Fora.tv has set out to be a YouTube supplement, but with a (much needed) filter. Fora.tv focuses on online media, mainly video, based on intellectually stimulating speeches, conversations, and debates, as well as covering current events in politics and business.<br /> <br /> Although most, if not all, of ... More >>

Fora.tv has set out to be a YouTube supplement, but with a (much needed) filter. Fora.tv focuses on online media, mainly video, based on intellectually stimulating speeches, conversations, and debates, as well as covering current events in politics and business.<br /> <br /> Although most, if not all, of the content that Fora.tv offers is on YouTube, Fora.tv is aiming to target a select niche of consumers that are notoriously hard to reach through advertising. By being able to target the intellectual, curious student, politician, or businessman specifically – Fora.tv is creating an advertising environment that is in high demand. <br /> Fora.tv is well guided and rapidly expanding – they have international connections that use their platform and stream data to them, providing current news updates and important events worldwide. They have a high focus on both the user experience, and the actual content they deliver to the user. So far, their combination of content and interface has proven highly successful.<br /> <br /> What about competition from YouTube? Not a factor, surprisingly. In fact, in a recent interview, Fora.tv CEO Brian Gruber highlights that YouTube is actually one of their biggest partners, with whom they have an independent channel receiving nearly 3 million views per day. It's a complex linkage where the user can find a specific clip on YouTube, then be redirected back to Fora.tv to get the entire story and other supplemental materials.<br /> <br /> Essentially, Fora.tv aims to be a highly efficient filter of content, delivering specific material to those who are looking for it without having to wade through all of the "Monkey Picks His Nose In Zoo" and other nonsense videos plaguing YouTube. Fora.tv has done an admirable job both making content available quickly and easily through their interactive and highly user-friendly interface, as well as actually pursuing new content globally to provide a comprehensive media experience for the specific user they are targeting. <br /> << Less

4Info is a text-messaging based service that provides user-requested information on the go. From weather to stock quotes, users of the free service can text certain commands to the number "4info" (or 44636), such as a stock ticker symbol, or a zip code for weather or movie showings. The service is free for us... More >>

4Info is a text-messaging based service that provides user-requested information on the go. From weather to stock quotes, users of the free service can text certain commands to the number "4info" (or 44636), such as a stock ticker symbol, or a zip code for weather or movie showings. The service is free for users, so 4info subsists by advertising revenues from businesses. Simply, the users text the service for whatever information they desire, and are returned their information, plus an ad for anything ranging from a new Chevy truck or 1-800-DENTIST hotline. <br /> <br /> While the text-message revolution certainly took its grip on consumers, I feel this is relatively ineffective advertising. The service has potential to target certain market niches, but it still seems like a blanket approach that will be widely ignored. If a person texts the service for movie showings, the advertisements returned could be tailored to electronic entertainment or other similar industries. Yet, this doesn't address the fact that most SMS advertising tends to be ignored.<br /> <br /> Another issue that 4info faces is the ease at which information can be gathered, even in mobile applications. With the prevalence of new technology and devices such as the iPhone and BlackBerry, capable of surfing the internet wherever you may get cell-phone service, why text 4info and wait several minutes for a small text-based reply when you can jump online and get anything you could possibly need with amazing detail on the internet? In fact, text messaging seems to be a wave of the past, being phased out by instant messaging applications on web-based mobile phones based on networking platforms.<br /> <br /> In essence, I feel that 4info is targeting an advertising mechanism that will have an unreceptive, and steadily declining audience base. I think they have to look to tailor their services to adapt to newer technologies – at the moment there is too much competition and more effective advertising than SMS-based services like 4info, coupled with newer approaches to mobile communications. <br /> << Less

To preface, I'm one of the very few of us left who doesn't have an iPhone. Yet, I can fully appreciate what this small company is doing for iPhone applications. iPhone apps are programs capable of utilizing the amazing bundle of technological whimsy locked up inside the iPhone. These small chunks of software are writte... More >>

