Tapping into waste heat for electricity by nanostructuring thermoelectric materials
In our ongoing struggle to reduce the usage of fossil fuel, technology to directly convert the world's waste heat into electricity stands out as very promising. Thermoelectric materials, which carry out this energy conversion process, have, thus, rec.....»»
Light momentum turns pure silicon from an indirect to a direct bandgap semiconductor
UC Irvine-led research reveals that the optical properties of materials can be dramatically enhanced—not by changing the materials themselves, but by giving the light new properties......»»
Stellantis taking heat from dealers, UAW amid EV push
As Stellantis tries to build sales momentum in the U.S. and presses forward with its EV offensive, it's facing unrest among several constituencies that are monumentally important to its success......»»
Researchers identify novel endocytic recycling mechanism with "kiss-and-run" membrane fusion
Endocytosis and recycling control the uptake and retrieval of various materials in eukaryotic cells. Mammalian cells have developed several recycling routes, including the relatively extensively studied "fast" and "slow" tubulovesicular recycling pat.....»»
Forever chemicals persist through waste incineration, researcher finds
PFAS, often called "forever chemicals," present in municipal solid waste can survive the high temperatures of waste incineration and continue to spread into the environment via residues from waste-to-energy plants......»»
Schottky junction catalysts boost hydrogen production with non-precious metals in water electrolysis
Electricity-driven water electrolysis has garnered notable attention as an environmentally friendly method for hydrogen production, with high-purity hydrogen being crucial for addressing the energy crisis. Nonetheless, water electrolysis hydrogen evo.....»»
Cooler heads prevail: New research reveals best way to prevent dogs from overheating
As temperatures continue to soar across the country, a simple yet innovative technique could be the key to keeping dogs safe from heat-related illnesses......»»
Scientists track plastic waste in pristine Canada marine park
Old tires, discarded cups, and cigarette butts litter the magnificent Saguenay Fjord, a marine protected area in eastern Canada that attracts belugas and other whales seeking respite......»»
How plastic pollution poses challenge for Canada marine conservation
One of the largest producers of plastic waste per capita, Canada is struggling to protect its designated marine protected areas from this pollution, experts warn......»»
California man discovers he"s paid his neighbor"s electricity bill for up to 18 years
California man discovers he"s paid his neighbor"s electricity bill for up to 18 years.....»»
How humans are affecting the Northern Hemisphere"s wind patterns
The summer of 2024 was the hottest on record and, unfortunately, this came as no surprise. Summers have been getting hotter and drier around the world, including in the Northern Hemisphere, leading to intense droughts and heat waves in North America.....»»
Florida family slapped with $12K electric bill, left without power in 90-degree heat after alleged meter tampering
Florida family slapped with $12K electric bill, left without power in 90-degree heat after alleged meter tampering.....»»
Microplastics: Meant to last, just not forever and not in our bodies
Megan Hill is an assistant professor of chemistry and leader of the Hill Lab in Colorado State University's College of Natural Sciences. Her research leverages organic chemistry to design advanced polymeric materials for applications in sustainabilit.....»»
Redwood Materials signs deal to recycle BMW’s EV batteries in the US
The automaker will use recycled materials from Redwood in its American-made EVs. Enlarge / BMW is moving to cylindrical cells for its sixth-generation EV powertrain, which debuts in the Neue Klasse. And now it has a recycling par.....»»
Bioengineers create new substrate to study wood-decomposing enzyme
Researchers want to transform the natural and abundant resource wood into useful materials, and central to that is a molecular machine found in fungi that decomposes the complex raw material into its basic components......»»
What the jet stream and climate change had to do with the hottest summer on record
Summer 2024 was officially the Northern Hemisphere's hottest on record. In the United States, fierce heat waves seemed to hit somewhere almost every day......»»
Enhanced ion diffusion kinetics achieved through interpenetrated structures in electrochemical energy storage devices
As global demand for electrochemical electrodes continues to rise, a new trend has emerged, emphasizing the need to maintain ion diffusion efficiency while accommodating ultra-high loadings of active materials to enhance capacity and energy density......»»
Why petting your cat leads to static electricity
Anyone who has ever pet a cat or shuffled their feet across the carpet knows that rubbing objects together generates static electricity. But an explanation for this phenomenon has eluded researchers for more than two millennia......»»
Materials scientist describes new world order for glasses, liquids
In 1543, Copernicus pitched the heliocentric idea that the Earth orbited the sun. His theory took 150 years to catch on and more than 400 years for the Vatican to officially accept it. Likewise, distinguished materials scientist Takeshi Egami has spe.....»»
So where does the oceans" plastic waste come from?
In the form of bottles, tires, packaging and piping, millions of tons of plastic waste are dumped every year in the world's waterways, often ending up in the oceans......»»
How to prepare for a stormy "supercharged" September
The effects of climate change have become an ominous presence in our lives, and the dramatic media monikers that accompany them—bomb cyclones, atmospheric rivers, thundersnow, black swan events, heat domes, polar vortexes—sound almost biblical......»»