Can solar power really solve the issue of fossil fuels? Are solar cells economically efficient? And how do they build those solar panels anyway? New Cornell research strives to transform solar technology, using newer, cheaper materials to generate renewable energy.

What’s causing all these natural disasters? Are the devastating earthquakes in Chile and in Haiti related? Is global warming a suspect? And how are humans effecting global plate tectonics? Prof. Richard Allmendinger, earth and atmospheric sciences, uses his research in northern Chile to dissect this recent trend of devastating earthquakes.

Is Dr. Spencer Wells as cool as he seems in the National Geographic films? And on the Colbert Report? Why exactly is he so famous? How is his genetic research changing the way we look at humanity? And how closely related are we? Dr. Wells’ research re-traces the steps of mankind, describing how our single common ancestor and his descendents ventured across the globe.

Pick-up the Wednesday, March 10th edition of The Cornell Daily Sun, and check-out your science section to answer these and other questions.

Plus, the science section profiles Prof. Matthew DeLisa in this week’s profile of The Scientist. Using protein engineering, DeLisa creates unique cellular machinery that enhances the ordinary activity of common microorganisms.