Category: Engineering

Direct approach can bond and debond 2D semiconductors without any glue-like materials A key objective of electronics engineers is to further reduce the size of devices, while also boosting their speed, performance and efficiency. Two-dimensional (2D) semiconductors, single-layer and thin materials with a controllable electrical conductivity, have been found to be particularly promising for the…

Leak-proof gasket with boron nitride nanoflakes boosts hydrogen fuel cell safety A research team in South Korea has developed a novel gasket technology that enhances both the safety and efficiency of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) and water electrolyzers (PEMWEs, AEMWEs)—core devices for hydrogen production and utilization—by simultaneously improving mechanical strength and gas-tight sealing.…

Seismic data can identify aircraft by type Instruments typically used to detect the ground motion of earthquakes can also be used to identify the type of aircraft flying far overhead, research by University of Alaska Fairbanks scientists shows. That’s because aircraft sound waves also shake the ground, though to a much lesser extent. Go to…

Urban infrastructure renewal: Engineers develop sustainable technique for even backfill distribution in aging city sites Many developed nations are facing the simultaneous aging of infrastructure built during periods of rapid economic growth. Japan has reached a critical turning point where numerous buildings and structures constructed in the post-war boom era now require demolition and renewal.…

Ultra-strong, lightweight metal composite can withstand extreme heat University of Toronto researchers have designed a new composite material that is both very light and extremely strong—even at temperatures up to 500 Celsius. Go to techxplore

Randomly aligned defects explain low thermal conductivity in some materials QUT researchers have identified why some materials can block heat more effectively, which is a key feature for energy conversion, insulation and gas storage. Go to techxplore

Unique resin allows 3D-printing method to add and subtract Additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, is normally a one-way street. In a digital light processing (DLP) printer, a structured pattern is projected onto a layer of liquid resin, which cures and solidifies. This builds an object up, layer-by-layer. But if the print isn’t exactly right, there’s…

‘Big brother’ system designed to monitor solar plants Using a network of synchronized sensors, a new system provides energy and meteorological data every tenth of a second to more accurately predict the performance of solar plants. Go to techxplore

New algorithm enhances Doppler resolution of unmanned vehicle radars A research team has developed an extrapolation-based Doppler resolution enhancement algorithm for frequency modulated continuous wave radars. The algorithm improves system performance, offering an advancement that is superior to existing ultra-high-resolution technologies. Go to techxplore

Spray 3D concrete printing simulator boosts strength and design Concrete 3D printing reduces both time and cost by eliminating traditional formwork, the temporary mold for casting. Yet most of today’s systems rely on extrusion-based methods, which deposit material very close to a nozzle layer by layer. This makes it impossible to print around reinforcement bars…

Once considered quality problems, substrate defects now enable precise control of semiconductor crystal growth A team led by researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) has made a breakthrough in semiconductor development that could reshape the way we produce computer chips, optoelectronics and quantum computing devices. Go to techxplore

Recycling technology achieves 99% purity of nickel and cobalt extracted from waste batteries A research team affiliated with UNIST has unveiled an innovative recycling technology capable of recovering more than 95% of nickel and cobalt from waste batteries with a purity exceeding 99%. This advanced method addresses the limitations of conventional wet recycling processes, which…

New recharge-to-recycle reactor turns battery waste into new lithium feedstock As global electric vehicle adoption accelerates, end-of-life battery packs are quickly becoming a major waste stream. Lithium is costly to mine and refine, and most current recycling methods are energy- and chemical-intensive, often producing lithium carbonate that must be further processed into lithium hydroxide for…

Green alternative for light-emitting materials in displays uses plant waste and amino acids Scientists have devised a way to create a green alternative to the light-emitting materials often used in TV, smartphones and other display technologies. Go to techxplore

Magnetic materials discovered by AI could reduce rare earth dependence Researchers at the University of New Hampshire have harnessed artificial intelligence to accelerate the discovery of new functional magnetic materials, creating a searchable database of 67,573 magnetic materials, including 25 previously unrecognized compounds that remain magnetic even at high temperatures. Go to techxplore

