for more information on alternative energy. If we all work together, we can preserve the planet for many generations to come.

About the Author:

Are You a CSI:Miami Addict?

Friday, March 14th, 2008
by Janice Simpleton

With the recent influx and popularity of shows like CSI, Criminal Minds and Dexter, it is easy to see why there is an increased incidence of people who are interested in the forensic sciences, but were you aware that this could turn out to be an extremely rewarding career path? There is a great deal of potential when it comes to the forensic scientists, and the people who find themselves in the careers that are related to such often find them to be very fulfilling in terms of intellectual reward and social merit.

Individuals who have experience with the forensic sciences often end up doing assignments with the police, and the best of the best often end up with organizations like the FBI and the CIA. when it comes right down to it, the violent crimes that are attached with the forensic sciences often lead people interested in this line of work into jobs with law enforcement of some type. While it is true that a growing number of the jobs that come down the line for individuals who specialize in forensic sciences will be with the police, this is far from the only avenue open to you.

One of the career paths that you might take can involve assignments with companies that create tools and kits for law enforcement. Finding new and better ways to collect, interpret and store the data that is necessary for this line of assignments is incredibly important, and you’ll find that it is due to work like this that forensic science continues to improve and become even more fascinating and developed with every passing year.

If you are interested in a career in forensic science, no matter what branch or agency you want to work for, it is important to be aware of the skill set involved. A comfort with the technology used and the subject matter encountered is certainly important, and the training required for the various different jobs will vary. Some jobs will require a Masters or a a PhD at the minimum, While other jobs can be held quite competently and ably with a one or two year course at a specialized academy or school.

It is also interesting to note that forensic science will cross often with other scientific disciplines, including biology, medicine and engineering. A education in the sciences is essential if you are interested in going into the developmental portion of forensic work.

With the opportunities involved and the very real rewards that can come from doing this kind of assignments, it is easy to see why this job is so adorable. If it appeals to you, take awhile to see whether or not this might be a good fit with your future goals!

About the Author:

Enneagram Personality Testing - What is it and How does it work?

Wednesday, March 12th, 2008
by Enneagram.net

The Enneagram (any-a-gram; ennea is Greek for nine, and gram means drawing) is a circle enclosing nine equidistant points connected by nine intersected lines. This symbol has its roots in the Middle East in ancient spiritual traditions.

To uncover your Enneagram Personality Type, you can take a free Enneagram Test at Enneagram.net.

As we know it today, the Enneagram is a ‘nine point’ personality system that is a vital link between the psyche and the spirit. It is a theory of personality types that is complex and sophisticated, and yet is a sensible and easily understood tool for self-discovery. The nine points represent the ways in which the nine different personality types perceive and defend their realities. All nine types are equal, as each type possesses an important view of reality.

The 9 types of the Enneagram are distinguished by motivations and habits of thining that produce patterns of perception, feeling, and behavior, which can be gifts or obstacles to the ego and personality. Knowing one’s primary Enneagram Type helps one to develop critical self-awareness, which then can improves one’s relationships with others and one’s self.

The wisdom of the Enneagram is that it recognizes nine different yet inherently valid views of reality.

The power of the Enneagram is that it is a comprehensive tool that can be used to harness and transform self-defeating behavior into life-enhancing personal empowerment.

The gift of the Enneagram is that through self-discovery, one can better create and maintain meaningful and long lasting relationships.

About the Author:

Bulk Chemicals Help Better Our Lives

Wednesday, March 5th, 2008
by Fabian Toulouse

If you work as a chemist, you are a member of a noble profession that has interested humans for thousands of years. Almost from the time man first harnessed fire, he has sought to shape for human use the elements he found in the world around him. In fact, the birth of chemistry came about when humans learned to process ores to make metals. The Egyptian “keme,” meaning Earth, is often thought of as the root for the word chemistry. Studying matter, its makeup and reactions, has a storied history.

Of course, much of what primitive “chemists” or alchemists, as they were known, would be foreign to today’s scientists. Medieval Muslims first practiced something modern chemists might truly recognize as part of their profession. They used scientific observation and tried experiments involving matter. They also named many chemical substances. They showed a real thirst for knowledge. Europe’s first real attempts in the field of chemistry, on the other hand, came out of horror. The devastating effects of the Plague sent men of science on a hunt for medicines, particularly the long coveted but elusive Elixir of Life.

The scientific revolution of the 17th century really got the ball rolling, and by the end of that century, chemistry was ready to turn the corner. When Antoine Lavoisier developed the concept of Conservation of Mass and John Dalton proposed the Atomic Theory, modern chemistry was born.

A lot has happened in the last two centuries! Today there are thousands of bulk chemicals being employed in laboratories and research facilities worldwide. The people in the chemistry field have a successful history of using those chemicals to improve life on this planet. Just consider the advances in the medical field alone that came about through the efforts of chemists!

In the 21st century, it is hard to imagine a world without chemicals. In everything from the production of plastics to the making of such everyday things as photographic film and bug spray, the global need for chemicals is enormous.

About the Author: