Episode #784

Episode #784

News Items

• Dog Years Myth
• Fighting Climate Change with Rock Dust
• Perception and Filtering
• Unused Spectrum

Who's That Noisy

• Answer to last week: Drill cleaner

Interview with Stephon Alexander

• The Jazz of Physics: The Secret Link Between Music and the Structure of the Universe

Science or Fiction [ Show Answers ]

• Item #1 Fiction

  Scientists have developed an organic solvent that can dissolve any source of cellulose at room temperature, tripling the efficiency of producing biofuel from plant waste. https://scienmag.com/love-hate-relationship-of-solvent-and-water-leads-to-better-biomass-breakup/

• Item #2 Science

  Scientists have demonstrated a solar energy converter with 85% efficiency and project a cost of 3 cents per kilowatt hour. https://neworleanscitybusiness.com/blog/2020/07/15/tulane-scientists-build-high-performing-hybrid-solar-energy-converter/

• Item #3 Science

  Researchers have developed a catalyst that can be used in the conversion of sea water to fuel and calculate that it will function at industrial scale. https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2020/EE/D0EE01457E#!divAbstract

Skeptical Quote of the Week.

‘Hopefully, the 27th time’s the charm.’ - Grant Imahara