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Pusan National University researchers introduce an energy-efficient method to enhance thermal conductivity of polymer composites

Researchers at Pusan National University have developed a new, energy-efficient process to control the orientation of filler particles in thermally conductive polymer composites. This allows for improved heat dissipation in electronics and batteries, reducing energy costs and extending device lifespan.

SourcePusan National University·JournalPolymer Testing·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2022

How “2D” materials expand

Scientists have developed a method to accurately measure the thermal expansion coefficient of 2D materials when heated, which could help engineers design next-generation electronics. The approach uses laser light to track vibrations of atoms in the material, allowing for precise measurements and confirming theoretical calculations.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 18, 2022

Trial by wind: Testing the heat resistance of carbon fiber-reinforced ultra-high-temperature ceramic matrix composites

The study investigates the degradation of carbon fiber-reinforced ultra-high-temperature ceramic matrix composites at temperatures above 2000°C. The results show that the amount of zirconium in the alloy affects the composite's oxidation resistance, and modifying the matrix composition is necessary to prevent degradation.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalJournal of Materials Science·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 17, 2022

Climate change creates complications for concrete

New research by University of Pittsburgh scientists finds that concrete pavements are sensitive to sharp air temperature variations during the day, even in mild climates. This can lead to devastating consequences for infrastructure, such as potholes and cracks, with thicker pavements being more vulnerable.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalResults in Engineering·DateNov 14, 2022

UCF researchers create lunar regolith bricks that could be used to construct Artemis base camp

Researchers at UCF's COSMOS Lab developed a method to create strong bricks from lunar regolith using 3D printing and binder jet technology. The bricks can withstand extreme space environments and are suitable for constructing off-world structures, paving the way for sustainable space construction.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalCeramics International·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 25, 2022

Hot summer nights bad for health

Researchers found that warmer nighttime temperatures increase sleep disturbance, comparable to the impact of heatstroke, in Japan's residents. The study suggests that measures like air conditioner use or reducing outdoor temperatures may help mitigate this issue.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalSleep and Biological Rhythms·TypeSurvey·DateOct 3, 2022

Study links cold water shock to catastrophic coral collapse in the Eastern Pacific

A recent study by the University of Plymouth and international partners reveals that rapid sea temperature drops of up to 10 degrees were a primary cause of a devastating coral die-off event in Costa Rica's Eastern Tropical Pacific. The research highlights the importance of considering upwellings when managing reef systems, and propose...

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalPeerJ·TypeObservational study·DateSep 28, 2022

Are extreme heat waves happening more than expected? UCLA research says not yet

A new study by UCLA climate scientist Karen McKinnon found that the 2021 Pacific Northwest heat wave was roughly a once-in-10,000-years event. The research analyzed historical trends and climate model simulations, concluding that climate change is increasing heat waves and average summer temperatures at the same pace.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateSep 28, 2022

AI spurs scientists to advance materials research

Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a machine learning model to predict melting temperatures for any compound. The model enables faster and more accurate calculations of melting points, which is critical for designing high-performance materials in various industries.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 29, 2022

These energy-packed batteries work well in extreme cold and heat

Researchers at the University of California San Diego have developed temperature-resilient lithium-ion batteries with high energy density, compatible with high-temperature operation. These batteries could enable electric vehicles to travel farther on a single charge in cold climates and reduce overheating in hot climates.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 4, 2022

Time-reversal asymmetry surpasses conversion efficiency limit for solar cells

Researchers have developed a single-cell PV design integrated with nonreciprocal optical components to provide 100-percent reuse of emitted radiation, breaking the Shockley–Queisser limit. This breakthrough enables a quasimonochromatic radiation converter to reach the theoretically maximum Carnot efficiency.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Photonics for Energy·DateJun 1, 2022

Researchers at the GIST uncover the key to safer energy storage devices

The study reveals significant information on the thermal properties of electric double-layer capacitors, which can help create safer and more reliable energy storage devices. The research team found that charging and discharging alter the heat capacity of EDLCs, leading to a decrease in capacitance.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalInternational Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 9, 2022

Building a better bat box: Temperature variation in rocket box designs

Researchers at the University of Illinois developed a new bat box design that provides more thermally appropriate roosting spaces for bats. The 'rocket box' style, with modifications to length and insulation, helps reduce the risk of overheating and provides space for bats to move and avoid extreme temperatures.

Spontaneous system follows rules of equilibrium

A team led by Northwestern University's Erik Luijten and Steve Granick discovered a non-equilibrium system that quantitatively behaves like an equilibrium system. The finding could lead to a set of rules making it possible to predict the properties of non-equilibrium systems.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 10, 2017

Finnish research improves the reliability of ice friction assessment

Researchers at VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland have developed a new thermodynamic model that improves the reliability of ice friction assessments. The model shows that sliding speed and ice temperature significantly affect surface friction, leading to erroneous interpretations in earlier laboratory measurements.

SourceVTT Technical Research Centre of Finland·JournalCold Regions Science and Technology·DateApr 2, 2014

Global temperature -- politics or science?

Researchers argue that calculating a global temperature is mathematically impossible due to the complexity of the Earth's climate system. The concept relies on averaging multiple temperatures from different locations, which can lead to misleading conclusions about climate trends.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalJournal of Non-Equilibrium Thermodynamics·DateMar 15, 2007

Global warming: lessons taught by snails and crabs

A study by Stanford researchers reveals that global warming is causing a significant shift in marine species distribution, with many vulnerable intertidal creatures already struggling to cope. Rising temperatures are pushing species over their thermal tolerance range, leading to declines and potential extinctions.

SourceStanford University·JournalPhysiological and Biochemical Zoology·DateNov 14, 2000

Chill out

Researchers at Michigan State University have developed a new thermoelectric material that can cool computer chips more efficiently than existing materials. This innovation has the potential to increase computer speed and extend processor lifetimes, making it an attractive solution for the Navy's environmentally friendly cooling needs.

Twentieth century the warmest of last five centuries

A new study of borehole temperatures reveals that the 20th century was the warmest of the past five centuries, with Earth's temperature increasing about 1 degree Celsius since 1500. The analysis, which combined data from over 600 sites worldwide, found a greater warming trend in the Northern Hemisphere than previously estimated.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature·DateFeb 15, 2000