As the world shifts towards renewable energy sources, solar panels have become increasingly popular for their ability to harness the power of the sun. The United States, in particular, has seen a surge in solar panel installations, with states like California leading the way in transitioning to greener energy production. However, as the first wave
Technology
As climate change continues to threaten our environment, the natural world continues to provide inspiration for technological advancements. By studying and replicating the solutions that have evolved over billions of years, scientists and engineers hope to harness the robustness and efficiency of nature. From compasses based on insect eyes to water-collecting spider silk-inspired fabrics, here
The transition from a high to low-carbon sustainable energy system is marked by various milestones. From the elimination of coal, oil, and gas generation to the retirement of the last fossil fuel power plant, each milestone signifies progress towards a greener future. One particularly significant milestone is the year when renewables generate more electricity than
OLEDs, or organic light-emitting diodes, have become increasingly popular in lighting and display industries due to their efficiency and vibrant colors. However, the lack of durable blue PHOLEDs has hindered their full potential. Thanks to a groundbreaking innovation by physicists and engineers at the University of Michigan, this limitation may soon be overcome. The U-M
Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies have come a long way in recent years, revolutionizing gaming and entertainment experiences. However, there is still ample opportunity for improvement, particularly when it comes to engaging the sense of touch. Researchers at the City University of Hong Kong and other institutes in China have been working
Artists who breathe life into animated characters in movies and video games now have the opportunity to exert more creative control over their animations, thanks to a groundbreaking technique developed by researchers at MIT. This new method introduces mathematical functions called barycentric coordinates, which allow 2D and 3D shapes to bend, stretch, and move in
New technology has provided scientists with the opportunity to observe and analyze how major sporting events can greatly disrupt public transportation in an entire city. A recent case study conducted in Columbus focused on the home football games of Ohio State University, which attracted over 100,000 fans to Ohio Stadium on the university’s campus. The
The transition to a decarbonized industrial sector is crucial in the fight against climate change and achieving global Net Zero goals. With the United Kingdom as a case study, researchers from the University of Bath’s Institute for Sustainability and the University of Leeds have conducted a comprehensive analysis to explore the costs and distribution methods
The transition to renewable electricity in the United States has been a topic of concern and debate for many years. While state mandates have helped push for change, it is the utilities themselves that are taking the lead in this transition. A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder reveals that
Robotic systems have already made their way into numerous real-world settings, particularly in the industrial and manufacturing sectors. These systems have proven to be invaluable in assisting human workers in assembly lines and warehouses, where they can perform precise tasks and hand over the completed work to humans for further action. In recent years, researchers
Small robots have long been hailed as essential tools for exploring and inspecting confined spaces. Their ability to carefully navigate obstacles and reach areas that larger robots cannot access has proven invaluable in various scenarios, from machinery inspection to search and rescue missions in disaster-stricken environments. However, the creation of small robots that are capable
Efforts to transition away from fossil fuels have intensified, prompting scientists to explore new sources of low-carbon energy. In this regard, researchers have developed a deep learning model to scan the Earth’s surface for indications of subsurface reservoirs of naturally occurring free hydrogen. By leveraging this algorithm, they have successfully identified the presence of semicircular
In a groundbreaking achievement, a research team led by Professor Chan Chi-hou from City University of Hong Kong (CityU) has made a significant advancement in antenna technology. Through software control, the team has successfully developed a universal metasurface antenna that has the ability to manipulate all five fundamental properties of electromagnetic waves. This unprecedented feat
The Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory has made a groundbreaking discovery that could revolutionize the manufacturing of lithium-ion batteries. Through innovative research, their team has developed a cost-effective method for synthesizing single-crystal, high-energy, nickel-rich cathodes. This advancement has the potential to significantly improve the energy storage capacity and lifespan of electric vehicle (EV)
Transportation is a significant contributor to global carbon emissions, ranking as the third largest source. Governments worldwide recognize the urgency of addressing this issue. High-speed railways (HSR) have emerged as a promising solution for intercity transportation due to their high degree of electrification. However, a lack of substantial data has hindered efforts to understand the
