Tech Briefs Insider » 2009 » April

Do planets with Earth-like atmospheres exist in the universe?

TechBriefs — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 14:00:20 +0000

This week’s question concerns planetary discovery. Last week, well-known exoplanet researcher Michael Mayor discovered a tiny planet, called Gliese 581 e, whose mass is just 1.9 times the size of earth. The planet was too close to the nearest star to support life, but was near a larger, previously discovered planet, called Gliese 581 d. That planet’s proximity to the nearest star is considered suitable for the existence of water. Some astronomers believe we are closer to discovering planets containing liquid water oceans elsewhere in the universe. What do you think? Do planets with Earth-like atmospheres exist in the universe?

Vote here.

Will stricter greenhouse gas emissions regulations hurt the U.S. economy?

TechBriefs — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 14:02:10 +0000

This week’s question concerns greenhouse gas emissions. After a two-year scientific review mandated by the U.S. Supreme Court, the Environmental Protection Administration has identified six greenhouse gases - carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, and sulfur hexafluoride – as primary contributors to air pollution and global warming. Industry observers believe the findings could prompt the EPA to pass stricter regulations on emissions from vehicles, power plants, and other pollution sources, or prompt the U.S. government to devise stringent legislation on greenhouse gases. Critics worry stricter greenhouse gas regulations would hurt consumers and businesses by raising energy costs in an already-weak economy. What do you think? Will stricter greenhouse gas emissions regulations hurt the U.S. economy? Yes or no?

Vote here.

Should the U.S. consider scaling down its nuclear weapons program?

TechBriefs — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 13:50:56 +0000

This week’s question concerns U.S. nuclear weapons policy. President Obama has advocated that the country scale down the role of nuclear weapons in its national security policy, as a part of a strategy to promote global nuclear disarmament. Supporting Obama, the Federation of American Scientists and the Natural Resources Defense Council issued a report calling for the U.S. to replace its longstanding nuclear counterforce strategy with a strategy of minimal deterrence. Critics say events such as North Korea’s and Iran’s recent missile missions make nuclear disarmament risky. What do you think? Should the U.S. consider scaling down its nuclear weapons program? Yes or no?

Vote here.