To preface, I'm one of the very few of us left who doesn't have an iPhone. Yet, I can fully appreciate what this small company is doing for iPhone applications. iPhone apps are programs capable of utilizing the amazing bundle of technological whimsy locked up inside the iPhone. These small chunks of software are written by outside sources, and this independent development of these applications lends them massive variety, from eBay auctioneer programs to a new age fart machine. <br /> <br /> Far outside the realm of practicality lies Smule, an iPhone app-churning company composed of band geeks turned software engineers. They've merged the worlds of music and computers with an audio programming language developed by the co-founders of Smule called "ChucK" which is used for real-time synthesis, composition, performance, and analysis of electronic audio. <br /> The company has developed several applications for the iPhone, including their hugely popular Ocarina and Sonic Lighter applications. <br /> <br /> Ocarina is an application that utilizes the iPhone's built in mic to actually receive air blown by the user and translate it into musical notes that are guided by the user's fingers across the screen of the iPhone. The cool part here is that the notes aren't pre-recorded or pre-compiled. They are generated real-time and respond to small changes and nuances in the airflow of the user. Cool. Just check it out and you\'ll be hooked: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhCJq7EAJJA<br /> <br /> And that's not all – Smule has taken advantage of the iPhone's networking capabilities to add to the app – for those of you who can't play an ocarina, you can use the app's global mapping feature that shows the location of every single iPhone worldwide that is using the Ocarina app. You can click on any glowing green dot signifying an up-and-coming ocarina player and listen to what they are playing, again in real-time. Smule has completely taken advantage of all of Apple's hard work into the iPhone's true capabilities, and are setting themselves miles ahead of the competition. <br /> <br /> The Sonic Lighter application also is based off of the iPhone networking capability – simply being a virtual lighter (which can actually light other Sonic-Lighter equipped iPhones that are in close proximity!) for no real practical purpose (Yes, watch this one too: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XUw6Hy4Tzk). Similarly to Ocarina, you can see each and every iPhone that is currently lit up on the global mapping feature. <br /> <br /> Why, you ask? Well, firstly the technology is fascinating. Smule dubs it the Sonic Modem, which is a technology developed where two or more devices communicate with each other with nothing other than sonic tones – no cables, no Bluetooth, no infrared. Networking via audio? Cool. Herein lies some of Smule's huge potential. They are making this sonic modem technology available to other developers. <br /> <br /> Secondly, this utilization of the iPhone's networking abilities is just downright genius. Smule gave us some small insight into what could actually be done with the technology in the last presidential election. The Sonic Lighter app gave real-time polling results for those equipped users for the two lead presidential candidates. To begin with, you chose a political party, lit up your sonic lighter, and could then see how everyone else was voting based on the color of the flame (or would vote if they were American – for the technology spans worldwide). <br /> <br /> In fact, many rumors suggest that all of Smule's feats of ingenuity in these iPhone apps are merely testing grounds or "proof-of-concepts" that will be leveraged into hugely innovative (and actually useful) programming for the iPhone platform and beyond. Not only are they, and will continue to be, massively successful in the iPhone app market, but they are developing technologies that can be used for countless practical purposes – leaving their possibilities nearly endless. But for now, their portfolio also includes applications such as Sonic Vox, a real-time voice editing application and Zephyr, a novelty messaging app. I expect huge things from Smule in the future – keep your eyes open.<br /> << Less

One of the biggest hurdles in medical innovation is biocompatibility – that is, the body accepting a foreign device or substance. Complications arise in treatments from a lack of biocompatibility quite often – whether it's searching out the right blood type, or treating a body accepting an organ transplant. <br />... More >>