Dual-level engineering strategy shows promise for high-performance lithium–sulfur batteries Carbon-supported single-atom catalysts with metal-N moieties are highly promising for lithium–sulfur batteries. They can enhance redox kinetics and suppress the dissolution of lithium polysulfides. However, carbon substrate structure optimization and catalyst coordination environment modulation must be done simultaneously to maximize the potential of these catalysts. Go…

Inexpensive materials transform waste carbon into energy-rich compounds Turning waste carbon into useful products is a vital part of sustainable manufacturing. Recycling carbon dioxide creates carbon monoxide, which through electricity can be converted into energy-rich compounds. However, existing devices for this process use anion exchange membranes that break down over time when exposed to organic…

A computational camera lens that can focus on everything all at once Imagine snapping a photo where every detail, near and far, is perfectly sharp—from the flower petal right in front of you to the distant trees on the horizon. For over a century, camera designers have dreamed of achieving that level of clarity. Go…

Fast, accurate drag predictions could help improve aircraft design Researchers at the University of Surrey have proposed a computational approach that can provide aerodynamic drag data more efficiently during the early stages of aircraft design. It is hoped that AeroMap could help develop safer and more fuel-efficient aircraft. Go to techxplore

Newly developed knitting machine makes solid 3D objects A new prototype of a knitting machine creates solid, knitted shapes, adding stitches in any direction—forward, backward and diagonal—so users can construct a wide variety of shapes and add stiffness to different parts of the object. Go to techxplore

Silicon carbide-based motor drive enables a smaller, lighter electric aircraft engine A hybrid Cessna 337 taxied down a Southern California runway and lifted into the air. The plane, a type commonly used as an air taxi between islands, had a traditional gas-powered motor in the nose and an electric engine in the back. The electric…

Fermented fibers could tackle both world hunger and fashion waste A fermentation byproduct might help to solve two major global challenges: world hunger and the environmental impact of fast fashion. The leftover yeast from brewing beer, wine or even to make some pharmaceuticals can be repurposed to produce high-performance fibers stronger than natural fibers with…

Concentration‑controlled doping turns a p‑type polymer semiconductor into its n‑type counterpart A South Korean research team has, for the first time, uncovered the molecular-level mechanism by which trace amounts of impurities—known as dopants—can reverse charge polarity in organic polymer semiconductors. Go to techxplore

Relocated Arctic town Kiruna is colder after urban planning missteps When mining forced Kiruna to relocate, the city planners took the opportunity to modernize. But with a large square, city streets and tall buildings located in a depression, residents have already begun to complain about the “new” city, according to a study from the University…

Microwave sintering slashes hydrogen cell production time and energy use Solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs), a key technology for producing green hydrogen without carbon emissions, require a high-temperature “sintering” process to harden ceramic powders. Researchers at KAIST, led by Professor Kang Taek Lee from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, have successfully shortened this process from…

Enhancing eco-friendly solar cells through simple temperature control A research team has discovered a technology that significantly enhances the efficiency of eco-friendly solar cells through simple temperature control. They found that rapidly increasing the temperature during material thermal processing leads to more orderly crystal growth and smoother charge transport. The study is published in the…

Plasma treatment strategy enhances semiconductor device performance A joint research team, led by Professor Byungjo Kim of the Graduate School of Semiconductor Materials and Devices Engineering at UNIST and Professor Jihwan An of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at POSTECH has pioneered a fabrication technology to improve the performance of semiconductor devices. Go to techxplore

Three-layer microfluidic cooling device can remove heat from small electronics more efficiently As electronic devices become increasingly powerful and compact, they can generate denser heat fluxes, or in other words, produce more heat in a smaller area. These heat fluxes raise the temperature of a device and can damage its underlying components, causing them to…

Heavier electric trucks could strain New York City’s roads and bridges, study warns New York City’s roads and bridges already incur millions in annual damage from oversized trucks, and a new study warns the shift to electric freight could intensify that burden. As electric trucks replace diesel models, their heavier batteries could increase the city’s…

