Energy & Environment

UC Merced Aerial Picture
Research Shows Global Photosynthesis on the Rise
April 4, 2017
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Plant photosynthesis was stable for hundreds of years before the industrial revolution, but grew rapidly in the 20th century, according to new research published today in Nature. “Virtually all life on our planet depends on... Read More
Study: Dust Helps Regulate Sierra Nevada Ecosystems
March 28, 2017
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“Collecting dust” isn’t usually considered a good thing. But dust from as near as the Central Valley and as far away as the Gobi Desert in Asia provides more nutrients — especially critical phosphorus — than... Read More
Paleorecord Critical to Future Conservation Efforts, Scientists Say
March 27, 2017
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The rapid pace of global change has large impacts on nature, and on the work conservation biologists will have before them, too. From here on out, experts say, the fossil record is going to be critical to guide nature into the future. A... Read More
New Classroom Building Earns Campus’ 17th LEED Certification
March 23, 2017
UC Merced has earned LEED platinum certification for Classroom and Office Building 2.
Ten years after receiving its first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), UC Merced has earned platinum certification for Classroom and Office Building 2 (COB2).... Read More
Renewable Power Project Could Help Cut Food Processing Costs, Feed People and Animals
March 21, 2017
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Researchers at UC Solar have developed and tested an innovative solar thermal-powered process for turning the pomace, or byproduct, of vegetable and fruit processing into reusable products, potentially lowering food-processing plant costs... Read More
New Initiative Advances Agriculture Technology Education
March 13, 2017
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As agriculture and food production achieve greater high-tech heights and resources such as water become more scarce, the country will increasingly depend on innovative solutions from its brightest minds. A new initiative at UC Merced aims... Read More
New UC Solar Project Produces Both Heat and Power
March 7, 2017
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One of California’s greatest energy challenges is finding innovative ways to lower natural gas consumption to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. To help meet that challenge, a new solar energy... Read More
Raindrops, Red Wine Inspire Solar Tech Advancements
February 6, 2017
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In recent publications, Professor Vincent Tung proves that inspiration for advancements in materials science can come from anywhere — even the merging of raindrops on a windshield or the sheeting of red wine down the inside of a... Read More
Bird Researcher Expands Knowledge About Reserve’s Kestrels
January 23, 2017
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Kestrels are a fixture among the birds on the Merced Vernal Pools and Grassland Reserve adjacent to campus. Though they are not endangered, the small falcons’ population has declined by 60 percent in California over the past half-... Read More
Study: Warming Could Slow Upslope Migration of Trees
December 15, 2016
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By Dan Krotz, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Scientists expect subalpine trees to advance upslope as global temperatures increase, following their climate up the mountains. But new research published Dec. 15 in the journal... Read More