BBC news is reporting on a new type of research that may get aboard the International Space Station in 2013.  This Russian-led endeavor would try to use the vacuum of space to create ultra-pure crystals.  We can't do this on Earth because, unlike a perfect vacuum, there is always something hanging out that will lead to an impurity in the crystal.

Vice President Biden and Secretary Chu will be speaking today about a new report showing how ARRA funds have benefited science and technology.  It should be pretty interesting.

The Earth and Moon from 114 million miles:

 

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ARPA-E, the Department of Energy's version of DARPA, is spending heavily on research across that country that is being done to find cost efficient alternative energy. 

In just a couple of days, chemists will come from all over the planet to talk chemistry in Boston.  That is right...it is time for another ...

NSF - News from the Field - brings us word that the Arctic Ocean has been shown to be a surprisingly poor sink for CO2.  Previously, scientists had hoped that as sea ice melts due to climate change, the new ocean water would pick up large amounts of CO2.

Washington, DC, home of the ACS Othmer and Hach Buildings, gives annual awards to local businesses and non-profits for their environmental stewardship, innovative best practices, pollution prevention, and resource conservation.

A: Maybe.  Eventually.  Probably not for a long time.

 

ABC News has coverage on a very cool breakthrough in alternative fuels research.  Full story ...

You can see the full schedule here, but there are two ACS Webinars in August that really caught my eye.