The zero-energy BIQ House in Hamburg, Germany sports a “bio-adaptive façade” that uses microalgae to generate renewable energy and provide shade. Algae in the bio-reactor facades grow faster in the brighter sunlight and hence, create a natural shade when the sun is at its brightest. In addition, the bio-reactors power the building by capturing solar…
Category: Meteorology and Weather
6 Italian scientists sentenced to 6 years in prison for failing to predict earthquake that killed 309 people
Six Italian scientists and one ex-government official have just been sentenced to six-years in prison for multiple manslaughter after failing to accurately predict deadly 2009 earthquake. The courts found that the scientists gave falsely reassuring statements after studying tremors that had shaken the Italian city of L’Aquila. The 6.3 magnitude quake killed 309 people.
Researchers prove extreme lethal heat caused Permian-Triassic mass extinction 250 million years ago
The Permian-Triassic mass extinction occurred 252 million years ago. It is Earth’s most devastating mass extinction event with up to 96% of all marine species and 70% of land animals becoming extinct. Researchers now believe they know what caused it and why life took over 5 million years to recover – extreme, lethal temperatures up…
What causes that unique rainy smell after it rains?
It’s that distinctive earthy, musky scent that occurs after a good rain, and it has a name unbefitting its pleasant smell – “petrichor”. The petrichor odor is distinctive (and difficult to duplicate) because there are several sources/causes for the smell, including the force of the rain striking the soil and storm winds stirring everything up.…