School Notes: School of Engineering & Applied Science
January/February 2009

Benefits of using compact fluorescents may depend on where you live

Incandescent light bulbs across the country are being replaced by energy-efficient compact fluorescent lighting (CFL), a positive step in the fight against global climate change. But, is the switch truly a boost for the environment? Yale researchers say the answer may depend on where you live. While widespread use of CFLs dramatically reduces energy consumption, a trade-off may come in the form of an increase in mercury emissions. Researchers Matthew J. Eckelman, Paul T. Anastas, and Julie B. Zimmerman looked at 50 states and 130 countries to determine the impact of CFLs on total mercury emissions in those areas. The study found that regions relying heavily on coal-fired power plants, the primary source of atmospheric mercury pollution, have the most to gain from CFL use, seeing reductions in both energy demand and mercury emissions. Those regions not reliant on coal-fired power, however, could actually see increased mercury emissions with the switch to CFLs. This is no simple assessment; the results depend on myriad factors, including the amount of coal-fired power generation, chemical makeup of the coal, and existing recycling programs for CFLs. The bottom line? "All sustainability issues are local," says Zimmerman, assistant professor of chemical engineering. "We need to ask if we should be making decisions on a national level, or if this is something better left to local governments." The study was published in the October 1 issue of Environmental Science & Technology.

Nanowire sensors for disease diagnosis

The labs of Mark Reed, professor of electrical engineering, and Tarek Fahmy, assistant professor of biomedical engineering, have teamed up to develop cutting-edge diagnostic technology that could be used to accurately diagnose disease, from a strain of flu to cancer, within minutes in a clinical setting. The novel technology combines nanowire sensors with simple microprocessor electronics. "We simply took direction from Mother Nature and used the exquisitely sensitive and flexible detection of the immune system as the detector, and a basic physiological response of immune cells as the reporter," said biomedical engineering postdoctoral fellow and lead author, Eric Stern. The researchers recognize huge potential in areas where healthcare facilities lack diagnostic resources and misdiagnosis is a real concern. The research was published in the October issue of Nano Letters.

Professor honored for engineering achievements

The American Institute of Chemical Engineers has granted the 2008 Lawrence K. Cecil Award in Environmental Chemical Engineering to Menachem Elimelech, the Roberto Goizueta Professor of Environmental and Chemical Engineering. This prestigious award recognizes Elimelech for his "outstanding chemical engineering contribution and achievement in the preservation or improvement of the environment." Elimelech focuses on problems involving physicochemical and biophysical processes in engineered and natural environmental systems. He founded Yale's environmental engineering program in 1998 and continues to serve as its director.