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Are we underestimating the benefits of investing in renewable energy?

A new study reveals that using average emissions intensities can lead to errors in estimating the benefits of interventions, potentially compromising their implementation. By analyzing electricity from PJM, researchers found that ignoring marginal emissions can underestimate damages avoided by 50%. The study highlights the importance o...

SourceStanford's School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences·DateOct 16, 2019

EPFL researchers invent low-cost alternative to Bitcoin

A new cryptocurrency system, Byzantine Reliable Broadcast, achieves safe and secure transactions with virtually zero energy cost. This paradigm shift is made possible by assuming all players are honest until proven guilty, eliminating the need for complex consensus tasks.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·DateSep 30, 2019
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Chinese scientists develop novel biophotovoltaics system

Researchers have created a two-species microbial consortium to improve the performance of biophotovoltaics, generating a power density of 150 mW·m-2. The system can stably operate for over 40 days, setting a new record for BPV longevity and power output per device.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 20, 2019

Electric tech could help reverse baldness

Researchers have created a low-cost, noninvasive hair-growth-stimulating technology that uses gentle electric pulses to reactivate dormant follicles. The devices are powered by the wearer's day-to-day motion and show promise in stimulating hair growth with minimal side effects.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalACS Nano·DateSep 19, 2019

Study tests performance of electric solid propellant

Researchers have conducted experiments to understand the behavior of a high-performance electric propellant compared to a traditional propellant. The results indicate that the electric solid propellant ablates about two times more than the traditional propellant.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalJournal of Propulsion and Power·DateSep 3, 2019

How buildings can cut 80% of their carbon emissions by 2050

Researchers suggest that reaching an 80% reduction in building CO2 emissions by 2050 requires highly energy-efficient technologies, new operational approaches, and electrification of fossil fuel-based systems. The study identifies two promising avenues for reducing emissions: energy-saving retrofits and smart software optimization.

SourceCell Press·JournalJoule·DateAug 15, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

New perovskite material shows early promise as an alternative to silicon

Researchers at OIST have discovered a new configuration of the inorganic perovskite material CsPbI3, which efficiently creates electricity and has been stabilized in a way that competes with industry-leading materials. The material's conversion efficiency was increased from 15% to 18% after treatment with choline iodide.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalScience·DateAug 8, 2019
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Shared E-scooters aren't always as green as other transport options

A study from North Carolina State University found that shared e-scooters have a moderate environmental impact, with biking being the most environmentally friendly option; taking public transportation is also more eco-friendly in some cases.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateAug 2, 2019

Machine learning helps predict if storms will cause blackouts

A Finnish research team developed a machine learning approach to predict storm severity, using data from power outages and storm characteristics. The algorithm achieved promising results in predicting class 0 no-damage storms and class 3 damaging storms, with plans to refine the model for winter storms.

SourceAalto University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Geoscience and Remote Sensing·DateAug 2, 2019

BU researchers predict global energy needs will increase 25% by 2050

Researchers warn that a modest warming of the climate could lead to a significant increase in global energy demands, with potential implications for greenhouse gas emissions. The study suggests that understanding this interaction is crucial to developing effective solutions to mitigate climate change.

SourceBoston University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 29, 2019
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Research shows black plastics could create renewable energy

Researchers at Swansea University have developed a method to recycle black plastics into carbon nanotubes for use in high-value materials like conductive films and flexible electronics fabrics. This process could reduce plastic waste and help solve the problem of lost electricity during transmission and distribution.

SourceSwansea University·JournalC – Journal of Carbon Research·DateJul 16, 2019

Fiber-based artificial muscles get new and powerful twists

Researchers developed new fiber-based designs for artificial muscles that can be activated by heat, electricity, and chemistry, offering potential uses in miniaturized medical devices and smart textiles. The resulting materials show impressive contractile powers, including 40 times that of human muscle.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 11, 2019

Beat the heat

Researchers have discovered a way to produce more electricity from heat than thought possible by creating a silicon chip that converts thermal radiation into electricity. The chip can generate electricity even closer two silicon surfaces are together, potentially increasing battery life by up to 50%.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJul 10, 2019

Solar power with a free side of drinking water

A multifunctional device captures heat from photovoltaic solar panels to produce fresh water, exceeding traditional solar stills' output. The device's electricity output remains unaffected, demonstrating a promising solution for sustainable global development.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 10, 2019

Thought experiment: Switzerland without fossil fuels. Can that succeed?

