Technology

Only 30 minutes north of Orlando, the home of Disney World, a biotechnology technique called cisgenic engineering using same plant species is producing disease resistant grapevines at the University of Florida (UF). 

For Florida, agriculture is the second largest industry to tourism, and this region could potentially become a viable producer of palatable table and wine grapes.

An enthusiastic team of biologists and technicians led by Dennis J. Gray, Ph.D., Professor and Developmental Biologist thinks so, who have been at the center of creating one of the largest biotech grape research endeavors in the world and are producing some of the most significant results.

Ann M Augustine, publisher of GreenMarketProducers.com announced the launch of its pilot project opening up access to entrepreneurs, inventors, marketers, and authors to the Internet publishing platform at www.GreenMarketProducers.com, advocates for a greener world. The site's recently expanded technical functionality enables qualified business and professionals to post biographical profiles, forum topics, and blog posts with moderators’ guidance. 

New economy, jobs, and climate change solutions—just what everyone hopes for, may be giving us something more to grasp onto in this era of uncertainty. 

The work of academia at Duke University and non-profit leader, Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) as well as union and trade association sponsorship are showcasing climate change solutions that may be what feeds the government’s economic plan to create 5 million jobs in environmental industries.  

Since its' inception in 1999, First Solar, Inc. has drawn attention to the solar renewable energy sector and continues to demonstrate a bright future, especially now in creating jobs and manufacturing capacity as market demand grows.

In a recent announcement, the Tempe, Arizona based company will open two new manufacturing facilities, one in the U.S. and one in Vietnam that are expected to open in 2012.

Water is in short supply in many parts of the world, including China, India, Australia and parts of the United States. Projected climate change could further stress the shortage of water. One entrepreneur set out to make a difference. Scott Williamson, CEO of Capstone Metering, LLC of Carrollton, Texas, developed an innovative system, the IntelliH₂0™ Water Management System designed to manage and conserve water. And GE's Ecomagination Challenge program recognized this innovative water management solution.

Does your computer sit on a particleboard desk? How about the kitchen cabinets you’re thinking about remodeling--are the cabinet doors made of wood veneer?

Look closely at the product labels or ask the manufacturer when you’re going to buy wood products for your home or office because these particular products may contain formaldehyde adhesives.

But recent discovery of soy based adhesives to replace formaldehyde use is setting the bar for green innovation in wood cabinetry and furniture. Formaldehyde-free products such as the soy based adhesive called Pure Bond is produced by the commercial joint venture of Oregon State University, Columbia Forest Products, and Hercules, Inc.  

Zero-emission electric vehicles are here. Not a military assault, but a welcomed wave of the first 100% electric vehicle (EV), the Nissan LEAF.  Nissan’s compact, 5 door hatchback will have an expected driving distance of 100 miles suitable for normal driving, particularly a daily commute for most people. In fact, U.S. DOT Highway Administration indicates the 100-mile benchmark accounts for 90% of all household vehicle trips in the U.S.