MIT Makes ‘Astonishing’ Discovery That Light Can Vaporize Water Without Heat–for Clean Energy and Desalination
MIT Makes 'Astonishing' Discovery That Light Can Vaporize Water Without Heat–for Clean Energy and Desalination Good News Network
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Major Discovery in Evaporation Sheds Light on Sustainable Development Goals
Introduction
In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers at MIT have made significant progress in understanding the process of evaporation. This discovery has the potential to improve climate modeling and find applications in various industries. This report will discuss the findings of the study and its implications for sustainable development.
The Study
The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, revealed that evaporation can occur solely through light, without the need for heat. This unexpected and surprising discovery was subjected to rigorous testing to validate its authenticity. The researchers conducted 14 different tests and measurements to confirm their observations.
One consistent finding was that the air temperature above the area where water molecules were turning into gases would briefly cool down before stabilizing. This finding definitively proved that thermal energy is not necessary for evaporation to occur.
Implications for Sustainable Development Goals
The discovery of light-induced evaporation has significant implications for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By improving climate modeling, scientists can better understand the effects of clouds on climate, which is crucial for achieving SDG 13: Climate Action. Clouds are one of the most uncertain aspects of climate models, and this discovery can contribute to more accurate predictions and informed decision-making.
Furthermore, the photomolecular effect discovered in this study can have various applications in industries. By harnessing this effect, companies can optimize processes such as drying paper in paper mills or evaporating maple syrup. These applications align with SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, as they promote technological advancements and sustainable industrial practices.
Additional Findings
The study also revealed fascinating details about the photomolecular effect. The researchers found that photoevaporation is strongest when light arrives at a 45° angle and when the light is in the green spectrum. This observation is intriguing because water is most transparent to green light. The researchers hypothesize that light particles, when arriving at a sufficient angle and force, can dislodge single water molecules.
Moreover, the study addressed the long-standing mystery of clouds absorbing more sunlight than predicted by conventional physics. The researchers believe that the photomolecular effect could explain this phenomenon. Understanding cloud absorption is essential for SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, as it can contribute to the development of more efficient solar energy technologies.
Conclusion
The discovery of light-induced evaporation through the photomolecular effect has opened new avenues for scientific research and industrial applications. This breakthrough has implications for climate modeling, industrial processes, and renewable energy technologies. By aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals, this discovery contributes to global efforts towards a sustainable and resilient future.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 13: Climate Action
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
- SDG 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries, in particular developing countries.
- SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator for SDG 7.2: Proportion of total final energy consumption derived from renewable sources.
- Indicator for SDG 9.5: Research and development expenditure as a proportion of GDP.
- Indicator for SDG 13.2: Number of countries that have communicated the establishment or operationalization of an integrated policy/strategy/plan which increases their ability to adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change.
4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. | Proportion of total final energy consumption derived from renewable sources. |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries, in particular developing countries. | Research and development expenditure as a proportion of GDP. |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning. | Number of countries that have communicated the establishment or operationalization of an integrated policy/strategy/plan which increases their ability to adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change. |
The article discusses a major discovery related to evaporation, which has implications for various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The issues highlighted in the article are connected to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
Based on the content of the article, specific targets under these SDGs can be identified. For SDG 7, the target is to increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. For SDG 9, the target is to enhance scientific research and upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors. And for SDG 13, the target is to integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
The article mentions or implies indicators that can be used to measure progress towards these targets. For SDG 7.2, the indicator is the proportion of total final energy consumption derived from renewable sources. For SDG 9.5, the indicator is research and development expenditure as a proportion of GDP. And for SDG 13.2, the indicator is the number of countries that have communicated the establishment or operationalization of an integrated policy/strategy/plan to adapt to climate change impacts.
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Fuente: goodnewsnetwork.org
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