Read the latest news about research conducted by investigators in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences. Our faculty and students are continually advancing technology, creating solutions and expanding knowledge with new and innovative research.
News
Fires fueled spread of grasslands on ancient Earth
Ancient wildfires played a crucial role in the formation and spread of grasslands like those that now cover large parts of the Earth, according to scientists at Penn State and the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.
Researchers evaluate studies supporting state subsidies for nuclear plants
An intensive public debate is occurring in states with competitive electricity markets about the future of their existing nuclear generation plants. A team of Penn State researchers examined the set of studies that has been used in legislative discussions to provide evidence in support of subsidy programs.
Ground and stream water clues reveal shale drilling impacts
Chemical clues in waters near Marcellus Shale gas wells in rural Pennsylvania can identify new drilling-related sources of methane contamination, according to scientists.
DOE grant aimed at improving process to reduce nuclear fuel waste
An $800,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Energy will allow Penn State researchers to investigate a new approach for removing rare-earth fission products from the molten salt baths where used nuclear fuel is electro-refined to recycle uranium and minimize nuclear waste.
Next-gen batteries possible with new engineering approach
Dramatically longer-lasting, faster-charging and safer lithium metal batteries may be possible, according to Penn State research, recently published in Nature Energy.
Re-Imagining Energy: Catching Carbon
Penn State researchers are working on new technology to capture CO2 before it gets into the atmosphere and either sequester it or use it to create new products.
Re-Imagining Energy: Generating Energy
Penn State researchers are developing a range of innovative technologies to harvest the sustainable energy of natural processes to power our future.
Re-Imagining Energy: The Built Environment
Almost 40 percent of the energy we use goes to heat, cool, light, and power appliances in the buildings where we live and work. Penn State is a global leader in making its buildings more energy efficient through green design and sustainable construction practices.
Re-Imagining Energy: Pulling It All Together
Penn State scientists, policy experts, and physical plant managers are exploring how to navigate the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources so we can get the greatest value out of the green technologies that are becoming available.
Re-Imagining Energy: Storing Energy
The past few years have brought a surge in battery technology. Here’s a sampling of how Penn State researchers are changing the battery landscape.