Sci/tech tidbits in and around New Hampshire

Why did 11,650 amphibians cross the road? To get to the other side safely!
Turtles aren’t the only species endangered by cars when spring arrives , as noted in this earlier post. Frogs and salamanders face automotive peril, as well. For years, the Harris Center for Conservation Education in Hancock has run Salamander Crossing Bridges, in...

You’re tough but are you as tough as a turtle? (Answer: no)
Next time you have to sit through some guy’s boring litany about how tough he is, here’s a good way to end the blather: “Dude, you think you’re resilient, but you’re no turtle.” “We have some turtles that come in just totally obliterated-looking. People tell us, ‘No...
NH patents through June 1
(Links to each patent can be found here, using the patent number or inventor’s name.) By Targeted News Service WASHINGTON – The following federal patents were assigned in New Hampshire through June 1. *** System and Method for Automation of Surgical Pathology...

Some news about donkey skin secretions you’ll want to know (honest): They naturally repel deer ticks
From UMass-Amherst: University of Massachusetts Amherst researchers have made a promising discovery that could lead to the development of a natural and effective tick repellent. They have shown that a naturally occurring compound secreted by the skin of donkeys...
Despite GPS, it’s useful to know how to use a map and compass
If you want to learn how to find your way in the outdoors using a map and compass, your opportunity is here. The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department's Owl Brook Hunter Education Center will hold an introductory Map and Compass Navigation Workshop on Saturday, June...
Take advantage of living on the edge of the grid
The nation’s power grid is a massive beast — by some definitions, it’s the biggest thing ever built by humans. But these days, its most interesting changes are happening as close as your garage. “It’s why I joined Eversource a year-and-a-half ago, because I was so...
NH patents through May 25
(Links to each patent can be found here, using the patent number or inventor’s name.) By Targeted News Service WASHINGTON – The following federal patents were assigned in New Hampshire through May 25. *** Medical Treatment System and Methods Using a Plurality of Fluid...
Does contaminated soil = contaminated syrup?
If maple trees are growing in contaminated soil do they have contaminated sap? And if so, what happens to that contamination when the sap is boiled into syrup? That is a question I hadn't thought of - but a Dartmouth Ph.D. student has, and is looking for the answer....
“Small modular” nuke plants get some love in NH
There's a segment of the New Hampshire legislature that loves the idea of "small modular" nuclear reactions - the dream of techbros who love silver bullet solutions to big problems as long as they're technically cutting edge and don't involve nasty things like social...

Forecast: Rooftop solar will continue growing in NH but large-scale solar, not so much
ISO-New England's forecast for future photovoltaic power in New England shows, not surprisingly, that New Hampshire will continue to be a laggard in large (over 1 MW) solar farms but rooftop solar, created by individual action rather than our always-feeble group...