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Integrating science and public policy with consumer needs and the global economy is critical if we have any chance of reducing carbon's effects on the climate, say scientists at the 2008 Annual Meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Scientists from around the globe will discuss the role of science, technology and policy in developing solutions to manage carbon during the symposium The Carbon Journey: Understanding Global Climate Effects and Advancing Solutions.

Electrons can spur the chemical reaction between an acid and a base, according to new results in Science, a finding that may help researchers precisely control reactions in areas from biology to energy technology. By isolating one molecule each of hydrogen chloride and ammonia, the researchers found that by adding or removing one extra electron to this skeletal environment, they could make the reaction go from acid and base to neutral molecule or back again.

Catalysts typically break down an oxygen molecule into two identical atoms that behave the same. But on a titanium oxide catalyst, the two atoms of a split oxygen molecule act differently: one fills a vacant spot on the catalytic surface and the other acquires extra energy and can move away. If the finding turns out to be important to reactivity, it might also be useful in hydrogen production or to break down pollutants.

The Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory announced today the results of a year-long effort to put the power grid in the hands of consumers through technology. The Pacific Northwest GridWise Demonstration Project found that advanced technologies enable consumers to be active participants in improving power grid efficiency and reliability, while saving money in the process. On average, consumers who participated in the project saved approximately 10 percent on their electricity bills.

Richard D. Smith, a Battelle Fellow at the Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, has been named one of 50 outstanding leaders in the 2007 Scientific American 50 -- an annual list of 50 key contributors in science and technology. Smith shared the honor for creating a new approach to neurological diagnostics with Desmond Smith of UCLA's David Geffen School of Medicine.

Richard D. Smith, Battelle Fellow at the US Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory has been named one of 50 outstanding leaders in the 2007 Scientific American 50. Each year the magazine recognizes its list of 50 key contributors in science and technology.