Sci/tech tidbits in and around New Hampshire
Diesel can replace heating oil (but you’ll pay a road tax)
A version of this story ran in 2018. It returns to the Monitor’s online most-read list during every cold snap, so what the heck, here's an updated version. There’s an option for homeowners who run out of heating oil and can’t wait for a refill, or who can’t afford to...
NH patents through Jan. 23
By Targeted News Service WASHINGTON, Jan. 23 – The following federal patents were assigned in New Hampshire from Jan. 16 to Jan. 23. *** Parallel Wireless Assigned Patent for Parameter Optimization, Event Prediction Based on Cell Heuristics Parallel Wireless, Nashua,...
5G may affect some ‘low-visibility’ flights in winter at Manchester airport
The Union-Leader reports on a message from the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport that certain instrument approaches to the airport may be affected by a 5G transmitter in Massachusetts. “The situation as it stands right now is that our low visibility approaches to...
Science Cafe asks a very meta question: Why should we follow science?
Science Cafe New Hampshire has taken advantage of going virtual to really expand their list of panelists. (No need to limit yourself any more to people who will drive to Concord or Nashua on a snowy night for free) The session tomorrow (Wed., Jan. 19) will ponder why...
Winter ticks kill moose; fungi may control winter ticks
Good story in Northern Woodlands about a promising control of the ticks killing moose. The article is here. Details: Cheryl Sullivan, an entomologist with the Entomology Research Laboratory at University of Vermont, is spearheading a project investigating...
Do I really save energy by turning the thermostat down at night?
Far too often, a detailed analysis of any question produces the highly unsatisfying answer of “it depends.” So I’m delighted to say that today’s column comes down 100% on one side of this question: Do you really save energy by turning the thermostat down at night in...
Vermont’s food-composting mandate is going pretty well, all things considered
California has just passed a law requiring homes to compost food scraps starting next year. This made me wonder how Vermont's ground-breaking compost law is doing. Fortunately, Vermont Public Radio just did a very thorough look at it. The too-long-didn't-read version...
First deliberate burn at Bartlett Experimental Forest
From US Dept. Agriculture: To break new ground in research on management of New England’s northern hardwood forests, an experimental forest on the White Mountain National Forest had to start by burning new ground. Following the first-ever use of prescribed fire on the...
Internet speeds have gotten much better this year, says firm
A company that makes an Internet speed-testing tool says net speeds have increased in every state but one (take a bow, West Virginia) during the pandemic. New Hampshire's was up by one-quarter, Massachusetts by one-third, Maine's by more than half. Not sure what's...
“As electric rates rise, gas-fired power emerges as both scapegoat and savior”
As well as having an awesome byline, Portland Press-Herald's Tux Turkel has more experience covering energy in northern New England than any reporter around - and it shows in this excellent article about the complexities of natural gas in our electrical system. I...
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