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Leading Engineers and Scientists Identify Advances That Could Improve Quality Of Life Around the World
Washington DC (SPX) Feb 18, 2008 The U.S. National Academy of Engineering (NAE) has announced the grand challenges for engineering in the 21st century. A diverse committee of experts from around the world, convened at the request of the U.S. National Science Foundation, revealed 14 challenges that, if met, would improve how we live. The panel, some of the most accomplished engineers and scientists of their generation, was established in 2006 and met several times to discuss and develop the list of challenges. Through an interactive Web site, the effort received worldwide input from prominent engineers and scientists, as well as from the general public, over a one-year period. The panel's conclusions were reviewed by more than 50 subject-matter experts. The final choices fall into four themes that are essential for humanity to flourish - sustainability, health, reducing vulnerability, and joy of living. The committee did not attempt to include every important challenge, nor did it endorse particular approaches to meeting those selected. Rather than focusing on predictions or gee-whiz gadgets, the goal was to identify what needs to be done to help people and the planet thrive. "We chose engineering challenges that we feel can, through creativity and commitment, be realistically met, most of them early in this century," said committee chair and former U.S. Secretary of Defense William J. Perry. "Some can be, and should be, achieved as soon as possible." The committee decided not to rank the challenges. NAE is offering the public an opportunity to vote on which one they think is most important and to provide comments at the project Web site. The Grand Challenges site features a five-minute video overview of the project along with committee member interview excerpts. A podcast of the news conference announcing the challenges will also be available on the site starting next week. "Meeting these challenges would be 'game changing,'" said NAE president Charles M. Vest. "Success with any one of them could dramatically improve life for everyone." The Challenges - Make solar energy affordable - Provide energy from fusion - Develop carbon sequestration methods - Manage the nitrogen cycle - Provide access to clean water - Restore and improve urban infrastructure - Advance health informatics - Engineer better medicines - Reverse-engineer the brain - Prevent nuclear terror - Secure cyberspace - Enhance virtual reality - Advance personalized learning - Engineer the tools for scientific discovery Related Links All About Solar Energy at SolarDaily.com
Global Warming Solutions Initiates R And D For 1MW LETG Solar Power Plant
Houston TX (SPX) Feb 18, 2008Global Warming Solutions announced that the company initiated research and development for a small LETG Solar Power Plant with a capacity of up to 1MW. The LETG (Light Electric Thermal Generator) is a hybrid solar and thermal energy technology that generates energy by heating up liquids that circulate on the surface of a solar panel to produce electricity even during periods of no sunlight. |
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