Styrofoam addition makes roofs eco-friendly

October 5th, 2009 LONDON - A new study has determined that 'green roofs', that is, roofs with a cover of plants, can significantly cut carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. According to a report in New Scientist, Kristin Getter and colleagues at Michigan State University in East Lansing carried out the study.

September 24th, 2009 WASHINGTON - Roofs full of green plants could help fight global warming, say scientists. Kristin Getter, Michigan State University (MSU) horticulturist and colleagues, who conducted the study point out that green roofs are multi-functional.

September 24th, 2009 WASHINGTON - Scientists in Michigan, US, have reported that "green" roofs, which are popular urban rooftops covered with plants, could help fight global warming. The scientists found that replacing traditional roofing materials in an urban area the size of Detroit, with a population of about one-million, with green roofs would be equivalent to eliminating a year's worth of carbon dioxide (CO2) emitted by 10,000 mid-sized SUVs and trucks.

September 4th, 2009 WASHINGTON - Greening of roofs by having plants on them is gaining popularity in the US, where their numbers have increased by 30 percent from 2006 to 2007. Benefits include improved storm water management, energy conservation, reduced noise and air pollution, improved biodiversity, and even a better return on investment than traditional roofing.

September 4th, 2009 WASHINGTON - Scientists have carried out a study to determine the effect of the success of the growth of the sedum plant on "green" roofs. "Greening" a roof, or covering a roof with vegetation, is gaining popularity in North America, where the number of green roofs increased 30 percent from 2006 to 2007.

August 22nd, 2009 WASHINGTON - NASA and the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, or AFOSR, have successfully launched a small rocket using an environmentally-friendly, safe propellant comprised of aluminum powder and water ice, called ALICE. "This collaboration has been an opportunity for graduate students to work on an environmentally-friendly propellant that can be used for flight on Earth and used in long distance space missions," said NASA Chief Engineer Mike Ryschkewitsch at NASA Headquarters in Washington.

July 31st, 2009 Obama hails meeting with police officer, GatesWASHINGTON — President Barack Obama is hailing his meeting with professor Henry Louis Gates Jr. and policeman James Crowley as a "friendly, thoughtful conversation." In a statement after the three men and Vice President Joe Biden chatted over beers, Obama said he learned that Gates and Crowley had already spent some time talking with each other.

July 21st, 2009 WASHINGTON - Babies are not as naïve as we think they are - at least as far as canines are concerned. A new study has claimed that infants just 6 months old can understand the different tones of dog barks, even if they've limited previous exposure.

July 10th, 2009 LONDON - The futuristic city to come up on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi will meet its entire energy requirements from renewable sources, producing neither carbon dioxide nor waste. Masdar City is to be constructed on a six square km area, 30 km east of the capital Abu Dhabi.

July 2nd, 2009 LONDON - Reports indicate that the Pentagon is developing a laser dazzler that will force drivers to stop without harming their eyes. When a vehicle approaches a checkpoint at speed, ignoring warning signs to slow down, troops do not know whether the driver is simply careless or a suicide bomber.

June 1st, 2009 WASHINGTON - Now, single men and women who care about living a natural and holistic lifestyle, can get to know other green, eco-friendly singles, through an online dating site. According to a report in ENN (Environmental News Network), called EcoDater.com, the site offers its members a comprehensive array of tools to participate in the EcoDater community and find other green, eco-friendly singles easily and efficiently.

May 27th, 2009 LONDON - US President Barrack Obama's energy adviser has suggested that as part of efforts to slow global warming, all the world's roofs should be painted white. According to a report in the Telegraph, Professor Steven Chu, the US Energy Secretary, said that the unusual proposal would mean homes in hot countries would save energy and money on air conditioning by deflecting the sun's rays.

May 23rd, 2009 WASHINGTON - Scientists at Queen's University, Belfast, have discovered a new eco-friendly method of dissolving wood using ionic liquids that may help its transformation into popular products such as bio fuels, textiles, clothes and paper. Dr Hector Rodríguez and Professor Robin Rogers from the University's School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering worked along with The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, to come up with a more cost and energy efficient way of processing wood.

May 21st, 2009 WASHINGTON - Scientists at Queen's University, Canada, have discovered a new eco-friendly method of dissolving wood using ionic liquids that may help its transformation into popular products such as bio fuels, textiles, clothes and paper. Dr Hector Rodrmguez and Professor Robin Rogers from the University's School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering worked along with The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, to come up with a more cost and energy efficient way of processing wood.

May 1st, 2009 WASHINGTON - Britney Spears' former husband Kevin Federline has reportedly planned to swap his incredible bachelor pad for a more child-friendly home, so that he can take better care for the couple's sons. Federline wants his 2 sons with Britney, Sean Preston, 3, and Jayden James, 2, to have a thriving childhood.