Student engineers test rubble from destroyed buildings to help rebuild Ukraine A team of UBC Okanagan students has shown that recycling rubble from destroyed buildings can help Ukraine rebuild its roads when the war eventually ends. Go to techxplore

Spark plasma sintering and diffusion technology yield high-performance permanent magnets for green industries A research team has developed an innovative manufacturing process for permanent magnets that overcomes the limitations of conventional techniques. The team’s breakthrough significantly advances the diffusion technology, which is essential for improving magnetic performance, and creates new possibilities for applying high-efficiency magnets…

Paper industry could become more energy-efficient with a new measurement method The pulp and paper industry consumes large amounts of energy. But despite stricter EU requirements for efficiency improvements, there has been no way to measure and compare energy consumption between different companies in a fair way. In collaboration with the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency,…

Structuring and polishing hard material components with laser pulses in a single clamping operation Tools made of hard materials and ceramics such as tungsten carbide are particularly wear-resistant. However, the tools used to manufacture them wear out all the faster—unless the tool is laser light. Researchers at Fraunhofer ILT have developed a process chain in…

Cutting-edge imaging and faster algorithms for finding minuscule defects in semiconductor chips A defect in a semiconductor chip may be smaller than a human hair but can create big problems in your everyday life, from crippling your car’s steering to making your laptop more susceptible to hackers. Go to techxplore

Flash Joule heating lights up lithium extraction from ores A new one‑step, water‑, acid‑, and alkali‑free method for extracting high‑purity lithium from spodumene ore has the potential to transform critical metal processing and enhance renewable energy supply chains. The study is published in Science Advances. Go to techxplore

‘Cost-optimal’ solutions don’t always provide best mix for power generation, study finds As industries, utilities and regulators consider the best ways to accommodate our increasing need for power generation, cost concerns weigh heavily on their decision-making. Go to techxplore

Making sustainable plastic from the carbon dioxide in the ocean The ocean is Earth’s largest carbon sink, absorbing about 25% of the CO₂ released by human activities. However, this uptake contributes to ocean acidification and risks destabilizing marine ecosystems. Utilizing this carbon resource presents a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels to produce important chemicals and…

Simple formula could guide the design of faster-charging, longer-lasting batteries At the heart of all lithium-ion batteries is a simple reaction: Lithium ions dissolved in an electrolyte solution “intercalate” or insert themselves into a solid electrode during battery discharge. When they de-intercalate and return to the electrolyte, the battery charges. Go to techxplore

Palladium filters could enable cheaper, more efficient generation of hydrogen fuel Palladium is one of the keys to jump-starting a hydrogen-based energy economy. The silvery metal is a natural gatekeeper against every gas except hydrogen, which it readily lets through. For its exceptional selectivity, palladium is considered one of the most effective materials at filtering…

Exploring alternative metals for longer-lasting, faster-charging batteries Yan Yao, a professor at University of Houston’s Cullen College of Engineering, along with collaborators from Singapore, Zhejiang University and Seoul National University, have published a review in the journal Science eying alternative metals for battery anodes. Go to techxplore

One-atom-thick filter helps lithium–sulfur batteries keep their charge Longer-lasting phones, lighter drones, electric cars that drive farther. These are just some of the possibilities thanks to a new battery separator design from University of Florida researchers and their partners. Go to techxplore

Kirigami parachute suitable for humanitarian missions stabilizes quickly and doesn’t pitch A team of engineers from Polytechnique Montréal report a new and unique parachute concept inspired by the Japanese art of kirigami today in Nature. This simple, robust and low-cost approach has a wide variety of potential applications ranging from humanitarian aid to space exploration.…

Optical interference sensor system developed for simultaneous precision force and depth measurement A research team led by Professor Cheol Song at the Department of Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), has successfully developed an optical interferometer-based sensor system that can simultaneously measure ultra-precise force and depth information. As this…

