Resources

Due to improved efficiency over the years, transistors now require much less silicon to make, and yet our global silicon consumption continues to increase

Environment

A new study from MIT has examined modern technology through the lens of a 150-year-old economic theory of efficiency and resource consumption – and in almost all cases, the benefits of reducing required resources is cancelled out by the increase in consumer demand for them.

Environment

Is working hard bad for the environment?

In a welcome sacrifice for the good of the planet, a UN International Resource Panel study found that saving the environment may require people work fewer hours in the future. A growing middle class has led to a rapid pace of raw material extraction around the globe.

Artists impression of an Arkyd-200 series interceptor passing a candidate asteroid for mining

Aircraft

Grand plans for asteroid mining unveiled by Planetary Resources

Planetary Resources, Inc. announces plans to remotely mine asteroids for water and precious metals.

Snap of Google Earth U.S. geothermal resource map based on SMU research

Environment

Research unveils extensive U.S. geothermal resources

New research reveals U.S. geothermal potential greater than previously thought

View northeast across the north rim of Cabeus crater (Image: NASA/GSFC/Arizona State University)

Science

Much more than water found on the moon

New data has revealed that the lunar soil within shadowy craters is rich in useful materials, and that the moon is chemically active and has a water cycle.

Can the Earth sustain 9 billion people? We'll find out in the next 50 years.

Environment

Four crucial resources that may run out in your lifetime

We're already stretching many of our natural resources to their limits, and the world's population will jump by around 2.5 billion over the next 50 years. Here are four resources heading for a catastrophic squeeze within our lifetime.