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MIT researchers build model simulating atmospheric transport of PAHs; how chemicals get to the Arctic

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MIT researchers have built a model to simulate long-range atmospheric transport of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Persistent organic pollutants are chemicals of substantial international concern. The presence of these pollutants in the Arctic is important for several reasons.

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MIT autonomous boats can target and latch onto each other: dynamic roboat structures

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To further that vision, MIT researchers have given new capabilities to their fleet of robotic boats—which are being developed as part of an ongoing project—that lets them target and clasp onto each other, and keep trying if they fail. Moreover, the roboat notices if it has missed the connection, backs up, and tries again.

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Coating developed at MIT could stop buildup of hydrate ices that slow or block oil and gas flow

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A team of researchers at MIT has developed a coating that could stop the buildup of hydrate ices that slow or block oil and gas flow. Without those measures, hydrates can build up so that they reduce the flow rate, which can reduce revenues, and if they create blockages then that “ can lead to catastrophic failure ,” Varanasi says.

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MITEI releases report on 3-year study of future mobility; technological innovation, policies, and behavioral changes all needed; “car pride” an issue

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Armstrong, a professor of chemical engineering at MIT. The study team of MIT faculty, researchers, and students focused on five main. —Sergey Paltsev, deputy director of the MIT Joint Program on the Science and Policy of Global Change and senior research scientist at MITEI. —MITEI Director Robert C. —William H.

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MIT Report Finds Natural Gas Has Significant Potential to Displace Coal, Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions; Role in Transportation More Limited

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Natural gas will play a leading role in reducing greenhouse-gas emissions over the next several decades, largely by replacing older, inefficient coal plants with highly efficient combined-cycle gas generation, according to a major new interim report out from MIT. The first two reports dealt with nuclear power (2003) and coal (2007).

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Separate MIT, IEA reports both outline major expansion in role of natural gas; caution on climate benefits

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” The MIT report said that natural gas should be seen as a “ bridge ” to a low-carbon regime, rather than as the ultimate long-term solution itself. MIT: The Future of Natural Gas. Separately, the International Energy Agency (IEA) released its own report exploring the potential for a “golden age” of gas. Source: IEA.

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MIT’s Copenhagen Bike Wheel

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Researchers at MIT have developed a new bicycle rear wheel—the Copenhagen Wheel —that can capture energy from braking and deliver the power back to provide a boost. A close-up of the Copenhagen Wheel, from MIT’s SENSEable City Lab. Click to enlarge.

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