Compact camera uses 25 color channels for high-speed, high-definition hyperspectral video A traditional digital camera splits an image into three channels—red, green and blue—mirroring how the human eye perceives color. But those are just three discrete points along a continuous spectrum of wavelengths. Specialized “spectral” cameras go further by sequentially capturing dozens, or even hundreds,…

Low-cost sensor system can check indoor air quality in real time Humans spend about 80% of their time indoors, but keeping track of the air we breathe usually requires expensive lab-grade equipment. Researchers at Concordia and Qatar University have created a low-cost sensor system that does the job just as well—and in real time. Go…

Physics-based algorithm enables nuclear microreactors to autonomously adjust power output A new physics-based algorithm clears a path toward nuclear microreactors that can autonomously adjust power output based on need, according to a University of Michigan-led study published in Progress in Nuclear Energy. Go to techxplore

Advanced sensors peer inside the ‘black box’ of metal 3D printing With the ability to print metal structures with complex shapes and unique mechanical properties, metal additive manufacturing (AM) could be revolutionary. However, without a better understanding of how metal AM structures behave as they are 3D printed, the technology remains too unreliable for widespread…

Patterned electrodes reveal how bubble spacing affects hydrogen production efficiency As part of a Special Invitation Collection celebrating the 15th anniversary of the Global Young Academy (GYA), a UT team led by David Fernandez Rivas has presented new insights into how bubbles behave during hydrogen production. By designing electrodes that guide the formation and merging…

Portable printer developed for fabrication of origami devices In the present times, origami-inspired three-dimensional (3D) devices are being developed, where a single sheet of material is folded into small devices. These devices are being developed for medical applications like stents or surgical tools; agricultural devices like soil-sensors; and efficient spacecraft radiators or solar arrays that…

Clever device drastically reduces the vibration from rotating parts An EPFL Ph.D. student in mechanical engineering has developed a device that significantly dampens the flow-induced vibration caused by rotating parts, such as those in boat propellers, turbines and hydraulic pumps. His device can be produced with a 3D printer and has recently been patented. Go…

Next-generation cooling garments aim to combat rising global heat and health risks Global warming poses a growing threat to human health and work performance. Currently, about 3.6 billion people worldwide live in areas highly susceptible to climate change. From 2000 to 2019, more than 480,000 heat-related deaths occurred globally each year. Extreme heat also impairs…

FAD-driven electrochemical system promises safer, cheaper green hydrogen storage A research team affiliated with UNIST has unveiled a novel system to produce green hydrogen more cost-effectively by harnessing a biological energy coenzyme to reduce electrical energy consumption. This technology also enables direct storage of hydrogen within liquid organic compounds without the need for prior conversion…

Unlocking ceramic 3D printing for next-generation chemical reactors Scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory have integrated binder jet additive manufacturing with an advanced post-processing method to fabricate leak‐tight ceramic components, overcoming a key challenge of ceramic additive manufacturing. Go to techxplore

AI-driven smart jig can detect micro-level defects in just 2.79 seconds A research team affiliated with UNIST has unveiled an innovative, high-precision AI-powered quality inspection system that reduces inspection time from 12 minutes to just under 3 seconds. This cutting-edge technology facilitates real-time, micron-scale defect detection during continuous manufacturing processes, paving the way for fully…

If every US home and personal vehicle goes electric, power outages could spike unless key measures are taken A future where all homes and vehicles in the U.S. are fully electrified could overwhelm power supply and risk outages unless key upgrades are made, says a new study conducted by Purdue University engineers. But a few…

Next-gen perovskite solar cells edge closer to market with improved stability Researchers at IMDEA Nanoscience (Madrid) have developed a perovskite solar cell with a certified efficiency of 25.2%, very close to the world record of 26.7%. In addition, they managed to manufacture a 5 cm square solar panel with this material that maintains high efficiency…

Decoding the sounds of battery formation and degradation Before batteries lose power, fail suddenly, or burst into flames, they tend to produce faint sounds over time that provide a signature of the degradation processes going on within their structure. But until now, nobody had figured out how to interpret exactly what those sounds meant, and…

