This Week's Herman Trend Alert Women---Expanding their Sphere of Influence

The Herman Trend Alert April 28, 2010 Another First Step From the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) comes a breakthrough that is certainly a first step in artificially producing hydrogen reserves. Energy companies could then use these reserves to generate electricity or even produce liquid fuels for transportation. Using sunlight, MIT researchers have created a catalyst solution that splits water into its two atomic components---hydrogen and oxygen. Imitating photosynthesis in plants, the researchers engineered M13, a simple, harmless virus that assists in the separation process. In this process, the hydrogen atoms in the water are actually split into their component protons and electrons. Within two years, the team hopes to develop a new process that would combine these components back into hydrogen that could be stored. Other researchers had already developed different systems that use electricity to split water molecules. As the team explained in their article published in the journal "Nature Nanotechnology" (www.nature.com), the difference is that their system, based on biology, uses sunlight, rather than electricity, to power the reaction. The approach that proved the best was to mimic the processes that take place in plants, rather than simply borrowing their components and re-adapt them like others had done before. "In plants, chlorophyll absorbs sunlight while catalysts promote the water-splitting reaction." The team engineered a wire-like, bacterial virus that efficiently splits the oxygen from water molecules. Acting as the chlorophyll the virus captures light, then, acting like a wire, transfers the energy down its length. The viruses' wire-like structure also allows the other ingredients to line up in such a way that it drastically improves the system's efficiency. To be competitive with solar power, the new system must be at least 10 times more efficient than natural photosynthesis. Moreover, the system must be able to repeat the reaction almost indefinitely, as well as use cheaper materials. MIT has clearly accomplished the first step. Sometimes we forget the importance of pure science in our technological advancement. Support for research like MIT's will be critical to US remaining competitive. More importantly, our support of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) subjects will be important, if we are to have the people to conduct this research. © Copyright 1998- by The Herman Group, Inc. -- reproduction for publication is encouraged, with the following attribution: From "The Herman Trend Alert," by Roger Herman and Joyce Gioia, Strategic Business Futurists. (800) 227-3566 or http://www.hermangroup.com. The Herman Trend Alert is a trademark of The Herman Group, Inc." EMPLOYERS AND JOBSEEKERS: MARK YOUR CALENDARS Advertise at or attend VetJobs Virtual Career Fairs. VetJobs, the top veterans' job board, and PSI, the premier diversity job fair producer, are teaming up to launch these VeteransCONNECT events. Employer registration is now open with loading by February 15th. Candidate loading begins March 1st. Expect 25-30 employers and an attendee goal of 2,000 skilled jobseekers. Promoted extensively, early registration begins NOW. To register or request additional information, contact VetJobs at 877-838-5627 or email info@vetjobs.com; Employers: Mention the Herman Trend Alert to receive a Bonus. LOOKING FOR A UNIQUE VALENTINE’S GIFT? Give the gift of leadership advice in our weekly Lessons in Leadership to help your supervisors and managers remind your leaders about what’s really important The 52-week subscription is only $47, a bargain when you think about the savings to your organization in reduced turnover. Quantity discounts available by emailing Joyce at joyce@hermangroup.com. http://www.hermangroup.com/store/subscription_all.html#3 Order today! PREVENT EMPLOYEE TURNOVER IN 2012 Yes, you can prevent costly employee turnover, when you train your supervisors, managers, and executives. They will learn dozens of low and no-cost strategies and tactics that they can implement right away. We have an impressive track record and stand ready to help you. Call Carl at 336-210-3547 for a no-obligation conference call. Herman Trend Alerts are produced by the Herman Group, strategic business futurists, Certified Management Consultants, authors, and professional speakers. New subscribers are welcome. There is no charge for this public service. The Herman Trend Alert is received by over 30,000 subscribers in 78 countries, in addition to other websites and printed magazines. Do you enjoy receiving this weekly e-mail update? Contact us about our co-branded Trend Alert service. Click here to sign up for the Herman Trend Alert. Subscribe or Unsubscribe to weekly Herman Trend Alert View this week's Herman Trend Alert Archived Weekly Herman Trend Alerts

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