The U.S. Department of Energy has granted $5 million to seven universities across the country to use towards new research into methane hydrates, which holds promise as a prominent energy source.  Methane hydrate are ice-like structures that when melted release natural gas.  College of the Environment oceanography professor Evan Solomon will lead a team of researchers that will look into how changes in ocean temperatures might lead to a natural release these trapped gasses.  Read more and watch Evan Solomon describe his work on video on King5. You can also read the press release from the Department of Energy on this research and the other institutions involved.