News
Boosting wind farmers, global winds reverse decades of slowing and pick up speed
November 18, 2019
In a boon to wind farms, average daily wind speeds are picking up across much of the globe after about 30 years of gradual slowing. Research led by a team at Princeton University shows that wind speeds in northern mid-latitude regions have increased by roughly 7% since 2010.
Achieving climate goals requires setting a price on carbon, experts said at Andlinger Center meeting
November 15, 2019
Cutting carbon emissions quickly requires a price on carbon, experts from industry, government and academia said at the annual meeting of the Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment last week. A carbon fee would provide a dual benefit: offer direct incentives to cut emissions, and also create a new market for firms that can monetize carbon dioxide as a resource by transforming the gas into products and fuels.
Foam offers way to manipulate light
November 15, 2019
A study by Princeton scientists has shown that a type of foam long studied by scientists is able to block particular wavelengths of light, a coveted property for next-generation information technology that uses light instead of electricity.
Dalton Medal honors Princeton engineer for ecohydrology work
November 14, 2019
The European Geophysical Union has awarded the 2020 John Dalton Medal to Amilcare Porporato, the Thomas J. Wu '94 Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering and professor of civil and environmental engineering and the Princeton Environmental Institute (PEI).
How to make better biofuels? Convince yeast it's not starving
November 13, 2019
Princeton researchers have discovered a genetic switch that significantly increases yeast's production of the efficient biofuel isobutanol
Solar and wind energy preserve groundwater for drought, agriculture
November 06, 2019
Solar and wind farms are popping up around the country to lower carbon emissions, and these renewables also have another important effect: keeping more water in the ground.
Princeton researchers receive $2.5 million to advance the science of urban food sustainability
November 06, 2019
Princeton University researchers have received a $2.5 million federal grant to lead an interdisciplinary effort with academic, city government and nonprofit partners that will develop a scientific process for establishing urban food systems that are less wasteful and environmentally detrimental. The grant will be administered by the Princeton Environmental Institute (PEI).
Method promises advances in 3D printing, manufacturing and biomedical applications
October 31, 2019
In a development offering great promise for additive manufacturing, Princeton University researchers have created a method to precisely create droplets using a jet of liquid. The technique allows manufacturers to quickly generate drops of material, finely control their size and locate them within a 3D space.
Why are big storms bringing so much more rain? Warming, yes, but also winds
October 29, 2019
For three hurricane seasons in a row, storms with record-breaking rainfall have caused catastrophic flooding in the southern United States. A new analysis by Princeton researchers explains why this trend is likely to continue with global warming: Both the higher moisture content of warmer air and storms’ increasing wind speeds conspire to produce wetter storms.
Shrinking grains expand understanding of self-healing materials
October 22, 2019
Cracks in the desert floor appear random to the untrained eye, even beautifully so, but those patterns of dried clay turn out to be predictable—and useful in designing advanced materials.