A study by Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA) suggests that Switzerland can transition to a low-CO2 energy system by reducing building heating requirements by 42%, electrifying 3/4 of remaining heating needs, and increasing electrification of private car journeys to 20%.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalEnergies·DateJul 8, 2019
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Picturing access to energy for all in sub-Saharan Africa

A new study using satellite data reveals large inequalities in progress towards universal access to electricity in sub-Saharan Africa. The research provides a high-resolution gridded dataset to assess electrification in the region, enabling policymakers to prioritize support for infrastructure expansion and track progress over time.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalScientific Data·DateJul 3, 2019

Solar energy could turn the Belt and Road Initiative green

Researchers found that the region covered by the Belt and Road Initiative has significant solar energy potential, capable of meeting up to 41 times current electricity demand. The study suggests a possible solution to reduce BRI countries' need for fossil fuels, achieving emission reduction goals set by the Paris Agreement.

SourceCell Press·JournalJoule·DateJun 27, 2019

Hydrogenation of white phosphorus leads way to safer chemical technology

Researchers at Kazan University have developed a new method to synthesize organophosphorous compounds directly from white phosphorus, reducing the need for toxic chlorine oxygenation technology. The innovative process utilizes electrolysis and acid on a lead cathode, resulting in high-speed, selective, and easy-to-control synthesis.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalPure and Applied Chemistry·DateJun 18, 2019
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Researchers from IKBFU study nanoparticles synthesized by method of electric explosion

Researchers from IKBFU have developed high-quality α-Fe magnetic nanoparticles using an alternative method of electric explosion, which exhibit a high value of magnetization saturation. The obtained nanoparticles show increased chemical stability and biocompatibility, making them suitable for applications in sensing and biomedicine.

SourceImmanuel Kant Baltic Federal University·JournalJournal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials·DateJun 17, 2019

Motorized scooter head injuries on the rise, Rutgers study finds

Electric scooter use has led to a tripling of facial and head injuries over the past decade, with most victims being men between 19 and 65. The study found that helmet use increased with age, but many state laws do not address adults, who are the most injured.

SourceRutgers University·JournalAmerican Journal of Otolaryngology·DateJun 11, 2019

Clarifying the economic value of adjusting the power consumption

Demand response analysis and control technologies have been developed to stabilize electricity supply and demand. The condition for demand response to produce economic value has been derived, emphasizing the importance of fluctuating power generation costs.

SourceJapan Science and Technology Agency·JournalIEEE Transactions on Industrial Informatics·DateJun 10, 2019

UBC researchers find ways to hackproof smart meters

Researchers at UBC have developed a program to improve the security of smart meters and protect against software-interference attacks. The method addresses vulnerabilities that can be carried out by an attacker with low-cost equipment, found nine types of attacks within an hour through code-level analysis.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalACM Transactions on Embedded Computing Systems·DateJun 6, 2019
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

New approach optimizes use of future wave electricity generators during disaster

Researchers have developed a strategy for using floating ocean devices to provide emergency electricity to affected areas, potentially reducing recovery time. The new approach uses variational calculus to optimize the deployment of multiple wave energy devices in a daisy chain configuration.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy·DateJun 4, 2019

New organic flow battery brings decomposing molecules back to life

Researchers have discovered how to rejuvenate organic anthraquinone molecules that decompose over time, extending the lifetime of an organic flow battery by at least a factor of 40. By exposing the molecule to oxygen and avoiding overcharging, the researchers were able to recover up to 70% of lost capacity.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 28, 2019

Giving rural Indians what they want increases demand for cookstoves

A new study led by Duke University researchers found that adopting common business practices can increase the demand for improved cookstoves in rural India. The study showed a significant increase in adoption rates, with nearly half of households purchasing stoves in intervention areas compared to zero purchases in control villages.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 20, 2019

NASA funds aviation research on a new fuel concept

Researchers at the University of Illinois are developing a novel approach for all-electric aircraft, utilizing cryogenic liquid hydrogen as an energy storage method. The project aims to address the technical hurdles in integrating electrically driven propulsion technologies into aircraft platforms.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·DateMay 13, 2019
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Campus energy advances can be optimized and replicated

A new study outlines a roadmap for expanding Stanford's energy system innovations to other campuses, maximizing purchases of electricity during renewable power hours and reducing carbon emissions. Thermal storage tanks offer an affordable alternative to traditional batteries, with costs about 15% lower.

SourceStanford University·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateMay 8, 2019

High-capacity transmission over multi-core fiber link with 19-core optical amplifier

Researchers at NICT and Furukawa Electric successfully demonstrated a record SDM transmission experiment, achieving 715 Tb/s over 2009 km using a 19-core optical amplifier. The demonstration showcases the potential of high-core count cladding pumped EDFAs for long-haul transmission in both C and L bands.

