New manufacturing method pushes solar cell efficiency past 26%
Solar energy continues to grow as a key pillar of the global energy transition, but improving performance while keeping costs low remains a constant...
How a bamboo-inspired design helps detect dangerous helium escapes
Helium may seem harmless—it’s the gas that makes balloons float and voices squeak—but in enclosed spaces, a helium leak can be dangerous.
Because helium is...
A year that mattered: Caltech’s scientific journey in 2025
Caltech is a place unlike any other, an Institute that is truly "small but mighty."
Its small size and the expertise of its community enable...
Scientists unlock the secret to stronger, lightweight aluminum for cars
Lightweight, high-strength aluminum alloys are essential for making cars and planes more fuel-efficient.
But despite their promise, these materials are difficult to manufacture consistently, especially...
How used coffee grounds can remove toxic metals
Millions of people start their day with a cup of coffee, but few think about what happens to the used coffee grounds afterward.
Most of...
This hidden chemical could increase your risk of Parkinson’s disease
Parkinson’s disease is a serious illness that affects how people move. It can cause shaking, stiff muscles, slow movement, and trouble with balance.
As the...
Why sodium-ion batteries could charge faster than lithium ones
As the world moves toward cleaner energy and electric technologies, better batteries are becoming more important than ever.
Batteries power everything from phones and laptops...
Scientists create smart fabrics that defy physics and absorb impact
Most of us expect materials to behave in a familiar way. When you pull on fabric, it stretches longer and becomes thinner.
This is true...
Scientists create nearly invisible window insulation that blocks heat
Physicists at the University of Colorado Boulder have developed a new window insulation material that could dramatically cut energy loss from buildings without blocking...
Common chemicals may be harming your gut bacteria
A new study has found that many everyday chemicals can harm the good bacteria living in your gut.
These bacteria are important for keeping your...