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Turning down the heat from data centers

Researchers at Arizona State University measured air temperatures downwind and upwind of data centers in Phoenix, finding a significant impact on surrounding neighborhoods. Temperatures downwind averaged 1.3-1.6 degrees warmer than upwind, with detectable effects up to five city blocks away.

SourceArizona State University·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 18, 2026

Supercritical fluids once thought uniform found to contain liquid clusters

Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology experimentally demonstrated the existence of nanometer-sized liquid clusters in supercritical fluids, overturning the prevailing notion of a single phase. These clusters persisted for up to an hour and have significant implications for industrial processes and natural environments.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalCommunications Physics·DateSep 30, 2025

Breakthrough in solar thermoelectric generation: organic radical photothermal cocrystals lead the way

Researchers have developed a new material, coronene-Br2 NDA cocrystal, which converts solar heat into electricity with an exceptional photothermal conversion efficiency of 67.2% under 808 nm irradiation. The material is integrated into a thermoelectric generator to achieve high-performance solar-thermoelectric energy harvesting.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 21, 2025

Hybrid transparent electrodes enhance efficiency and longevity of perovskite solar cells

Researchers from Indian Institute of Technology developed bifacial perovskite solar cells with a novel NiO/Ag/NiO transparent electrode, achieving high efficiency, durability, and infrared transparency. The cells demonstrated impressive power conversion efficiencies and high bifaciality factors.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Photonics for Energy·DateFeb 20, 2025

Bio-inspired micropatterned thermochromic hydrogel for rapid stealth and smart solar transmission

A new thermochromic hydrogel design can regulate both solar transmission and rapid visible-light stealth at any temperature, with potential applications in energy-efficient windows, military equipment, and anti-counterfeiting. The innovation enables fast response times of just 1 second.

Axon-mimicking materials for computing

A team of researchers discovered a class of materials that mimic the behavior of axons by spontaneously amplifying electrical pulses. These materials can harness internal instabilities to create spiking behavior and amplify signals, potentially leading to more efficient computing and artificial intelligence.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalNature·DateSep 13, 2024

Geoff Wehmeyer wins CAREER Award

Geoff Wehmeyer has been awarded a National Science Foundation CAREER Award to deepen understanding of nanoscale heat transfer and improve device performance. He will use scanning transmission electron microscopy nano-thermometry experiments to better understand interfacial heat transport.

Scientists fabricate smart heat isolator

Researchers create intelligent material that automatically controls heat transmission, enabling thermal insulation at low temperatures while dissipating excess heat during overheating. The study reveals a promising model for building thermal fields, providing new avenues for designing smart reactors for green chemical industries.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalGreen Energy & Environment·DateJan 25, 2022