Energy

NPR

Oil prices are surging toward $100 a barrel. Here’s what to know : NPR

Oil prices are swinging dramatically, with recent peaks pushing close to a major milestone: $100 a barrel.

The possibility of Russia invading Ukraine is the driving force, but there's more at play than the risk of war. And complicating predictions further, the possibility of a deal with Iran is hovering in the background.

Here's what to know as crude prices hover within striking distance of the triple digits last seen in 2014.

Germany halts Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline after Russia sends troops into eastern Ukraine | NPR

Germany halts Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline after Russia sends troops into eastern Ukraine | NPR

Nord Stream 2: German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that the pipeline "cannot go online" with Russian troops in eastern Ukraine and that Germany is assessing other ways to secure its energy needs. The U.S. has said that Europe would be too dependent on Russia for its energy needs should the project come to fruition.

Researchers Develop Poison Bait to Control Feral Pigs | Field & Stream

Researchers Develop Poison Bait to Control Feral Pigs | Field & Stream

This is pretty cool science, building a safe pesticide for controlling feral pigs using sodium nitrates, the same thing used to cure bacon. Basically pigs are slightly more sensitive to sodium nitrate than humans, so they can be poisoned by it. But the sodium nitrates don't bioaccumulate. I do wonder though about the production of Nitroso compounds and if they could cause problems downstream. 

Solar (Sun) Intensity By Location and Time – Engaging Data

Solar (Sun) Intensity By Location and Time – Engaging Data

This visualization shows the amount of solar intensity (also called solar insolation and measured in watts per square meter) all across the globe as a function of time of day and day of year. This is an idealized calculation as it does not take into account reductions in solar intensity due to cloud cover or other things that might block the sun from reaching the earth (e.g dust and pollution).