Instead of burning fossil fuels to smelt steel and cook cement, researchers in Switzerland want to use heat from the sun. The proof-of-concept study uses synthetic quartz to trap solar energy at temperatures over 1,000 C (1,832 F), demonstrating the method's potential role in providing clean energy for carbon-intensive industries.
Promising new development in solar cell technology
Researchers who contributed to the development of record-breaking solar cells a few years ago, expanded their invention. The self-assembled monolayers can now be applied not only in inverted but also in regular structure perovskite solar cells.
Simulating diffusion using ‘kinosons’ and machine learning
Researchers have recast diffusion in multicomponent alloys as a sum of individual contributions, called 'kinosons.' Using machine learning to compute the statistical distribution of the individual contributions, they were able to model the alloy and calculate its diffusivity orders of magnitude more efficiently than computing whole trajectories.
Scientists develop an affordable sensor for lead contamination
A new system could enable simple, low-cost detectors for monitoring water for lead contamination, and potentially other heavy metals as well.
Meet the new insect killing Utah’s fir trees
The balsam woolly adelgid, a tiny nonnative flightless insect, is spreading across the American West killing subalpine fir in northern Utah's recreation-heavy mountain ranges and canyons. Rsearchers document a close association between the pest's spread and warming temperatures.
90% of Floridians believe climate change is happening
The latest 'Florida Climate Resilience Survey' found that 90% of Floridians believe that climate change is happening. Belief in human-caused climate change has surged among Florida Independents while slipping among Republicans in the state since last fall. But despite these changes, the survey found enduring support among Floridians for increased...
Genetics Provide Key to Fight Crown-of-Thorns Starfish
Scientists are one step closer to combatting coral-destroying crown-of-thorns starfish, following a University of Queensland study into the pest’s genetics.
2023 was the hottest summer in two thousand years
Researchers have found that 2023 was the hottest summer in the Northern Hemisphere in the past two thousand years, almost four degrees warmer than the coldest summer during the same period.
Young whale’s journey highlights threats facing ocean animals
A young whale's journey across the Mediterranean highlights the many threats facing ocean animals, researchers say.
Understanding How Wildfires Change Soil Could Aid Recovery
Severe wildfires can drive chemical changes in soil that affect ecosystem recovery and risks to human health.