Scientists led by an Oregon State University researcher have developed a new electrolyte that raises the efficiency of the zinc metal anode in zinc batteries to nearly 100%, a breakthrough on the way to an alternative to lithium-ion batteries for large-scale energy storage.
How Cosmic Winds Transform Galactic Environments
Much like how wind plays a key role in life on Earth by sweeping seeds, pollen and more from one place to another, galactic winds – high-powered streams of charged particles and gases – can change the chemical make-up of the host galaxies they form in, simply by blowing in...
The Global Economics of Climate Action
Climate change has serious consequences for the environment and people and is a major threat to economic stability.
What Really Matters in Multi-Storey Building Design?
The impact of multi-storey building design considerations on embodied emissions, cost, and operational energy has been revealed for the first time.
Microplastic Found in Antarctic Krill and Salps
A new study led by researchers at British Antarctic Survey (BAS) discovered microplastics in krill (Euphausia superba), a small shrimp-like crustacean, and salps (Salpa thompsoni), a gelatinous marine invertebrate.
New Additives Could Turn Concrete Into an Effective Carbon Sink
Despite the many advantages of concrete as a modern construction material, including its high strength, low cost, and ease of manufacture, its production currently accounts for approximately 8 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions.
Eco-Efficient Cement Could Pave the Way to a Greener Future
The production of cement, an ingredient in concrete, accounts for roughly 8% of the world’s annual carbon dioxide emissions, making it a significant target of greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals.
Protein-Based Coating Could Keep Fruits and Vegetables Fresh Longer
Rice University materials scientist Muhammad Rahman has won a Partnerships for Innovation-Technology Translation award from the National Science Foundation to develop a sustainable, low-cost, egg-based coating to extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables.
Argonne, Progress Rail, Test Low-Carbon Fuels on the Path to Decarbonizing the Rail Industry
In response to sustainability goals, the freight rail industry is working to boost the use of lower-carbon intensity fuels in diesel-powered fleets to support global efforts in mitigating climate change.
The powerhouse of the future: Artificial cells
Researchers identify the most promising advancements and greatest challenges of artificial mitochondria and chloroplasts. The team describes the components required to construct synthetic mitochondria and chloroplasts and identifies proteins as the most important aspects for molecular rotary machinery, proton transport, and ATP production. The authors believe it is important to...