Architecture’s past holds the key to sustainable future Modern “sustainable”‘ innovations in architecture are failing to slow climate change, but revisiting ancient knowledge and techniques found in traditional architecture could offer better solutions. Go to techxplore

Ant swarm simulation unlocks possibilities in materials engineering, robot navigation and traffic control Think twice about eliminating those pesky ants at your next family picnic. Their behavior may hold the key to reinventing how engineering materials, traffic control and multi-agent robots are made and utilized, thanks to research conducted by recent graduate Matthew Loges and…

Color-changing strip enables affordable nanoplastic analysis using ordinary microscope A joint team from the University of Stuttgart in Germany and the University of Melbourne in Australia has developed a new method for the straightforward analysis of tiny nanoplastic particles in environmental samples. One needs only an ordinary optical microscope and a newly developed test strip—the…

Cyclic triaxial tests: Evaluation of liquefaction resistance in chemically treated soils Soil liquefaction can be a major threat to the infrastructure and built environments in an earthquake-prone area. This happens due to substantial loss of soil stiffness and strength due to applied stress. Loose, moderately granulated, sandy soil is more prone to soil liquefaction. Go…

X-ray imaging point way toward cleaner oil sands processing Canada’s oil sands are an important source of energy and economic activity, but the bitumen that is extracted there takes a lot of processing and cleaning before it can be transported to refineries to be converted into usable oil. Go to techxplore

Waste plant fibers could reduce construction costs and improve sustainability Earth mortar could be more resilient, flexible and stronger by adding plant fibers to the mix. The finding comes from research to better understand the strength and performance of raw earth mortar, which has been carried out by the University of Portsmouth’s School of Civil…

Where does your glass come from? The word “local” has become synonymous with sustainability, whether it’s food, clothes or the materials used to construct buildings. But while consumers can probably go to a local lumberyard to buy lumber from sustainably grown trees cut at nearby sawmills, no one asks for local glass. Go to techxplore

Decentralized methanol production: Wet biomass and renewable power yield cost-competitive fuel In the future, it could become easier to manufacture methanol from biomass decentrally and on site. Researchers at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) are proposing a method with which raw and waste materials from plants can be processed in a self-contained procedure under mild reaction conditions.…

Cracks in flexible electronics run deeper than expected: Study points to potential fix From health monitors and smartwatches to foldable phones and portable solar panels, demand for flexible electronics is growing rapidly. But the durability of those devices—their ability to stand up to thousands of folds, flexes and rolls—is a significant concern. Go to techxplore

Engineers design origami structures that change shape and stiffness on demand Princeton engineers are twisting, stretching and creasing structures to create a new type of origami, one that changes its shape and properties in response to changing circumstances. The new method could be useful for prosthetics, antennas and other devices. Go to techxplore

Space-time computational modeling delivers high-precision solutions for complex engineering challenges When most people think of computer simulations, they imagine sleek graphics or Hollywood-style animations. But for Tayfun Tezduyar, the James F. Barbour Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Rice University, accuracy is everything. Go to techxplore

A path to higher as-built ductility in printable aluminum alloys Most aluminum alloys made through additive manufacturing (AM) have very limited as-built ductility, which may lead to the adoption of more expensive, heavier alternative materials in applications such as automotive and aerospace parts. Limited ductility in AM alloys can originate from specific AM processing defects…

Octopus-like design improves underwater vehicle maneuverability University of Iowa researchers have reported a key advance in the ease of flow and maneuverability for underwater vehicles. Go to techxplore

Unlocking the power of passivation for perovskite silicon tandem solar cells An international research team of photovoltaics scientists has taken a crucial step toward the industrialization of perovskite silicon tandem solar cells. They demonstrated that passivation of the perovskite top cell is possible in combination with textured silicon bottom cells featuring a large pyramid size,…

