Tau Bates Making News, September 2009, Part II

Researchers, at the University of Alabama and Los Alamos National Laboratory (New Mexico), announced a new discovery that would possibly make powering vehicles with hydrogen fuel cells “economically viable.”

The findings were published in a recent academic journal.
The discovery has not received much attention as a result of President Obama’s shift in research funding, away from hydrogen-powered cars.

However, University of Alabama chemistry professor
David Dixon, CA B ’71, sees this as an important step in hydrogen fuel cell research, “This is a pretty big step because it’s the first demonstration that it can be economically viable.”
Read article for more

Τ

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is giving spinning flywheels a chance at a comeback. The DOE has granted a conditional loan to the Beacon Power Corporation to construct a 20-megawatt flywheel plant in upstate New York.

The goal is for the Beacon Power’s flywheels to “smooth out the electricity flow and make the electric grid more efficient and green.” Read the story from The New York Times

Β

This year’s homecoming king and queen for the M-Week ceremonies at South Dakota School of Mines & Technology have been announced.

Marcus Baue and Ashley Stewart, SD A 2010, were elected this year’s king and queen, respectively. “The royalty” will preside over the M-Week parade and the Homecoming football game.

Lisa Robinson, SD A 2009, was also a candidate for queen.
Read news release

Π