One of the biggest hurdles in medical innovation is biocompatibility – that is, the body accepting a foreign device or substance. Complications arise in treatments from a lack of biocompatibility quite often – whether it's searching out the right blood type, or treating a body accepting an organ transplant. <br /> <br /> AorTech has formed a division branched off of a new technology they deem Elast-Eon, which is a breakthrough biocompatible polymer. Many prosthetics and implants have, in the past (and still currently), been based either on polyurethanes or silicone rubbers. While each has been used successfully, they both have their limitations. Polyurethanes have desirable mechanical properties and are easily processed, but certain grades of polyurethane have poor stability in biological settings over the long term. As for silicone rubbers, the problem is essentially the opposite. Silicone has high biological stability, but at the lack of mechanical performance and processing options. <br /> <br /> To combine the positive aspects of both of these materials, AorTech has taken technology initially developed by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization and commercialized it for use in biomedical applications. This Elast-Eon polymer that AorTech has developed is a highly biostable copolymer of silicone macrodiols and polyurethanes. The merging of these two materials (although a majority of Elast-Eon is silicone based) has proven to combine high biocompatibility with a wide range of mechanical properties and processing options. They also have developed a solution form of their Elast-Eon technology that can be used as a thin coating.<br /> <br /> AorTech has already introduced this product in several applications, including Avalon Laboratories "Avalon Elite" catheters made solely from Elast-Eon. Avalon Labs recently received FDA approval for these products – a huge leap forward for AorTech. With a demand for medical advances, including high performing prosthetics and stable implants for all applications (ranging anywhere from breast implants to spinal disks) on the rise, AorTech's product has the potential to take off in any number of applications and fields. I believe both the technology is sound and proven, and has the capability to be implemented by many biomedical companies in the future. Polymers play a huge role in the medical field, especially recently with new and emerging technologies, and with that in mind – AorTech seems poised for success. While I may be slightly biased because polymer science fascinates me, I feel AorTech's technology will be a key component in many prosthetics and implants in the future, and can endorse them confidently.<br /> << Less

Recent global warming awareness has led to many suggestions for remedies from all angles, from reducing emissions at their sources, to sequestering and removing existing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Climos is grasping for success in the latter method. They are pursuing OIF (ocean iron fertilization) technology t... More >>

Recent global warming awareness has led to many suggestions for remedies from all angles, from reducing emissions at their sources, to sequestering and removing existing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Climos is grasping for success in the latter method. They are pursuing OIF (ocean iron fertilization) technology to promote naturally occurring phytoplankton growth in oceans to sequester carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. With a long-term outlook in mind, Climos hopes to remove large amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and in turn, receive emission credits which they can then sell. <br /> <br /> Climos is not sitting on much more than a novel idea. There are many obstacles in their way. Firstly, and most immediately, the London Convention, which controls pollution of international waters, has deemed OIF technology legal for use only on the "legitimate scientific research" scale, prohibiting any commercial interests that would be looking to sell carbon credits. Although Climos CEO Dan Whaley has argued the ethics and interests of his company, the outlook appears to be bleak. Nonetheless, Climos is still attempting to navigate all the treaties and permits necessary to begin larger scale operations.<br /> <br /> Secondly, and most likely the basis for these legal measures, the safety and effectiveness of the technology has not been entirely proven. While the biological processes of these plankton are well-understood and the process holds theoretical value, no research has been able to suggest long-term effects of large-scale dumping of iron particulates (and the subsequent blooming of mass amounts of plankton) into the oceans.<br /> <br /> The process is relatively simple. Throw a bunch of fine particles of iron into an iron-deficient ocean zone and plankton who require iron as an essential nutrient will thrive. Another natural process of these plankton involves the intake of carbon dioxide to form their carbonate skeletons – upon death of these microorganisms, these carbon-based shells sink below the surface, isolating the carbon dioxide they removed from the atmosphere for long periods of time. That's the basic theory behind OIF, but what is not known and will need to be determined from further research is just how much carbon dioxide is removed by which species of plankton, how the overabundance of plankton will effect entire ocean ecosystems, and whether the mass input of iron will have adverse effects on other marine life. Needless to say, there's a lot of unknowns involved.<br /> <br /> I think the overall concept is a decent idea ONLY if it does prove to be safe and effective (which is still under debate) – but the question remains whether Climos can jump the hurdles of international legislation regulating marine environments and water pollution to even begin long-term and larger-scale research projects that will help solve these debates. In fact, another OIF start-up, Planktos, postponed indefinitely its iron fertilization projects due to a lack of support and funding, and an abundance of legal obstacles. Right now, the general environment is not looking positive for Climos either, as the London Convention has essentially deemed their business plan to sell carbon credits illegal. I think Climos has many problems ahead of it before it can even be remotely successful. I can't honestly put my support in this company – too many risks and obstacles, not enough proven fact.<br /> << Less

