Blog Assignment #2- Happy News

Wax and Soap Clean Up Obstacles to Improve Batteries

On August 13^th scientists discovered that soap and wax can actually build up electrodes in cheaper lithium ion batteries. According to Daiwon Choi “Paraffin provides a medium in which to grow good electrode materials”. Because consumers use lithium batteries for everything from cell phones to portable devices for music, scientists are trying to find cheaper metal oxides for these batteries.

 The electrons in the lithium batteries charge and stick to the metal casing thus making them rechargeable, when the electrons  that aren’t stuck to the casing are all used the electrons stuck to the casing are released and the uncharged ones are then stuck to the casing where they can be recharged.The casing for the batteries are made out of cobalt and nickel, while these work for the batteries, they are very expensive which leaves the scientists to want to make a more affordable casing. Also by replacing oxide with phosphate, the batteries will be able to hold longer charges

                Haitian Children Use Soccer to Move On

                                July 27^th, 2010 The Galaxy and The Tony Sanneh Foundation brought a young boy named Josue Alexi and 14 of his teammates to a soccer field in suburban Minneapolis  to practice for the largest youth soccer tournament in the country. Josue had been beaten almost his entire life, from poverty, hunger and the recent earthquake. But when Josue reached Minneapolis, he found a chance to smile. After winning a victory for the Schawn’s USA Cup the Haitians were just one step below the elite level. All 15 boys, who are under the age of 15, danced and sang songs as gold metals were hung around their necks. For the first time in their lives, they were winners.

                As they made their way back home, families from all over opened their homes and swimming pools to the young champions. “It’s only been four days and we’re already crying tear that they have to leave so soon,” said Karen Anderson, one of the mothers who opened her home. Even though none of the boys spoke any English, their smiles were enough. They were happy and they wanted the whole world to know.