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Cisco release global security report
Security threats and attacks have become more global and sophisticated; as the adoption of more and more IP-connected devices, applications, and communication methods increases, the opportunity emerges for a greater number of attacks
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VT Group acquires British Nuclear Group Project Services
As interest in nuclear power revives, nuclear-power related services enjoy another look from investors and businesses
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LEF invests in wind turbine maker EWT
One problem facing the growth of wind power is the currently limited manufacturing capacity of wind turbines; investors realize the opportunity here
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SSE to develop wind farm in Sutherland, Scotland
The £55 million wind farm will have twenty-three turbines; when Achany is commissioned, SSE will have 275MW of installed wind farm capacity
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Investigation begins into causes of deadly Florida explosion
Jacksonville, Florida massive explosion and fire at the T2 Laboratories facility kill 4 and injure 14; rescue teams describe scene as “hellish inferno”
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700 MHz auction attracts 96 bidders
By February 2009, TV broadcasters will have to vacate the 700 MHz so they can offer digital-only TV, as mandated by Congress; FCC will hold an auction for the coveted vacated spectrum, and 96 bidders — the usual suspects, but also Paul Allen, Chevron, and others — have been accepted (there were also 170 incomplete applications)
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FERC issues conditional licenses for ocean energy projects
New policies allows FERC to issue licenses for new hydrokinetic projects even though certain authorizations required from other entities are outstanding
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Phishing attacks escalated in 2007
Gartner survey finds that $3.2 billion was lost due to phishing attacks in 2007; 3.6 million Americans lost money in phishing attacks in the twelve months ending in August 2007, compared with the 2.3 million who did so the year before
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Existing biotechnology would save energy, cut CO2 by 100 percent
A major — and surprisingly overlooked — contribution to reducing greenhouse gasses: New analysis shows that use of existing biotechnology in the production of bulk chemicals could reduce consumption of nonrenewable energy and carbon emissions by 100 percent
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Extending the life of oil fields and coal mines
Canadian researchers believe tiny underground bacteria may hold promise of extracting methane gas from abandoned oil fields and coal mines; all you have to do is feed the bacteria nutrients such as vitamins and minerals down boreholes
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Senate passes energy bill; mixed news for alternative energy
Senate passed an energy bill which lacks many alternative energy measures which are included in the House’s version; bill may have a chilling effect on investors in clean tech; still, the bill calls for increase in auto fuel efficiency and expands the renewable fuels standard
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Quantum communication over long distance, flawed networks possible
Chinese scientists offer possible breakthrough in quantum communication — overcoming the problem of quantum entanglement between photons at long distances; the scientists show a quantum-communications network in which producing entanglement over a long distance is conceptually possible
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L.A. reservoirs emptied after high levels of contamination discovered
Two of Los Angeles’s beloved landmarks — Silver Lake and Elysian Park — are emptied after tests revealed bromate, a disinfectant byproduct that can form when treated water reacts with naturally occurring mineral bromide in sunlight
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FERC seeks industry cyber-security plans
Earlier this year, government scientists hacked into a simulated power-plant control system and caused an electric generator to destroy itself; as worries about the vulnerability of the U.S. power grid to cyber attacks grow, regulators demand that utilities submit detailed reports about their progress in addressing potential cybersecurity vulnerabilities
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Dutch health insurance database easily accessible
The Dutch Vecozo medical database is used by Dutch health care workers to make payments easier and to check Dutch medical insurance data; trouble is, at least 80,000 people are able to search the database, which contains personal information about nearly every Dutch citizen
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The long view
Helping Strengthen America’s Critical Infrastructure
Everyday life depends on a robust infrastructure network that provides access to running water, communications technology and electricity, among other basic necessities. The experts who keep our national infrastructure secure and resilient also need a strong network to share their knowledge and train the next generation of professionals capable of solving complex infrastructure challenges.
AI and the Future of the U.S. Electric Grid
Despite its age, the U.S. electric grid remains one of the great workhorses of modern life. Whether it can maintain that performance over the next few years may determine how well the U.S. competes in an AI-driven world.
Using Liquid Air for Grid-Scale Energy Storage
New research finds liquid air energy storage could be the lowest-cost option for ensuring a continuous power supply on a future grid dominated by carbon-free but intermittent sources of electricity.
Enhanced Geothermal Systems: A Promising Source of Round-the-Clock Energy
With its capacity to provide 24/7 power, many are warming up to the prospect of geothermal energy. Scientists are currently working to advance human-made reservoirs in Earth’s deep subsurface to stimulate the activity that exists within natural geothermal systems.
Experts Discuss Geothermal Potential
Geothermal energy harnesses the heat from within Earth—the term comes from the Greek words geo (earth) and therme (heat). It is an energy source that has the potential to power all our energy needs for billions of years.