I'm sorry, but I'm putting in a vote for a name change. Yet moving on, taking off my skeptic hat and donning my often-worn, environmentally sensitive hippy hat, I think BabyGanics is producing admirable products. BabyGanics manufactures organic plant-based, non-toxic, eco-friendly cleaning solutions for all application... More >>

I'm sorry, but I'm putting in a vote for a name change. Yet moving on, taking off my skeptic hat and donning my often-worn, environmentally sensitive hippy hat, I think BabyGanics is producing admirable products. BabyGanics manufactures organic plant-based, non-toxic, eco-friendly cleaning solutions for all applications. Maybe I'm a sucker for all things organic, but this is truly a trend that people should (and will, I believe) get on board with in the upcoming years. <br /> <br /> The benefits, you ask? Firstly, BabyGanics heavily promotes the safety factor of their products. Being solely comprised of plant-based compounds, containing no toxins, fillers, dyes, harsh chemicals, pollutants, or VOC's (volatile organic compounds), you can practically drink the stuff. But, in a more realistic situation, BabyGanics (as the name implies) is the perfect household cleaning solution for homes where small children and pets could be susceptible to ingesting toxic chemicals. <br /> <br /> While adults are much more equipped to rid their bodies of harsh chemicals, what can cause minor irritation for us can result in fatality for a small child. We are exposed to chemicals on a daily basis that are known carcinogens, and much less is regulated than we actually think. Just in the household cleaner market, only an average of about 1% of known toxic materials in the solutions are required to be printed on the labels. Couple that with studies from the National Research Council that suggest no toxic information is available for more than 80% of the substances found in everyday cleaning products and you have yourself a disconcerting situation. A majority of chemicals and potentially harmful substances are not listed due to loopholes in legislation surrounding "trade secrets" and withheld formulas. And, there is an equal amount of chemicals currently in widespread use that have undetermined long-term effects. A small, but frightening example – the aluminum oxides in deodorant are showing connections to the onset of Alzheimer's disease. How comforting – thanks FDA! <br /> <br /> Furthermore, the more we can prevent toxic, synthetic materials from being leeched into our groundwater and environment, the better. Whether we are directly spraying toxic chemicals on our countertops, or drinking the chemicals that have seeped into the groundwater – it's all going to the same place eventually. <br /> To squelch the first major argument, cost is not necessarily an issue here. Most people have the preconception that organic, environmentally sound products are more expensive than their regular, synthetic counterparts. Not always true. Sure, organic milk is a counter example at an absurd $6-7 a gallon, but this is not the case of cleaning supplies. Actually, a 32oz spray bottle of BabyGanics all-purpose household cleaning solution is under $5, where a common synthetic competitor, 32 oz Formula409 bottle costs upwards of $7. <br /> <br /> As far as cleaning performance, I have come across no major complaints as to the utility of BabyGanics products. I have read nothing but positive reviews on everything from their household cleaning spray to their tub and tile cleaner and laundry detergent.<br /> <br /> Whether or not you are a Grape-Nut crunching, tree-hugging, organic supporter like myself – these products are just an all-around good idea. I think that with the increase in environmental awareness, not just for the safety of ourselves and our children, but for the long-term sustainability of the environment for generations to come and the animals that inhabit it, these plant-based products will start to be more widely used. I fully support BabyGanics endeavors and feel that they will experience nothing but success in the future as more and more consumers shift towards healthy, eco-sensitive choices around the home and in their daily lives. <br /> << Less