SourceNational Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT)·DateApr 8, 2019

Harnessing the power of solar to enhance the electric grid

Researchers at Arizona State University are developing advanced grid models and control technologies to increase the amount of renewable power operating in distribution systems. The goal is to improve grid resilience and performance while ensuring reliable power to critical infrastructures.

SourceArizona State University·DateApr 4, 2019
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Capturing bacteria that eat and breathe electricity

Researchers at Washington State University captured heat-loving bacteria that can 'eat' pollution by converting toxic pollutants into less harmful substances and generating electricity. The discovery was made possible by a cheap portable potentiostat invented by graduate student Abdelrhman Mohamed, who worked with Professor Haluk Beyenal.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Power Sources·DateMar 5, 2019

Social threat learning influences our decisions

Researchers found that social threat learning, such as watching a video or receiving oral instructions, can influence decision-making just as strongly as first-hand experience. Participants who learned a certain image was dangerous continued to avoid it, even when it led to more shocks, indicating irrational behavior.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 14, 2019
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Fidget spinner as centrifuge separates blood plasma (video)

Researchers used fidget spinners to separate blood plasma with high purity in just four to seven minutes, setting up a potential solution for resource-limited regions. The method, which uses the spinner's centrifugal force, can detect clinically relevant concentrations of viral proteins in only a drop of blood.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateJan 23, 2019

Solar energy in snow-covered mountains

Solar panels can generate significant amounts of energy on snow-covered mountains with steep tilt angles. This study suggests shifting a large fraction of electricity production from summer to winter months without compromising total annual production.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 7, 2019

Hotter days will boost Chinese residential electric use

A new study from Duke University and Fudan University found that China's residential electricity consumption will increase by 9% for every degree Celsius rise in global mean surface temperature. Peak usage is projected to rise by 36%, with estimates suggesting a minimum of 72% increase, driven mainly by hotter days.

SourceDuke University·DateDec 24, 2018
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Climate change and electricity consumption in China

Climate change is projected to significantly impact electricity consumption in China's Yangtze River Delta, with daily consumption increasing by 14.5% for every 1°C rise in temperature above 25°C. By the end of the century, annual mean and peak consumption are expected to increase by approximately 9.2% and 36.1%, respectively.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 24, 2018

NASA provides new look at Puerto Rico post-Hurricane Maria

Hurricane Maria caused widespread destruction in Puerto Rico's forests, with 40-60% of tall trees damaged. The island's energy grid also struggled to recover, with rural areas experiencing longer power outages. NASA research has provided new insights into the storm's impacts on communities and critical infrastructure.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 10, 2018
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Monitoring air pollution after Hurricane Maria

Researchers deployed low-cost, solar-powered sensors to monitor air quality in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria. The devices detected high levels of sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide, exceeding EPA standards on nearly 80% of days during the monitoring period.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Earth and Space Chemistry·DateOct 31, 2018

A new path to solving a longstanding fusion challenge

A new compact fusion reactor design using high-temperature superconducting magnets can effectively shed excess heat, a longstanding challenge in fusion power plants. This approach makes it possible to open the device's internal chamber and replace critical components.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalFusion Engineering and Design·DateOct 9, 2018
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Part-organic invention can be used in bendable mobile phones

Researchers at Australian National University have developed a thin and flexible semiconductor material that can convert electricity into light efficiently. The invention opens the door to biodegradable or recyclable electronic devices, reducing e-waste and environmental damage.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateOct 4, 2018

$2 million award to reimagine US power grid

Michigan State University has been awarded a $2 million grant to develop new designs for long-duration storage on the US power grid. The project, called Scalable Thermochemical Option for Renewable Energy Storage (STORES), aims to create modular thermal storage systems that can store heat energy in the form of chemical energy.

SourceMichigan State University·DateSep 19, 2018

Study: Adding power choices reduces cost and risk of carbon-free electricity

A new study by MIT researchers reveals that using a mix of fuel-saving, flexible, and highly reliable sources is key to building a cost-effective and reliable zero-carbon electricity system. The study found that pairing low-carbon sources with steady carbon-free resources can reduce costs by up to 62% compared to relying on wind, solar...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJoule·DateSep 6, 2018

Social nudges and electricity consumption

A natural field experiment found that social nudges decrease electricity consumption with potential policy implications for energy markets. The average effect of receiving both nudges was similar to the sum of individual effects, suggesting limited crowd-out effects.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 13, 2018
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.