Adam Clare

Fake Tornadoes as an Energy Source

good luck A Canadian engineer has proposed to use tornadoes to power wind turbines that in turn will create electricity. The concept is similar to a solar tower, which uses solar heat to produce wind power. Efficiency of a solar tower relies on how big it is, the bigger the better. The tornado-based power plant does not need to be extremely tall, thus saving costs.

The tornado itself is self-sustaining once it is put into motion since it relies on heat transfer. Located at the bottom of the tornado generator turbines would be located to harness the power of nature. So far a mockup has been made, but a full scale test has yet to happen.

Zero-Energy Homes Become Practical for Rich

Previously shunned by the vast majority of people in the developed world, zero-energy housing is gaining in popularity. California (of course) is on the forefront of this trend. Newsweek has more to say about lowering the energy cost in new houses.

“Aside from the bright patch of solar modules on the roof, Premier Gardens looks like a community of conventional homes. But inside, it’s clear why they save energy.”

The zero-energy home is also making headway in Canada has a housing developer recently announced a new green development in the Toronto area.

Empty Houses in Britain to be Occupied

places to live If a law passes in April next year councils in England can start seizing empty houses and convert them into social housing. The houses can then be renovated and leased out for up to 7 years before the houses are returned to their owners.

This strategy for repurposing housing is predicted to help those who need subsidized housing and help to fight crime. Of course, before the property is seized negotiation will be attempted with the property owner.

New Drug Halves Breast Cancer Replapse

U.S. researchers have published a study in The New England Journal of Medicine that claims the drug trastuzmuzab can stop almost half of all breast cancers from reappearing. The drug is currently used to treat advanced cancers.

The treatment only works with women whom have high levels of the protein HER2, the protein makes the cancer more active. 1 in 5 women with breast cancer have the protein so this new treatment can benefit a lot of women with breast cancer.

UN Primary Reason for Decline in Armed Conflicts

peace
Since the end of the Cold War armed conflicts around the globe have decreased, thanks mainly to the United Nations being able to launch peacekeeping operations. Altogether the planet has seen a decrease in conflicted-related deaths including a decrease in human rights abuses.

The report, financed by five governments, also states that major conflicts with 1,000 or more deaths have seen an 80% decrease since 1992. The average amount of deaths created by a single war has decreased dramatically as well.