Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Living power cables discovered

Multicellular bacteria have been found to function as living power cables, transmitting electrons across large distances as part of their respiration and ingestion processes. The discovery reveals a previously unknown type of long, multicellular bacteria that act as biological power cables.

Solving the stink from sewers

A new study at the International Water Association Conference has made significant breakthroughs in reducing sewer gas emissions. The treatment, called Cloevis, uses a magic mix of chemicals to stop 99% of hydrogen sulphide emitted from sewers, significantly decreasing bad smells and their impact on corroding pipes.

New fuel cell keeps going after the hydrogen runs out

Materials scientists at Harvard University have developed a solid-oxide fuel cell that can store electrochemical energy like a battery, allowing it to continue producing power for a short time after its fuel has run out. This innovation has significant implications for small-scale, portable energy applications, such as unmanned aerial ...

SourceHarvard University·JournalNano Letters·DateJun 29, 2012

Cosmic calculations

A University of Delaware-led research team has developed more accurate calculations for the interactions between molecules of hydrogen and carbon monoxide, essential for spectroscopy in astrophysics. These advancements enable researchers to analyze molecular clouds where stars are born with greater precision.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalScience·DateMay 31, 2012

Jellyfish inspires latest ocean-powered robot

Researchers from Virginia Tech have created a robotic jellyfish named Robojelly that mimics the natural movements of a real jellyfish. The robot is powered by chemical reactions taking place on its surface, fueled by hydrogen and able to regenerate fuel from its surroundings.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalSmart Materials and Structures·DateMar 20, 2012

Volcanoes deliver 2 flavors of water

Researchers found unique changes in hydrogen and boron isotopes in submarine volcanic glass near subduction zones, indicating ancient oceanic slabs can return to the upper mantle and interact with modern seawater. This discovery suggests hydrogen diffusion rates in the deep Earth may be slower than expected.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalNature Geoscience·DateFeb 26, 2012

Pitt researchers coax gold into nanowires

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have created a self-assembly method to grow gold nanowires, which can be used to detect poisonous gases such as hydrogen sulfide in natural gas. The gold nanowires are highly conductive and can detect gas levels comparable to existing sensing techniques.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateFeb 21, 2012

Galaxies are running out of gas

A CSIRO study reveals galaxies have less molecular hydrogen gas than in the past, leading to fewer stars forming. The decline in gas availability is linked to Dark Energy's acceleration of the Universe's expansion.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateAug 22, 2011

Sharpening the nanofocus

Researchers at Berkeley Lab demonstrated antenna-enhanced gas sensing at the single particle level using a palladium nanoparticle on a gold nanoantenna. The technique amplifies plasmonic sensing signals, eliminating statistical characteristics and offering noninvasive, biocompatible applications.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·DateMay 17, 2011

Mimicking photosynthesis path to solar-derived hydrogen fuel

A Penn State materials chemist has developed an artificial system that mimics photosynthesis to produce solar-derived hydrogen fuel. However, the process remains inefficient and expensive due to recombination of electrons and limited lifetime of the system. The researcher aims to improve efficiency by modeling energy pathways and adjus...

Researchers show applied electric field can significantly improve hydrogen storage properties

A team of researchers from Virginia Commonwealth University has identified a new theoretical approach to simplify the synthesis of hydrogen fuel storage materials. An external electric field can significantly improve the thermodynamics and reversibility of the system, making it an ideal energy carrier.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 2, 2010

Superconducting hydrogen?

Scientists have modeled three hydrogen-dense metal alloys and found that superconductivity can be induced by high pressure, with transition temperatures as low as -423°F. The study suggests that the superconducting state comes from electron interaction with vibrational energy through the lattice.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 25, 2010

Glimpsing a greener future

A University of California, Irvine computer model forecasts improved air quality in the Greater Los Angeles area if 75% of drivers switch to hydrogen fuel cell vehicles by 2060. The model suggests a 60% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and lower levels of soot and ozone.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateNov 16, 2009

Semiconducting nanotubes produced in quantity at Duke

A Duke University-led team of chemists has successfully grown exclusively semiconducting carbon nanotubes, paving the way for manufacturing reliable electronic nanocircuits. The achievement paves the way for high-current field-effect transistors and sensors, offering reduced heat output and higher frequency operation.

SourceDuke University·JournalNano Letters·DateJan 21, 2009

Treating heart failure with a gas

Researchers at Emory University School of Medicine found that low concentrations of hydrogen sulfide can protect mice from heart failure. The gas is administered intravenously to treat humans with heart failure, showing promising results in regaining heart function and reducing mortality.