I'm not a major supporter of electric transportation, or hybrid transportation for the average consumer and daily driving. It's another one of those situations that look good on paper, but upon further inspection, has inherent flaws. The biggest issue here is that many people don't realize electricity is derived (in a ... More >>

I'm not a major supporter of electric transportation, or hybrid transportation for the average consumer and daily driving. It's another one of those situations that look good on paper, but upon further inspection, has inherent flaws. The biggest issue here is that many people don't realize electricity is derived (in a majority of cases) from burning fossil fuels, and hence, producing emissions. While the electric or hybrid cars themselves might drastically reduce actual emissions from the vehicle, the electricity they use to charge and run is indirectly producing emissions that come from the plant itself. <br /> <br /> But, there are some applications that I think have viable use for electric or hybrid systems. ISE Corporation is targeting the large bus and public transportation sector for the integration of their electric drive systems. I commend this for two reasons. Firstly, the general move to focus on mass transit versus individual consumer transportation, regardless of drive system, is supporting an eco-friendly approach to cut down on individual emissions. Secondly, large buses used for public transportation lend themselves to the electric/hybrid approach in a much more practical sense than individual automobiles. Large transportation buses are not plagued by the two main downfalls of electric or hybrid transportation. They don't need to be necessarily high performing, and their range-per-charge doesn't matter too much because they'll be used in small distances around cities (and, a fleet can be assembled and each subsequent charge per bus can be offset by deploying another bus) so the hindrances of having to charge the electric drive are mitigated.<br /> <br /> As I stated earlier, I do not believe that electric cars and trucks for individual drivers make much sense. But, in large public transportation applications, the hybrid system efficiencies, coupled with the nature of public transportation (taking many cars off the road) certainly holds promise and makes environmental sense. ISE Corporation is making the right move to apply their technologies to this particular niche in the electric transportation industry.<br /> <br /> ISE Corporation is also doing well by not putting all their efforts into one project. Not only do they manufacture and install gasoline-hybrid systems, but they also make diesel-hybrid systems, full electric drives for buses, trucks, and tram systems, as well as a few applications for new hydrogen internal combustion engines. They have an impressive track record of integrating their technologies into existing fleets such as New Jersey Transit, and a highly used tram system for the Anaheim Convention Center. Also, they have steady funding from many sources and are being commissioned to research and develop countless projects, from hybrid tanks and tractors for the U.S. Army's TACOM division, to developing hybrid drive systems for the U.S. Department of Transportation and the California Energy Commission. In fact, in California alone, over 30 ISE hybrid buses are in current and regular use in many municipalities, including Los Angeles, Gardena, Norwalk, Montebello, Fresno, San Bernardino, and Orange County.<br /> <br /> In short, I believe that ISE is targeting the certain market sectors that actually have potential to succeed with hybrid electric technology. I can't put my full support in electric-driven consumer automobiles, but for certain niche applications like military use and public transportation, I think ISE is on the right track. They have shown steady and applicable performance in many areas, and certainly appear to have a solid foundation upon which to build. I support ISE's endeavors and look forward to seeing more from them in the future.<br /> << Less

Coskata has my praise (a small shred of it) on only one issue: they are focusing on other materials to produce cellulosic ethanol rather than valuable food crops like corn. At very least they recognize the sheer stupidity of expending valuable food sources in an inherently inefficient process. But again, the mere fact... More >>

