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"Bacteria in the surface water of the world's oceans swim in a sea of light," says Jarone Pinhassi. "And it is shouldn't be too surprising that evolution has favored microorganisms that can use this rich source of energy. This type of protein may also play a role in commercial and environmental perspectives, for the development of artificial photosynthesis for the environmentally friendly production of energy."Twenty different marine bacteria from various ocean sites were studied, and many proved to contain proteorhodopsin. The method could very well be used efficiently, considering approximately a billion bacteria can be found in one bucket of seawater. "It was long thought that algae were the only organisms in the seas that could use sunlight to grow," says Jarone Pinhassi, a researcher in Marine Microbiology at Kalmar University College. These microscopic algae carry out the same process as green plants on land, namely, photosynthesis with the help of chlorophyll."This study was published in the journal 'Nature'. Did you know even when you shut down powered devices in your home, phantom power usage continues? It all adds up. Besides increasing the cost of your electricity bill, it is an energy waster. Cell phone chargers, computers, and other appliances use electricity even when turned off. Standby, or sleep mode continues to use electricity.
Though not always practical to unplug everything from the wall when not in use, Treehugger has some ideas for powering down. Try a smart power bar, which will cut the power when your devices are off. Even better, the mini power minder has the smarts to shut down your computer's peripherial devices, when you shut down your computer.
With a 'KillaWatt' or 'Wattson' you can test your appliances and monitor your home electricity usage. Consider a portable solar or wind recharger, such as this Solio charger for handheld devices, including your digital camera. Very practical, recharge anywhere, while saving energy at the same time.
Here are some tips for Reducing Energy Costs.
"People ask us how we can live like this. Jeepers, I just come home, turn on the lights, grab a cold beer from the refrigerator and watch the news on TV," Dale Kittleson, 47, said. "The only difference is when you are making your own energy, you are more aware of the energy you use, adding, "We didn't come out here wanting to freeze in the dark."Kittleson and the others are in tune with the wind, the sun and kilowatt hours. Micro-generation is what is know as living off grid. Michelle Kenyon Brown, executive director of IRENEW, a nonprofit organization in Iowa City that promotes renewable energy says, |
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Did you know even when you shut down powered devices in your home, phantom power usage continues? It all adds up. Besides increasing the cost of your electricity bill, it is an energy waster. Cell phone chargers, computers, and other appliances use electricity even when turned off. Standby, or sleep mode continues to use electricity.
Though not always practical to unplug everything from the wall when not in use, Treehugger has some ideas for