Headline: Chance twists ordered carbon nanotubes into 'tornado films'

■ Release Date: 2023.12.11

■ Published by: Rice University

■ Keywords: carbon nanotube, wafer-scale, nanomaterials

■ Abstract:

Scientists have developed two new methods to create ordered carbon nanotube films with either a left- or right-handed chiral pattern.

Headline: Scientists 3D print self-heating microfluidic devices

■ Release Date: 2023.12.11

■ Published by: Massachusetts Institute of Technology

■ Keywords: copper, resistor, microfluidic

■ Abstract:

A fabrication process can produce self-heating microfluidic devices in one step using a multimaterial 3D printer. These devices, which can be made rapidly and cheaply in large numbers, could help clinicians in remote parts of the world detect diseases without expensive lab equipment.

Headline: Energy droughts' in wind and solar can last nearly a week

■ Release Date: 2023.12.11

■ Published by: DOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

■ Keywords: energy storage, wind, solar

■ Abstract:

Understanding the risk of compound energy droughts -- times when the sun doesn't shine and the wind doesn't blow -- will help grid planners understand where energy storage is needed most.

Headline: Researchers combine biopolymers derived from the ocean to replace synthetic plastic films

■ Release Date: 2023.12.11

■ Published by: North Carolina State University

■ Keywords: plastic, chitosan, agarose

■ Abstract:

Crustacean and seaweed materials combined in a unique way could provide a sustainable alternative to plastic films.

Headline: Single-use e-cigarettes contain batteries that last hundreds of cycles despite being discarded

■ Release Date: 2023.12.12

■ Published by: Cell Press

■ Keywords: batteries, lithium-ion, e-cigarettes

■ Abstract:

While the lithium-ion batteries in disposable electronic cigarettes are discarded after a single use, they can continue to perform at high capacity for hundreds of cycles, according to a new study. The analysis highlights a growing environmental threat from these increasingly popular vape pens, which are not designed to be recharged.

Headline: Free electric vehicle charging at work? It's possible with optimum solar

■ Release Date: 2023.12.12

■ Published by: University of South Australia

■ Keywords: solar, electric vehicle, charging

■ Abstract:

The global surge in electric vehicle sales has prompted an Australian university to explore how it could offer free or nominal EV charging facilities to staff and students by optimizing its solar PV system and minimizing workplace electricity costs.

Headline: Researchers create stable hybrid laser by 3D printing micro-optics onto fibers

■ Release Date: 2023.12.13

■ Published by: Optica

■ Keywords: polymer, 3D printing, laser

■ Abstract:

For the first time, researchers have shown that 3D-printed polymer-based micro-optics can withstand the heat and power levels that occur inside a laser. The advance enables inexpensive compact and stable laser sources that would be useful in a variety of applications, including the lidar systems used for autonomous vehicles.

Headline: Extracting uranium from seawater as another source of nuclear fuel

■ Release Date: 2023.12.13

■ Published by: American Chemical Society

■ Keywords: nuclear power, uranium, fuel

■ Abstract:

Oceans cover most of Earth's surface and support a staggering number of lifeforms, but they're also home to a dilute population of uranium ions. And -- if we can get these particular ions out of the water -- they could be a sustainable fuel source to generate nuclear power. Researchers have now developed a material to use with electrochemical extraction that attracts hard-to-get uranium ions from seawater more efficiently than existing methods.

Headline: The solar forest

■ Release Date: 2023.12.13

■ Published by: Weizmann Institute of Science

■ Keywords: solar, carbon dioxide, photosynthesis

■ Abstract:

What would be the most effective use of a certain plot of land in terms of the climate crisis: planting a forest, which is a natural means of absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, or erecting fields of solar panels, which reduce the emission of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere? This dilemma has long been debated by decision-makers around the world. Now, for the first time -- based on findings from arid areas and on comprehensive measurements of the energy flow exchanged between the ground and the atmosphere -- we may have an answer to this question.