Coskata has my praise (a small shred of it) on only one issue: they are focusing on other materials to produce cellulosic ethanol rather than valuable food crops like corn. At very least they recognize the sheer stupidity of expending valuable food sources in an inherently inefficient process. But again, the mere fact they are even pursuing ethanol as a solution will, in due course, result in collapse. <br /> <br /> To clarify some information posted by other reviewers – Coskata's claim to produce 7.7 units of energy per 1 unit expended in ethanol production is very transparent. The metric they use to calculate this figure is called the GREET model developed by Michael Wang from Argonne National Laboratory. Although a noble effort, it has been notoriously misused in calculations precisely like this one. It only takes into account certain factors affected by fossil fuel use during the production of a fuel, in this case, cellulosic ethanol. Many other energy sources and expenditures during the production of ethanol should be taken into account (but are not included in the GREET model) when determining how much energy is required (lost or wasted, in this case) to produce ethanol. How convenient for Coskata.<br /> <br /> In some ways, Coskata's use of grass, woodchips, and other random agricultural waste is even more inefficient than using corn. The only benefit here, as I pointed out earlier, is they are only wasting their own time and resources, not depleting food stores. Oh, and GM's resources, since GM is a major supporter of Coskata. But seeing as top management at GM recently flew in individual private jets to the capital to demand billions and billions of dollars in a bailout unwilling to accept negotiations (that's some nerve, huh?), I can't put much weight in their resources, nor their support. Bye bye, Coskata funding.<br /> <br /> I'd like to highlight some flaws in Coskata's approach. Their plans for a plant suggest they could feasibly produce 40,000 gallons of ethanol per year – this translates to under 3 barrels of ethanol per day. Sounds almost as impressive as it actually is. They have announced that they will need $25 million to build this plant on a pre-existing site. <br /> <br /> Firstly, for comparison's sake, The Energy Information Administration suggests that corn-based ethanol production for an average U.S. plant runs a price tag of around $25,000 in capital costs per daily barrel. To put that in perspective before we even look at Coskata, big oil companies churn out barrels of oil at around $3000-4000 in capital costs per daily barrel. <br /> <br /> Now, crunching the numbers based on Coskata's necessary $25 million in capital investment to produce under 3 barrels per day of ethanol, we come to a figure of over $9 million per daily barrel. Doesn't sound all that hot, does it? It's not. <br /> To get a more in-depth look at Coskata's destined-for-failure approach, I invite you to visit the grouping of articles I found most insightful in deciphering just how ineffective Coskata will prove themselves to be (http://i-r-squared.blogspot.com/2008/08/coskata-dead-man-walking.html). Funny enough, the article is titled "Coskata: Dead Man Walking." Promising.<br /> <br /> To spare you the rest of my rant on ethanol, I'll leave with one remark: There are many other places to waste your money besides investing in Coskata. Burn your spare dollars for fuel, perhaps – I'm sure it would be more efficient.<br /> <br><span class=\"add_review\">On 12/30/2008, Jake added:</span><br> Another, more in-depth and helpful article - same Author:<br /> <br /> http://www.theoildrum.com/node/4454 << Less

Many people have abandoned, or at least lost respect for, the idea of the hydrogen economy, more specifically a hydrogen fuel cell being a main proponent in automobiles of the future. I was immensely intrigued when I stumbled upon this Austin, TX based start-up that was using hydrogen in the development of a supercar. ... More >>

