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Electron sandwich doubles thermoelectric performance

A new study published in Nature Communications has more than doubled the ability of a material to convert heat into electricity, a significant step towards reducing wasted fossil fuel. By significantly narrowing the space through which spread electrons move, researchers improved thermoelectric energy conversion rates.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 20, 2018

Monkeys eat fats and carbs to keep warm

Researchers found that golden snub-nosed monkeys increase their energy intake from fats and carbs in winter to counteract elevated thermoregulatory costs. This adjustment enables the monkeys to balance their macronutrient content and meet specific nutritional needs, suggesting a key adaptation for survival in cold environments.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalFunctional Ecology·DateJun 7, 2018

New findings to help in the fight against wombat mange

Scientists have discovered that sarcoptic mange causes significant loss of body heat and increased metabolic rate in Tasmanian wombats, leading to reduced foraging and increased mortality. The research suggests that dietary supplementation may help address these issues, offering new hope for the management of wombat mange.

SourceUniversity of Tasmania·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateApr 17, 2018

The thermodynamics of computing

Researchers found that the efficiency of information processing cannot be increased indefinitely, with thermodynamic and information theory combining to identify key factors. Better understanding and tailored software can influence the limit.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalPhysical Review X·DateApr 11, 2018

Why is it so hot at night in some cities?

Urban heat islands are caused by cities trapping more heat than surrounding areas due to their structure, affecting energy consumption and air quality. Researchers studied 50 cities and found that well-organized cities with straight streets retain more heat at night, leading to increased energy bills in hot climates.

SourceCNRS·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 12, 2018

Turning background room temperature heat into energy

Researchers at the University of Tsukuba have developed a new kind of thermoelectric system that can harness small energy differences at low temperatures, producing an electrical energy of 2.3 meV per cycle. The device has shown promising prospects for large-scale heat energy recovery and could help industries become more efficient.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalApplied Physics Express·DateFeb 14, 2018

Climate change and snowmelt -- turn up the heat, but what about humidity?

Researchers found that changes in humidity determine how much snowpack contributes to streams, lakes, and groundwater as the climate warms. Cloudy, humid winter days cause snowpack to warm faster, increasing melt during winter months. In contrast, clear skies and low humidity preserve the snowpack until spring. The study highlights the...

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 22, 2018

Cool textiles to beat the heat

Researchers have developed a new material for clothing that can cool people down without external energy needed, using a nanocomposite thread made from boron nitride and polyvinyl alcohol. The fabric is more efficient at moving heat away from the body than pure polyvinyl alcohol or cotton fabrics.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateNov 8, 2017

Research led by PPPL provides reassurance that heat flux will be manageable in ITER

New simulations led by PPPL provide positive news for ITER. Researchers estimate a heat flux width of up to 6 millimeters within the divertor plates' capacity to tolerate, far greater than previous projections. This finding indicates ITER can produce 10 times more power than it consumes without damaging the divertor plates prematurely.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalNuclear Fusion·DateSep 26, 2017

Wax on, melt off

Drexel University researchers develop a method to create roads that can deice themselves during winter storms by adding phase change materials like paraffin wax to the concrete mix. The technology has shown promise in melting snow and ice, reducing the need for chemicals and salt.

SourceDrexel University·JournalCement and Concrete Composites·DateSep 13, 2017