Safe solution to mop up oil spills
Researchers have come up with a new, safe way to clean up oil spills using compounds equally useful as common household cleaning products.
Read moreEnergy and Resources
Cracking the ethylene code
Separating pure ethylene from ethane is a difficult and costly process, but one that new research is poised to streamline. The technique would avoid liquefaction and distillation by designing a material that only binds ethylene molecules, thus separating them from ethane.
Read moreA new way to turn heat into useful energy
An international team of scientists has figured out how to capture heat and turn it into electricity. The discovery could create more efficient energy generation from heat in things like car exhaust, interplanetary space probes and industrial processes.
Read moreNew framework for nanoantenna light absorption
Harnessing light's energy into nanoscale volumes requires novel engineering approaches to overcome a fundamental barrier known as the 'diffraction limit.' However, researchers have breached this barrier by developing nanoantennas that pack the energy captured from light sources.
Read moreHow to predict crucial plasma pressure in future fusion facilities
Feature describes improved model for forecasting the crucial balance of pressure at the edge of a fusion plasma.
Read moreLighting the path to renewable energy
Scientists have developed a novel, standardized way of quantifying and comparing these variations in solar power. The new study may help guide the development and performance of solar photovoltaic farms — systems that harness the sun's energy and convert it to electricity.
Read moreBrain-computer interfaces without the mess
It sounds like science fiction: controlling electronic devices with brain waves. But researchers have developed a new type of electroencephalogram (EEG) electrode that can do just that, without the sticky gel required for conventional electrodes. Even better, the devices work through a full head of hair. The researchers now report on the flexible electrodes, which could someday be used in brain-computer interfaces to drive cars or move artificial limbs.
Read moreNew lithium battery design could mean lighter, safer batteries for Soldiers
Less expensive, lighter and safer batteries are a vital need for warfighters; a new project may offer a solution. Researchers have developed a promising new cathode and electrolyte system that replaces expensive metals and traditional liquid electrolyte with lower cost transition metal fluorides and a solid polymer electrolyte.
Read moreDiamonds are forever: New foundation for nanostructures
Researchers have fabricated a novel glass and synthetic diamond foundation that can be used to create miniscule micro — and nanostructures. This new substrate is low cost and leaves minimal waste, the researchers say.
Read moreEthanol fuels large-scale expansion of Brazil's farming land
A new study has revealed that future demand for ethanol biofuel could potentially expand sugarcane farming land in Brazil by 5 million hectares by 2030.
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