The world needs clean water, and increasingly, we're pulling it from the oceans, desalinating it, and drinking it. But what to do with the salty brine left behind? One researcher says we should unleash metal-munching bacteria to help harvest the remaining minerals.

Ten years ago then-mayor of Dallas Laura Miller helped halt the construction of 11 coal-fired power plants in Texas. So why is she now pushing to build a new coal-fired plant? The difference is the plant itself, which is being heralded as the cleanest coal-fired power plant in the world and a model for the future of coal power.

Chevron Corp. is considering using solar energy to produce the steam needed to coax heavy crude from an oilfield straddling Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, since standard oil recovery had pulled up only about 5 percent of the oil, leaving most of it underground.

The South Texas Section of the AIChE, in partnership with AIChE HQ, is hosting its 4th Regional Process Technology Conference at the South Shore Harbour Resort and Conference Center, on the shores of Clear Lake in League City, Texas, October 4 & 5, 2012.

Recently, increasing numbers of graduating chemical engineers seem to be forgoing traditional career paths for more lucrative positions in consulting of investment banking, but this move doesn't have to mean leaving chemical engineering entirely. Some young professionals are finding alternatives that keep them involved in the field and fulfilled as engineers.

How do we, as chemical engineers, inspire the next generation that will follow in our footsteps? Tulsa has two great examples: the High School Chem-E-Car competition and the Chemical Switch competition.

UPDATE: Proposal Deadline Has Been Extended Until August 1, 2012. AIChE is soliciting proposals from qualified chemical engineering experts to develop an eLearning course for practicing chemical engineers who are preparing for the US Chemical PE Exam administered by the NCEES (National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying).

This month we recognize Anthony S. Tantuccio as YP of the month. Learn about his career at Bristol Myers Squibb, get his take on career building through networking, and see his sense of humor in action in a New York City snapshot.

The good news is that, yes, fracking can be made safe and clean, according to a new analysis by the International Energy Agency (IEA). But the down side is that it probably will take tougher regulations to make all producers to apply the latest technologies.

Speaking at AIChE's Mid-Michigan Section's Spring Banquet, Rich Wells of Dow urged engineers to get involved in the political process. He said that engineers, being innovative, analytical, and long-term thinkers, can help positively influence politicians whose decision-making may too often be influenced by perceptions rather than by expert knowledge.

The Dow Solutionists in School program was created to spark innovation in students. Check out what Dow is doing to fuel interest in chemistry and the sciences.

Startup Boulder Ionics says it has the solution to high-efficiency and cost-effective battery electrolytes that could reduce a car's starter battery to the size of a flashlight battery.