Super-sensitive sensor detects tiny hydrogen leaks in seconds for safer energy use Researchers at the University of Missouri are working to make hydrogen energy as safe as possible. As more countries and industries invest heavily in cleaner, renewable energy, hydrogen-powered factories and vehicles are gaining in popularity. But hydrogen fuel comes with risks—leaks can lead…

Bio-oil made from crop and wood waste could plug orphaned fossil fuel wells Filling abandoned oil and gas wells with bio-oil made from plant-based leftovers like corn stalks and forest debris could help remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, returning carbon underground in deep shafts once used to extract it. Go to techxplore

Solar-boosted system turns wasted data center heat into clean power When you stream a movie, back up a photo or ask ChatGPT a question, somewhere a data center is working hard—and getting hot. Cooling those facilities already consumes a huge share of their electricity, and nearly half of that energy leaves as low-temperature waste heat…

Metal organic frameworks enable a key step toward greener lighting and display technologies Scientists at Oregon State University have taken a big step toward lighting and display technologies that are more energy efficient and better for the planet. The work centers around crystalline, porous materials known as metal organic frameworks, often abbreviated as MOFs, and…

3D-printed smart materials boost tactile sensor performance in wearable devices Tactile sensors are widely used in robotics, prosthetics, wearable devices, and health care monitoring. These devices detect and convert external stimuli such as pressure and force into electrical signals, facilitating effective environmental detection. Go to techxplore

Integrated terrestrial/satellite 6G hyper-space communication successful in real-time flight tests For the first time, Korean researchers have successfully demonstrated a 6G hyper-space communication technology that integrates terrestrial and satellite networks. As a core infrastructure for the future 6G era, it is being evaluated as a green light for securing the lead in 6G international standardization.…

Welsh mine microbes mapped to help heat homes Welsh scientists have mapped the hidden microbes thriving in south Wales’s abandoned coal mines, helping to overcome obstacles to using mine water to heat Britain’s homes. Go to techxplore

Minimal 3D model reveals fundamental mechanisms behind toughening of soft–hard composites Engineers have long grappled with a fundamental challenge: creating materials that are both strong and tough enough to resist deformation and prevent fractures. These two properties typically exist in opposition, as materials that excel in one area often fail in the other. Go to…

Real-time technique directly images material failure in 3D to improve nuclear reactor safety and longevity MIT researchers have developed a technique that enables real-time, 3D monitoring of corrosion, cracking, and other material failure processes inside a nuclear reactor environment. Go to techxplore

Tiny defects deliver big gains: Controlling oxygen vacancies boosts thermoelectric efficiency by 91% A research team has dramatically enhanced the efficiency of converting heat into electricity. The key lies in controlling tiny defects known as oxygen vacancies. Go to techxplore

Eco-friendly composite fibers offer durable, multifunctional air filtration for industry As industries including coal chemical processing, oil and gas refining, and semiconductor manufacturing undergo technological upgrading, the demand for advanced air filtration technologies and materials has surged—driven by the dual need to safeguard production processes and support environmental sustainability. Go to techxplore

Two-step annealing process boosts silicon carbide device efficiency and reliability Researchers at The University of Osaka have developed a novel technique to enhance the performance and reliability of silicon carbide (SiC) metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) devices, a key component in power electronics. This breakthrough utilizes a unique two-step annealing process involving diluted hydrogen, to eliminate unnecessary impurities…

Fiber technology achieves high-purity CO₂ capture with smartphone-level power consumption Direct air capture (DAC) is a technology that filters out carbon dioxide present in the atmosphere at extremely low concentrations (below 400 ppm). A KAIST research team has now succeeded in capturing more than 95% high-purity carbon dioxide using only low power at the level…

3D printing method crafts customizable foods for people who have trouble swallowing In rapidly aging societies like Japan, the simple act of swallowing meals can be challenging for many. This condition, known as dysphagia, affects millions of people worldwide and can significantly deteriorate a person’s quality of life. While texture-modified foods like purées can make…

