VIRGINIA / U.Va. Physicists Present Hydrogen-Storage Work

Physicists from the University of Virginia who have discovered a way to make the storage and transportation of energy more efficient and affordable presented their findings at the Omni Hotel in Richmond last night.

Bellave S. Shivaram and Adam B. Phillips, who invented a new class of hydrogen-storage materials, say the materials absorb hydrogen at up to 14 percent by weight at room temperature, about twice what materials today absorb.

The inventors believe the materials, which would make for higher- performing hydrogen fuel cells, will translate to the marketplace and are working with the U.Va. Patent Foundation to patent their discovery, the university said in a statement. Their research was supported by the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Energy.

Shivaram and Phillips are presenting their work at the International Symposium on Materials Issues in a Hydrogen Economy.

Estes Express Lines to have 50-state coverage

Estes Express Lines announced yesterday that it will expand its direct coverage area on March 8 to include all 50 states. It will open terminals in North and South Dakota, Nebraska, Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin.

“This move to provide direct coverage to the few remaining states in the U.S. is a logical next step,” said Rob Estes, the Richmond- based company’s president and CEO.

The freight carrier acquired Los Angeles-based G.I. Trucking in 2005. The deal added 13 states to Estes’ coverage area, from Texas to California, and gave the company a coast-to-coast reach.

THE NATION

Airlines offer advice as holiday traffic may rise

WASHINGTON – The airline industry is urging Thanksgiving travelers to get to the airport extra early this year, and to expect longer-than-usual lines at security checkpoints, due to an anticipated 4 percent jump in passenger traffic.

Domestic carriers are expected to fly roughly 27 million passengers worldwide over 12 days beginning Nov. 16, with planes about 90 percent full, the Air Transport Association said yesterday.

The anticipated uptick in demand comes as the industry struggles through a year of record-low punctuality.

Tyson announces plan to expand abroad

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Tyson Foods Inc., the world’s largest meat company, announced yesterday it plans to expand its foreign business.

The news came as the company reported a return to profit for its fourth quarter but forecast earnings for this year below what analysts were expecting.

The company cited cost-cutting for the improved performance in the July-September period but said cost pressures will rise this fiscal year.

MEMO: EXCERPTED FROM BUSINESS BRIEFS

Originally published by Staff and Wire Reports.

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