A growing gust of support is giving clean, inexhaustible wind energy a real lift. The U.S. Department of Energy says it’s possible for wind to produce 20 percent of the nation’s electricity by 2030.

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Filed under: Electrical, Environmental, Explore Engineering | Comments Off on Engineering Is: Developing Alternative Energy

Tags: Energy, Engineering Is, Environmental, Green Technology

Corn and soy aren’t just foods. They’re also the feedstocks for alternative fuels such as biodiesel and ethanol. Some say that increased demand for those crops has led to spiraling food costs and shortages. But the new hope for biofuels is a plant that won’t compete for farmland: algae. Yep, pond scum.

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Filed under: Environmental, Explore Engineering | 1 Comment »

Tags: Energy, Engineering Is, Environmental, Green Technology, Green Transportation

Today’s roller coasters are engineering marvels, taller and faster than ever. Kingda Ka in New Jersey (left) has a 418-foot drop and races to speeds of 128 mph. Its hydraulic launch system catapults riders to maximum velocity in just 3.5 seconds. In 2002, the top speed of the world’s fastest ride was “only” 106.9 mph.

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Filed under: Architectural, Electrical, Explore Engineering, Mechanical | 4 Comments »

Tags: Architectural, Electrical, Engineering Is, Mechanical

When Apple’s engineers created the iPhone (right) a few years ago, it was an immediate hit, despite a fat price tag. Not only was it a cell phone but an iPod-like music and video player, too. It could surf the Web, handle e-mails, and receive GPS signals. Plus, it looked great and had touch-screen control.

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Filed under: Computer, Electrical, Explore Engineering, Industrial / Manufacturing | 1 Comment »

Tags: Computer, Electrical, Engineering Is, Technology

The 3-D movies from decades past were often gimmicky stinkers. But at least the effects were fun, and you got to wear colored glasses in the theater. Now, 3-D is making a comeback, and this time, the content may equal the technology.

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Filed under: Computer, Explore Engineering | 1 Comment »

Tags: 3D, Computer, Engineering Is, Technology