Fast charging zinc-ion batteries to flip a foundational belief in battery design Fast charging a battery is supposed to be risky—a shortcut that leads to battery breakdown. But for a Georgia Tech team studying zinc-ion batteries, fast charging led to a breakthrough: It made the battery stronger. This result could revolutionize how we power homes,…

Researchers release new standards for 3D printing with powders One of the most common industrial 3D printing processes is laser powder bed fusion. It is mainly used for complex, heavy-duty components in aerospace, medical technology, and toolmaking. Go to techxplore

Researchers develop hook-and-loop fastener for building components An interdisciplinary research team at Graz University of Technology (TU Graz) has developed a hook-and-loop fastening system for buildings in the ReCon project together with company partners. This allows different parts of a building to be resiliently connected and, if necessary, easily separated from each other. Go to…

Ultrasonic device efficiently removes salt from sea sand for construction use The Korea Institute of Ocean Science & Technology (KIOST) has developed an ultrasonic washing device that effectively removes salt (NaCl) from sea sand. KIOST’s research and validation results have been published in Scientific Reports. Go to techxplore

Self-propelled ice could be the green power of the future Scientists from Virginia Tech have discovered a way to make ice move on its own. It’s not a magic trick or a supernatural occurrence but a clever engineering feat. The team designed a flat metal surface that allows ice disks to slide across it without…

Study identifies best times to consume electricity and cut carbon emissions Shifting electricity consumption to times when the grid has a greater supply from alternative energy sources could help reduce carbon dioxide emissions significantly, according to a new University of Texas at Dallas study. Go to techxplore

Digital twin framework enhances sustainability and efficiency of modular buildings Relocatable modular buildings (RMBs) represent an innovative and growing solution for flexible and sustainable construction. These buildings can be quickly assembled from prefabricated “modules” and easily transported, minimizing costs and environmental impact while providing safer and cleaner construction environments. However, the management of assets and…

Q&A: Seashells inspire a better way to recycle plastic Researchers from Georgia Tech have created a material inspired by seashells to help improve the process of recycling plastics and make the resulting material more reliable. Go to techxplore

Quasi-solid electrolyte developed for safer and greener lithium-ion batteries 3D-SLISE is a quasi-solid electrolyte developed at the Institute of Science Tokyo, which enables safe, fast-charging/discharging of 2.35 V lithium-ion batteries to be fabricated under ambient conditions. With energy-efficient manufacturing using raw materials free from flammable organic solvents, the technique eliminates the need for dry rooms…

Black metal could give a heavy boost to solar power generation In the quest for energy independence, researchers have studied solar thermoelectric generators (STEGs) as a promising source of solar electricity generation. Unlike the photovoltaics currently used in most solar panels, STEGs can harness all kinds of thermal energy in addition to sunlight. The simple…

Next-generation solar cells could soon harvest indoor light for battery-free devices An international team led by UCL researchers has developed durable new solar cells capable of efficiently harvesting energy from indoor light, meaning that devices such as keyboards, remote controls, alarms and sensors could soon be battery-free. Go to techxplore

Carbon-fiber smart plastic: Self-healing, shape-shifting and stronger than steel Aerospace engineering and materials science researchers at Texas A&M University have uncovered new properties of an ultra-durable, recyclable, smart plastic—paving the way for transformative applications in the defense, aerospace and automotive industries. Go to techxplore

Swiss pilot takes big step closer to solar plane altitude record Swiss pilot Raphael Domjan got within around a thousand meters of setting a new altitude record in a solar-powered plane on Sunday as he chases the goal of breaking the 10,000 meters barrier. Go to techxplore

Pioneer spirit drives Swiss solar-powered plane altitude attempt Swiss pilot Raphael Domjan on Friday made his first attempt of the year at setting a new aviation record: reaching an altitude of 10,000 meters in a solar-powered airplane. Go to techxplore

Towards better earthquake risk assessment with machine learning and geological survey data “A building is only as strong as its foundation” is a common adage to signify the importance of having a stable and solid base to build upon. The type and design of foundation are important for ensuring the structural safety of a building.…