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DGIST develops next-generation “polymer electrolyte” that quadruples power generation efficiency!

The research team designed a polymer electrolyte that enables precise control of triboelectric polarity, enhancing output performance and providing flexibility in material design. The results showed that the new material can quadruple power generation efficiency compared to conventional materials.

Twisting sound: Scientists discover a new way to control mechanical vibrations in metamaterial

Researchers at CUNY ASRC introduce twistelastics, a technique using tiny rotations to manipulate mechanical waves, allowing unprecedented adaptability in sound and vibration control. The breakthrough enables flexible wave behavior for applications in medical imaging, consumer electronics, and microfluidics.

SourceAdvanced Science Research Center, GC/CUNY·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 13, 2025

Unlocking the potential of 4.7 V solid-state 18650 cylindrical lithium metal batteries: A leap forward in long cycle-life and safety

Researchers develop a gel polymer electrolyte with a localized high-concentration solvation structure, enabling solid-state batteries to operate at 4.7 V with high energy density and cycling stability. The new electrolyte also exhibits exceptional safety characteristics, including no electrolyte leakage or combustion.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 17, 2025

Breaking a century-old physics barrier: perfect wave trapping with simple cylinders

Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology and Jeonbuk National University successfully trapped mechanical waves within a single resonator, overcoming a century-old physics barrier. The discovery opens new possibilities for energy harvesting, ultra-sensitive sensors, and advanced communications.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 10, 2025

Powering the future: SeoulTech’s breakthrough in vibration energy harvesting

Researchers at SeoulNational University of Science & Technology propose two new designs for energy-efficient vibration energy harvesters that boost power output and efficiency. The designs use a repulsive magnet pair, yoke, and optimized coil placement to maximize magnetic flux change, leading to higher power generation.

SourceSeoul National University of Science & Technology·JournalJournal of Science Advanced Materials and Devices·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 13, 2025

New UVA professor’s research may boost next-generation space rockets

A UVA professor has made new discoveries about electron kinetic behavior within plasma beams, potentially revealing the 'shape' of future space technology. The findings could lead to more efficient and reliable electric propulsion systems for long-duration space missions.

SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalPlasma Sources Science and Technology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 3, 2025

Dongguk University develops gel-based stretchable triboelectric nanogenerators for wearable technology

A research team led by Professor Jung Inn Sohn from Dongguk University developed a gel polymer electrode-based triboelectric nanogenerator (GPE-TENG) with stretchable, semi-transparent, and durable properties. The device generates electrical signals when tapped or stretched, delivering a peak power of 0.36 W/m² at a load of 15 MΩ.

SourceDongguk University Evaluation and Audit Team·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 9, 2024

Open those windows: Natural ventilation in historic buildings can reduce mechanical system use, save energy and create healthier indoor environments

Researchers at Drexel University investigated natural ventilation strategies in historic homes to understand how their inherent energy-efficient features can inform modern energy conservation efforts. The study found that passive cooling and cross-ventilation can achieve energy savings and improve thermal comfort, particularly in hot a...

SourceDrexel University·JournalEnergy and Buildings·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 5, 2024

CNIC scientists discover a key mechanism in fat cells that protects the body against energetic excess

Researchers identify caveolae's role in protecting adipocytes from rupture and inflammation; this discovery opens new avenues for treating metabolic diseases like obesity. The study highlights the importance of the caveolin-1 protein in maintaining cellular integrity.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 28, 2024

The evolution of green energy technology: Developing three-dimensional smart energy devices with radiant cooling and solar absorption

The development of a 3D smart energy device with reversible heating and cooling capabilities offers an efficient solution for reducing energy consumption. The device harnesses the sun and outdoor air as heat and cold sources, making it an eco-friendly and sustainable alternative to traditional devices.

Harnessing vibrations: RPI-engineered material generates electricity from unexpected source

Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute developed a polymer film infused with a special chalcogenide perovskite compound that produces electricity when squeezed or stressed. The material has shown promising results, including powering LED lights and potentially being used in machines, infrastructure, and biomedical applications.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 17, 2024

Quantum research paves the way toward efficient, ultra-high-density optical memory storage

A team of researchers at Argonne National Laboratory has proposed a new type of optical memory that uses quantum defects to store data. By embedding rare-earth emitters in a solid material and transferring energy between them, the researchers aim to create an ultra-high-density storage method that could potentially exceed current limits.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Research·DateOct 2, 2024

New understanding of the limits on nano-noise

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have made a significant step in understanding the fundamental constraints on noise, paving the way for future nanoelectronics. The study investigated thermoelectric heat engines at the nanoscale and found a critical trade-off between noise and power.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 17, 2024

SNU researchers develop multifunctional smart windows that lower indoor temperature without power consumption and generate electricity from raindrops

The research team developed a Zero Energy-based transparent radiative cooling technology that maintains transparency while enabling cooling without using electricity. They also created a Plus Energy-based smart window technology that generates electricity through the friction generated by raindrops on rainy days.

SourceSeoul National University College of Engineering·JournalNano Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 22, 2024

Researchers shed light on how to make photopolymerization much more efficient

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology have developed a novel strategy to increase the efficiency of photopolymerization reactions by leveraging dynamic UV lighting. This technique produces heavier polymer chains with reduced energy consumption, offering potential for sustainable industrial processes and polymeric materials.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalMacromolecules·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 2024

Lehigh University researchers dig deeper into stability challenges of nuclear fusion—with mayonnaise

Researchers at Lehigh University use mayonnaise to simulate the phases of Rayleigh-Taylor instability in nuclear fusion, which could inform the design of future inertial confinement fusion processes. The team found that understanding the transition between elastic and stable plastic phases is critical for controlling the instability.

SourceLehigh University·JournalPhysical Review E·DateAug 6, 2024

Strings that can vibrate forever (kind of)

Scientists from TU Delft and Brown University engineer string-like resonators capable of vibrating for extended periods at room temperature, enabling sensitive sensing applications. The innovation uses advanced nanotechnology techniques and machine learning algorithms to create ultra-long strings with minimal energy loss.

SourceDelft University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 22, 2024

Wind farms can offset their emissions within two years, new study shows

A new study published in the Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand found that wind farms can offset their carbon emissions within two years. The research used data from a Harapaki onshore wind farm in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand, and found that the turbine can generate all the energy consumed across its life-cycle within six months.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalJournal of the Royal Society of New Zealand·DateMay 16, 2024

What fire ants can teach us about making better, self-healing materials

A Binghamton University professor investigates the adaptive response of fire ant rafts to mechanical load, discovering that they exhibit catch bond behavior under force, which enhances cohesion for survival. This phenomenon is being explored to develop artificial materials with autonomous self-strengthening properties.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 15, 2024

UTA scientists test for quantum nature of gravity

Researchers at UTA used ultra-high energy neutrino particles to search for signatures of quantum gravity, but found no evidence of expected quantum gravitational effects. This non-observation represents a powerful statement about the still-unknown physics operating at the interface of quantum physics and general relativity.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalNature Physics·TypeObservational study·DateMay 2, 2024