Many people have abandoned, or at least lost respect for, the idea of the hydrogen economy, more specifically a hydrogen fuel cell being a main proponent in automobiles of the future. I was immensely intrigued when I stumbled upon this Austin, TX based start-up that was using hydrogen in the development of a supercar. The difference here is, they aren't messing around with fuel cells. And better yet, this car doesn't require hydrogen filling stations that don't exist.<br /> <br /> Ronn Motors is developing a car (or should I say, has developed: Ronn Motors already has several operating prototypes) that actually injects and combusts hydrogen internally in the engine along with regular gasoline. The fuel ratio in the car will run around 30-40% hydrogen, the rest being fossil fuel based. Ronn Motors suggests that HFI (hydrogen fuel injection) engines are typically twice as efficient as normal, full gasoline combustion engines. Also, since nearly half of the combustible fuel is hydrogen, there are insignificant amounts of polluting emissions. <br /> <br /> The true innovation here lies in the actual delivery of hydrogen fuel to the car. The Scorpion, as they have dubbed their first model, does not require hydrogen to be added to the vehicle, eliminating the need for virtually non-existent hydrogen filling stations. Rather, the car utilizes an on-board device that generates hydrogen instantly through electrolysis from a 1.5 gallon tank containing water. Did I mention the standard model generates 300bhp and gets 40mpg (with an option for a turbo-charged version that boasts over 450bhp, jumps to 60 miles per hour in under 4 seconds, and is capable of post-200mph speeds), with comparably nonexistent carbon dioxide emissions? Not bad for water. <br /> <br /> Yes, there is a price to pay. $150,000 to be exact. Or if you'd like the twin-turbocharged model, that would set you back $250,000. I'm quite weary of their potential success solely because of the price range these vehicles fall into, but the technology seems completely sound. It certainly could be applied to more Ronn Motors vehicles in the future, where they could experience success in the entry level market as well. At the moment, they want to target the exotic, supercar niche – but for long term stability that focus might have to change. They have orders for around 100-200 Scorpions to begin production in 2009, so at least someone is interested. Regardless, I think the "hydrogen-on-demand" technology they have introduced to the automobile has reasonable potential, whether this particular model succeeds or not. Keep an eye out for Ronn Motors in the future, whether on the roads or in your dreams.<br /> << Less

Regardless of whether you may or may not be a fanatical environmentalist, the fact that our nation and our global community as a whole will need alternative energy solutions in the future is irrefutable. There is a tangible limit on the amount of fossil fuels we can extract from the earth. <br /> Nuclear power, ... More >>

Regardless of whether you may or may not be a fanatical environmentalist, the fact that our nation and our global community as a whole will need alternative energy solutions in the future is irrefutable. There is a tangible limit on the amount of fossil fuels we can extract from the earth. <br /> Nuclear power, contrary to what some people believe, is certainly an attractive and viable option for fulfilling at least some of the world's energy requirements. As most critics of nuclear power have yet to realize, nearly 20% of the world's energy needs are currently met by nuclear power, with France leading the nuclear movement having nearly 80% of their electricity consumption fueled by nuclear plants. <br /> <br /> Nuclear power plants operate on the same principles as our tried-and-true coal fired plants. Both require the heating of water to drive turbines that generate electricity. The only difference is that instead of burning fossil fuel resources and generating pollution, nuclear plants provide heated water for the turbines via nuclear fission, which as a process emits a considerable amount of heat while having very little polluting environmental impacts. <br /> <br /> The biggest concerns of nuclear power as an energy source are no doubt the question of its safety and the disposal of the nuclear waste. Many are reminded of such accidents like Chernobyl and Three Mile Island and immediately disregard nuclear power as a solution. However, current advances in technology that outdate these tragic accidents coupled with further research will ultimately render nuclear power as a majority provider of our electricity in the future. So, the safety issue has been, and will continue to be addressed and improved, but what about the nuclear waste? That's where EnergySolutions comes into play. <br /> <br /> EnergySolutions has a decent background of experience in effectively and safely dealing with nuclear waste both through decontamination of problem sites, as well as developing recycling and processing techniques to deal with radioactive material. With nuclear power inevitably on the rise in the near future, the world will need more companies like EnergySolutions to pool resources and devise effective solutions for the recycling and disposal of unsafe material to mitigate the deficiencies of nuclear power.<br /> <br /> EnergySolutions has proven themselves effective with the clean-up of prior nuclear contamination sites, and their services will both be required to supplement future nuclear power, as well as continue to add to the safety of this alternative source of energy. I believe EnergySolutions, and other companies like it that are dedicated to making nuclear power an increasing trend, will ultimately prosper as the industry increases in popularity and acceptance.<br /> << Less