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New cooling pump drops temperatures by 16 degrees, more at source of heat

Researchers at UCLA have developed a compact cooling technology that can continuously pump away heat using layers of flexing thin films. The prototype lowered ambient temperatures by 16 degrees Fahrenheit and up to 25 degrees at the source of heat, offering a simpler design without greenhouse-gas-generating coolants or liquids.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 14, 2025

New ferroelectric material could give robots muscles

A new type of ferroelectric polymer holds promise as a high-performance motion controller, offering a promising avenue for the development of soft actuators. The research demonstrates the potential of ferroelectric polymer nanocomposites to overcome limitations of traditional piezoelectric polymers.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 5, 2023

Compressor-free refrigerator may loom in the future

Researchers at Penn State have discovered a new way to cool using ferroelectric polymers that exhibit temperature changes under an electrical field. The technology could lead to the development of flat panel refrigerators without coils or compressors, providing a more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly cooling solution.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience·DateAug 7, 2008