The lowest measured air temperature on earth is −89.2 °C (−129 F) on 23 July 1983, observed at Vostok Station in Antarctica, but new data published in Geophysical Research Letters this week, has found that some 100 different locations on the East Antarctic Plateau reached temperatures of -98° C (-144° F) during the Antarctic polar night between 2004–2016. [Full article]

G2O Water Technologies, a UK technology business, has managed to get its first commercial contract approved for the enhancement of water filtration membranes with graphene oxide. This  makes it the first commercially successful application of the recently developed material for water treatment. Allegedly, the advantages of using graphene oxide for water treatment lies in the enhancement of membrane performance, as it mitigates the effects of “fouling.” Fouling is apparently one of the contractbiggest challenges operators of membrane-based water filtration systems face. [Full article]

Pennsylvanians literally have been screwed figuratively by their state legislature and legislators regarding the totalitarian approach and mandate to retrofitting health-harming utility [electric, natural gas and water] AMI Smart Meters, specifically through committee procedural actions of soon-be-retired PA House Consumers Affairs Committee Chairman, Robert Godshall, whose son, Grey, works as a Project Manager [per LinkedIn] for Exelon/PECO, the utility company whose utility district is much of SE Pennsylvania and the City of Philadelphia. Any conflicts of interest going on there? [Full article]