Using Science to Determine Clean Water’s Social Impact
Written by admin on Aug 20th, 2009 | Filed under: Health
michaelrussell asked:
Science usually yields scientific results — statistics, formulas, analysis. But what happens when these results are tested in a different environment? What happens when scientists studying methods to improve the globe’s clean water supply put their findings in a social context? For one thing, new insights arise, demonstrating, with greater importance, that clean water is essential to health.
This doesn’t just cover physical health, either. It mean stronger social communities and schools, stronger government and health care. Clean water touched so many sides of society that not having it seems remarkable. When scientists use the latest technology and apply it to social settings, we see why.
Recently nanotechnology has emerged as the favorite for science’s efforts to clean the world’s water supply.Â
The single most important application of nanotechnology could be solving the global shortage of clean water – benefiting people in both industrialized and developing countries significantly.
A new podcast explores how Eric Hoek and his engineering research team at the University of California at Los Angeles, developed a new membrane using nanoparticles that promises to dramatically reduce the cost and energy needed to desalinate seawater and clean wastewater. In the near term, these membranes could work in municipal desalination plants in water-thirsty areas, such as those planned for the California coastline. In the future, this groundbreaking technology can be adapted to meet the clean water needs of poor countries and people who rely on low cost, decentralized water treatment systems.
Once these technologies are implemented, social groups high and low will enjoy an improved life. Culture and science go hand in hand not just because one makes the other better, but because they both thrive off of each other. They work like two neighbors building a fence — together, sharing resources, anything can be achieved. Through the advancements of science and the strength of social settings, clean water can be achieved — and in our lifetime.
Science usually yields scientific results — statistics, formulas, analysis. But what happens when these results are tested in a different environment? What happens when scientists studying methods to improve the globe’s clean water supply put their findings in a social context? For one thing, new insights arise, demonstrating, with greater importance, that clean water is essential to health.
This doesn’t just cover physical health, either. It mean stronger social communities and schools, stronger government and health care. Clean water touched so many sides of society that not having it seems remarkable. When scientists use the latest technology and apply it to social settings, we see why.
Recently nanotechnology has emerged as the favorite for science’s efforts to clean the world’s water supply.Â
The single most important application of nanotechnology could be solving the global shortage of clean water – benefiting people in both industrialized and developing countries significantly.
A new podcast explores how Eric Hoek and his engineering research team at the University of California at Los Angeles, developed a new membrane using nanoparticles that promises to dramatically reduce the cost and energy needed to desalinate seawater and clean wastewater. In the near term, these membranes could work in municipal desalination plants in water-thirsty areas, such as those planned for the California coastline. In the future, this groundbreaking technology can be adapted to meet the clean water needs of poor countries and people who rely on low cost, decentralized water treatment systems.
Once these technologies are implemented, social groups high and low will enjoy an improved life. Culture and science go hand in hand not just because one makes the other better, but because they both thrive off of each other. They work like two neighbors building a fence — together, sharing resources, anything can be achieved. Through the advancements of science and the strength of social settings, clean water can be achieved — and in our lifetime.
